Xenon licenses out pain drug to Takeda

Canada's Xenon Pharmaceuticals has agreed to license out the rights to its lead product for pain, XEN401, for Japan and certain Asian markets to Takeda for up to $75.5 million in up-front, development and sales payments and a $5 million equity investment. Takeda also agreed to unspecified milestones and royalties. The drug is in preclinical development. Takeda has been cutting a string of licensing deals as it boosts its R&D spending.

"There is a genuine need for improved pain treatments and such treatments are strategically linked to Takeda's core therapeutic areas including diabetes, oncology, and bone/joint disease," said Yasuchika Hasegawa, president of Takeda. "We have been very impressed by Xenon and we look forward to working with them in pursuing the clinical development of XEN401."

- see the release on the deal

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