Takeda Pharmaceutical and Altos Therapeutics have entered into a definitive agreement to further the development of Altos’ proprietary compound ATC-1906. Additionally, the agreement includes an exclusive option for Takeda to acquire Altos beginning on the date of the agreement and continuing for a period of time following the completion of ongoing phase I studies of ATC-1906. The parties envision future development of ATC-1906 for the treatment of gastroparesis (GP) and its symptoms.

GP is a chronic gastric motility disorder characterized by delayed gastric emptying. Symptoms include early satiety, post-prandial fullness, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort.i Diabetic gastroparesis and idiopathic gastroparesis have high unmet need.

Altos Therapeutics, a single asset company, is developing the ATC-1906 compound as an oral dopamine D2/D3 receptor antagonist that addresses the symptoms of nausea and vomiting in GP patients. As part of the agreement, Takeda will provide Altos an upfront payment for the option to acquire Altos. If Takeda elects to exercise the option, Takeda would make an additional payment to acquire Altos, and would then assume control over development and commercialization of ATC-1906. Altos would be eligible to receive additional payments linked to clinical development and achievement of key commercial milestones. No further details of the agreement were disclosed.

In patients with GP, the activation of dopamine receptors drives an emetic response, also commonly known as vomiting. Altos & Takeda will seek to develop ATC-1906 and its dopamine receptor antagonist mechanism of action as an alternative treatment to target the symptoms of nausea and vomiting to relieve patient suffering with an improved safety profile.

“There is a significant unmet need for a treatment to help patients with gastroparesis, and developing novel and innovative treatments for patients suffering from gastrointestinal disorders is a top priority for Takeda’s global R&D strategy,” said Dr. Asit Parikh, senior vice president and head of Takeda’s Gastroenterology Therapeutic Area Unit. “This agreement reinforces Takeda’s commitment to developing highly differentiated medicines to improve the health and quality of life of patients around the world.”

“Altos’s main goal has been to develop ATC-1906 for the treatment of gastroparesis. We are delighted to have Takeda, with its expertise in gastroenterology, involved as Altos continues to develop ATC-1906 through phase I clinical trials,” said Dr. Roger Whiting, CEO of Altos Therapeutics. “We believe that this agreement will expedite the development of this important medicine.”