Takeda applies for EU approval of new hypertension drug

Takeda has submitted an application for European marketing approval of azilsartan medoxomil, a developmental treatment for essential hypertension.

The European Medicines Agency has validated the company's marketing authorisation application for assessment, meaning the drug is now under regulatory review in both the EU and US.

Azilsartan medoxomil was discovered by Takeda and is an angiotensin II receptor blocker that helps to lower blood pressure by blocking the action of a certain vasopressor hormone.

The firm's application is supported by data from phase III clinical studies, which show the treatment's efficacy in reducing systolic blood pressure rates among hypertension patients.

Dr Suhail Nurbhai, vice-president and head of clinical science at the Takeda Global Research and Development Centre in Europe, said: "We believe azilsartan medoxomil, once approved, will provide clinicians in Europe with an important additional treatment for patients with essential hypertension."

In August 2010, the company announced plans to apply for regulatory approval of Hematide, its new treatment for anaemia.