Beacon Discovery has entered a multi-year drug discovery collaboration with Takeda focused on a number of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) that play an important role in the pathology of gastrointestinal disorders.

Through the collaboration, Beacon will leverage its GPCR drug discovery expertise to identify drug candidates for a range of GI diseases with significant unmet medical need. 

“This collaboration represents another exciting milestone in the development of key strategic alliances for Beacon,” said Sunny Al-Shamma, Beacon’s chief executive officer. “Takeda’s world class R&D organization and outstanding disease area expertise will help us realize our goal to discover first-in-class medicines.”

The agreement grants Takeda worldwide rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize products resulting from the collaboration. In exchange, Beacon will receive an upfront payment, research support, and is eligible to receive milestone payments as well as royalties on future sales of such products.