Takeda ends Daxas co-promotion deal with Merck Sharpe and Dohme

Takeda and Merck Sharpe and Dohme have jointly agreed to end their co-promotion deal for the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) drug Daxas.

As of December 31st 2011, Merck will return the rights for Daxas to Takeda in all countries covered by the previous arrangement, including several European nations and Canada.

This follows on from the recent acquisition by Takeda of Nycomed, the company responsible for developing the once-daily COPD tablet therapy.

As a result of the significant strengthening of the combined organisation following this merger, Takeda is now able to support the marketing of Daxas in the seven regions through its own sales capabilities.

Takeda's 9.6 billion euro (8.04 billion pounds) takeover of Nycomed was concluded in September 2011 as part of the former company's efforts to strengthen its European market presence.

Dr Frank Morich has been appointed Nycomed's new chief executive officer as it moves forward as a wholly-owned Takeda subsidiary.