Takeda Healthcare Philippines Inc. (Takeda) is pleased to announce the introduction of an anti-inhibitor coagulant complex medicine to the Philippine market. This innovative treatment offers Filipino patients with hemophilia and related bleeding disorders an advancement in their treatment options.

Overview of Hemophilia

Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder that slows the blood clotting process. People with this condition experience prolonged bleeding or oozing following an injury, surgery, or having a tooth pulled. In severe cases of hemophilia, continuous bleeding occurs after minor trauma or even when there is no obvious injury (sometimes called spontaneous bleeding).[ Hemophilia] This is a genetic disorder that primarily affects males because it is linked to the X chromosome. Females can be carriers of the gene and may experience mild symptoms.[ 5 Facts You Need to Know on Hemophilia] Risks associated with hemophilia include severe bleeding episodes, joint damage from internal bleeding, and a reduced quality of life due to the need for ongoing medical attention and activity limitations.

Hemophilia affects approximately 400,000 people worldwide.[ World Federation of Hemophilia Annual Global Survey 2022] In the Philippines, there are estimated to be over 10,000 individuals living with Hemophilia.[ 5 Facts You Need to Know on Hemophilia] This condition significantly impacts their quality of life, requiring ongoing medical care and management.

“As a patient diagnosed with hemophilia when I was six months old, and later in life, also diagnosed with an inhibitor, my journey has been marked by pain, perseverance, and unwavering resolve to overcome life's challenges because I had no choice. During my childhood years, I experienced agonizing pain that led me to accept the harsh reality that a pain-free and quality life was not my fate.” said Jurich Francis M. Sungcad, President of the Haemophilia Association of the Philippines, Inc. (HAPI). “I had to rely on ice and cold compresses [to control bleeding]. As I grew older, joint bleeds further limited my range of movement, degraded my self-confidence, and pushed me into isolation. But despite those hurdles, I endured every pain, picked myself up countless times, and convinced myself to never give up.”

Sungcad also recalled that it took him ten long years to finish college because he had to stop and rest each time he bled. Now, he serves as a software engineer at a leading global IT services company in the Philippines.

Joint bleeds are common in patients with hemophilia. They typically occur in spaces where two bones meet, most often in the elbows, knees, and ankles. When a joint fills with blood, the increased pressure causes pain and, if not treated, can lead to permanent damage.[ Joint Bleeds] However, joint bleeds can be prevented with standard care practices, such as prophylactic treatment. Unfortunately, with limited treatment options available, many patients with hemophilia continue to suffer from unnecessary joint bleeds and pseudotumor. Addressing these gaps in care is crucial for improving the quality of life for individuals with hemophilia and ensuring they receive the necessary support to manage their condition effectively.

There are two main types of hemophilia: Hemophilia A and Hemophilia B. Hemophilia A is often called classic hemophilia and is caused by a lack of factor VIII, a protein that helps blood clot. Hemophilia B, also known as “Christmas Disease,” results from a deficiency in factor IX.[ Hemophilia] Both types cause similar bleeding problems but require different treatments using specific clotting factor replacements.

For some people with hemophilia, standard treatments can become less effective over time due to the development of inhibitors—essentially, the body's immune system fights against the clotting factor treatments. This is where the anti-inhibitor coagulant complex comes in. It's a breakthrough medication that helps bypass these inhibitors, allowing better control of bleeding and improving the daily lives of those affected.

“The journey to bring the anti-inhibitor coagulant complex medicine to the Philippines has been one of perseverance and dedication. We are honored to introduce this innovative treatment [anti-inhibitor coagulant complex medicine] to the Philippines. This milestone is part of our commitment to advancing healthcare and help improve the quality of life of hemophilia patients in our country.” said Loreann Villanueva, Country Manager of Takeda in Philippines “We are aware that affordability remains a pressing concern for many patients, and we are pleased to share that we are making this treatment 70% more affordable than the other available treatment options.”

Hope for Treatment

The event launch featured insightful discussions from leading healthcare professionals, including the former President of the Philippine Society of Hematology and Blood Transfusion (PSHBT), Dr. Marilou Amurao-Abiera, who presented pediatric cases of patients with acute bleeding and explained the mechanism of the anti-inhibitor coagulant complex medicine. Dr. Mirasol also shared that this drug is now part of the Philippines' priority Health Technology Assessment (HTA) list and included in the accelerated Philippine National Formulary (PNF) track. Once approved, more Filipino patients with hemophilia can have access to treatment with the support of the government.

The launch provided an avenue to discuss developments in hemophilia care, the benefits of the anti-inhibitor coagulant complex medicine, and its life-changing impact on hemophilia patients.

Clinical Associate Professor of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine, Dr. Ma. Angelina Mirasol, also discussed navigating a perioperative case of an adult patient with hemophilia. She explained the specific challenges and considerations required to safely navigate the perioperative period for such patients, including the careful planning and coordination needed to manage bleeding risks, optimize treatment protocols, and ensure successful surgical outcomes while minimizing complications.

Meanwhile, Consultant Hematologist and former Head of the Department of Hematology at Ampang Hospital in Malaysia, Dr. Jameela Sathar, shared success stories of her group's partnership with the government to raise awareness, promote education, and advance hemophilia advocacies. She also highlighted Malaysia's progress in hemophilia care. Despite having a limited number of cases, they were able to obtain factors from plasma in 1980 and established a system that supports factor replacement. As a result, hemophilia medications have been included in their formulary since 2012.

