Axsome Therapeutics expands pipeline with acquisition of schizophrenia candidate from Takeda

Axsome Therapeutics (NASDAQ:AXSM) announced on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, that it has acquired exclusive global rights to balipodect (formerly TAK-063) from Takeda Pharmaceutical Company.

The acquisition adds a potent, selective phosphodiesterase 10A (PDE10A) inhibitor to Axsome’s growing portfolio of central nervous system (CNS) therapies, specifically targeting schizophrenia and Tourette syndrome.

Balipodect has already undergone extensive clinical evaluation, including a 164-patient Phase 2 proof-of-concept study in patients with schizophrenia.

To date, the compound has been studied in over 360 individuals across multiple clinical trials, establishing a robust safety and tolerability profile.

PDE10A is highly expressed in the striatum, a brain region central to the pathophysiology of various psychiatric and neurological disorders, making balipodect a highly specialized candidate for dopamine-related conditions.

Under the terms of the agreement, Takeda received an upfront payment and is eligible to receive additional payments tied to the achievement of specific development and commercial milestones, as well as tiered royalties on future net sales.

Axsome has assumed full responsibility for all global development and commercialization activities.

The company plans to initiate Phase 3 trial-enabling activities for balipodect throughout the remainder of 2026.

The addition of this asset complements Axsome’s existing late-stage pipeline, which already includes approved treatments for depression and narcolepsy, further diversifying its revenue potential in the multi-billion dollar neuropsychiatry market.