Takeda Pharma to start Hib vaccine Phase III trial in Japan

Earlier in May 2009, Takeda signed an agreement with Novartis, under which the Switzerland-based Novartis has provided license rights to market and distribute Hib vaccine TAK-816 (Vaxem Hib) to Takeda in Japan.

Takeda Strategic Product Planning Department senior vice president corporate officer Masato Iwasaki said they will promote the development of TAK-816 and provide the product for patients as soon as possible to fulfill their social responsibilities as a pharmaceutical company.

"We also plan to continue the development of various combination vaccines that are effective and safe by using TAK-816 and polio vaccine (S-IPV), in view of future global expansion of this business," Iwasaki said.