Takeda signed a multiyear, up‑to‑$1.7 billion collaboration with Iambic Therapeutics to deploy Iambic’s AI discovery platform across oncology, GI and inflammation targets. The deal pairs Takeda’s therapeutic expertise with Iambic’s model‑driven chemistry capabilities and reflects continued strategic investment by large pharmas in AI tools to speed lead identification and de‑risk programs. Industry observers view the pact as another example of asset‑light R&D strategies where established companies outsource early discovery to AI‑native firms. Takeda said the arrangement could populate its pipeline with novel small‑molecule candidates, while Iambic gains scale and validation for its platform.