Japan's Takeda Pharmaceuticals and San Diego's PvP Biologics are developing KumaMax, a novel enzyme that breaks down immune-reactive parts of gluten in the stomach, for patients with Celiac disease.
Here's what you need to know.
1. PvP will research and develop the drug through its phase one proof-of-principle study with $35 million in funding from Takeda.
2. In exchange, Takeda reserves the right to acquire PvP, for an undisclosed fee, following the receipt of a pre-defined data package.
3. Asit Parikh, head of Takeda's gastroenterology therapeutic area, said KumaMax "could address a significant unmet need for celiac patients who try, but are unable to completely avoid gluten exposure in their diets, and thus continue to experience debilitating symptoms."
4. The only treatment for patients with Celiac diseases is a strict gluten-free diet. KumaMax will have the potential to degrade immune-reactive parts of gluten before they exit the stomach to decrease the immune responses after accidental gluten digestion.