Singapore, Sep 1, 2010: Japan-based Takeda Pharmaceutical has been granted a government subsidy of $42 million (¥3.6 billion), to support the investment associated with the development and production of pandemic influenza vaccines.

Offered publicly under the Japanese government's primary supplementary budget, Takeda, received an official notice from the Pharmaceutical Development Support Center in this regard.

Takeda is granted subsidy particularly for the cell culture-based influenza development project, which comprises

• the establishment of process development and testing facilities for production of vaccine and

• the performance of development work needed to advance cell culture-based influenza vaccines through clinical testing and license

Takeda will expand upon its previously commenced efforts related to the development, production and supply of pandemic, cell culture-based influenza vaccines in the country.

“As the only pharmaceutical manufacturer in Japan that conducts the development, production, and marketing of pediatric vaccines, Takeda has a proven track record of providing a stable supply of such vaccines over the past sixty years,” said Mr Yasuchika Hasegawa, president, Takeda. “We will expand such pediatric vaccines business to regions outside of Japan, in particular other Asian markets.”

The company has also initiated preliminary development efforts in collaboration with US-headquartered Baxter International based on its Vero cell culture technology. Takeda plans to apply for the government’s public offering under the secondary supplementary budget and to expand its collaboration with Baxter.

According to Mr Hasegawa, the development of pandemic influenza vaccine has become Japan’s most pressing need right now. “We will expedite clinical development, technology transfer, and establishment of production measures for that vaccine in Japan, so that we can fulfill our social responsibility as a pharma company,” he said.