Takeda Attacks Coronavirus

Rajeev Venkayya, President of Takeda’s Global Vaccine Business Unit, has announced that Takeda is “initiating the development of an anti-SARS-CoV-2 polyclonal hyperimmune globulin (H-IG) to treat high-risk individuals with COVID-19, which we’re calling TAK-888. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes COVID-19.”

He went on to explain that “Hyperimmune globulin is a plasma derived-therapy that has previously been shown to be effective in the treatment of severe acute viral respiratory infections and could be a treatment option for patients with COVID-19.  We’re collaborating with several health and regulatory agencies and health care partners across the globe to move the research forward…”

He continued, “In parallel, we are also exploring whether currently marketed and pipeline products may be an effective treatment option for infected patients. This will take time, but we are moving as quickly as possible.   In addition, Takeda is partnering with public entities and other pharmaceutical companies through the Innovative Medicines Initiative in Europe to leverage our collective expertise with the hope of developing diagnostics for COVID-19 as well as inhibitors to help prevent future outbreaks, and consider whether the currently approved medicines might be repurposed.” (Source: Takeda Website)