Japan's Taiho Pharma sets up operations in Canada

Taiho Pharmaceutical, a subsidiary of Japanese drug major Otsuka Pharmaceutical (TYO: 4768), has established its own subsidiary, Taiho Pharma Canada. The Canadian operations will be managed by Taiho Oncology Inc, the US R&D and commercial operations of the Taiho Group, based in Princeton, New Jersey.

The establishment of Taiho Pharma Canada was motivated by the recent successful New Drug Application approval and commercial launch of Lonsurf (trifluridine and tipiracil hydrochloride), Taiho's first cancer product in the USA. Taiho Pharma Canada will prepare for an NDA submission and for potential commercialization of the product in Canada.

"We are delighted to establish our permanent presence in Canada," said Ross Glover, vice president and general manager of Taiho Pharma Canada, adding: "We believe Taiho Pharma Canada has a great deal to contribute to the health and well-being of Canadians and we look forward to building a strong presence in Canada."