Takeda sheds off-patent drugs to focus on innovation

Takeda will sell a number of its off-patent drugs, used for treatment of diabetes, hypertension and peptic ulcers, to Teva Takeda Yakuhin for ¥28.5 billion ($35.7 billion).

Teva Takeda Yakuhin is a newly established business venture of Takeda and Teva which has been operating since 2016.

According to a  statement released on Monday, April 10, Takeda will transfer products including Blopress (candesartan cilexetil), Takepron (lansoprazole) and Basen (voglibose).

The transfer, which will become official on May 1, has been undertaken so that Takeda can focus on innovative drugs.

Masato Iwasaki, president of Takeda’s Japan pharma business unit, said: “This sale of additional products is in line with visions of both companies: Teva Takeda Yakuhin, which promotes business in off-patent drugs, and Takeda, which focuses on innovative products. Both companies will further meet the diversified needs of patients and medical professionals in Japan”.

Revenue of the products amounted to ¥39.2 billion in fiscal year 2015 and ¥24.2 billion in 2016.

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