OREANDA-NEWS. Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (“Takeda”) today announced that it has entered into an agreement with the Chemo-Sero-Therapeutic Research Institute (Head Office: Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture; “Kaketsuken”) for distribution of Kaketsuken’s seasonal influenza vaccine (Influenza HA Vaccine “KAKETSUKEN,”) in Japan, beginning in the upcoming season, 2015-2016. Takeda will continue to distribute the seasonal influenza vaccine, Influenza HA Vaccine “SEIKEN,” manufactured by Denka Seiken.

Seasonal influenza typically occurs from early winter through early spring.  Although most people quickly recover, there is a risk of progression to pneumonia, bronchitis and life-threatening severe complications, particularly in elderly individuals. As vaccination can protect against influenza infection and suppress the severity of symptoms, the Preventive Vaccination Law in Japan stipulates that the elderly are to receive regular vaccination. Given the aging population in Japan, the demand for seasonal influenza vaccine is increasing.

“We are pleased to have concluded a sales agreement on seasonal influenza vaccine with Kaketsuken. The Agreement will bolster our supply of influenza vaccine and allow us to meet the demand of as many patients and medical professionals as possible,” said Hitoshi Oinuma, Head of the Japan Vaccine Business Unit of Takeda. “This agreement reinforces Takeda’s commitment to public health in Japan.”

In 2014, Takeda received approval for the new drug application of Cell Culture-based Influenza vaccine for prevention of pandemic influenza, and is currently developing a cell culture-based seasonal influenza vaccine (Development code: TAK-850).