Globalization: 1985-1999

In 1985, Takeda formed TAP Pharmaceuticals Inc. in the U.S. in a 50:50 joint venture with Abbott Laboratories. TAP began marketing the prostate cancer treatment Lupron® in the same year.

In 1988, Tsukuba Research Laboratories became Takeda's second research base, coupled with the one in Osaka. These laboratories conduct basic research using cutting-edge technologies.

In 1989, Lupron Depot® was launched. Effective for one full month with a single dose, this was the successor to Lupron®. It is now sold in around 80 countries worldwide and is considered a gold standard therapy for prostate cancer. Also on the market in the U.S. now is a 4-month Depot (one dose every 4 months).

In 1991, the proton pump inhibitor and anti-peptic ulcer agent Lansoprazole was launched in Europe. The success of Lupron Depot® and Prevacid® helped Takeda solidify its position as a global pharmaceutical manufacturer. These two drugs each had worldwide sales exceeding
$1 billion and had given Takeda a firm business foundation in the U.S. and Europe. In recent years, we further solidified our overseas bases to prepare for our new blockbuster drugs aiming for greater business expansion.

In 1995, LI Takeda Ltd. was established as a special subsidiary, operating under the management mission of being a friendly company for workers with disabilities. It was the first company of its kind in the Japanese pharmaceutical industry.

In 1997, the angiotensin II receptor antagonist and anti-hypertensive agent Candesartan was launched in Europe. It is a revolutionary hypertension treatment which has gained an excellent reputation in around 60 countries worldwide.

In 1997, Takeda UK Limited was established in London as a wholly owned pharmaceutical marketing subsidiary.

In 1997, Takeda Ireland Limited was established as a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant to help meet the then sharp increase in demand in the international markets.

In 1997, Takeda America Research & Development Center Inc., a pharmaceutical development company was established.

Also that year, Takeda America Holdings, Inc., a holding company for Takeda U.S. pharmaceutical business was established.

In 1998, Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. (now Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.), a wholly owned pharmaceutical marketing company in the U.S. was established and began marketing the insulin sensitizer Actos® in the following year.

In 1998, Takeda Europe Research & Development Centre Ltd. (now Takeda Global Research® Development Centre (Europe), Ltd.), a pharmaceutical development company was established in the U.K.

In 1999, the Pioglitazone Hydrochloride insulin sensitizer Actos®, an antidiabetic agent that decreases insulin resistance is launched in the U.S. and Japan.