Published: February 03, 2011
New Co-Promotion Agreements For Rheumatoid Arthritis Products In Japan
NEW YORK - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Pfizer Japan Inc. ("Pfizer," headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo) and Takeda
Pharmaceutical Company Limited ("Takeda," headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo)
announced today an agreement to extend the period for co-promotion in
Japan for the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) drug Enbrel (generic name:
etanercept). The companies also signed a new co-promotion agreement in
Japan for the investigational drug tofacitinib (development code:
CP-690,550), formerly known as tasocitinib, which is being studied for
multiple inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis. The
co-promotion agreement between Takeda and Pfizer for Tofacitinib is for
RA and certain other potential indications in Japan. Pfizer will receive
a milestone payment from Takeda at the launch of Tofacitinib and Takeda
will receive a percentage of sales (based on certain conditions
specified in the contract) as a co-promotion fee from Pfizer.
Contractual details are not disclosed.
"We are looking forward to the next phase of our successful partnership
with Takeda," said Michael Goettler, regional president of Asia-Pacific
and Japan Head, Specialty Care Business Unit, Pfizer. "We are proud of
our current inflammation product portfolio, and excited about the
prospect of bringing new innovative treatments to our patients."
Enbrel binds with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha - a
cytokine*), inhibiting its activity, and with lymphotoxin alpha (another
cytokine), and reduces RA inflammation. The drug is currently approved
in over 80 countries worldwide and is used by over 600,000 patients,
including patients using the drug for indications other than RA.
Tofacitinib is a novel, oral Janus kinase (JAK)** inhibitor that is
being investigated as a targeted immunomodulator in RA, psoriasis and
other indications. Unlike current therapies for RA, tofacitinib takes a
novel approach, targeting the intracellular signaling pathways that
operate as hubs in the inflammatory cytokine network. Currently, in
Japan, Pfizer is carrying out Phase 3 clinical trials of the
investigational drug for RA and, in other countries, the company is also
studying tofacitinib in psoriasis, Crohn's disease and ulcerative
colitis.
"With these new contracts, we will be able to further strengthen our
initiatives in the rheumatoid arthritis field," said Yasuhiko Yamanaka,
a member of the board, senior vice president, Pharmaceutical Marketing
Division of Takeda. "Takeda and Pfizer together provide Enbrel to
patients suffering from RA, and if the development program is
successful, we look forward to offering a new treatment option. We are
committed to further contribution to treatments for RA therapy."
* A generic name for proteins which are released from cells and mediate
cell-cell interactions. They play a key role in immunity, inflammation
and biological defense.
** Tyrosine kinase is related to autoimmune diseases, such as RA, and
plays a key role in signaling related to cell growth and differentiation
(tyrosine kinase: an enzyme which adds phosphoric acid to tyrosine, one
of amino acids that make up proteins)
About Pfizer Japan
Pfizer Japan Inc. has been working for a healthier world by providing
pharmaceutical and animal health products since our establishment in
1953. We provide drugs that cover a wide range of disease categories,
including cardiovascular, inflammation, central nervous system,
infectious disease, urology, ophthalmology, oncology, endocrinology and
vaccine etc. For further information, please visit us at www.pfizer.co.jp.
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 strive towards better health for patients worldwide through
leading innovation in medicine. Additional information about Takeda is
available through its corporate website, www.takeda.com.
Pfizer Inc.: Working together for a healthier world
At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to improve health
and well-being at every stage of life. We strive to set the standard for
quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and
manufacturing of medicines for people and animals. Our diversified
global health care portfolio includes human and animal biologic and
small molecule medicines and vaccines, as well as nutritional products
and many of the world's best-known consumer products. Every day, Pfizer
colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance
wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most
feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as the
world's leading biopharmaceutical company, we also collaborate with
health care providers, governments and local communities to support and
expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For
more than 150 years, Pfizer has worked to make a difference for all who
rely on us. To learn more about our commitments, please visit us at www.pfizer.com.
PFIZER DISCLOSURE NOTICE: The information contained in this
release is as of February 3, 2011. Pfizer assumes no obligation
to update forward-looking statements contained in this release as the
result of new information or future events or developments.
This release contains forward-looking information about new
co-promotion agreements and a product in development, tofacitinib,
including their potential benefits, that involves substantial risks and
uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties include, among other things,
the uncertainties inherent in research and development; decisions by
regulatory authorities regarding whether and when to approve any drug
applications that may be filed for tofacitinib as well as their
decisions regarding labeling and other matters that could affect its
availability or commercial potential; and competitive developments.
A further description of risks and uncertainties can be found in
Pfizer's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December
31, 2009 and in its reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K.

Pfizer Japan Inc.
Communications, Specialty Care Business
Unit
03-5309-6054
or
Pfizer Media:
Gwendolyn
E. Fisher
484-865-5160
215-407-1548
Gwen.Fisher@pfizer.com
or
Pfizer
Investor:
Jennifer M. Davis
212-733-0717
Jennifer.M.Davis@pfizer.com
or
Takeda
Pharmaceutical Company Limited
Corporate Communications
03-3278-2037
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