Takeda Discontinues Multiple Programs, Including AstraZeneca-Partnered Neurological Drug

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited has announced the discontinuation of several drug development programs, including a high-profile collaboration with AstraZeneca, as part of its ongoing portfolio optimization efforts.

AstraZeneca-Partnered Neurological Program Halted After Phase 2 Failure

Takeda has terminated its development of TAK-341 (also known as MEDI1341), an alpha-synuclein antibody partnered with AstraZeneca, following disappointing results in a phase 2 clinical trial for multiple system atrophy (MSA). The global study, which enrolled 159 patients, failed to meet both its primary and secondary endpoints.

The primary goal was to demonstrate a benefit on the Modified Unified Multiple System Atrophy Rating Scale at Week 52. Patients received intravenous infusions of TAK-341 or placebo every four weeks. Takeda concluded that the results "do not support further development in MSA."

While the original agreement with AstraZeneca covered TAK-341's development for both MSA and Parkinson's disease, Takeda's updated pipeline no longer lists any Parkinson's programs. Interestingly, AstraZeneca's own phase 2 pipeline still includes the alpha-synuclein monoclonal antibody, suggesting a potential divergence in the partners' development strategies.

Strategic Realignment Leads to Additional Program Discontinuations

In its latest earnings report, Takeda also disclosed the discontinuation of two phase 1-stage programs due to "strategic reasons." These include:

1. GDX012 (TAK-012-1501): An allogeneic gamma delta T-cell therapy acquired through Takeda's purchase of GammaDelta Therapeutics in 2021. This program was being evaluated in a phase 1/2 study for acute myeloid leukemia. The decision aligns with Takeda's earlier announcement to deprioritize cell therapies and its more recent broader retreat from the cell therapy field.

2. Danavorexton (TAK-925) for narcolepsy: While this orexin-2 receptor agonist remains in phase 2 development for respiratory conditions, Takeda has discontinued its phase 1 work for narcolepsy "due to strategic considerations." This decision follows the company's termination of a phase 2 trial of danavorexton in obstructive sleep apnea last year due to slow enrollment.

These pipeline adjustments reflect Takeda's ongoing efforts to streamline its research and development portfolio, focusing resources on programs with the highest potential for success and strategic alignment with the company's long-term goals.