Japan's Takeda Pharmaceutical recently announced it has entered into an agreement to sell its majority shareholding of 51.34% in Guangdong Techpool Bio-Pharma Co (Techpool), a leader in the research, discovery and marketing of urinary protein biopharmaceuticals and production of biopharmaceuticals in critical care.

The agreement remains subject to approval from the State Administration for Market Regulation in the People’s Republic of China. The Base Payment for the purchase price of Takeda’s shareholding is US$280 million.

“This agreement provides Takeda with even greater focus to continue to meet the unmet needs of patients in China, and maintain our position as ‘best-in-class’ in our global therapeutic areas of focus, especially Gastroenterology and Oncology,” said Sean Shan, President, Takeda China and Area Head, Takeda Greater China. “Takeda is committed to China and will continue to strive to keep patients at the center of everything we do, both locally and across the globe.”

The Emerging Markets, including China, are a key growth driver for Takeda with recent local government reforms by China’s health authorities looking set to accelerate and reward innovation. In partnership with them, Takeda aims to launch up to seven (7) innovative products in the country within the next five years, to help meet the unmet needs of patients. 

“This acquisition marks a strategic milestone for Shanghai Pharma in developing into a branded pharmaceutical manufacturer, and in building a first-class, domestic marketing organization,” commented Mr. Zhou Jun, Chairman of Shanghai Pharma. “We believe via acquisitions such as this, and our overall strategy, Shanghai Pharma has an important role to play in the China government’s ‘Healthy China’ policy.”

Techpool’s portfolio of innovative medicines include: Roan (Ulinastatin for Injection), a treatment for acute and chronic pancreatitis, Kallikrein for mid-moderate acute thrombotic cerebral infarction, and Kailikang® (Urinary Kallidinogenase for Injection). These will remain under the management of Techpool. In addition, all current Techpool operations, and company assets - including its manufacturing facility in Guangzhou province - will continue to be owned and managed by Techpool, and its current staff will be retained as Techpool employees. 

“The divestment to our current JV partners also ensures the uninterrupted supply of Techpool’s portfolio of medicines to patients, who are our primary focus,” concluded Mr. Shan.