Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd

Surbhi Sidana discusses minimal residual disease (MRD) in multiple myeloma, explaining its role in detecting undetectable disease remnants post-treatment, influencing future treatment decisions, and its potential as a surrogate end point for drug approval.

Takeda is developing TAK861, a small molecule targeting orexin loss, for sleep-wake disorders like narcolepsy type one (NT1). Using at-home wearable devices, Takeda aims to improve diagnosis and treatment efficacy. TAK861, an orexin receptor-2 agonist, showed potential in phase IIb trials and is now in phase III. The company hopes to leverage digital technologies and AI to enhance data collection and treatment outcomes, expanding the use of TAK861 beyond NT1 to other sleep-wake disorders.

Japan's bioanalytical testing services market valued at US$ 75.6 million in 2023, projected to reach US$ 203.0 million by 2032, driven by precision medicine, biologics, and biosimilars. The market's growth is supported by chronic diseases, aging population, and government investments in biopharmaceutical research. Key segments include small molecule bioanalysis (53.7% market share) and oncology applications (32.2% revenue). Technological advancements and regulatory streamlining are expected to further boost market expansion.

Alphina Therapeutics appoints Nick Galli as CEO, with Barbara S. Fox becoming board chair. Galli brings 20 years of experience in strategy and business development, aiming to advance Alphina's NAMPT inhibitor program for solid tumor treatments.

Dengue cases have surged globally, with 6.43 million cases and nearly 7,000 deaths in 2023. Sanofi's Dengvaxia, the only FDA-approved dengue vaccine, faces discontinuation due to low demand. Takeda's Qdenga, approved in 40 countries, withdrew its U.S. application. Dengue's spread is exacerbated by climate change and urbanization, with new areas like the U.S. experiencing outbreaks. Vaccine challenges include antibody-dependent enhancement and the need for pre-vaccination screenings. Public health organizations are pushing for more vaccines and treatments.

Takeda, celebrating 30 years in China, plans continued investment, expecting China to become its second-largest market by 2031. The company has brought 16 innovative medicines to China since 2020, benefiting from accelerated drug approval processes. Takeda's Tianjin site, expanded in 2019 and further in 2022, supports its 'in China, for China' strategy, enhancing production efficiency and localization.

Nanotechnology in medicine includes drug discovery, tissue engineering, imaging, and diagnostics. Notable nano-drugs include Doxil, Abraxane, Myocet, and Hensify. Key companies: Sona Nanotech (non-toxic gold nanorods for photothermal therapy), Nanobiotix (NBTXR3 radioenhancer), Cour Pharmaceuticals (immune-mediated disease treatment), ARIZ Precision Medicine (targeted cancer drug delivery), Blueberry Therapeutics (fungal nail infection treatment), Cello Therapeutics (biomimetic nanoparticles for immunotherapy), Nanoform (API nanoparticles via CESS technology), Zylo Therapeutics (Z-pods for enhanced bioavailability). Market size expected to grow to $13.9 billion by 2033.

COUR Pharmaceuticals develops therapies to reprogram the immune system for antigen-specific tolerance in immune-mediated diseases. Their nanoparticle platform treats disease roots, not just symptoms, with a lead product for celiac disease showing promise in inducing immune tolerance.

Lundbeck to acquire Longboard Pharmaceuticals for $2.6bn, aiming to bolster its neuro-rare franchise with Longboard's leading drug, bexicaserin, targeting rare epilepsies. The deal is expected to close in Q4 2024, subject to regulatory approvals and conditions.

Tulisokibart maintained clinical and endoscopic improvements in IBD patients through week 50 in phase II trial extensions, with 48% of ulcerative colitis patients and 56% of Crohn's disease patients achieving clinical remission. The drug was well-tolerated with no identified safety signals.