Takeda pledges relief contributions following Japan earthquake

Takeda has announced that it will be offering emergency relief contributions to the Japanese Red Cross Society following the major earthquake that hit the country last week.

The pharmaceutical company has offered 300 million yen (2.27 million pounds) to help address the widespread devastation affecting prefectures such as Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima after the seismic activity and resulting tsunami on March 11th 2011.

In addition to this, the firm is planning to contribute a variety of pharmaceutical products to aid relief efforts, as well as any other contributions that are viable for Takeda.

A statement from the company said: "We sincerely wish the safety of the people affected by this earthquake and the earliest possible recovery of the relevant region."

Other pharmaceutical firms to pledge financial support to Japanese earthquake victims include Eisai and Astellas, which will contribute sums of 200 million yen and 100 million yen respectively.

Meanwhile, Daiichi Sankyo will also offer 100 million yen in funding, as well as organising a matching gifts programme for employee donations.