Teva Announces New Strategic Focus in the Japanese Market

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. who holds (through its Japanese affiliates) with Takeda a joint business venture in the Japanese market, announced a new strategy for its local commercial operations. Nearly five years since its inception, and following an in-depth review of market opportunities, the BV’s new strategy will focus on commercializing a selection of complex generics, specialty assets and other pipeline opportunities.

This shift will include a divestment of the majority of the BV’s generic and operational assets to Nichi-Iko Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. This transaction is expected to close by early 2021.

The BV will retain approximately 20 generic molecules and several pipeline assets, as well as its robust portfolio of authorized generics, LLPs and specialty assets. The BV will seek to address unmet patient needs with products from its portfolio and pipeline and will continue to combine Teva’s deep marketing expertise, commercial and medical excellence, coupled with financial rigor, with Takeda’s leading brand reputation and strong distribution presence in Japan.

Gianfranco Nazzi, Executive Vice President, International Markets Commercial, said: “The Teva and Takeda business venture has always aimed to address the wide-ranging needs of patients and healthcare professionals in Japan. Our new strategy will allow each of the parties to leverage its core strengths, and ultimately better serve the Japanese patients. For Teva, and in line with the company’s strategic objectives, the new model presents a chance to drive better performance by focusing our Japan business on a portfolio of select generics and pipeline of specialty assets, while continuing to put patients and healthcare professionals at the center of our strategy.”