Culminating a collaboration that began in 2017, the acquisition expands Takeda's immuno-oncology portfolio with Maverick's Cobra T-cell engager platform as well as two development candidates for treating solid tumors, according to the vendor. Maverick's lead candidate TAK-186 (formerly known as MVC-101) is a conditionally active T-cell engager that's currently being evaluated in a phase I/II study for the treatment of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-expressing solid tumors.

In addition, Maverick's AK-280 candidate -- formerly known as MVC-280 -- is expected to enter the clinic in the second half of Takeda's fiscal 2021 for the treatment of patients with B7H3-expressing solid tumors, according to the company. Upon expected closure of the deal in the first quarter of Takeda's fiscal year, Maverick employees, including its team of scientists, will join Takeda's research and development organization.