I can extract side effects

In the cherry blossom country in January, it is already deep winter.

In a luxurious office in the headquarters of Takeda Pharmaceuticals in Daban City, Chairman Kazuhisa Takeda stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows, looking at the distant night, frowning and thinking.

Takeda Pharmaceutical is the No. 1 pharmaceutical giant in Asia and the top ten pharmaceutical giants in the world. It is obviously not easy for him to fall into deep thought.

Three years ago, Takeda Pharmaceuticals acquired Shire, a rare disease pharmaceutical giant in Bull Country, through a standard merger of small fish and big fish. 2 times together.

This merger and acquisition made Takeda seem to be on the hook, and its value has been rising all the way. Not only has it jumped into the top ten global pharmaceutical companies, but its sales in the rare disease sector have surpassed Biogen, becoming the number one in the rare disease track, and it has also lifted the patent cliff crisis. , and more importantly, the transformation from chemical drugs to biopharmaceuticals has been realized.

At the same time, this merger also left Takeda with a huge debt of more than 30 billion US dollars.

Since then, Takeda Pharmaceutical has embarked on the road of debt repayment.

The company announced a $10 billion divestiture of non-core assets and sold 21 non-core assets, including its old headquarters, within two years.

Through a series of sell-offs that the outside world saw as a strong man, Takeda’s debt reduction action went steadily and quickly, and soon gained a foothold, achieving the goal of doubling its profits, and its revenue also rose sharply.

Takeda Pharmaceutical’s divestiture of mature products is really a wise move. It not only reduces debts, but also reserves sufficient funds for the research and development of core products, making the company hit hard in the rare disease track one after another, and several products have been listed on the market. orphan drug.

Other multinational giants are also optimistic about this track. Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Roche, etc. have followed closely behind, launching high-value mergers and acquisitions of rare disease pharmaceutical companies.

All of a sudden, all the heroes in the field of rare medicines came together to fight each other.

At this time, Huaxia pharmaceutical giant Sanqing also entered the game with a high profile, and released two breakthrough gene drugs for rare diseases, especially the SMA gene drug, which defeated the sky-high price orphan drugs of Novartis and Roche.

Sanqing also announced that it will continue to develop genetic medicines for rare diseases, and even made a list.

This situation couldn't help but make Takeda Kazuhiu feel bad, as if he was facing a big enemy.

You must know that there are more than 7,000 kinds of rare diseases and more than 300 million patients worldwide. This is a completely untapped blue ocean. It is actually not a big problem for more pharmaceutical companies to enter the market, and it does not constitute too much competition.

But Sanqing, a pharmaceutical company, is quite special and different from other pharmaceutical companies.

It does not develop drugs to alleviate rare diseases like most pharmaceutical companies, hang patients on life-long medication, and maximize profits.

Instead, they directly draw their salaries from the bottom of the pot and develop genetic medicines as soon as they come up, which directly cures patients and completely breaks the root of rare diseases.

It simply doesn't talk about Wude and doesn't make sense!

Most pharmaceutical companies actually have a tacit agreement. They are often more willing to develop drugs for chronic diseases and let patients take them continuously. In this way, patients who continue to take drugs can often contribute profits to pharmaceutical companies for ten, twenty, or even life.

Such drugs are the favorite of pharmaceutical companies.

One of the most obvious examples is that pharmaceutical companies hate the development of antibiotics, because after a patient gets sick, he is cured after taking it a few times, and unless he relapses, he no longer needs to take medicine.

Then pharmaceutical companies will not be able to continue to profit from patients, so they will have little incentive to continue to develop new drugs.

The same is true for common vaccine drugs, one injection does not need to be injected again, and it is no wonder that pharmaceutical companies like it if they are sold with one hammer.

But rare disease drugs are different. Patients are sick from childhood, take medicine since childhood, and can take it until they die.

As long as a drug is developed, not only can it be sold at a high price, but it can continue to be sold like this. It is simply the perfect drug in the hearts of pharmaceutical companies.

However, this tacit understanding was immediately broken by Sanqing.

When Sanqing made a move, it did not develop drugs to alleviate the disease and extract long-term profits, but directly cured all patients.

It not only snatched away the market of other pharmaceutical companies, but also reduced the dimensionality and smashed the whole place with a single blow.

How could this not make them furious, angry, and fearful at the same time.

As the number one giant in rare diseases, Takeda Pharmaceuticals is bound to face the huge impact of Sanqing, so it has to respond.

This is also the reason why Takeda Kazuhisa frowned and thought.

It wasn't until the sun set and the sky was getting dark that Takeda Kazuhiu came back to his senses.

He called several company executives to discuss countermeasures together.

"I believe you have already seen a series of recent moves by China's Sanqing Pharmaceutical. There is no doubt that genetic drugs are attractive to patients. Once there is an interview for genetic drugs, other disease-modifying drugs will completely lose the market."

"The company's current four core therapeutic areas are digestion, blood products, anti-tumor, and rare disease. In the anti-tumor field, we have already had a hard time facing Sanqing, and we are gradually transforming, and now we are focusing on rare diseases. The fields match up."

