Reported Japan Plan To Cut Drug Subsidies Expected To Hit Astellas, Takeda Hardest (Japan)

Major Japanese pharmaceuticals Astellas and Takeda stand to suffer the most from the government's decision to reduce subsidies for prescription drugs. The government reportedly acted in response to medicine sales that are double those of last year. Takeda makes Blopress (candesartan cilexetil) and Astellas' Micardis (hydrochlorothiaze; telmisartin) for treating high blood pressure. Blopress is the country's best-seller in the hypertension and depression segments, and a prime target for the government cuts. Reports say the government plan includes reducing the prices of popular drugs by 15 to 20 percent under new price caps. (Click here for more