Oncology R&D Modalities | Takeda Cancer Research
Oncology Research & Development Focus at Takeda
At Takeda, we are growing our oncology pipeline through a combination of internal innovation and strategic collaboration. Our research and development efforts are focused on advancing treatments for thoracic, gastrointestinal and hematologic cancers by utilizing approaches best suited to make a difference in these areas.
Our investigational therapies are classified within three modalities: antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), complex biologics and small molecules. By working with partners whose investigational therapies complement our research expertise and global commercial capabilities, we aim to expand our impact and accelerate promising treatments.
Our Core Modalities
We are well positioned to advance therapies leveraging these modalities, drawing on decades of experience as pioneers in developing small molecules, such as proteasome inhibitors for hematologic cancers, as well as expertise in ADCs and early-stage programs across our core modalities.
Antibody-Drug Conjugates
Combine the targeting specificity of antibodies with the power of anti-cancer drugs. The antibody part of the ADC specifically binds to cancer cells, delivering the attached drug directly to the tumor, which is designed to help kill cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.1-3
Complex Biologics
Are advanced treatments made from large, intricate molecules, such as protein-based therapies, that are designed to precisely target specific parts of a disease pathway. Using a sophisticated manufacturing process incorporating linkers and fusions, these therapies may interact with multiple biological targets. Complex biologics, such as fusion proteins and bispecifics, can be used to treat various conditions, including cancer, and may offer new options for diseases where an unmet patient need exists. 4-6
Small Molecules
Can enter cells easily and interfere with specific proteins or pathways that cancer cells rely on to grow and survive due to their size and low molecular weight. These molecules can activate cell death pathways, block signals that tell cancer cells to divide, recruit immune cells to attack the tumor and/or disrupt other processes that cancer cells need, in an effort to slow down or stop the progression of the disease.7-9
We are progressing internal programs that leverage these modalities, which have the potential to address cancer from multiple angles, while evaluating opportunities for external collaboration and partnerships to continue growing our pipeline. While we are currently focused on these three modalities, we continue to monitor scientific advances and prioritize opportunities with the highest potential to address patients’ needs.
- Huang YC, Chen G. Characterization of antibody-drug conjugates by mass spectrometry: advances and future trends. Drug Discovery Today. 2016;21:850-855. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drudis.2016.04.004.
- Alley SC, Okeley NM, Senter PD. Antibody–drug conjugates: targeted drug delivery for cancer. Current Opinion in Chemical Biology. 2010;14:529-537. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpa.2010.06.170.
- Flygare JA, Pillow TH, Aristoff PA. Antibody-Drug Conjugates for the Treatment of Cancer. Chem Biol Drug Des. 2013;81:113-121. https://doi.org/10.1111/cbdd.12085.
- Vulto AG, Jaquez OA. The process defines the product: what really matters in biosimilar design and production? Rheumatology (Oxford). 2017 Aug 1;56(suppl_4):iv14-iv29. doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/kex278. PMID: 28903544; PMCID: PMC5850795.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. What Are "Biologics" Questions and Answers. 2018. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/center-biologics-evaluation-and-research-cber/what-are-biologics-questions-and-answers.
- Brenner MK. Clinical success of complex biological therapies: be careful what you wish for... Mol Ther. 2010;18(10):1737-1738. doi:10.1038/mt.2010.204.
- Liu GH, Chen T, Zhang X, Ma XL, Shi HS. Small molecule inhibitors targeting the cancers. MedComm (2020). 2022;3(4):e181. https://doi:10.1002/mco2.181.
- Li R, Ma X-L, Gou C and Tse WKF. Editorial: Novel small molecules in targeted cancer therapy. Front. Pharmacol. 2023;14:1272523. https://doi:10.3389/fphar.2023.1272523.
- Sun G, Rong D, Li Z, et al. Role of Small Molecule Targeted Compounds in Cancer: Progress, Opportunities, and Challenges. Front Cell Dev Biol. 2021;9:694363. https://doi:10.3389/fcell.2021.694363.
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