Takeda To Co-Promote Velcade in Japan

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. has entered into an agreement with Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K. to co-promote Velcade (bortezomib) for Injection in Japan. Janssen Pharma launched Velcade in Japan in 2006 for the treatment of relapsed multiple myeloma. Velcade is currently approved in more than 90 countries and in 2009 achieved global sales of $1 billion.

The co-promotion is expected to begin in 2Q10. Takeda will receive a percentage of sales as a co-promotion fee. Other financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Takeda’s oncology sales force will join Janssen’s sales team to promote the drug.

“The co-promotion for Velcade as well as the approval of Vectibix last month strengthens our oncology franchise in the Japanese market,” said Yasuhiko Yamanaka, a member of the board, senior vice president, Pharmaceutical Marketing Division of Takeda. “This enhanced effort enables our sales force to reach out to a larger group of healthcare providers in order to potentially benefit patients with multiple myeloma.”