Takeda to launch vaccine division on 1 January 2012

Published: 6-Dec-2011

Appoints Rajeev Venkayya to head the new business


Takeda Pharmaceutical Company plans to launch a Vaccine Business Division on 1 January 2012 and has appointed Rajeev Venkayya to head the business.

Takeda said it would make alliances to support the global expansion of its vaccine business.

The move follows the acquisition of Nycomed, which has a strong business infrastructure in Europe and emerging markets and is expected to support Takeda’s global vaccine business expansion.

Takeda has been an important supplier of paediatric vaccines in Japan for more than 60 years. Recent advances include clinical testing of the Haemophilus Influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine and the development of a combination vaccine containing a Sabin-inactivated poliovirus (s-IPV) vaccine, which is likely to play an important role in polio eradication.

Takeda is also developing a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and is making preparations for the production and supply of vaccines against new types of influenza.

Venkayya assumes his new position on 15 January. He is currently director of vaccine delivery in the Global Health Programme at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

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