Takeda’s wholly-owned subsidiary Takeda San Diego has developed Nesina, a dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-4) inhibitor, which exhibits high selectivity for DPP-4 inhibition, and a once daily dosing of the drug provides hypoglycemic benefits.
Takeda claimed that Nesina is the only DPP-4 inhibitor that permits combination with alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, commonly used in Japan.
Unisia, a fixed dose combination tablet of Blopress (Candesartan Cilexetil) and Amlodipine Besilate, is prescribed as angiotensin receptor blocker and calcium channel blocker, in Japan, for treatment of hypertension.
California-based Amgen originally developed Vectibix, an anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (anti-EGFR) human monoclonal antibody used for treatment of advanced or recurrent colorectal cancer, while Takeda Bio Development Center has been conducting the clinical development in Japan for the drug, which is known to bind to EGFR, and suppress tumor growth.
Yasuhiko Yamanaka, a member of the board and senior vice president of pharmaceutical marketing division at Takeda, said: “We expect that Nesina and Unisia will help us to further drive our Metabolic & Cardiovascular franchise. With the promotion of Vectibix we wish to contribute to the treatment of colon cancer patients.”