Takeda's next-gen experimental immune drug comparable to approved treatment in study

May 4 (Reuters) - Takeda Pharmaceutical 4502.T said on Monday its experimental drug for primary immunodeficiency disease showed comparable immune protection to its approved therapy HyQvia in a mid-to late-stage trial, potentially offering a more convenient treatment option for patients who require lifelong therapy.

The drug candidate, TAK-881, is being developed as the next-generation version of HyQvia, designed to deliver similar immune protection with a lower infusion volume and shorter administration time.

Primary immunodeficiency disease (PID) is a group of inherited disorders in which the body's immune system does not work correctly, leaving patients prone to repeated and sometimes serious infections.

PID affects about 1 in 1,200 people in the United States, according to Takeda.

The study also showed patients treated with TAK‑881 had infection rates and immune protection comparable to those treated with HyQvia, the company said.

Both the the drugs are designed to boost immunity by delivering antibodies taken from human plasma, the company said.

Takeda tested TAK-881 in adults and children aged two years and older, who were already receiving immunoglobulin therapy, and said it had a similar safety profile to HyQvia, with no new safety concerns.

The company expects to submit applications for TAK-881 to regulators in the United States, European Union and Japan this year.