Giving hemophilia patients hope, the speakers underscored significant advancements in the management and treatment of hemophilia, highlighting that with proper medical interventions, ongoing support, and collaborative efforts, individuals with hemophilia can lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

Patient advocate and HAPI President, Jurich Francis M. Sungcad, also recalled the transformative experience he had when he received a donation of the anti-inhibitor coagulant complex medicine after a severe bleeding incident back in 2007. It remarkably reduced his pain within a week and gave him hope to survive.

Sheryll Corpuz, Takeda Access to Medicines Lead, reiterated that the launch of the anti-inhibitor coagulant complex medicine is more than just an introduction but a symbol of hope to make hemophilia care a reality for everyone.

With an 80-year legacy of developing treatments for rare and complex chronic diseases, Takeda remains committed to ensuring that patients and healthcare providers are well-informed about the anti-inhibitor coagulant complex medicine and to its mission of bringing innovative healthcare solutions to the Filipino community. The introduction of this medicine is a testament to this commitment, providing hope and improved health outcomes for patients with hemophilia.

The anti-inhibitor coagulant complex medicine is a globally trusted choice for patients with Hemophilia A & B with inhibitors, with a legacy of over 40 years in the global market. It is the only bypassing agent inhibitor therapy that acts on all 3 pathways with 81% efficacy in controlling bleeding episodes within six hours of infusion.

To learn more about Takeda Healthcare Philippines, Inc. and its initiatives, please visit https://www.takeda.com/en-ph/.

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The 2023 Best Workplaces in Asia award honors workplaces in Asia that provide exceptional work environments for their employees, based on employee experience surveys that assess company culture and values. This prestigious recognition recognizes companies that prioritize employee well-being, foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture, and demonstrate outstanding practices in areas such as leadership, career development, and work-life balance.

“We are absolutely thrilled and proud to be listed as one of the Best Workplaces 2023 in Asia. This recognition underscores our unwavering commitment to nurturing a culture of trust, empowerment, and inspiration for our people to use their unique voices and talents to positively impact people’s lives every day – including their own,” said Loreann Villanueva, Country Manager of Takeda Philippines. “Creating a remarkable experience for our people is the first step in providing transformative healthcare solutions and contributing significantly to our society. By offering a diverse and inclusive work environment, job flexibility, and rewarding development opportunities, we make this possible. Our people are the heart of our success.”

Great Place to Work® encourages companies to continuously invest in their employees' growth and satisfaction, high-trust environment and ultimately contributing to the overall development of the respective industries. A Great Workplace is about the trust employees have with their leaders, the pride they have in their jobs and the happiness they experience with their colleagues, which has become increasingly important in today's competitive job market. Organizations on the list were selected from those that had participated in the Great Place to Work® renowned employee survey process.

Employees at Takeda Philippines are free to express their ideas, suggestions, and recommendations because the company is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that prioritizes creativity, collaboration, and diversity while fostering a respectable, honest, inclusive and speak up culture. This will help the business determine how to make long-lasting improvements. There are numerous opportunities for employees to openly discuss issues with their leaders, such as Coffee Talks and "Thank God It's Friday" sessions.

Takeda Philippines Mid-Year Conference at Taal Vista Hotel

In addition, in the Philippines employees receive quarterly care packages from the company to make them feel valued. Fridays are also designated as "no meetings day," allowing employees to finish up any unfinished business, reorganize for the coming week, and start winding down for the weekend a little earlier. Not to mention, there are programs for leadership development, on-the-job training, and employee assistance initiatives that aim to help employees in need or develop their skills. By doing this, Takeda Philippines gives its employees the tools they need to succeed and make a real difference in their work and ultimately the lives of others.

"Well-being is the cornerstone of our People-First culture. Our mission of ‘Better Health for People, Brighter Future for the World’ is only possible when we take care of our own people. Being listed among the Best Workplaces in Asia is a remarkable achievement for us. I am so proud of our team, so inspired by our people and so motivated by their energy,” added Villanueva.

As Takeda Healthcare Philippines celebrates this remarkable achievement, the company looks forward to building on its success and continuing to serve as an example of excellence in workplace culture not just across Asia but also around the globe.

The Best Workplaces in Asia List is published here: https://www.greatplacetowork.com/asia-2023

Takeda Philippines Healthcare, Inc. (“Takeda”), a leading pharmaceutical company committed to create better health for people and a brighter future for the world, has been recognized with two prestigious awards at the Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards (AREA) ceremony held in Cambodia.

The first award was given to Takeda's Access To Medicines: Patient Assistance Program (AtM Program) in the Health Promotion category. Rooted in the vision of broadening access to life-changing medicines and vaccines in underserved communities, the AtM Program utilizes an integrated and sustainable approach that mobilizes the collective efforts of all involved stakeholders.

Focusing on diseases with the highest unmet need such as cancer and rare diseases, Takeda strives to bring its innovative and high-quality medicines to patients in the Philippines who have limited access to healthcare services. Through this program, the company has successfully provided financial assistance to over 600 patients nationwide, ensuring they receive crucial treatments regardless of their capacity to pay.

