RxTrials Institute Drug Pipeline Alert

San Francisco-based Cell Genesys has signed an agreement with Japanese firm Takeda Pharmaceutical to cooperate on the development and commercialization of GVAX immunotherapy for prostate cancer, its lead product candidate in Phase III development.

In exchange for exclusive worldwide commercial rights to the GVAX immunotherapy, Takeda will pay Cell Genesys $50 million upfront and up to $270 million based on the approval and commercialization of the product in the U.S., the European Union and Japan.

Takeda will pay for all external development costs associated with the ongoing Phase III development of GVAX. Cell Genesys will maintain responsibility for the worldwide manufacture and supply of the product and will retain rights to co-promote the drug in the U.S.