$525 Million Down the Drain? Takeda Shuts Down EGFR, B7-H3 Programs

On May 8, 2025, Takeda Pharmaceutical announced a major overhaul of its R&D pipeline while reporting its fiscal Q4 2024 results.

In the oncology space, Takeda revealed it is discontinuing two T-cell engager (TCE) programs acquired through its $525 million purchase of Maverick Therapeutics in 2021:

• TAK-186 (targeting EGFR): Although this project was approaching a critical point in its Phase 1/2 clinical trials, Takeda has decided to halt further development.
• TAK-280 (targeting B7-H3): Despite showing some clinical promise, Takeda has chosen to terminate this program before further progression.

In addition, the STING agonist dazostinag, which had been undergoing a Phase 2 trial in combination with Merck's Keytruda, has also been removed from Takeda's oncology pipeline. These adjustments have effectively halved Takeda’s Phase 1 and Phase 2 oncology pipeline, signaling the company’s intensified focus on innovative therapies.

Beyond oncology, Takeda also streamlined several other R&D programs:

• Danavorexton (TAK-925): An orexin-2 receptor agonist, this Phase 2 trial was terminated due to slow patient enrollment.
• TAK-007: A CD19-targeting CAR-NK therapy originally aimed at B-cell malignancies, discontinued last year.
• TAK-500: Another STING agonist project, also removed from the pipeline.

Takeda stated that these changes are based on data-driven decisions designed to concentrate resources on higher-potential areas and projects. Despite the downsizing, the company still retains six high-value programs in Phase 3 clinical development, spanning rare blood diseases, psoriasis, and neurological conditions.

One standout is rusfertide, a treatment for polycythemia vera, which showed positive results in a Phase 3 trial announced in March. It is considered a potential blockbuster, with peak sales estimated at $1–2 billion.