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Takeda

Takeda is a pharma organization headquartered in Cambridge, USA. Primary therapeutic focus areas include Diabetes Mellitus, Hemophilia A, Crohn's Disease, Hypertension, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. NovaPharmaNews links 1179

Cambridge, USA HQ
1993 Founded
1,617 Employees
NMPA registrant Type
Company details
Clinical program

Ponatinib

Phase 2 · small molecule · GIST

Ponatinib (ponatinib hydrochloride) is an oral small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor developed by Takeda for gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). The compound is identified by internal code AP24534-12-202 and has completed Phase 2 clinical evaluation as of May 2018. Ponatinib is already approved by the FDA under t

← All Takeda projects Phase 2 small molecule completed

Internal code AP24534-12-202

At a glance

Sponsor
Takeda
Phase
Phase 2
Modality
small_molecule
Indication
GIST
Status
completed
Trials
1

Executive summary

Ponatinib (ponatinib hydrochloride) is an oral small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor developed by Takeda for gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). The compound is identified by internal code AP24534-12-202 and has completed Phase 2 clinical evaluation as of May 2018. Ponatinib is already approved by the FDA under two regulatory pathways: Takeda Pharmaceuticals USA holds NDA203469 and Apotex holds ANDA215893, indicating both innovator and generic approvals are in place. The drug is administered orally and represents part of Takeda's oncology portfolio targeting kinase-driven malignancies. While the Phase 2 program in GIST has concluded, the regulatory status reflects ponatinib's established market presence, though specific efficacy and safety data from the GIST trial (NCT01874665) have not been disclosed in the available facts. The competitive landscape includes multiple kinase inhibitors at various development stages, ranging from Phase 1 through Phase 3 programs.

Analyst view

Why this program matters

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors represent a significant unmet medical need, particularly in patients with advanced or metastatic disease and those with acquired resistance to standard tyrosine kinase inhibitors. GIST incidence is estimated at 10–20 cases per million annually, making it a rare but clinically important malignancy. The development of ponatinib in GIST addresses the need for additional kinase inhibition options in a disease where resistance to first-line agents (such as imatinib) and second-line agents (such as sunitinib) remains a clinical challenge.

Ponatinib's market relevance is underscored by its existing FDA approvals, which provide regulatory validation and potential for label expansion into GIST if clinical data support efficacy. The competitive landscape includes avapritinib (Blueprint Medicines, Phase 3), nilotinib (Novartis, Phase 3), and QINLOCK (Lacuna Pharma, Phase 2), indicating active development in this indication. Ponatinib's oral bioavailability and established safety profile from prior approvals position it as a potential therapeutic option, though commercial significance will depend on comparative efficacy, tolerability, and pricing relative to competing agents. The rare disease designation and limited patient population require careful market segmentation and physician education for successful commercialization.

Drug intelligence

Drug Class: Tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)

Modality: Small-molecule oral agent

Route of Administration: Oral

Molecular Target: Not yet disclosed in available facts

Mechanism of Action: Not yet disclosed in available facts

Related Therapies: Ponatinib is part of a broader class of kinase inhibitors used in oncology. Other agents in development for GIST include avapritinib, nilotinib, and QINLOCK, all small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Regulatory Status: FDA-approved; NDA203469 (Takeda Pharmaceuticals USA) and ANDA215893 (Apotex) indicate both innovator and generic formulations are approved.

Patent and Exclusivity Status: Not yet disclosed in available facts

Disease intelligence

gastrointestinal stromal tumor

Also known as: GIST, Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors, gastrointestinal stromal neoplasm, gastrointestinal stromal sarcoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumor (gist), gastrointestinal stromal tumor, familial, isolated cases

Prevalence: Point prevalence: 1-5 / 10 000 (Europe) — source: Orphanet, validated.

Overview

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is the most common mesenchymal neoplasm of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, typically presenting in adults over the age of 40 (mean age 63), and only rarely in children, in various regions of the GI tract, most commonly the stomach or small intestine but also less commonly in the esophagus, appendix, rectum and colon. GISTs can be asymptomatic or present with various non-specific signs, depending on the location and size of tumor, such as loss of appetite, anemia, weight loss, fatigue, abdominal discomfort or fullness, nausea, vomiting, as well as an abdominal mass, blood in stool, and intestinal obstruction. GISTs can also be seen in familial syndromes such as Carney triad and neurofibromatosis type 1.

