Takeda hypertension drug enters phase II

Takeda has announced the initiation of a phase II clinical trial of its investigational drug TAK-536 as a treatment for hypertension.

It is expected that the compound will show improved anti-hypertensive action compared to existing angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) on the market, while also displaying a superior profile in renal protective action and increased insulin resistance.

TAK-536 is an ARB discovered by Takeda that inhibits the action of vasopressor hormone Angiotensin II in order to lower blood pressure in hypertension patients.

Masaomi Miyamoto, general manager of the pharmaceutical development division of Takeda, said: “We are pleased with the progress of TAK-536’s development stage into phase II in Japan as this compound is expected to succeed Blopress (candesartan cilexetil).

“[Blopress] is an ARB and one of our international strategic products and also is one of the leading anti-hypertensive products in Japan.”

He added that the company would look to increase the pace of the development of TAK-536 to boost its presence in this therapeutic field.

In July 2007, Takeda announced that its ARB TAK-491 had begun phase III of clinical development in the EU, with the firm forecasting that the compound will have an improved profile in decreasing proteinuria in patients in addition to boosting insulin resistance.