This decision result ed from a vaccine portfolio prioritization process to ensure that Takeda’s R&D resource s are directed toward the highest – impact programs for public health.
The current availability of s afe and effective DTaP – sIPV vaccines in Japan was also a factor in this decision . Moving forward, Takeda will focus on vaccine programs that address significant unmet needs in Japan and around the globe , including norovirus, dengue, influenza, Haemophilus Influenzae t ype b ( Hib ), and Enterovirus 71 (h and, foot and mouth disease).
"We are committed to addressing the most important challenges in public health – in Japan and around the world ," said Rajeev Venkayya, MD, President of Takeda’s Vaccine Business Unit.
"Our highest priority is infectious diseases that threaten the lives of millions of people each year, and for which vaccines do not exist. "
Since the launch of its global vaccine b usiness in 2012, Takeda has reinforced its commitment to public health. An effective n orovirus vaccine has been identified as an unmet need by the public health community and a critical priority by the Japanese government. Takeda has the most advanced noro virus vaccine candidate in the world.
Takeda is also one of the lead ers in the global race t o bring a dengue vaccine to the estimated 40% of the world’s population that live in countries with endemic dengue transmission. Japan recently experienced its first major outbreak of dengue fever in nearly 70 years. Both vaccines are expected to enter global Phase 3 clinical trials in fiscal year s 2015 – 16 .
In Japan , Takeda recently obtained a n approval for a cell culture – based vaccine against pandemic influenza , and is developing a cell – based vaccine against seasonal influenza (TAK – 850; Phase 1/ 2) . Takeda also filed a New Drug Application for Hib vaccine (TAK – 816) in 2013 .
Takeda continues to contribute to public health in Japan and around the world through the development of important vaccines to address unmet medical needs .