Takeda’s pioglitazone diabetes therapies win European backing

Takeda has announced that its pioglitazone-containing medicines for type 2 diabetes have had their overall benefits ratified by the European Commission.

The body has adopted the European Medicines Agency Committee for Medical Products for Human Use's opinion that pioglitazone remains a valid treatment option for certain diabetes patients, despite its potential associated risks.

It was also concluded that any risks can be reduced through label changes and updated guidance on contraindications, which will allow physicians to exercise appropriate patient selection and exclusion methods.

Other recommendations include discussions between patients and healthcare providers over whether pioglitazone is the right option, as well as periodic reviews of safety and efficacy.

"Takeda continues to remain confident in the therapeutic benefits of pioglitazone as an important treatment for type 2 diabetes," the company said.

Recently, the company began a phase III clinical study of TAK-875, a new therapy for type 2 diabetes that represents the first GPR40 agonist therapy to reach late-stage clinical development.