Latest Japan Approvals Include Entyvio, Imfinzi, World-First Indication

Takeda’s global blockbuster GI drug Entyvio has been approved in Japan, although its local sales prospects appear limited, while two novel cancer drugs from AstraZeneca and a world-first indication have also been cleared by the health ministry.

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NEW JAPAN APPROVALS INCLUDE ENTYVIO, IMFINZI • Source: Shutterstock

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.’s blockbuster gastrointestinal drug Entyvio (vedolizumab) has been approved in Japan, as a treatment and maintenance therapy for moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) in patients with an inadequate response to conventional (TNF-alpha antagonist) treatment.

The product was given formal clearance by the country's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare following an earlier positive review panel recommendation in a batch of final approvals that also...

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