Health Care Domain
- Pharma
- Regenerative Medicine
In the Health Care domain, we not only work to provide treatments for diseases but also products and services that help people around the world live longer and healthier lives.
Note: The figures for each segment are based on the results for fiscal 2021.
Health Care: Factors underlying the YoY change in core operating income (loss)
Includes differences in inventory valuation and gains/losses on equity-method investments
Health Care segment
Sales revenue amounted to ¥403.6 billion, a year-on-year increase of ¥13.0 billion, while we recorded a core operating loss of ¥7.0 billion, a decrease of ¥24.9 billion.
The pharmaceuticals business posted increased sales revenue due to growth in the sales volume of priority products, which outweighed the impact of negative factors including National Health Insurance drug price revisions in the Japanese ethical pharmaceuticals market. Core operating income decreased, mainly due to R&D expenditures on the COVID-19 vaccine project. Note that some royalty revenue from Novartis Pharma AG for Gilenya®, a treatment agent for multiple sclerosis, has not been recognized as sales revenue in accordance with IFRS 15 (Revenue from Contracts with Customers) due to the start of arbitration proceedings in February 2019. In fiscal 2021, likewise, some royalty revenue was not recognized as sales revenue due to the ongoing arbitration proceedings.
Development of a VLP vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection
The COVID-19 vaccine COVIFENZ received approval in Canada in February 2022. We have concluded a supply contract with the Canadian government, and preparations for a swift launch of supply are underway. We are also preparing to file for approval in Japan, with Phase 1 and 2 trials launched in October 2021.
The plant-based VLP vaccine is a new type of vaccine produced using VLP manufacturing technology. VLPs have an external structure similar to that of a virus and the vaccine is expected to induce high immunogenicity. Since VLPs do not contain genetic materials, they do not proliferate in the body and are attracting attention as a promising vaccine technology with excellent safety. In addition, plant-derived VLP manufacturing technology is expected to enable mass production in a short period of time.
COVIFENZ is the world’s first plant-based COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, it can be stored and distributed under refrigerated conditions (2–8°C). By delivering the new option of a plant-based VLP vaccine, we will strengthen our contribution to the prevention of infectious diseases, which is an important social issue worldwide.
New ALS treatment option for patients in the United States
In June 2022, we released RADICAVA ORS in the United States. RADICAVA ORS is an oral suspension formulation containing the same active ingredient as Edaravone Infusion RADICUT (RADICAVA in the United States), which is a treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). RADICAVA ORS is specifically formulated for patients with ALS and provides a flexible administration option with a small, 5mL dose (taken orally or via feeding tube), a portable bottle, an oral dosing syringe, and no need for refrigeration or reconstitution.
We undertook its development with the aim of reducing burdens on ALS patients such as injection pain and outpatient visits. Previously, intravenous infusion was the only available route of administration, but now there is the option of taking the drug orally.
