Takeda, Portal Instruments ink $100m deal to combine biologics and needle-free drug delivery

Takeda Pharmaceutical (TYO:4502) and Portal Instruments said today that the pair inked a collaboration to develop and commercialize Portal’s needle-free drug delivery device with Takeda’s biologic medicines.

The first development program is slated to combine Takeda’s monoclonal antibody for adults with moderately- to severely-active ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease with Portal’s technology. The investigational therapy is currently administered through intravenous infusion, according to Takeda.

According to the terms of the deal, Portal will receive an initial payment with the potential to earn additional payments of up to $100 million, contingent upon meeting certain sales and regulatory milestones.

“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,” Stefan Koenig, Takeda’s global program & brand lead, said in prepared remarks.

“This partnership with Portal demonstrates Takeda’s leadership in supporting patients with GI diseases and our commitment to evolve the management of these diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, by potentially offering patients the ability to administer treatment in their own at home with a needle-free system.”

Portal’s needle-free drug delivery device delivers a therapeutic agent through a pressurized stream of liquid, which has been shown to be less painful and preferred by patients compared to a traditional needle-based injection.

“Working with Takeda to adapt the Portal device underscores our mission to empower patients with a leading, next-generation drug delivery platform for self-administration that is designed to reduce the pain and anxiety associated with needle injections in addition to reducing administration time,” Portal CEO Patrick Anquetil added. “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.”

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