Takeda’s Actos ‘halts atherosclerosis progression’

Research into carotid intima-media thickness in atherosclerosis (Chicago) published this week has shown that Actos (pioglitazone HCl), developed by Takeda, stops the development of atherosclerosis for sufferers of type-two diabetes.

The results were announced at the scientific sessions conference of the American Heart Association, coinciding with the early publication of the online version of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Theodore Mazzone, professor of medicine and director of the section of endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism at the University of Illinois at Chicago, said: “The Chicago study is another interesting piece of the puzzle, adding to the understanding of how pioglitazone may confer benefits beyond glycemic control.”

He added that despite the forceful treatment of cardiovascular risks in diabetes sufferers, there still exists a higher risk of heart disease for these patients, with further research being essential.

Actos received marketing authorisation in the European Union in October 2000.

The InPharm Guide to Pharma Careers 2007 reported that Takeda was the top medium UK pharmaceutical company, with a sales growth of 25 per cent in January and June compared with the same time last year.

Takeda markets two products in the UK, Actos and Amias.