Drug combining selective DPP-4 inhibitor and selective SGLT2 inhibitor

  Tokyo, November 28, 2017 -MSD K.K. (President: Jannie Oosthuizen; “MSD”) and Astellas Pharma Inc. (President and CEO: Yoshihiko Hatanaka; “Astellas”) today announced that they have concluded a co-promotion agreement (“the Agreement”) for a combination drug of the DPP-4 inhibitor sitagliptin phosphate hydrate (brand name: JANUVIA® Tablets) and the SGLT2 inhibitor ipragliflozin L-Proline (brand name: Suglat® Tablets) for the treatment of type-2 diabetes in Japan (MSD has submitted an application for the treatment of type-2 diabetes in Japan). The two companies concluded a basic agreement on co-development and co-commercialization of the drug in Japan in 2015.

  MSD will obtain the marketing approval for the drug, and Astellas will distribute it. And MSD and Astellas will jointly provide information to medical institutions according to the Agreement.

  JANUVIA® Tablet is the first selective DPP-4 inhibitor in Japan manufactured and marketed by MSD. This once-daily inhibitor selectively inhibits DPP-4 and increases the active incretin levels, thus demonstrating glucosedependent glucose-lowering effect. Suglat® Tablet is the first selective SGLT2 inhibitor in Japan manufactured and marketed by Astellas. With once-daily administration, it selectively inhibits SGLT2 and blocks renal glucose reuptake, thus demonstrating non-insulin-dependent glucose-lowering effect. The combination of these two drugs with different mechanisms of action for the treatment of type-2 diabetes is expected to improve adherence by reducing patients’ burden of taking drugs.

  MSD and Astellas look forward to further contributing to the treatment of diabetes by offering a new treatment option for type-2 diabetes patients who have difficulty controlling blood sugar levels with monotherapy.

END

About MSD
For more than a century, MSD, a leading global biopharmaceutical company, has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for the world’s most challenging diseases. MSD is a trade name of Merck & Co., Inc., with headquarters in Kenilworth, N.J., U.S.A. Through our prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies and animal health products, we work with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. We also demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to health care through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. Today, MSD continues to be at the forefront of research to advance the prevention and treatment of diseases that threaten people and communities around the world - including cancer, cardio-metabolic diseases, emerging animal diseases, Alzheimer’s disease and infectious diseases including HIV and Ebola. For more information, visit www.msd.co.jp and connect with us on Facebook or YouTube.

About Astellas
Astellas Pharma Inc., based in Tokyo, Japan, is a company dedicated to improving the health of people around the world through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products. We focus on Urology, Oncology, Immunology, Nephrology and Neuroscience as prioritized therapeutic areas while advancing new therapeutic areas and discovery research leveraging new technologies/modalities. We are also creating new value by combining internal capabilities and external expertise in the medical/healthcare business. Astellas is on the forefront of healthcare change to turn innovative science into value for patients. For more information, please visit our website at https://www.astellas.com/en.

Cautionary Notes (Astellas)

In this press release, statements made with respect to current plans, estimates, strategies and beliefs and other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements about the future performance of Astellas. These statements are based on management’s current assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to it and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: (i) changes in general economic conditions and in laws and regulations, relating to pharmaceutical markets, (ii) currency exchange rate fluctuations, (iii) delays in new product launches, (iv) the inability of Astellas to market existing and new products effectively, (v) the inability of Astellas to continue to effectively research and develop products accepted by customers in highly competitive markets, and (vi) infringements of Astellas’ intellectual property rights by third parties. Information about pharmaceutical products (including products currently in development) which is included in this press release is not intended to constitute an advertisement or medical advice.

Media Contact
Communication Office, MSD K. K.
TEL: +81-3-6272-1001
HP: http://www.msd.co.jp

Communication Group, Astellas Pharma Inc.
TEL: +81-3-3244-3201
HP: https://www.astellas.com/en.

Contact the Media Relations team
Communications & Investor Relations
Main phone line for Media: +81-3244-3201 
Business hours (JST)
From Monday to Thursday: 8:45 am to 5:45 pm, Friday: 8:45 am to 4:00 pm
(closed on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays and company holidays)