The AtM Program involves multi-stakeholder collaboration to address the pain points in the patient’s journey in the areas of disease awareness, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate treatment, support, and care. Based on Takeda’s insights on Filipino patients, it takes them about 5 to 10 visits to different doctors before they are properly diagnosed. Thus, the “Spot Lymphoma, Stop Lymphoma” campaign was launched together with 5 major medical societies and 2 non-government organizations to educate patients. Takeda in partnership with Philippine Cancer Society (PCS) provided CD30 screening through 24 hospitals majority of which are located outside of the capital of Metro Manila so patients would have access to CD30 screening.

Aside from screening, a series of workshops with Philippine Pathologists in partnership with medical societies were done to increase the skills and confidence of pathologists in utilizing immunohistochemistry and ensure early and proper diagnosis. The cornerstone of Takeda’s access program in the country is the Patient Assistance Program (PAP). This unique and innovative affordability-based program enabled more than 600 patients regardless of their socio-economic class to access their treatment with Takeda’s target therapy at a price that is based on the patient’s financial capacity to pay.

Takeda also partnered with an NGO to provide a series of training to oncology nurses to enrich their capability in educating patients. They also provided a grant to the Cancer Care Registry and Research Philippines Foundation (CARE PH) to expand its cancer registry and research. Finally, as a culmination of Takeda’s holistic initiatives in 2022, the Access to Medicines (ATM) Summit gathered 137 multi-sectoral stakeholders from 42 organizations for a 2-day meeting, and discussed how each can support healthcare strengthening in the Philippines. Takeda’s framework is to build sustainable capacity at every stage from diagnosis to ongoing patient support. To date, more than 1,700 pathologists, 6,997 oncology and 5,683 endoscopy nurses, 4 medical societies, and 7 NGOs and patient organizations have partnered with Takeda in these endeavors.

The second award recognized Takeda for its unwavering dedication to employee well-being and engagement in the Investment in People category. These programs aim to foster a healthy and collaborative working environment, enabling employees to thrive personally and professionally.

From L-R: Joanna Noor, Sheryll Corpuz, Dr. Felycette Gay Lapus, Dr. Arielle  Severino, and Caroline Ramira during the 2022 Philippine Society of Medical Oncology (PSMO) Annual Convention.

Takeda's employee well-being and engagement programs encompass diverse wellness initiatives and engagement activities that encourage a robust and motivated workforce. From the Partnerships for Growth (PFG) mentoring program, Lunch and Learn sessions, to career development and energy management workshops, Takeda invests in its employees' growth and development. These engagement efforts cultivate open communication, collaborative relationships, and contribute to the company's talent development and retention strategies, resulting in sustained high engagement levels with an average of 92% in the last two years of the company’s annual engagement survey.

Takeda's dedication to its employees has also led to the prestigious Great Place to Work® certification for two consecutive years, as well as one of 2023 Philippines Best Workplaces. The company remains steadfast in ensuring its programs cater to the needs of its workforce, empowering them to flourish and reach their full potential.

"We are honored to receive these recognitions as it cements Takeda’s enduring commitment to serve communities as well as our employees," Loreann Villanueva, Country Manager of Takeda Healthcare Philippines Inc. said. "These awards inspire us to push the boundaries further, making a lasting difference to the Filipino community through an empowered and highly dedicated workforce."

AREA recognizes and honors deserving Asian businesses for championing sustainable and responsible business practices in the following categories: Green Leadership, Social Empowerment, Health Promotion, Investment in People, Corporate Governance, Circular Economy Leadership, Corporate Sustainability Reporting and Responsible Business Leadership.

Takeda Healthcare Philippines Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, a global R&D-driven biopharmaceutical company. Its headquarters in Makati City are home to Takeda Philippines’ employees who all share the same passion, drive, and commitment towards delivering life-transforming treatments, and sustainable patient access programs.

To learn more about Takeda and its initiatives, please visit www.takeda.com.

Takeda Healthcare Philippines Inc. (“Takeda Philippines”) joined the World Health Organization (WHO) for World Immunization Week 2023 heeding the latter's call for protecting millions of people around the world from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Takeda Philippines is proud to support WHO’s World Immunization Week for the second year in a row, with this year’s theme, #TheBigCatchUp. Working with partners and volunteers all around the world, WHO wants to ensure that people, especially children, are on track with their vaccinations, to restore essential immunization coverage to 2019 levels, and to strengthen vaccine deliveries through primary healthcare. World Immunization Week is a yearly campaign by the WHO aiming to bring awareness and reflect on the essential role vaccinations play in promoting global health.

“Immunizations are an essential asset for global public health and a basic health care right to help protect families and communities against infectious disease,” Shun Mori, Head of the Established Vaccine Program and Japan Business Coordinator, spoke about the importance of WHO’s World Immunization Week campaign.

“Takeda has supplied vaccines against burdensome diseases for the individuals of Japan, and we take pride in furthering this effort to continue bettering the health of people all around the world.” he added.

Unwavering Commitment to Vaccine Innovation & Vaccine for All

Takeda has dedicated more than 70 years in developing and providing vaccines in Japan, facing the most difficult problems in public health by developing innovative vaccines to prevent the spread of new diseases. Today, they have taken the challenge of introducing a new vaccine for one of the most challenging infectious diseases known to mankind, Dengue.

Takeda has recently developed a dengue vaccine aimed to curb the deadly dengue disease regardless of previous exposure. Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease common in many tropical countries such as the Philippines, and is listed by the WHO as one of the ten threats to global health. The vaccine is currently approved for use in Brazil, Indonesia and Thailand where dengue is endemic[ Center for Disease Control. Dengue Around the World. Retrieved May 2023.]. The vaccine is also approved for use in the European Union.

