Takeda expands into Canada

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc. has announced the establishment of Takeda Canada Inc., expanding the company's North American presence into the world's eighth largest pharmaceutical market.

Takeda Canada will be headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, west of Toronto, one of the top three biotech areas in North America. "Aiming to realize itself as a world-class pharmaceutical company, Takeda is striving to reinforce a global operating infrastructure including expanding its own sales channels. Takeda's entrance into Canada is a significant step in expanding Takeda's North American presence," said Yasuchika Hasegawa, president of Takeda. "Takeda Canada's primary goal will be to help bring important medicines to the patients in Canada who need them." Currently, Takeda focuses on therapeutic areas that include diabetes, cardiovascular disease, central nervous system disorders, gastroenterology, bone and joint disorders, chronic kidney disease/anemia and gynecological disorders. Takeda Canada will register and commercialize medicines from Takeda's portfolio of primary care and specialty products. Takeda Canada intends to file its first New Drug Submission (NDS) with the Canadian Health Authority by the end of 2009. "Our government is pleased to welcome Takeda Pharmaceuticals to Ontario - we're proud that Takeda chose Ontario to be the home of their Canadian headquarters," said Sandra Pupatello, minister of International Trade and Investment. "This decision speaks to our highly skilled workforce, leadership in innovation, and competitive business climate." Daaron Dohler will serve as the general manager and president of the new entity as of April 1, 2009. Dohler's recent responsibilities at Takeda have included leading Takeda's Global Alliance Research department and creating Takeda's Global Alliance Management organization. During his career in the pharmaceutical industry, he has worked in a variety of different roles including marketing, business development, new drug development, and operations. Dohler received his MBA from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management and his undergraduate degree from Northwestern University.