"The field of rare diseases is the field where the company has invested the most. We must not give up, even if we take a step back."

"At present, the company has launched many innovative drugs for rare diseases, covering hemophilia A, Fabry disease, Gaucher disease, hereditary angioedema and other diseases. Last year, the company launched two innovative products for rare diseases, Ruipujia Hefei Zeyou was successfully included in the China Medical Insurance List. This year, the company is expected to launch 4 innovative drugs for rare diseases in China.”

"All this shows that the Chinese market is very important to the company, and the field of rare diseases is even more important!"

"Although Sanqing has not taken action against our marketed drugs, it will happen sooner or later. Everyone, what measures should we take?"

Takeda Kazuhisa finished speaking in one breath, his eyes scanned the several executives in front of him like lightning, expecting their answers.

The scene suddenly fell into silence.

After a long time, CEO Weber, a capable subordinate of the Gaul Kingdom, was the first to speak calmly and seriously.

"Chairman, Sanqing's strength is very strong, and they are aiming at gene therapy. Judging from the two gene drugs that will be launched soon, they are more willing to choose drugs with high prices, and they are more willing to focus on terminal diseases that have no cure. .There is not much conflict with us in this regard.”

"You know, the price of our rare disease drugs has not been too expensive. Last year, Ruipujia, which was launched in China, brought the annual treatment cost of Fabry's disease to less than one million."

"We have always understood the Huaxia market very well, and dare to set a low price. Unlike Sanofi, which has always insisted on the global pricing system and refused to lower the price, we can offer a sincere price reduction every time we negotiate with Huaxia's medical insurance."

"Even if Sanqing's gene medicines match ours, we have a great advantage in terms of price. Their gene medicines are all priced at 300,000 RMB, so we can completely compete with them and set the price even lower. , to patients who cannot afford genetic medicine.”

"In fact, the products of multinational pharmaceutical companies are generally on the market for a long time, and some products have basically recovered their costs. In China, with the blessing of medical insurance funds, the market size is quite considerable. From the perspective of business, the China market is tantamount to pure profit. Sell ​​one and earn one."

"As long as we lower our posture and give a sincere quotation, we will not worry about no patients. On the contrary, if we refuse to lower the price and find a payer for a long time, the market for these products in China will be zero."

"Furthermore, at present, Sanqing does not have a drug that competes with us. Can we consider cooperating with them?"

Takeda Kazuhiu's eyes lit up, and he praised him greatly: "You are right, these are very close to my thoughts."

"What kind of cooperation do you mean?"

"Of course, keep working together to tackle different rare diseases separately."

"In fact, there are too many types of rare diseases. I suggest that all pharmaceutical companies join forces to reach a cooperation agreement and choose different rare diseases to attack. This can effectively avoid duplication of research and development, greatly save research and development funds, and improve R\u0026D efficiency is also a good thing for patients.”

"Chairman, what do you say?"

Takeda and Jiu nodded again and again: "That's right, it's exactly what I want."

"Then, it is necessary to hold an industry conference to bring together all pharmaceutical companies to achieve this major goal."

Takeda Kazuhisa looked serious, and said righteously: "As Asia's No. 1 pharmaceutical company and the leader of rare diseases, we, Takeda Pharmaceutical, naturally have to shoulder this responsibility!"

*****

An invitation letter appeared on Wei Kang's desk, he opened it and glanced, very surprised.

"The first rare disease industry conference will be held in Haishi, Sanqing is sincerely invited to participate in the event."

This turned out to be an invitation letter from Takeda Pharmaceutical, inviting Sanqing to participate in the industry conference of rare disease pharmaceutical companies.

It is said that the top 20 pharmaceutical companies in the world were invited to participate this time to discuss the direction of research and development in the field of rare diseases, exchange the latest achievements of all parties, and discuss the latest applications of gene therapy.

"Sounds very good!" Wei Kang was full of interest immediately: "I have to ask Tang Que to go with him, he must like this kind of thing."

He readily agreed and quickly replied to the other party.

A week later, CEOs and heads of rare disease departments of major multinational pharmaceutical companies arrived at Haishi Airport one after another, and some of them were even on the same plane.

The CEOs and executives all stayed at the Four Seasons Hotel booked by Takeda. Many of them are familiar with each other and have been colleagues or classmates, so they got together in advance to communicate with each other and discuss their respective strategies.

The next morning, they all gathered in the hotel's lecture hall, which also gathered major media from all over the world.

This kind of global industry conference has always attracted the attention of the media. Recently, rare diseases have become very popular in China, and ordinary people will also be interested in it.

Takeda Kazuhisa sat on the main seat, delivered the opening speech, and then explained the purpose of coming.

"Distinguished business representatives, friends from the media, I believe everyone has heard about the purpose of the conference, and many people have discussed it early, so I will go straight to the topic."

"As we all know, there are many types of rare diseases, but at present, pharmaceutical companies are doing their own research and development. Most of the time, they just focus on one disease and rush to it. The phenomenon of repeated research and development is very serious, resulting in several drugs for certain diseases on the market. And there are certain diseases for which there are no medicines.”