Takeda has developed a new vaccine for the deadly Dengue virus, which has now been approved for use in Brazil, Indonesia, Thailand and the European Union.

“We look forward to bringing Takeda’s dengue vaccine to the Philippines in the near future. We will work with the government and private sectors to address the burden of the dengue disease which has long remained endemic for decades and is responsible for over 200,000 cases in 2022 alone,” shared Loreann Villanueva, Country Manager of Takeda Healthcare Philippines.

Takeda Healthcare Philippines is a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, a global R&D-driven biopharmaceutical company.

Takeda Healthcare Philippines Inc. (“Takeda Philippines”) has been recognized as one of the Philippines Best WorkplacesTM 2023. The award was given during the in-person recognition gala night recently held at Hilton Manila.

The biopharmaceutical leader ranked 8 in the small business category with 100% of its employees saying that the company is a great place to work for compared to 53% of employees at a typical global company. Employees cite that they are collectively proud to tell others they work in Takeda Philippines and that they feel physically safe to work there. They also think that management genuinely seeks and responds to suggestions and ideas, and that they are treated with respect regardless of position, age and gender.

Over the years, Takeda Philippines has invested in offering its employees a healthy and holistic working environment through efforts that allow them to collaborate with one another and grow through various training and development initiatives such as a Mentoring Program called Partnerships for Growth (PFG), Career development and Energy management programs, monthly TGIF sessions, workshops on diversity equity and inclusion and implementation of CSR programs.

The company also conducts onboarding programs for the new employees to drive an access to medicines mindset and to embed ‘Takeda-ism’ philosophy which incorporates the values of integrity, fairness, honesty and perseverance which are brought to life through actions based on Patient-Trust-Reputation-Business, in that order. Takeda Philippines empowers its employees to determine optimal solutions that will allow them to be productive and effective in their roles.

"I believe that one of the reasons we were recognized as a best workplace is because we cultivate a culture of growth and respect for one another, and passion in what we do to create an impact on the Filipino patients. We also provide our employees with a work environment where the job serves a deeper meaning and purpose," said Loreann Villanueva, Country Manager of Takeda Philippines. “We are proud that we have been recognized in two consecutive years by the Great Place to Work Institution. In 2022, we were certified Great Place To Work, and this year, we were gratified that we are certified Philippines Best WorkplacesTM. This continues to reinforce our commitment in bringing better health and brighter future to our people and patients.”

Takeda Philippines celebrates this achievement together with the other 34 companies who were recognized as the Philippines Best Workplaces for 2023. The Great Place To Work® Institute curates the list of best workplaces using a rigorous methodology and confidential employee feedback. By celebrating purpose-driven, people-first workplaces, Great Place To Work® Institute believes that work has the power to transform society, and aims to raise the standard of workplace culture—Onward For All Filipinos.

“We have a record-breaking year where we recognized over 150 Great Place To Work-CertifiedTM companies and 35 Philippines Best Workplaces in three categories,” said Antoniette Mendoza-Talosig, Managing Partner for Great Place To Work Philippines, and Principal Consultant for Great Place To Work ASEAN.

Takeda Philippines is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, a global R&D-driven biopharmaceutical company. Its headquarters in Makati City are home to Takeda Philippines’ employees who all share the same passion, drive, and commitment towards delivering life-transforming treatments, and sustainable patient access programs.

To know more about Takeda and its initiatives, visit www.takeda.com.

Biopharmaceutical leader Takeda recently released its Access to Medicines Progress Report 2022, highlighting the company’s progress in broadening access to life-changing medicines and vaccines, with a special focus on low to middle-income countries (LMICs).

Over the past two years, the COVID-19 pandemic has shown the disproportionate effects of diseases, especially for LMICS, with patients experiencing even more challenges in getting access to the medicines they need. Not to mention its impact on healthcare infrastructures, limiting the ability to invest in broadening access to innovative medicines.

Takeda’s latest Access to Medicines Report details the company’s Access to Medicines approach, which is: Patient first, providing access based on the patient’s individual circumstances and unique needs; Holistic, utilizing an end-to-end approach from education to screening, diagnosis, treatment and aftercare; and Collaborative, placing importance in building and supporting healthcare systems through partnerships. The report also provides updates on the progress of their current Access to Medicines Programs globally, including programs in the Philippines.

Improving Access to Lymphoma Treatments in the Philippines

In the Philippines, the cost of medical treatment for serious illnesses can be financially prohibitive for patients and their families. To help address this gap, Takeda utilized several approaches – tiered pricing, which allows for price adjustments relative to a country’s income levels and other factors, and Patient Access Programs (“PAP”), which help patients with limited means to obtain Takeda’s innovative treatments.

This approach was utilized to help reimagine lymphoma care in the Philippines, where many patients are unable to get the medicine, they need due to a lack of early and proper diagnosis.

Patients in the Philippines living with Hodgkin lymphoma, one of the most prevalent 14 cancers in the country, make an average of between five and 10 visits to different healthcare professionals before being diagnosed, delaying critical treatment. For CD30 lymphoma testing, which is required to detect rarer forms of the condition, there have historically been no routine testing procedures available. In addition, outpatient diagnostic procedures are usually paid for out of pocket, posing an additional financial barrier.

