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Yakult Reduces Oncology Portfolio As It Looks Towards Microbiome

Multiple Products Transferred

 
• By Lisa Takagi

The Japanese firm has decided to shrink its oncology portfolio by transferring its rights to oxaliplatin in Japan, along with a portfolio of generics, to Takata. Though Yakult will maintain an interest in the area through irinotecan and several other anticancers, its has said future R&D investment will shift more towards the microbiome.

Yakult plans to transfer Elplat’s sales and distribution operations to Takata by April 2024.
Yakult plans to transfer cancer drug Elplat to Takata by April 2024 • Source: Shutterstock

After years of struggle, Yakult Honsha Co. Ltd. has decided to shrink its oncology portfolio and tighten the focus of its future pharmaceutical business on microbiome-related therapies.

The diversified Japanese firm recently announced the transfer of its license in Japan for its mainstay antitumor drug Elplat (oxaliplatin; licensed from Debiopharm S.A. to Takata Seiyaku Co. Ltd

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