Takeda turns to AI drug designer for $1B biobucks deal after whittling down R&D focus

(Oct 14, 2025) by Darren Incorvaia.

After walking away from cell therapy and narrowing its focus to just three modalities, Takeda is doubling down on its remaining strategic commitment by reupping a pact with AI drug designer Nabla Bio.

Nabla, a Harvard spinout from the lab of George Church, Ph.D., will receive an upfront payment in the double-digit millions, according to an Oct. 14 release, with the chance to net more than $1 billion in milestones down the line.

The multiyear agreement builds on a prior deal announced in May 2024, when Nabla unveiled deals with AstraZeneca and Bristol Myers Squibb alongside a $26 million series A.