Takeda Canada supports Quebec early clinical research initiative with contribution to CATALIS

CATALIS public-private partnership aims to double private investment in Quebec research by 2022

OAKVILLE, ON, June 5, 2018 /CNW/ - Takeda Canada has joined other industry and government partners by contributing financial support to CATALIS, an important and comprehensive program to promote investment in early clinical research in Quebec. The announcement is being made in advance of this year's BIO International Convention where Takeda Canada will have an important presence.

The aim of the contribution by Takeda Canada is to help more Quebec patients have access to innovative therapies through early clinical studies while building the institutional network required to support this important healthcare initiative.

"We are very pleased to have Takeda Canada join in supporting the work of CATALIS to benefit both Quebec patients and hospital research centres," said Danika Laberge, General Director of CATALIS. "For our work to be successful, it is vital to have such strong partnerships so we can bring together the many players involved in ensuring a dynamic environment for early clinical research in Quebec."

CATALIS was launched in 2017 and is supported by the Government of Quebec and other innovative pharmaceutical companies with the aim of doubling private investment in early clinical research in Quebec by 2022. CATALIS has three founding academic centres: the Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) and the Sainte-Justine Mother and Child University Hospital Centre (CHU Sainte-Justine). Other institutions in Quebec are expected to also join the CATALIS initiative.

"At Takeda Canada we are committed to meeting the needs of Canadian patients and we are very pleased to support the work of CATALIS because a strong network for early clinical research is important for patients," said Gamze Yüceland, President of Takeda Canada. "The easier we make it for investment in this work to be made in Quebec, the more studies will be available for the benefit of Quebec patients."

About CATALIS
CATALIS is the materialization of the early stage clinical trials (ESCT) initiative, a vast project initiated by Montréal InVivo and its members to position Quebec as a global leader in clinical research. The CATALIS initiative is financially supported by the Québec government through "Quebec Life Sciences Strategy 2017-2027," and by the following organizations: GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Takeda, Abbvie, Merck, Servier, The Fonds de recherche du Québec – Santé (FRQS), and Innovative Medicines Canada. In order to achieve its objectives of doubling private investments in early clinical research in Quebec by 2022, CATALIS has developed, with its partners, a 5-year plan that focuses on healthcare institutions operational excellence, as well as promotion of their expertise internationally. For more information, visit www.catalisquebec.com.

About Takeda
Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE: 4502) is a global, research and development-driven pharmaceutical company committed to bringing better health and a brighter future to patients by translating science into life-changing medicines. Takeda focuses its R&D efforts on oncology, gastroenterology and neuroscience therapeutic areas plus vaccines. Takeda conducts R&D both internally and with partners to stay at the leading edge of innovation. Innovative products, especially in oncology and gastroenterology, as well as Takeda's presence in emerging markets, are currently fueling the growth of Takeda. Around 30,000 Takeda employees are committed to improving quality of life for patients, working with Takeda's partners in health care in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit https://www.takeda.com/newsroom/.

Takeda Canada, located in Oakville, Ontario, is the Canadian sales and marketing organization of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. Takeda Canada is delivering better health for Canadians through leading innovations in gastroenterology and oncology. Additional information about Takeda Canada is available at takeda.com/en-ca.

SOURCE Takeda Canada Inc.

For further information: Media contact: Natacha Raphael, Corporate Communications, Takeda Canada Inc., Tel: [phone], [e-mail]