Halozyme and Takeda Forge Partnership to Elevate Vedolizumab Treatment Accessibility Globally
Halozyme Partners with Takeda for Enhanced Vedolizumab Delivery
In a groundbreaking move, Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: HALO) has entered into a global collaboration with Takeda Pharmaceutical Company. Announced on January 8, 2026, this partnership aims to harness the power of Halozyme's proprietary ENHANZE® drug delivery technology to optimize the administration of vedolizumab, a medication marketed worldwide under the brand name ENTYVIO. This collaboration is seen as a significant leap forward in the treatment options available for patients suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), specifically Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
The exclusive license agreement gives Takeda access to Halozyme's recombinant human hyaluronidase PH20 enzyme (rHuPH20), a critical component of the ENHANZE technology. This includes the potential to facilitate subcutaneous delivery of vedolizumab, which has previously been available primarily through intravenous (IV) routes.
Dr. Helen Torley, the President and CEO of Halozyme, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “Our collaboration with Takeda reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering innovative solutions that enhance the patient experience, with the goal of helping patients spend less time managing their therapy and more time living their lives.” This partnership is expected to not only streamline treatment for existing patients but also extend the accessibility of vedolizumab to a broader population.
The Need for Flexible Treatment Options
In managing chronic conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, flexible and convenient treatment options are essential. Robert Hollowell, M.D., Head of Global Product and Launch Strategy at Takeda, highlighted this need, saying, “People living with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, as well as their health care providers, need flexible treatment options that match evolving needs and priorities in disease management.” The collaboration is anticipated to deliver on this front by integrating vedolizumab into patients' lives more seamlessly.
As part of the agreement, Takeda will make an upfront payment to Halozyme, alongside potential future milestone payments related to development and commercialization. Moreover, Halozyme stands to earn royalties from the sales of products combining vedolizumab with ENHANZE technology, further reinforcing its stake in the IBD therapeutic marketplace.
Growing Burden of IBD
Reports indicate that over 10 million people globally are projected to live with IBD within the next decade, calling for immediate attention to effective treatment solutions. Vedolizumab, a biologic therapy approved for adults with moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, presents an opportunity to significantly impact the lives of many patients worldwide.
Innovating Patient Care
Halozyme's ENHANZE technology has already changed over a million lives through a series of commercialized products across more than 100 markets. As a biopharmaceutical company, Halozyme is not only focusing on the ENHANZE technology but also developing additional innovations such as Hypercon™, expected to set new standards in drug concentration and delivery methods for various biologics. This novel microparticle technology aims to reduce injection volume while expanding the scope of medications that can be delivered subcutaneously.
Located in San Diego, CA, with operational facilities in Minnetonka, MN, and offices in Ewing, NJ, and Boston, MA, Halozyme continues to lead the way in enhancing patient treatment experiences through innovative solutions. By partnering with Takeda, both organizations are set to redefine the landscape for IBD management, making strides towards more effective and patient-centric treatment pathways.
In sum, the collaboration between Halozyme and Takeda marks a pivotal moment in the pharmaceutical landscape that not only reflects the advancements in drug delivery technologies but also embodies a commitment to improving patient care in chronic disease management. Further updates will be anticipated as development progresses under this significant partnership.