US-based Keros Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: KROS) has announced a significant licensing agreement with Japan-headquartered Takeda (TYO: 4502) to strengthen the research and development of its late-stage investigational activin inhibitor, elritercept.
Elritercept’s Clinical Studies and Indications
Elritercept is currently the subject of two clinical studies, one focusing on myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and the other on myelofibrosis (MF). These conditions represent significant areas of unmet medical need, and elritercept has shown promise in addressing them.
Terms of the Licensing Agreement
Under the terms of this agreement, Takeda will obtain development, manufacturing, and commercialization rights to elritercept worldwide, excluding mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. These territories are covered by a separate USD 190 million deal between China-based Hansoh Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd (HKG: 3692) and Keros. As part of the agreement with Takeda, Keros will receive an upfront payment of USD 200 million. Additionally, Takeda is committed to making regulatory, development, and commercial sales milestone payments, as well as paying royalties on net sales of elritercept.-Fineline Info & Tech
