Eisai, Takeda Rely On U.S. Bioventures To Cover Patent Loss

At least two major Japanese drug makers are counting on U.S. bioventures to provide them with products they need to replace income now produced by big-selling drugs. Eisai's takeover of MGI Pharma earlier this year gave it new cancer-fighting candidates, giving Eisai entry into an arm of the market considered to have high-growth potential. Takeda's more recent acquisition of Millennium Pharmaceuticals gave it access to cancer and anti-nausea drugs. Although their incomes are relatively small, the U.S. bioventures are expected to defray losses from Japanese drugs about to lose their patent protection. (Click here for more - a subscription may be required