Takeda Pharmaceutical, a research-based global company headquartered in Osaka, Japan, has licensed exclusive rights to use ImmunoGen's ADC technology—including ImmunoGen's new DNA-acting IGN payload agents—to develop and commercialize targeted anticancer therapeutics to up to two undisclosed targets.

ImmunoGen is a Waltham, Mass.-based biotech that develops targeted anticancer therapeutics using its state-of-the-art antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology. The agreement also provides Takeda with the option to take a license for a third target for an additional upfront fee.

ImmunoGen will receive $20 million upfront and—for each target—is eligible to receive milestone payments potentially totaling up to $210 million plus royalties on the commercial net sales of any resulting ADC products. Takeda is responsible for the development, manufacturing and marketing of any ADC products resulting from this agreement.

"ADC technology is a critically important tool in addressing unmet needs in oncology," said Christopher Claiborne, Ph.D., head of the Oncology Drug Discovery Unit at Takeda. "By partnering with ImmunoGen, we are able to leverage this technology in Takeda's R&D program and bring novel agents through the clinic."

Takeda signed an agreement with ImmunoGen through its wholly owned subsidiary, Millennium Pharmaceuticals.