Takeda forms "first of its kind" developmental partnership with CRO

Takeda and PRA Health Services have announced a new partnership that will see the Japanese pharma giant transfer 300 staffers to the clinical research firm in order to deliver on development of its pipeline.

This development follows a $725 million reorganisation effort for Takeda announced in late July. The partnership is designed to provide a flexible operating model giving US and European employees the chance to take new roles at the CRO, a “first of its kind in the CRO industry” according to PRA CEO Colin Shannon.  

“This partnership is an exciting opportunity for PRA and represents a significant milestone and transformational business opportunity for us,” said Shannon. “This is the first time that a pharmaceutical company and a clinical research organisation (CRO) have come together to create such a comprehensive business and operational strategy.”

The deal hopes to stimulate research and facilitate the development of new medicines as the CRO takes responsibility for a full pipeline of studies from Phase I to Phase IV and provides regulatory, pharmacovigilance and other operational services for both developmental and marketed product portfolios.

“This partnership is a fundamental part of Takeda’s R&D transformation and represents a truly innovative approach to clinical development, unprecedented in our industry,” added Andy Plump, director and chief medical and scientific officer at Takeda. “PRA has a reputation for providing tailored sourcing solutions. We believe PRA will be an ideal partner as we focus, deliver and advance our current and future pipeline.”

Matt Fellows