Resolve Therapeutics, Takeda partner to develop compounds for treatment of lupus

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited ("Takeda") and Resolve Therapeutics, LLC ("Resolve") today jointly announced that they have entered into a partnership to develop compounds for the treatment of lupus (also known as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, or SLE) and other autoimmune diseases.  The lead compound, RSLV-132, a novel nuclease Fc fusion protein, will begin clinical development later this year. 

Additional Resolve clinical candidates are in the pre-clinical proof-of-concept stage.  These compounds target the degradation and elimination of autoantibody-containing immune complexes, which are thought to be the most proximal pathophysiological trigger of lupus.

Resolve will conduct all development work under the collaboration until completion of the first RSLV-132 Phase 1b/2a trial in lupus patients.  Takeda has the exclusive option to license the lead compound and all other compounds from the Resolve platform upon the completion of the Phase 1b/2a trial.  Upon exercise of its option, Takeda would assume lead responsibility for worldwide development and commercialization of the Resolve products.

Under the terms of the agreement, Takeda will help fund continued development of RSLV-132 through an initial payment of $8 million to Resolve in fiscal 2012. Upon exercise of its option, Takeda would pay Resolve an option exercise fee, plus the potential for additional development milestones totaling $247 million.  Furthermore Resolve is eligible to receive royalties on product sales.

"This collaboration with Resolve is very exciting as its innovative pipeline of nuclease fusion proteins has the potential to provide a new approach to helping lupus patients" said Tetsuyuki Maruyama (former name: Paul Chapman ), Ph.D., General Manager of the Pharmaceutical Research Division at Takeda.

"We are delighted to begin work with our Takeda colleagues," said James Posada , Ph.D., MBA, chief executive officer of Resolve.  "We feel strongly that Takeda's expertise, commitment to inflammation, and considerable resources will give the Resolve compounds the best possible chance of success."