In the midst of a significant overhaul of its R&D operations, Takeda Pharmaceutical has partnered with UK-based Crescendo Biologics for the discovery, development and commercialisation of Humabody®-based therapeutics for undisclosed cancer indications in a deal potentially worth up to US$790 M. Humabodies are based on VH domain antibody fragments and have certain advantages over IgG-based therapeutics, including improved therapeutic index. The deal adds to Takeda’s portfolio of early-stage deals in oncology and provides a significant endorsement of Crescendo’s Humabody platform.