Takeda Exits Cell Therapy, Seeking Partner for Preclinical Platform

October 1, 2025 – Takeda Pharmaceuticals has announced it is strategically stepping back from the cell therapy arena as part of a “strategic portfolio reprioritization.” The decision affects 137 roles at the drugmaker’s research and development (R&D) site in Massachusetts.

Takeda is now actively seeking a partner to take over its cell therapy platform and undisclosed preclinical programs. The Japanese pharma confirmed it currently has no cell therapy clinical trials underway. The move leaves Takeda focused on three primary modalities: small molecules, biologics, and antibody-drug conjugates.

The retreat from cell therapy is primarily attributed to the platform gained from the company’s 2021 acquisition of GammaDelta Therapeutics. Takeda stated that the divestment is the main contributor to an expected impairment loss of 58 billion Japanese yen (approximately $394 million).

The GammaDelta Therapeutics buyout had provided Takeda with a platform focused on gamma delta T-cell therapies and a pipeline that included GDX012, an allogeneic gamma delta T cell therapy that was previously in Phase 1/2 testing for acute myeloid leukemia. As of late July, cell therapies were no longer listed among Takeda’s core oncology assets.

While the cell therapy facility in Massachusetts—which Takeda launched in 2020—will be impacted, a company spokesperson emphasized that the state “remains a key hub for R&D,” noting that the pharma is on track to open its new R&D facility in Kendall Square next year.

The move confirms previous statements from the company’s leadership, including an interview in March where Takeda’s oncology head stated that the company was “unlikely we’re going to do any cell therapy deals in the near future.”