Utilizing its holistic approach, Takeda Healthcare Philippines, Inc. (“Takeda Philippines”) has been working closely with NGOs such as the Philippine Cancer Society and Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association of the Philippines to provide support and financial assistance for patients in need of CD30 testing. The company has also provided financial support to patients through the PAP, enabling patients to access complete courses of prescribed medication.

Since 2017, over 300 Filipino patients have been able to access and complete their course of treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma through Takeda’s PAP, which have worked with 113 hospitals, 197 physicians, and enrolled 346 patients.

Takeda Philippines has been working to help to fill in gaps in the local health ecosystem during the pandemic. At the onset of community quarantine in the Philippines, they worked with partners and physicians to enable continuity in the administration of lymphoma medicine, ensuring that doses were delivered to patients at the time of their treatments.

The company also accelerated the use of digital platforms to serve as an educational resource for patients, healthcare professionals, and the community at large, to raise awareness on the condition and available treatments during the pandemic. Critical practitioner training and end-to-end upskilling across capability areas such as pathology diagnosis of CD30 lymphomas were also conducted to over 1,700 pathologists in partnership with the Philippine Society of Pathologists

"In the Philippines, we’ve channeled our efforts to providing holistic solutions to transform lymphoma care in partnership with the country’s healthcare system. We hope to bring the same patient-first, holistic and collaborative approach to broaden access to medicines for other rare diseases as well, so that we can help the country realize its goal of providing universal healthcare to Filipinos," said Country Manager of Takeda Philippines, Mrs. Loreann Villanueva.

Globally, Takeda’s PAP have been implemented in 18 countries and categories, benefitting over 5,700 patients and resulting in improved patient access by 15% across countries where PAP have been made available.

Launching a Global Network for Health Equity

Aside from addressing gaps in affordability, Takeda has also launched its Takeda Center for Health Equity and Patient Affairs, where the company is collaborating with a diverse global network of health equity partners, including patients, communities, and organizations both public and private, to empower communities to identify and address health inequities sustainably, leading to improved care at every stage of the patient journey.

Today, Takeda’s Global Health Equity Network spans 37 countries, comprising over 150 community-based health equity leaders and 20 international and local NGO partners. Through the network, more than 1,600 local clinicians, nurses, investigators, researchers and health care workers in 37 countries have been trained in disease awareness, diagnostic and treatment approaches, epidemiology, data management, basic and health equity research and clinical trials; over 1,000 research projects and clinical trials were conducted focused on addressing local health inequities and diseases impacting communities; while advances in local health care capacity used to improve screening, diagnosis and treatment have benefitted over 20,000 patients.

For more information on Takeda Philippines initiatives and to access the full Access to Medicines Progress Report, visit www.takeda.com .

Biopharmaceutical leader Takeda Healthcare Philippines Inc. (Takeda Philippines) receives the Inspirational Brand Award by the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) 2022 Regional Edition for its continuous commitment to helping patients in underserved communities access the medicines they need.

Established in 2007 by the Enterprise Asia, APEA 2022 honors exemplary business leaders and enterprises across Asia, which excelled and demonstrated resilience and growth amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

One of the 25 exemplary business leaders recognized was Takeda Philippines, a patient-focused, values-based, R&D-driven global biopharmaceutical company, that has been aiding the Philippine healthcare and Filipino patients for more than 50 years. The company has been a vital catalyst in bridging the gap of access to medicine and vaccines, providing educational grants and medical training, and conducting patient assistance programs.

In early 2022, Takeda launched its “Spot Lymphoma, Stop Lymphoma” campaign which aims to raise awareness about lymphoma and improve access to treatments in the Philippines by providing free testing to patients. Likewise, the initiative heeds the call for medical stakeholders to come together and work towards a cancer-free Philippines as mandated by Republic Act 11215 otherwise known as the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA) of 2019.

Supported by various organizations from the health sector, the campaign was able to provide free cancer testing to over 60 patients, in partnership with the Philippine Cancer Society – and is currently in partnership with the PHAP Cares foundation the social responsibility arm of the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines to continue this endeavor.

The company also partnered with the Philippine Society of Pathologists where over 1,700 attendees from the society were able to participate in several webinars which focused on diagnosing lymphoma and inflammatory disease. As the company furthers its commitment to supporting healthcare workers through a multisectoral approach, it also partnered with the Health Futures Inc Foundation in training more than 6,900 oncology nurses and 5,600 endoscopy nurses on topics related to oncology, inflammatory bowel disease related to targeted and biologic approaches to treatment.

Through its Patient Assistance Program, Takeda granted financial assistance to over 500 patients in the Philippines, helping them complete their treatment for Hodgkin Lymphoma and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

In addition, the company also extended support to expand cancer research in the Philippines by donating an initial grant of USD16,000 to Cancer Registry and Research Philippines Foundation (CARE PH).

In 2020, Takeda launched an Access to Innovative Medicines Program designed to improve access to the care and treatment of patients, utilizing a holistic, multi-sectoral approach to improving access, addressing not only barriers across the patient journey but also spearheading initiatives to strengthen the country’s healthcare system.

“We are honored to have received this award from APEA. This recognition has motivated us, even more, to continue the mission of improving and advocating for the healthcare system in the Philippines, particularly for cancer and rare diseases. We dedicate this to our partners and patients towards better health and a brighter future,” shared Loreann Villanueva, Country Manager of Takeda in the Philippines.

