Innovent Biologics and Takeda announced a strategic global collaboration aiming to advance next-generation IO and ADC cancer therapies, with the goal of developing cancer treatments to benefit patients worldwide.

"We are excited to partner with Innovent, an accomplished team with deep expertise in next-generation immuno-oncology and ADC biology," said Teresa Bitetti, president of the Global Oncology Business Unit at Takeda."IBI363 and IBI343, two next-generation investigational medicines, have the potential to address critical treatment gaps for patients with a range of solid tumors. We are energized by the progress made by Innovent to date and look forward to collaborating to unlock the potential of these programs. Our global research and development expertise and commercialization capabilities will enable us to accelerate the delivery of these investigational medicines to patients. These two programs have the potential to be transformative for our oncology portfolio and significantly enhance Takeda's growth potential post-2030."

Why did Innovent Biologics and Takeda form its partnership?

The partnership formed to leverage key synergies between the companies, while also accelerating the global development of several investigational medicines within Innovent's IO and ADC pipeline, including IBI363, a first-in-class PD-1/IL-2α-bias bispecific antibody fusion protein demonstrating robust anti-tumor activity and the potential to be a next-generation IO therapy.¹ IBI363 is currently in Phase III clinical stage, along with IBI343, a potentially best-in-class CLDN18.2 ADC currently in Phase III clinical stage, and IBI3001, a first-in-class EGFR/B7H3 bispecific ADC currently in Phase I clinical stage.¹

“The addition of these programs strengthens our leadership in oncology and enhances Takeda’s late-stage pipeline. Drawing from our deep experience in oncology and the modalities leveraged by IBI363 and IBI343, we are uniquely positioned to partner with Innovent to accelerate and expand the potential of these investigational medicines in a range of solid tumors,” said Andy Plump, president of research and development at Takeda. “We are encouraged by the clinical results these investigational medicines have shown and look forward to working with Innovent to deliver these potentially best-in-class medicines to patients with longstanding unmet needs across a wide range of cancers.”

What are the details are the partnership and licensing agreement?

Per the terms of the agreement, Innovent is set to receive upwards of $1.2 billion as an upfront payment, funded through cash on hand, following the closing of the transaction, which includes Takeda’s equity investment of $100 million in Innovent. Additionally, Innovent will be eligible for potential milestones and royalty payments, along with a profit or loss split of 60/40 (Takeda/Innovent) with respect to IBI363 in the U.S.² Takeda is expected to handle commercialization efforts, while Innovent is granted co-commercialization rights. According to a press release from Takeda, it can exercise the option for IBI3001, while Innovent will be eligible for an option exercise fee, and additional potential milestone and royalty payments.² The transaction, including any future exercise of the option, is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.

“We believe that developing innovative immuno-oncology and ADC therapies will be key for redefining cancer treatment worldwide. We look forward to partnering with Takeda to maximize the potential of our pipeline for patients with a wide variety of cancers,” said Dr. Hui Zhou, chief R&D officer for oncology pipeline at Innovent Biologics. “These investigational therapies, featuring innovative mechanisms of action, have shown promise for patients who currently have limited treatment options. Our collaboration is poised to advance their development and potential commercialization, moving us closer to offering new options to patients in need.”

Sources

1. Innovent Biologics Announces Global Strategic Partnership with Takeda to Bring Innovent's Next Gen IO Backbone Therapy and ADC Molecules to the Global Market Innovent Biologics October 21, 2025 https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/innovent-biologics-announces-global-strategic-partnership-with-takeda-to-bring-innovents-next-gen-io-backbone-therapy-and-adc-molecules-to-the-global-market-302590770.html
2. Takeda Enters Global Strategic Partnership with Innovent Biologics to Bolster Oncology Pipeline with Next-Generation Investigational Medicines for Treatment of Solid Tumors Takeda October 21, 2025 https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251021006409/en/Takeda-Enters-Global-Strategic-Partnership-with-Innovent-Biologics-to-Bolster-Oncology-Pipeline-with-Next-Generation-Investigational-Medicines-for-Treatment-of-Solid-Tumors