US-based Evozyne, Inc., an adaptive biology company pioneering evolution-based design of proteins, founded by Paragon Biosciences has entered into a strategic research collaboration and license agreement with Japan-based Takeda to research and develop proteins that could be incorporated into next-generation gene therapies for up to four rare disease targets.

This new agreement builds upon an earlier, separate agreement with Takeda and demonstrates the potential of Evozyne's protein engineering platform.

In partnership with Takeda, Evozyne will create novel protein sequences for advancement as gene therapies.  At completion and review of certain research deliverables, Takeda has the option to obtain an exclusive license to develop and commercialize the novel protein sequences as part of its gene therapy program.

Under the terms of the agreement, Evozyne will receive double-digit million dollars in upfront and research funding payments. The company is also eligible to receive future developmental, regulatory and commercial milestone payments of up to $400 million if all milestones are achieved in target indications over the course of the partnership plus tiered royalties on net sales of any commercial product resulting from the collaboration.

By bringing together Takeda's expertise in the rare disease space with Evozyne's strength in protein engineering, this collaboration looks to bring meaningful treatments to patients suffering from serious and life-threatening genetic diseases.