Takeda announces phase III trial of TAK-491

Takeda Pharmaceutical has announced that its investigational drug, TAK-491, has begun phase III of clinical development in Europe and the US.

An angiotensin receptor blocker, the compound interferes with a vasopressor hormone known as angiotensin II to reduce blood pressure in patients.

The firm forecasts that compared to existing angiotensin receptor blockers available on the market, the compound will show improved action against hypertension while also having an improved profile in decreasing proteinuria and boosting insulin resistance in patients.

Masaomi Miyamoto, general manager of the pharmaceutical development division of Takeda, said: “We are pleased with the progress of TAK-491’s development stage into phase III as this compound is expected to succeed our current mainstay product, Candesartan.”

He added that, together with its existing drug pioglitazone HCl and a number of other products in phase III of clinical development, including TAK-475 and SYR-322, the compound will boost the company’s presence in a number of key therapeutic areas, such as diabetes, metabolic conditions and hypertension.

TAK-491 entered phase II of clinical trials in Europe in July 2006, with the company predicting that successful development and launch of the drug could make it the most effective angiotensin receptor blocker on the market.