Takeda Pharm Stock Price, News & Analysis

BioLife Plasma Services, a division of Takeda, announced the opening of a new plasma donation center in Deptford, New Jersey, to address the rising demand for plasma donations, particularly due to the pandemic. This center will generate approximately $2-3 million annually through donor compensation and create 60 jobs in the community. The facility is part of a network of over 140 centers, known for their high safety standards, and aims to provide essential therapies for patients with rare conditions. The center opens on March 13, and strict health measures are in place to ensure donor safety.

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE:4502/NYSE:TAK) has announced its decision to acquire Maverick Therapeutics, Inc., specializing in bispecific T-cell targeted immunotherapies. This acquisition includes Maverick's COBRA™ platform and key candidates like TAK-186 and TAK-280, aimed at treating specific solid tumors. The transaction, valued up to $525 million, hinges on antitrust reviews and is anticipated to finalize in Q1 of Takeda's fiscal year 2021. This strategic move enhances Takeda's oncology portfolio and development capabilities, strengthening its commitment to innovative cancer treatments.

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company and Ovid Therapeutics announced an exclusive agreement for Takeda to gain global rights to develop and commercialize soticlestat for treating developmental and epileptic encephalopathies, including Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Takeda will pay Ovid $196 million upfront and could pay up to $660 million in milestones. This agreement relieves Ovid from further financial obligations related to the original collaboration. Phase 3 studies are set to begin in Q2 2021, building on positive Phase 2 ELEKTRA study results.

Children's National Hospital and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE:4502/NYSE:TAK) have launched the Rare Disease Clinical Activity Protocols (Rare-CAP) program. This initiative aims to standardize diagnosis and care for patients with rare diseases, supported by a $3.85 million investment from Takeda over five years. Rare-CAP will utilize a protocol platform that engages patients and families, providing real-time updates. The partnership emphasizes Takeda's commitment to innovation in rare diseases, as these conditions often lack standardized care protocols.

Takeda Pharmaceutical has agreed to transfer marketing rights and assets of four non-core type 2 diabetes products to Teijin Pharma for JPY 133 billion. This divestment, which generated JPY 30.8 billion in sales in FY2019, aligns with Takeda's strategy to focus on core areas such as Gastroenterology and Oncology. Proceeds from the sale will be used to reduce debt, aiming for a net debt/adjusted EBITDA ratio of 2x by FY2023. The transaction is scheduled for completion on April 1, 2021, and is expected to enhance net profit by approximately JPY 90 billion.

BioLife Plasma Services, part of Takeda, has opened a new plasma donation center in Moreno Valley, CA, responding to the increased need for plasma donations during the pandemic. This center is the first in California, with plans for more in Rialto, Corona, and Riverside. The expansion aims to boost local economies, contributing $2-3 million annually and generating up to 70 jobs per center. Takeda emphasizes the urgent demand for plasma-based therapies, especially for patients with rare conditions, and is implementing enhanced safety measures in light of COVID-19.

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company (TSE:4502/NYSE:TAK) announced the dosing of the first participant in its Phase 1/2 study of Novavax's COVID-19 vaccine candidate (TAK-019) in Japan. This follows the completion of enrollment in a similar study for Moderna's TAK-919 vaccine. Takeda aims to manufacture over 250 million doses of TAK-019 and import 50 million doses of TAK-919 for distribution in Japan. Results from both studies are anticipated in 2021, with an intention to distribute the vaccines pending regulatory approvals.

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE:4502/NYSE:TAK) announced positive results from the Phase 3 SOLSTICE trial for TAK-620 (maribavir), aimed at treating refractory cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections in transplant recipients. The trial met its primary endpoint, showing 55.7% of patients cleared CMV viremia by Study Week 8 compared to 23.9% with conventional therapies (p<0.001). Maribavir also demonstrated lower rates of treatment-related toxicities, such as neutropenia and acute kidney injury. The trial's promising findings may redefine CMV treatment in transplant patients, although regulatory approvals remain uncertain.

Takeda reported Q3 FY2020 financial results, highlighting a 3.6% revenue decline to JPY 2,427.5 billion, impacted by foreign exchange and divestitures. However, underlying revenue grew by 1.1%, driven by strong performances from ENTYVIO and TAKHZYRO. Operating profit surged by 120.7% to JPY 358.7 billion, while net profit rose by 320.8% to JPY 178.9 billion. The company confirmed its FY2020 guidance, anticipating growth acceleration. Takeda also achieved significant cost savings and divestitures, exceeding its $10 billion target. Positive R&D developments promise future growth potential.