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Takeda Strikes $11 Billion-Plus Oncology Deal With Innovent, Pays $1.2 Billion Upfront

The Japanese drugmaker turns to Chinese-built cancer medicines to replenish its oncology pipeline after recent patent losses.

A sign stands outside Chinese drugmaker Innovent Biologics' office in Shanghai, China July 11, 2025. REUTERS/Andrew Silver

Overview

  • Innovent will receive $1.2 billion upfront plus a $100 million equity investment at about a 20% premium, with up to $10.2 billion in additional milestone payments possible.
  • Takeda gains rights outside Greater China to two late-stage cancer programs and secures an option to a third earlier-stage therapy.
  • Lead asset IBI363 is a dual-targeting antibody against PD-1 and IL-2 that has shown early potential in several solid tumors and is in Phase 1/2 and other mid-stage studies.
  • IBI343 is a Claudin 18.2–targeting antibody-drug conjugate that has shown promising activity in gastric and pancreatic cancer studies, according to the companies.
  • Takeda executives describe the programs as potentially transformative for its oncology portfolio as the company pursues external innovation to support future growth.