Japan’s top drug maker, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, said yesterday it plans to be the sole marketer of its insomnia drug Ramelteon, marking the first time the company has sold a product in the U.S. on its own.
In the past, the company has worked in conjunction with Abbot Laboratories to market its drugs in the U.S.
Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, based in Illinois, hopes to release its Ramelteon this fall. DTC and professional advertising will be handled by Abelson-Taylor.
Takeda’s North American arm also plans to boost its number of sales reps to 1,800 in the current year, up from around 1,300.
Takeda submitted an NDA for Ramelteon last fall. The company anticipates FDA approval by Fall 2005.