The company looks forward to improving access to medicines and vaccines via the introduction of other oncology drugs and a dengue vaccine in the Philippines, supporting the advocacy of patient organizations for the localization of the NICCA, and continued policy advocacy to the government for Health Technology Assessment and Formulary inclusion of innovative drugs for cancer and rare diseases.

Biopharmaceutical leader Takeda Healthcare Philippines was recognized as a Great Place to Work® with 100% of its employees saying that the company is a great place to work for compared to 53% of employees at a typical global company. The Great Place to Work® Certification™ surveys employees with their Trust Index, a research-backed employee survey. The survey aims to see whether employees trust the people that they work for, have pride in their work, and experience camaraderie with their fellow colleagues. Those companies who have attained at least 65% in the survey are fit to obtain the certification.

“More than a testament of our company’s culture and our employees’ unwavering dedication in creating an exceptional people experience during these challenging times, this is also a reflection of our organization’s Commitment to Excellence—a commitment that is fully aligned with Takeda’s Employer Brand and Value Proposition,” said Takeda Philippines’ country manager Loreann Villanueva.

She added, “This recognition communicates to employees and future employees that we are an organization that continues to improve our People strategies and processes to create a truly pleasant place to work.”

Takeda Healthcare Philippines not only focuses on improving patients’ access to medicines and quality treatment, but they are also committed in creating a diverse and inclusive organization where their employees can thrive, grow, and realize their own potential while enabling the company’s purpose. The company is devoted to providing honest and ethical business management practices in their workplace.

Takeda Philippines offers its employees a healthy and holistic working environment through efforts like monthly TGIF engagement sessions, quarterly care packages, weekly prayer and exercise sessions, and coffee catch ups with the team. The company provides talent development initiatives for the career growth of their employees such as mentoring programs, lunch and learn sessions, online training programs and both internal and external workshops to nurture employees’ development and growth. The company has likewise initiated a number of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) Workshops to deepen the understanding and appreciation of the employees and reinforce behaviors that uphold the DE&I principles.

Besides taking care of their employees’ welfare, Takeda Philippines also involves its people in socially relevant activities to extend their support to the community by participating in initiatives that are beneficial to the community. In February, they launched their “Spot Lymphoma, Stop Lymphoma,” campaign which aims to increase awareness about the disease and improve medical access to lymphoma patients. It served as Takeda Philippines’ answer to the call of the government’s National Integrated Cancer Control Act for medical stakeholders to come together and work towards a cancer-free Philippines.

Takeda Healthcare Philippines offers its employees a healthy and holistic working environment with various development programs for their employees' career growth and development.

“We are amazed to see the positive feedback from our employees. This just shows that we are an employer of choice with a great workplace through the culture that we are creating,” said Igor Gomes, Takeda Cluster Head of Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines & Singapore. Earlier this year, Takeda Philippines was also re-certified as a Top Employer in the country for the sixth consecutive year by Top Employers Institute. Takeda also bagged the Global Top Employer award for the fifth year in a row for its achievements in the areas of ethics and integrity, values, business strategy, organization and change, and employer branding across the globe. This made them one of only 11 global companies to achieve global Top Employer Certification for 2022. Takeda Healthcare Philippines is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, a global R&D-driven biopharmaceutical company. Its headquarters in Makati City is home to its employees who all share the same passion, drive, and commitment towards delivering life-transforming treatments, and sustainable patient access programs.

To know more about Takeda and its initiatives, visit www.takeda.com.

As the COVID situation in the country is improving, biopharmaceutical leader Takeda Healthcare Philippines Inc. highlights the importance of providing continuous care for patients that are diagnosed with lymphoma.

“Now that restrictions are easing up, we have the opportunity to take initiative and engage in activities that will allow us to extend the much-needed assistance that lymphoma patients need,” said Loreann Villanueva, Country Manager of Takeda Philippines. “The situation may constantly change, but our commitment towards educating Filipinos about this disease and improving patient access to treatment and quality of lymphoma care remains the same.”

Knowing the enemy disease

Lymphoma is the most common type of blood cancer in the world. According to a study by the Global Cancer Observatory (Globocan), over 600,000 new cases of lymphoma were detected worldwide in 2020, making it the 11th most common cancer in the world.[ https://gco.iarc.fr/today/data/factsheets/cancers/34-Non-hodgkin-lymphoma-fact-sheet.pdf] In the Philippines, there were over 4,000 new patients that were diagnosed with this disease in 2020.[ https://gco.iarc.fr/today/data/factsheets/populations/608-philippines-fact-sheets.pdf]

It begins when an infection-fighting white blood cell (or lymphocyte) mutates, divides and grows out of control, compromising the immune system and lodging itself onto lymph nodes or "kulani" and causing them to swell. Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of lymphoma that involves the presence of a specific type of lymphocyte called Reed-Sternberg cells. Hodgkin lymphoma cases comprise one-fifth of all lymphoma cases in the world, making it a rare cancer.[ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560826/]

Like any other cancers, detecting the disease in its early stages is essential, as survival rates drop from 90% to 70% in patients with advanced stages of the disease. Hodgkin lymphoma shares common symptoms with other diseases such as fever, chills, night sweats, unexplained weight loss and fatigue. This, coupled with the fact that it is a relatively rare disease, makes it difficult for people to identify it in its early stages. Diagnosing lymphoma entails several tests to confirm its type. One of which is through a bone marrow biopsy. Another one is through a series of panel tests called immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing, specifically the one that tests for the CD30 lymphoma marker. However, IHC is not a standard test in the country due to its cost and lack of availability in hospitals.