Treatment landscape

ClinicalTrials.gov lists 75 registered studies for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (AACT aggregate).

Phase breakdown: PHASE2 (31), NA (17), PHASE1 (12), PHASE3 (9), PHASE1/PHASE2 (4), PHASE2/PHASE3 (1), PHASE4 (1)

Common investigational therapies:

  • imatinib mesylate
  • Ipilimumab
  • Imatinib Mesylate
  • AUY922
  • Nivolumab
  • sunitinib malate
  • Imatinib
  • dasatinib
  • irinotecan hydrochloride
  • Imatinib Mesylate Tablets, 400 mg
Classification: MONDO MONDO:0011719 ORPHA 44890 ICD-10 C49.AMeSH D046152

Disease data sourced from MONDO Disease Ontology (MONDO:0011719), Orphanet — gastrointestinal stromal tumor, NCT00003939, NCT00004895, NCT00004910, NCT00004911, NCT00005049, AACT (ClinicalTrials.gov aggregate), ClinicalTrials.gov, Open Targets Platform (CC BY 4.0).

Clinical development timeline

  1. Phase 22018-05-18

    Phase 2 GIST trial completed

    The Phase 2 program (NCT01874665) in gastrointestinal stromal tumor reached completion as of May 18, 2018.

  2. ApprovedTBD

    FDA approval (NDA203469)

    Ponatinib hydrochloride approved by FDA under NDA203469 (Takeda Pharmaceuticals USA); specific approval date not disclosed.

  3. ApprovedTBD

    FDA approval (ANDA215893)

    Generic ponatinib hydrochloride approved by FDA under ANDA215893 (Apotex); specific approval date not disclosed.

Competitive landscape

The GIST market includes multiple kinase inhibitors at varying development stages. Avapritinib (Blueprint Medicines) is in Phase 3 development as a small-molecule TKI. Nilotinib (AMN107, Novartis Pharmaceuticals) is also in Phase 3, representing a well-established competitor. QINLOCK 50 mg tablets (Lacuna Pharma Pty Ltd) is in Phase 2, positioning it at a similar or earlier stage than ponatinib's completed Phase 2 program. Ziftomenib (Kura Oncology) represents an earlier-stage competitor in Phase 1. Additionally, Bayer AG and Novartis Pharmaceuticals have Phase 1 programs in solid tumors that may have indirect competitive relevance. Ponatinib's advantage lies in its existing FDA approvals and established safety profile, though the clinical data from the GIST trial (NCT01874665) will be critical for determining its competitive positioning relative to Phase 3 programs that may have more mature efficacy data.

TherapyCompanyMechanismStatus
avapritinibBlueprint Medicines (Netherlands) B.V.small_moleculephase_3
Nilotinib (AMN107)Novartis Pharmaceuticalssmall_moleculephase_3
QINLOCK 50 mg tabletsLacuna Pharma Pty Ltdsmall_moleculephase_2
ziftomenibKura Oncologysmall_moleculephase_1
A study to learn about how much emodepside gets absorbed in the blood and how food affects its absorption when given as a new type of tablet to healthy participantsBayer AGotherphase_1
A phase I open-label, multi-center study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, dosimetry, and preliminary activity of [177Lu]Lu-DFC413 and safety and imaging properties of [68Ga]Ga-NNS309 in patients with solid tumorsNovartis Pharmaceuticalsotherphase_1
SUNITINIB MALATEVascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitorApproved
SUNITINIBVascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitorApproved
RIPRETINIBStem cell growth factor receptor inhibitorApproved
RETASPIMYCIN HYDROCHLORIDEHeat shock protein HSP90 inhibitorPhase 3
RETASPIMYCINHeat shock protein HSP90 inhibitorPhase 3
REGORAFENIBPlatelet-derived growth factor receptor inhibitorPhase 3
NILOTINIBBcr/Abl fusion proteinPhase 3
MASITINIBFibroblast growth factor receptor 3 inhibitorPhase 3
IMATINIB MESYLATEPlatelet-derived growth factor receptor beta inhibitorPhase 3
IMATINIBTyrosine-protein kinase ABL inhibitorPhase 3
FAMITINIBVascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 inhibitorPhase 3

Additional associated therapies sourced from Open Targets Platform (CC0), linked to NovaPharmaNews drug profiles where matched.

