Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. and Envoy Therapeutics, Inc., have formed a three-year research alliance aimed at discovering drugs for schizophrenia with greater efficacy and safety than current therapies. Takeda will make a $3 million upfront payment as well as provide $2.25 million per year in research funding and fees. Envoy will also receive success-based milestone payments and royalties should one or more compounds advance to clinical development and commercialization.

Envoy’s “bacTRAP” technology combines genetic engineering with new molecular biology techniques for labeling and extracting the protein-making components of specific types of cells. Using this technology, Envoy scientists will identify proteins that are selectively expressed in specific cell types within the brain that are known to be affected in schizophrenia patients.

“We are enthusiastic about collaborating with Takeda on this comprehensive effort to create novel, superior therapies for the millions of patients suffering from schizophrenia,” said Paul Greengard, Nobel Laureate and co-founder of Envoy. “The central nervous system expertise of Takeda’s research organization is world renowned. We are excited by the opportunity to accelerate our vision of helping people suffering from brain diseases, while clearly demonstrating the utility of our powerful technology.”

“Using our research sites in the UK, Singapore and Japan, this collaboration with Envoy offers the potential for Takeda to develop entirely new classes of therapeutics to treat the devastating effects of schizophrenia where there is a high unmet need for patients,” said Shigenori Ohkawa, a member of the board and executive vice president, chief scientific officer of Takeda. “The novel drug targets we will identify and pursue are a key focus of Takeda’s stated mission of contributing to the health of patients worldwide.”