Astellas confirms 'discussions' with Kaketsuken

Reacting to media coverage today that Japanese drug major Astellas Pharma (TYO: 4503) is in negotiations with the Chemo-Sero-Therapeutic Research Institute (Kaketsuken) with regards to acquiring certain assets of the latter, the company issued an announcement that reports are not based on information disclosed by Astellas,

“Although it is a fact that Astellas is currently discussing with Kaketsuken for the transfer of Kaketsuken’s business to Astellas, there is nothing decided at this moment,” according to a brief statement for the drugmaker.

Media reports today, quoting informed sources, said that Kaketsuken is negotiating with Astellas on the sale of its vaccine and blood products manufacturing operations. Kaketsuken is struggling to recover from findings that it falsified data and used unauthorized ingredients over a four-decade span, the Nikkei Asian Review noted in its report.