"This is not beneficial to patients, and it has created a lot of unnecessary competition for pharmaceutical companies. We can plan better in advance and tackle different rare diseases separately. Only in this way can we invest limited resources in Unlimited research and development of orphan drugs will benefit more patients."

"Takeda Pharmaceuticals felt this, and specially held this industry conference. It wanted to promote the major pharmaceutical companies to reach an agreement, delineate their own research and development scope, avoid vicious competition, and repeated research and development, so as to improve research and development efficiency and greatly save In this way, we can produce results as soon as possible and bring usable medicine to patients."

"We have made a list with all the types of rare diseases, the number of patients, and the current drugs that can relieve the disease. I hope everyone can take a look at this list and make their own choices after careful consideration."

"Of course, if you have different opinions, you are welcome to put forward..."

Takeda Kazuhisa eloquently talked on the stage, well-founded and convincing.

The business representatives in the audience whispered and exchanged their views one after another.

Wei Kang didn't know the purpose of the meeting before he came, but after listening to it, he thought about it and immediately took it for granted.

Indeed, as Takeda said, there are too many types of rare diseases. If Sanqing wants to develop gene drugs one by one, it will not only spend a lot of energy and resources, but also take a long time. It will not be achieved overnight.

It would be the best solution if we could unite all pharmaceutical companies around the world to work together to overcome these diseases.

After all, isn’t the purpose of Sanqing’s research on rare diseases in the first place to provide patients with medicines?

Now that someone has made the same proposal, Sanqing is naturally willing to obey.

However, there was one important factor that Takeda didn't mention, and this was precisely what Sanqing valued.

Takeda spoke dryly on the stage, took a drink from the water glass, glanced around, and found that everyone was nodding in agreement. He felt relieved immediately, and couldn't help showing a smile.

"If you have no objections, I suggest that you try to divide your research and development direction from the list. Of course, if you can't be sure now, there is no problem. In the future, everyone will decide which innovative drug for rare disease to develop, and announce it in advance. , Just say hello to your colleagues."

"In short, the important thing is to reach a tacit agreement..."

Suddenly, someone in the audience raised his hand and interrupted his speech.

Taking a closer look, it turned out to be the youngest CEO in the audience, Wei Kang from Sanqing, and he panicked.

Quickly squeezed out a kind smile and asked: "It turns out to be Mr. Wei from Sanqing. I don't know what opinion Mr. Wei has?"

Wei Kang took the microphone handed over by the staff, with a serious face: "I do have a question I want to ask."

Seeing that everyone pricked up their ears and listened intently.

He said slowly: "My question is about the price. You didn't mention the price in your speech. I want to know if there is any agreement or agreement on the price of rare disease drugs."

"As we all know, Sanqing hates sky-high prices for drugs. I have a proposal here. I hope that the price of new drugs should not be too outrageous, especially not to produce any sky-high prices."

"It doesn't matter how expensive your drugs are sold abroad, but it is absolutely impossible to sell them too expensive in China. If the drugs you develop are sold at sky-high prices in China, then Sanqing may not be able to abide by today's agreement."

"After all, we Sanqing are known as sky-high drug snipers. I hope everyone can understand."

As soon as this remark came out, there was an uproar in the audience.

At the moment, a representative of a pharmaceutical company said angrily: "Isn't Sanqing being too domineering in doing this? You have to care about the price the pharmaceutical company sells. Is it too much?"

Wei Kang smiled slightly: "This is in Huaxia. I represent all patients in Huaxia. Naturally, I can control the price. And, coincidentally, Sanqing also has the ability to control the price."

He looked at the other party, his eyes suddenly became sharp: "If you don't believe in evil, you can try it."

The other party sneered and stopped answering.

There was a lot of discussion in the audience, and the media took photos and wrote articles with surprise on their faces, and the scene was a little chaotic for a while.

Takeda Kazuhiu quickly took over the conversation, and said in a deep voice: "Quiet, everyone, the price can be negotiated slowly, don't hurt your peace. Today I mainly hope that everyone can let go of their prejudices, reach an industry agreement, and promote the research and development of rare disease drugs. .”

Wei Kang smiled and stopped speaking. He had already uttered harsh words. I believe this is enough to represent Sanqing's position.

If there are any uninformed pharmaceutical companies who dare to sell sky-high prices in China, he doesn't mind making an example of others and letting them enjoy the treatment of being sniped.

Although Wei Kang's words caused some twists and turns, the progress of the conference was still very fast.

After all, no one would object to this kind of thing that seems to be good for everyone.

The major pharmaceutical companies participating in the meeting, including Sanqing, have reached an industry agreement, agreeing to select different diseases for research and development, so as to avoid collisions and waste of resources.

Of course, whether it can be done is another matter.

The meeting ended successfully, and Takeda Kazuhisa's heart fell. Although he didn't know whether the agreement was binding enough, it was enough for him to take the first step.

At least he can see everyone's true wishes from the attitudes of major pharmaceutical companies.

Next, he only needs to unite pharmaceutical companies that can be united. Even if a small circle is formed to promote cooperation, it can be regarded as achieving part of the goal in stages.

The rest will be tested by time and the market.

Facts will prove how correct his proposal is.