Plights of a lymphoma patient

Jheric Delos Angeles, lymphoma survivor-advocate and co-founder of Lymphoma Philippines, shared some of the struggles faced by lymphoma patients. These challenges include access to accurate diagnosis and new medicines, financial means, communication gaps with healthcare providers, cultural stigma, and discrimination.

Jheric Delos Angeles, Co-Founder of Lymphoma Philippines, was diagnosed with Stage IV Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) in May 2015.

Having battled lymphoma himself, he co-founded Lymphoma Philippines, a patient support group that aims to help patients and their loved ones who are diagnosed with the disease, and to raise awareness about lymphoma.

Apart from these barriers, Delos Angeles added, “Every individual requires a strong support system. In fact, Lymphoma Philippines was created to provide emotional support and empowerment, as well as to bridge the information gap.”

Takeda Philippines stands with all the lymphoma patients and recognizes the struggles they face, and the many dreams and hopes they are yet to fulfill. Hence, Takeda Philippines takes on the mission to create approaches that would help patients overcome the barriers and shares multiple ways on how the company shows continuity of care for lymphoma patients.

Takeda Philippines invests in various programs and solutions to address affordability barriers and to improve treatment access among patients. First, the company is guided by a tier-pricing approach where medicines are priced in a manner that reflects the holistic value they offer to patients, the healthcare system, and society. Secondly, Takeda Philippines has the Patient Assistance Program (PAP). This makes use of innovative and collaborative financing models to increase access to treatment and medicines for the recommended duration. Eligible patients may get in touch with their doctors for information on how to enroll in the program.

“Aside from this, educating ourselves about the nature of the disease – its causes, symptoms, manifestations – is one of the first steps to take, which we can easily do by researching about lymphoma and attending talks facilitated by medical experts,” shared Dr. Joy Pabellon, Medical Affairs Lead at Takeda Philippines.

She added, “Engaging in conversations about lymphoma can also help strengthen the dialogue surrounding it. Through our social circles and platforms, we can create spaces for lymphoma awareness and care campaigns.”

A commitment to lymphoma patients

Takeda Philippines has engaged in several initiatives on lymphoma awareness, such as webinars, talks, and workshops, in partnership with national organizations for cancer. Earlier this year, it launched the “Spot Lymphoma, Stop Lymphoma,” a campaign that aims to raise awareness about lymphoma by providing free testing to patients, partnering with relevant organizations and institutions, and sponsoring talks and seminars to educate the public about the disease.

Representatives from Takeda Philippines and Care PH doing the symbolic gesture of Takeda’s Spot Lymphoma, Stop Lymphoma campaign. (From left to right) Loreann Villanueva, Country Manager, Takeda Philippines; Igor Gomes, Cluster Head and General Manager, VMAPS; Dr. Beatrice Tiangco, Founder of Care PH; and Mr. Jojo Flores, Program and Administrative Officer of Care PH

Recently, Takeda Philippines provided a Php 1,000,000 grant to Cancer Care Registry and Research Philippines Foundation (CARE PH) to expand cancer research efforts in the country. This initiative is geared towards providing a more comprehensive range of support for Filipino cancer patients. The grant will allow CARE PH to train encoders and lead additional site-specific cancer registries. It will be used in contributing to the research and development of newer diagnostic and therapeutic modalities to diagnose cancers earlier, while also ensuring that the best possible treatments are accessible and available to patients.

Furthermore, Takeda Philippines aims to sustain its efforts to provide patients access to the CD30 lymphoma marker test through a donation to the PHAPCares Foundation. The PHAPCares Foundation is the social responsibility arm of the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) mandated to help improve the health and lives of Filipinos disadvantaged by sickness, poverty, conflicts and disasters.

This year, the PHAPCares Foundation is partnering with one of the country's largest tertiary public referral hospitals for the CD30 Testing for Lymphoma Awareness and Prevention Program (CLAP) to facilitate early screening, diagnosis and confirmation of the disease. The CLAP initiative will provide CD30 testing for free to indigent Filipinos who would not have otherwise been tested.

“We are committed to outsmarting cancer so that more patients can benefit from—and have access to—life-transforming medicines. Through our cancer research and development, we are building up on our deep understanding of cancer to develop new ways to approach the disease,” said Villanueva.

She added, “In all our efforts, we seek not only to increase awareness about lymphoma, but also to heed the call of the government to implement the spirit of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act and for the medical, patient and healthcare community, to come together to work towards a cancer-free Philippines.”

To know more about Takeda and its initiatives, visit www.takeda.com.

Biopharmaceutical leader Takeda Healthcare Philippines Inc. has forged a partnership with Cancer Care Registry and Research Philippines Foundation (CARE PH) to expand cancer research efforts with the ambition to provide a comprehensive range of support for Filipino cancer patients.

CARE PH is a non-government organization founded by Dr. Beatrice Tiangco in 2017 in response to the Department of Health’s (DOH) initiative on establishing a unified registry system in the country for non-communicable diseases such as cancer, stroke, diabetes, and heart disease. One of their main goals is to create and populate a hospital-based cancer registry to supplement existing population-based registries in Rizal and Metro Manila.