Regulatory intelligence

United States (FDA): Ponatinib hydrochloride holds two approved regulatory pathways: NDA203469 (Takeda Pharmaceuticals USA) and ANDA215893 (Apotex). Both approvals are listed in the FDA database, indicating the drug is approved and marketed in the United States. Specific approval dates and indications for these applications are not yet disclosed in available facts.

European Medicines Agency (EMA): Regulatory status not yet disclosed.

Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA, Japan): Regulatory status not yet disclosed.

National Medical Products Administration (NMPA, China): Regulatory status not yet disclosed.

Clinical Trial Registration: The Phase 2 GIST program is registered as NCT01874665 and has been completed as of May 18, 2018.

Clinical evidence summary

NCT01874665

Objective
To evaluate ponatinib in gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST)
Design
Phase 2 trial; specific design details not yet disclosed
Participants
GIST patient population; specific enrollment numbers not yet disclosed
Primary endpoint
Not yet disclosed in available facts
Results
Results not yet reported in available facts; trial completed as of May 18, 2018

Key questions answered

What is ponatinib used for?

Ponatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor being developed for gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). It is already FDA-approved for other indications, and a Phase 2 trial in GIST was completed in May 2018.

Is ponatinib approved by the FDA?

Yes, ponatinib hydrochloride is FDA-approved under two regulatory pathways: NDA203469 (Takeda Pharmaceuticals USA) and ANDA215893 (Apotex generic formulation). Specific approval dates and initial indications are not yet disclosed.

How does ponatinib work?

Ponatinib is a small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor; however, its specific molecular target and detailed mechanism of action in GIST are not yet disclosed in available facts.

Who manufactures ponatinib?

Takeda Pharmaceuticals USA holds the innovator NDA (NDA203469), and Apotex manufactures a generic formulation (ANDA215893). Takeda is the primary sponsor of the GIST development program.

What is the current development status of ponatinib in GIST?

The Phase 2 trial (NCT01874665) in GIST was completed as of May 18, 2018. Further development plans and trial results have not been disclosed.

What is the route of administration for ponatinib?

Ponatinib is administered orally as a small-molecule tablet.

What clinical trial supports ponatinib in GIST?

NCT01874665 is a Phase 2 trial of ponatinib in GIST that was completed as of May 2018. Specific trial design, enrollment, and results have not been disclosed.

What are the main competitors to ponatinib in GIST?

Competitors include avapritinib (Blueprint Medicines, Phase 3), nilotinib (Novartis, Phase 3), and QINLOCK (Lacuna Pharma, Phase 2), all small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

What is the mechanism of action of ponatinib?

Ponatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, but its specific molecular target and mechanism in GIST are not yet disclosed in available facts.

When was ponatinib first approved by the FDA?

Ponatinib holds FDA approvals under NDA203469 and ANDA215893, but specific approval dates are not yet disclosed in available facts.

Does ponatinib have a generic formulation available?

Yes, Apotex manufactures a generic formulation of ponatinib hydrochloride approved under ANDA215893.

What is the patient population for ponatinib in GIST?

Ponatinib is being developed for gastrointestinal stromal tumor patients; specific patient subpopulations targeted in the Phase 2 trial are not yet disclosed.

Is ponatinib approved in Europe?

Regulatory status in Europe (EMA) is not yet disclosed in available facts.

What is the internal code for the ponatinib GIST program?

The internal code is AP24534-12-202, assigned by Takeda for the Phase 2 GIST development program.

Has ponatinib completed Phase 2 testing in GIST?

Yes, the Phase 2 trial (NCT01874665) was completed as of May 18, 2018; however, trial results have not been disclosed.

What is the next expected milestone for ponatinib in GIST?

The next expected milestone is not yet disclosed in available facts; it may include publication of Phase 2 results or regulatory decisions regarding label expansion.

