Takeda launches Phase III testing of hypertension drug TAK-491

Takeda reported Thursday that its experimental hypertension drug, TAK-491, entered Phase III development. Spokesman Toshiyuki Ikeuchi remarked that the company has not yet decided when it may seek approval for the treatment in the US and Europe.

The drugmaker noted that the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) is being developed as a successor to the company's Blopress (candesartan), and "is expected to show stronger anti-hypertensive action, and also to have superior profile in improving the insulin resistance and decreasing proteinuria," compared to currently marketed ARBs.

Blopress had sales of over 206 billion yen ($1.7 billion) during the 12-month period ended March 31.

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