has signed a strategic collaboration and licence agreement with biotherapeutics developer to research and create gene therapies for rare disorders.

Codexis will use its CodeEvolver protein engineering platform to construct gene sequences encoding protein variants that could boost efficacy by improving activity, stability and cellular uptake.

Takeda will combine these transgenes and its gene therapy capabilities to develop candidates for treating various rare genetic diseases, including lysosomal storage disorders and blood factor deficiencies.

Codexis president and CEO John Nicols said: 鈥淥ur CodeEvolver platform technology enables the rapid engineering of novel genetic sequences that encode more efficacious proteins. The prospects of these improved sequences for the development of differentiated gene therapies for patients with rare diseases, therefore, holds great promise.

鈥淭akeda鈥檚 expertise in developing novel treatments for patients with rare genetic disorders, and its commitment to developing the best possible gene therapies, makes them an ideal partner for our growing Novel Biotherapeutics business unit.鈥

The companies will work together on three initial programmes. Codexis will generate enzyme sequences that could be progressed as gene therapies into pre-clinical development.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile 鈥 free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Takeda will carry out the pre-clinical and clinical development, as well as commercialisation.

Apart from the three programmes, Takeda could launch up to four programmes for different target indications.

Codexis will obtain an upfront payment, research and development (R&D) fee reimbursement.

The company is also eligible for development and commercial milestone payments, and sales royalties on any commercial product resulting from the partnership.

Earlier this month, Takeda Pharmaceutical announced plans to develop a drug to treat Covid-19. The company will develop a polyclonal hyperimmune globulin (H-IG), referred to as TAK-888.