Takeda Begins Developing Treatment for COVID-19

Japanese pharmaceutical giant Takeda has launched development efforts on anti-SARS-CoV-2 polyclonal hyperimmune globulin (H-IG) aimed at treating SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. In treatment phases, Takeda will utilize hyperimmune globulins derived from plasma. Hyperimmune globulins are considered an important therapeutic option for COVID-19 given their previous effectiveness in treating severe acute viral respiratory infections. Takeda, which has over 75 years of experience in developing plasma-derived products, continues work on research, development and manufacturing of a potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 Polyclonal H-IG designated TAK-888, while also investigating whether any currently marketed or in-development Takeda products may be effective treatments for COVID-19 patients. To advance TAK-888 research rapidly, Takeda is engaging in discussions with various national health and regulatory authorities in the United States, Asia and Europe. To advance this research, plasma must be obtained from individuals who have successfully recovered from COVID-19 or have been vaccinated after vaccine development. These convalescent donors have developed antibodies with the potential to reduce and even prevent disease severity in COVID-19 patients against the virus. H-IG functions by focusing on pathogen-specific antibodies obtained from plasma sourced from recovered patients or vaccinated donors.

Takeda's expert team believes that by transferring antibodies to a new patient, this person's immune system can be helped to respond to infection and recovery chances can be improved.

Since it is unlikely that plasma required for TAK-888 can be sourced from current plasma donors, Takeda will initially manufacture the treatment in a separate area within its production facility in Georgia. Dr. Chris Morabito, Head of Research and Development at Takeda's Plasma-Derived Therapies Business Unit, commented on the work being conducted: "Plasma-derived medicines are critical, life-saving medicines on which thousands of people with rare and complex diseases around the world pin their hopes every day. Our legacy, combined with our scale, expertise and capabilities, positions Takeda in an important position to transform the potential of plasma-derived treatments like TAK-888 into reality." Dr. Rajeev Venkayya, Head of Takeda's Vaccine Business Unit and Co-Chair of the company's COVID-19 Response Team, spoke about the efforts: "As a company dedicated to the health and welfare of people worldwide, we will do everything in our power against the new coronavirus threat. We are hopeful that we can expand treatment options for COVID-19 patients and those caring for them." COVID-19 is a disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that can cause pneumonia and has resulted in over 3,000 deaths globally since its initial discovery. To date, no vaccine or treatment has been approved for use in preventing or treating COVID-19. Working to ensure its patients have a brighter and healthier future, Takeda will continue treatment research with priority given to combating COVID-19, utilizing an internal working group composed of company experts in public health, vaccines, plasma-derived therapies and research and development.