Aqilion regains rights to TAK1 program
AQILION AB (publ) announces that Aqilion and Merck have decided to terminate the joint development of the TAK1 program. Data generated in the course of the collaboration have altered the risk-benefit profile within the intended indications. Merck will return all rights according to the licensing and collaboration agreement that was entered between the two parties in February 2023.
Aqilion will ensure that all data and materials will be transferred to the company and will thereafter do an internal analysis of the options to further develop the program, either within the inflammation area or in other therapeutic fields. In the short term, Aqilion will prioritize and focus its resources on the existing pipeline programs, outside of the TAK1 program.
The development of selective TAK1 inhibitors resulted in a unique and high-quality data package that gave Aqilion the opportunity to execute a preclinical deal with Merck. During the joint development work, data has been generated that showed increased challenges of developing a drug with the right risk-benefit profile in the intended indications, and with regards to existing strategic prioritizations.
“The license- and collaboration agreement with Merck validated our business strategy of generating highly qualitative and innovative discovery projects. It is unfortunate, but not unusual in this early phase of drug development to reveal challenging aspects of novel mechanisms. We will now prioritize resources on the existing pipeline programs, outside of the TAK1 program”, comments Sarah Fredriksson, CEO of Aqilion.
For more information, please contact:
Sarah Fredriksson, CEO, AQILION AB, + 46 (0)70 261 4575, sarah.fredriksson@aqilion.com
About Aqilion
Aqilion is a biotech company that focuses on developing new innovative treatments for diseases caused by chronic inflammation and dysfunctional immune reactions such as autoimmune diseases. The company is mainly active in the early phases of drug discovery, from idea to early clinical development.
Aqilion combines its experience from major pharmaceutical companies with the drive and entrepreneurship of small growth companies. With solid experience in business development in innovative biotech and pharmaceutical companies, the company’s experienced team and Board of Directors have successfully navigated the process from drug discovery to market.
AQILION AB (publ) is a Swedish public limited company headquartered in Helsingborg, Sweden. www.aqilion.com