Takeda has introduced rare disease therapies from Shire’s portfolio in India and appears to be shifting gears in a market where it has long adopted a measured approach. But pricing and access to these products pose challenges that the Japanese multinational will need to address.

Takeda has shuffled certain key executive positions in the ICMEA (India, CIS, the Middle East and Africa) region where it hopes to sharpen its focus, while also emerging more agile as the integration with Shire advances.

Novartis’ Entresto has had a strong run in India, with two second brands in tow, while itraconazole and azilsartan therapies are among the other recent introductions that have gained traction in a competitive market.