Astellas announces release of new drug in home country

Astellas has revealed that Vesicare, its treatment for overactive bladders (OAB), will be released in its native Japan after it secured marketing approval from several other countries, including approximately 20 in Europe.

OAB is caused when the smooth muscle of the bladder contracts too much, which forces more frequent toilet journeys and increases the sense of sudden urgency. In Japan it affects 12 per cent of men and women aged over 40. According to the UK’s Cystitis and Overactive Bladder Foundation, it predominantly affects women.

Vesicare works by relaxing the bladder muscles by blocking the muscarinic receptors of the smooth muscle. Astellas describes it as its “global strategic product”.

A statement from the company read: “Astellas is confident that Vesicare will also contribute to the quality of life of patients in Japan as a new treatment option of OAB.”

Astellas employs approximately 15,000 people worldwide. Its European headquarters are based in Staines, Middlesex, where it employs 250 people. The company is also the home of Astellas Pharma, the sales and marketing division of the UK.

The company is Japan’s second largest pharmaceuticals company, behind Takeda. The country accounts for 11 per cent of the global market, according to Reuters. Astellas made a donation of 10 million yen (47,475 pounds) on Tuesday to support the victims of the earthquake in Indonesia.

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