Tokyo-based Takeda Pharmaceutical has optioned to acquire Adaptate Biotherapeutics, a UK company focused on developing antibody-based therapeutics for the modulation of variable delta 1 (Vδ1) gamma delta (γδ) T cells.
The acquisition
Takeda will obtain Adaptate’s antibody-based γδ T cell engager platform, including pre-clinical candidate and discovery pipeline programmes. Adaptate’s γδ T cell engagers are designed to specifically modulate γδ T cell-mediated immune responses at tumour sites while sparing damage to healthy cells.
The planned acquisition of Adaptate follows Takeda’s recently exercised option to acquire GammaDelta Therapeutics and is intended to further accelerate the development of γδ T cell-based therapies. Combining GammaDelta’s cell therapy-based platform and Adaptate’s antibody-based γδ T cell engager platform with Takeda’s research and development organisation enables Takeda to reach the full potential of γδ T cells in the fight against cancer.
Official comments
“Partnering with early-stage innovators to access cutting-edge platforms in the fight against cancer is at the centre of our R&D strategy,” said Christopher Arendt, Ph.D., Head of Oncology Cell Therapy and Therapeutic Area Unit of Takeda. “Adaptate’s γδ T cell engager platform and the team’s deep understanding of γδ T cell biology gives us an opportunity to develop a new class of therapeutics that tap into powerful innate immune mechanisms. The planned acquisition will strengthen our immuno-oncology R&D efforts as part of our ongoing pursuit of life-transforming medicines for patients with cancer.”
“Our acquisition by Takeda recognises the tremendous work put in over the last two years by Adaptate’s incredibly talented team,” said Dr. Natalie Mount, CEO of Adaptate. “We have rapidly demonstrated, in preclinical models, the therapeutic potential of our novel Vδ1-targeting antibodies, and this move brings us an exciting step closer to realising the full potential for Vδ1 T cell targeted therapies to improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients.”
