Takeda to License Vaccine for Haemophilus Influenzae Type B from Novartis

May 26, 2009, Osaka, Japan --- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (“Takeda”) today announced that it entered into agreement with Novartis (Switzerland, “Novartis”) for vaccine for prevention of infection caused by Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (“Hib”). Novartis has developed that vaccine, known as “Vaxem Hib^®”, by combining it with detoxified diphtheria toxin in order to increase immunogenicity, assuring the potential to induce the production of antibody in infants.

Under the agreement with Novartis, Takeda obtains an exclusive right for development and commercialization of Hib vaccine in Japan, and also the right for development, manufacture and commercialization of combination vaccines including Hib vaccine outside Japan. In case Takeda decides to commercialize such combinations vaccines outside Japan jointly with other companies, Novartis has the prioritized right as a partner. Takeda will pay to Novartis an upfront of 100 million yen, the milestone upon launch of the product, and the royalty on the sales.

Hib is known as one of main causes of bacterial meningitis that is an infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal code. In addition, Hib is known as a cause of other invasive infections such as sepsis, epiglottitis, pneumonia, once it enters into the human body through airborne droplet by cough and sneeze. Especially, the prognosis of meningitis caused by Hib is frequently unfavorable with subsequent outcomes such as epilepsy, auditory disturbance and development disorders, even a fatal disease. Therefore, it is critically important to prevent the meningitis by vaccination.

Takeda is now developing combination vaccines of four components; diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and polio, using the seed virus for the Sabin-inactivated poliovirus licensed from Japan Poliomyelitis Research in March 2008. Aiming to meet the requirement from the society for preventive vaccines for children, Takeda will continue enhancing the product line-up of vaccines, and developing the combination vaccines with established safety and efficacy without increasing the number of injection.

Note: Haemophilus Influenzae Type B is a bacterium which is a main cause of pediatric meningitis, and it is completely different from virus which causes “flu”.

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About Takeda

Located in Osaka, Japan, Takeda is a research-based global company with its main focus on pharmaceuticals. As the largest pharmaceutical company in Japan and one of the global leaders of the industry, Takeda is committed to striving toward better health for individuals and progress in medicine by developing superior pharmaceutical products. Additional information about Takeda is available through its corporate website, www.takeda.com.