Takeda Announces Plan to Launch at Least 10 Innovative Medicines in China

GBI has learned that Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited has announced plans to launch at least 10 new drugs in the Chinese market in the coming years, benefiting 10 million patients in China. In an interview in Shanghai, Takeda’s Chief Financial Officer, Costa Saroukos, stated that the company aims to rank among the top ten pharmaceutical companies in the Chinese market: “China is one of our most important markets, whether in terms of the number of marketed products, growth potential, or significant investment.”

China has become one of Takeda’s most important emerging markets globally. According to reports, its sales in the Chinese market grew by 40% in the six months ended September 30, 2019. The company’s recent performance was primarily driven by Ninlaro (ixazomib), a multiple myeloma drug that was launched in May 2018 and included in the National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) following price negotiations in October (among a total of 17 anticancer drugs).

In addition, the company plans to launch in China the new inflammatory bowel disease drug Entyvio (vedolizumab), Takhzyro (lanadelumab) for hereditary angioedema (HAE), and the antibody-drug conjugate Adcetris (brentuximab vedotin) for the treatment of lymphoma. According to GBI SOURCE data, Adcetris received priority review status in May this year; meanwhile, the marketing applications for Takecab (vonoprazan), used to treat gastric ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease, and Replagal (agalsidase alfa) have been granted special approval status. Replagal is a medication for Fabry disease, acquired by Takeda through its $62 billion acquisition of the rare-disease company Shire last year.

According to Saroukos, Takeda has invested RMB 1.5 billion (USD 215 million) in product research and development in China since 2015, with the aim of achieving simultaneous global launches of new drugs in China. “In the coming years, the company will focus on researching, developing, and launching best-in-class and first-in-class innovative drugs in China,” said Saroukos.