Entity relationship graph

Ponatinib → Drug → Target → Indication → Company → Trials → Competitors

Evidence-based

Analyst insights

Strategic Implications: Takeda's development of ponatinib in GIST reflects a strategy to expand the drug's label into additional oncology indications beyond its existing approvals. The completion of Phase 2 as of May 2018 suggests the company has sufficient data to inform decisions regarding further development or regulatory submissions. However, the absence of disclosed trial results limits assessment of whether ponatinib will advance to Phase 3 or seek label expansion.

Competitive Implications: Ponatinib enters a competitive GIST market with multiple Phase 2 and Phase 3 programs. The drug's existing FDA approvals and established safety profile provide a regulatory advantage, but clinical efficacy data from NCT01874665 will be essential for differentiation. Avapritinib and nilotinib's Phase 3 status suggests they may reach regulatory decisions before ponatinib, potentially establishing market position and physician familiarity.

Future Catalysts: Publication of Phase 2 GIST trial results would be a critical catalyst for investor and physician interest. Potential regulatory submissions for label expansion, if supported by efficacy data, represent the next milestone. Comparative efficacy and safety analyses relative to competing agents will inform market positioning.

Expected Milestones: Disclosure of Phase 2 trial results, potential Phase 3 initiation or label expansion submission, and regulatory decisions from competitors will shape the competitive landscape over the next 12–24 months.

Quick answers

Concise, citable answers optimized for AI answer engines.

What is ponatinib?
Oral small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor developed by Takeda for gastrointestinal stromal tumor.
Is ponatinib approved?
Yes, FDA-approved under NDA203469 (Takeda) and ANDA215893 (Apotex generic).
What indication is ponatinib in development for?
Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST).
What is the current phase of ponatinib in GIST?
Phase 2 completed as of May 18, 2018.
Who is developing ponatinib?
Takeda Pharmaceuticals (sponsor).
What is the route of administration?
Oral.
What is the drug modality?
Small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor.
Does ponatinib have a partner?
No partner disclosed; Takeda is the sole sponsor.
What is the molecular target of ponatinib?
Specific target not yet disclosed in available facts.
What is the mechanism of action?
Tyrosine kinase inhibition; specific mechanism not yet disclosed.
What is the internal program code?
AP24534-12-202.
What is the clinical trial NCT ID?
NCT01874665 (Phase 2 GIST trial, completed).
Who manufactures the generic version?
Apotex (ANDA215893).
What are main competitors?
Avapritinib (Phase 3), nilotinib (Phase 3), QINLOCK (Phase 2).
Is ponatinib approved in Europe?
Regulatory status in Europe not yet disclosed.
What is the peak sales projection?
Peak sales projection not yet disclosed.
When was the Phase 2 trial completed?
May 18, 2018.
Have Phase 2 results been published?
Results not yet reported in available facts.
Is ponatinib in Phase 3?
No; Phase 2 in GIST completed; further development status not disclosed.
What patient population is targeted?
Gastrointestinal stromal tumor patients; specific subpopulation not disclosed.
Is there a license agreement?
No license type or partner disclosed.
What is the therapeutic class?
Therapeutic class not yet disclosed in available facts.
When is the next milestone expected?
Expected next milestone not yet disclosed in available facts.
What is the lead investigator?
Lead investigator not yet disclosed in available facts.

Evidence & sources

Reviewed by NovaPharmaNews Intelligence Desk. Last reviewed .

  1. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01874665 (clinicaltrials)
  2. ponatinib hydrochloride US status (fda)
  3. Source: phase (source_attribution)
  4. MONDO Disease Ontology (MONDO:0011719) (mondo)
  5. Orphanet — gastrointestinal stromal tumor (orphanet)
  6. NCT00003939 (clinicaltrials_gov)
  7. NCT00004895 (clinicaltrials_gov)
  8. NCT00004910 (clinicaltrials_gov)
  9. NCT00004911 (clinicaltrials_gov)
  10. NCT00005049 (clinicaltrials_gov)
  11. AACT (ClinicalTrials.gov aggregate) (aact)
  12. ClinicalTrials.gov (clinicaltrials_gov)
  13. Open Targets Platform (opentargets)

Intelligence compiled from public regulatory and clinical sources (FDA, EMA, ClinicalTrials.gov and company disclosures). Figures may be editorial or analyst estimates; verify against primary sources before relying on them.