US-based Nimbus Therapeutics, LLC has signed a definitive agreement under which Japanese pharmaceutical firm Takeda will acquire Nimbus Lakshmi, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nimbus Therapeutics, and its tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor NDI-034858.

NDI-034858 is an oral, selective allosteric TYK2 inhibitor being evaluated for the treatment of multiple autoimmune diseases following successful recent Phase 2b results in psoriasis.

Under the terms of the agreement, Takeda will pay Nimbus Therapeutics $4 billion upfront, and sales-based milestone payments up to $2 billion. The transaction is expected to be finalised in the first half of 2023.

Closing of the transaction is contingent on completion of review under antitrust laws, including the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976. Nimbus Therapeutics will retain ownership of its other research and development subsidiaries. Takeda will be solely responsible for future development and commercialization of NDI-034858 and other TYK2 inhibitors.