Takeda and GammaDelta Therapeutics have formed a collaboration to develop GammaDelta Therapeutics’ novel T cell platform, which is based on the unique properties of gamma delta (γδ) T cells derived from human tissues. The companies intend to use this novel platform to discover and develop new immunotherapies, with the aim of treating a broad range of cancers, including solid tumors, and autoinflammatory diseases. Takeda will commit up to $100 million in funding to accelerate GammaDelta Therapeutics led research and development.

“The pioneering research developed by Professor Adrian Hayday and Dr. Oliver Nussbaumer at King’s College London and the Francis Crick Institute, the scientific Founders of our company, forms the basis for the development of potentially transformational treatments for cancer and autoinflammatory diseases,” said Paolo Paoletti, chief executive officer, GammaDelta Therapeutics. “We believe the collaboration with Takeda validates our novel approach and should allow us to move rapidly to the clinic.”

Daniel Curran, head of the center for external innovation, Takeda, said, “At Takeda, we recognize the enormous potential of tissue resident γδ T cells to deliver transformative medicines in our core therapeutic areas of oncology and gastroenterology. This collaboration is another example of our strategy to invest in highly innovative areas of science and we’re pleased to collaborate with the experienced team at GammaDelta Therapeutics as they aim to take a leadership position in this rapidly emerging field.”