US based Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. and Japanese firm Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited have announced a strategic collaboration to develop and commercialize compounds in Takeda’s early-to-mid-stage psychiatry pipeline.

Specifically, Takeda granted an exclusive license to Neurocrine Biosciences for seven pipeline programs, including three clinical stage assets for schizophrenia, treatment-resistant depression and anhedonia.

Under the terms of the agreement, Neurocrine Biosciences will be responsible for developing and commercializing all pipeline compounds included in the collaboration.

Takeda will receive a total of $120 million USD in upfront cash. Additionally, Takeda will be entitled to development milestones of up to $495 million USD, commercial milestones of up to $1.4 billion USD and up to double-digit royalties on net sales. At certain development events, Takeda may elect to opt in or out of a 50:50 profit share on all clinical programs on an asset-by-asset basis.

For any asset in which Takeda is participating in a 50:50 profit share arrangement, Takeda will not be eligible to receive development or commercial milestones.