Japan Approves Wyeth and Takeda Arthritis Treatment

The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has cleared a rheumatoid arthritis treatment developed by US drugmaker Wyeth and local drug major Takeda, according to international reports. Enbrel (etanercept), an anti-TNF receptor indicated for patients who have failed to respond to alternative therapies, will be jointly marketed in Japan by the two companies. The drug is reportedly already approved in 70 countries for various other indications.