Japan drugmaker Takeda has collaborated with medical device firm Portal Instruments to develop and commercialize needle-free drug delivery device.
Under the deal, the partnership will develop Portal’s needle-free drug delivery device for use with Takeda’s investigational or approved biologic medicines.
Portal’s needle-free drug delivery device will deliver the biologic through a pressurized liquid rather than a needle. It can be self-administered by patients at home.
As per terms of the deal, Portal will secure an initial payment, and is eligible to receive additional payments of up to $100m based on the achievement of specified development, regulatory and sales-based milestones and royalties
The Portal device has been developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which can be used across a range of biologic medicines that currently need administration through an injection.
Takeda’s first application of the device includes the investigational use with Entyvio (vedolizumab).
Entyvio is a monoclonal antibody for adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease (CD), which is presently administered through intravenous infusion.
Currently, the company is carrying out a phase III clinical trial program, which is assessing the efficacy and safety of a subcutaneous formulation of vedolizumab in adults with moderately to severely active UC or CD.
Takeda global program and brand lead Stefan Koenig said: “There is a need for options to keep improving the experience for patients with life-long, chronic conditions that are managed with the intravenous infusions of biologic medicines.”
Portal CEO Patrick Anquetil said: “This partnership allows us to work collaboratively with Takeda’s highly experienced R&D team and provides the first opportunity to introduce the Portal device to patients, a pivotal step as we continue to expand its potential and grow our business.”
Image: The head office of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, in Chuo-ku, Osaka. Photo: courtesy of J o.