Through this partnership, Takeda will provide CARE PH a grant of Php 1,000,000 pesos with a goal of supporting the organization’s mission of “every preventable cancer averted, every screen-able cancer detected, and every cancer patient counted.”

“This partnership with CARE PH ensures that we improve diagnostic rates for blood cancers such as myeloma, leukemia, and lymphoma, as well as other cancers, to increase the chances of prevention and cure in the Philippines. This will help Filipino cancer patients gain accelerated access to life-changing treatments,” shared Igor Gomes, Takeda’s Cluster Head and General Manager for Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore (VMAPS).

Together for better oncology research and care

According to DOH, non-communicable diseases are the top causes of death worldwide.[ https://vawc.doh.gov.ph/download/vawclawsandpolicies/ao2013-0005%20Unified%20Disease%20Registry%20System.pdf] In the Philippines, cancer affects 189 out of every 100,000 Filipinos, with four Filipinos dying of cancer every hour or 96 cancer patients every day[https://nnc.gov.ph/regional-offices/mindanao/region-xii-soccsksargen/7529-bird-s-eye-view-cancer-in-the-philippines]. As such, cancer ranks fourth (4th) as the leading cause of death in the Philippines with 48,937 recorded cases from January to October 2021 as stated by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).[ https://psa.gov.ph/content/causes-deaths-philippines-preliminary-january-october-2021]

Further, based on the research by the Global Cancer Observatory (Globocan), over 4,000 new patients were diagnosed with lymphoma, making it one of the top 30 cancers in the country. Approximately 300,000 deaths from this disease was recorded in 2020 alone, 2,500 of which occurred in the Philippines.

Representatives from Takeda Philippines and Care PH doing the symbolic gesture of Takeda’s Spot Lymphoma, Stop Lymphoma campaign. (From left to right) Loreann Villanueva, Country Manager, Takeda Philippines; Igor Gomes, Cluster Head and General Manager, VMAPS; Dr. Beatrice Tiangco, Founder of Care PH; and Mr. Jojo Flores, Program and Administrative Officer of Care PH

“We appreciate the liberty that Takeda has given to us in terms of how we can further improve our operations–from recruiting volunteers, hospitals, and towards initiating more cancer-related studies. Our main focus in this initiative are the Filipino cancer patients. We want to be able to provide them with registry and research outputs on the epidemiology of cancer in the country, which in turn will help prioritize screening, prevention and therapeutic initiatives, on the road to better healthcare for the Filipino cancer patient,” said Dr. Beatrice Tiangco, Medical Oncologist/Epidemiologist and Founder of CARE PH.

With a standardized and consolidated hospital registry, more robust data can be gathered, more scientific research using local data can be published, and constructing evidence-based clinical practice guidelines will be facilitated.

The Takeda grant will also allow CARE PH to donate computers to be able to train more data encoders at various hospitals throughout the country, and spearhead additional site-specific cancer registries and studies, maybe even contribute to the research and development of newer therapeutic agents for the nation’s common cancers.

“This partnership with CARE PH is something that we are very enthusiastic about since we share the same value and commitment towards bringing better health and brighter future to cancer patients,” shared Loreann Villanueva, Country Manager, Takeda Healthcare Philippines Inc.

Biopharmaceutical leader Takeda Healthcare Philippines Inc. was re-certified as a Top Employer in the country for the sixth consecutive year by Top Employers Institute. This serves as an acknowledgement of Takeda’s excellence in people practices.

“I believe that one of the reasons why we continue to be recognized as a top employer is because we provide our employees a work setting where the job serves a deeper meaning and purpose,” shared Loreann Villanueva, Country Manager, Takeda Healthcare Philippines Inc. “We are driven by the possibility that what we do on a daily basis can make a difference not only in the lives of our stakeholders, but all the more in the lives of many Filipino patients.”

She added, “Our focus is on reaching out to patients who need our medicines through our Patient Access Program (PAP). This is a source of inspiration for our employees because we believe that the work that we do benefits hundreds of Filipino patients facing barriers to access life-transforming treatments.”

Takeda Healthcare Philippines also takes pride in its various Engagement Programs to ensure the holistic wellbeing of its employees. These efforts include monthly TGIF, sending of quarterly care packages, weekly prayer and exercise sessions, and even coffee catchups with the Country Manager. In addition, the company has talent development initiatives, which include Mentoring Program, Lunch and Learn sessions, online training programs, and internal and external workshops to keep its employees purposeful in their development, and resilient and agile especially during uncertain times.

Recently, Takeda also launched “Spot Lymphoma, Stop Lymphoma,” a campaign that aims to raise awareness about lymphoma and to improve access to lymphoma treatments in the Philippines by providing free testing to patients, partnering with relevant organizations and institutions, and sponsoring talks and seminars to educate the public about the disease. Lymphoma is the most common type of blood cancer in the world, and in the country, there were over 4,000 new patients that were diagnosed with this disease in 2020.

Takeda also bagged the Global Top Employer award for the fifth year in a row for its achievements in the areas of ethics and integrity, values, business strategy, organization and change, and employer branding across the globe. This makes them one of only 11 companies to achieve global Top Employer certification for 2022.

In addition, Takeda is also recognized as a Top Employer across four business regions and 39 countries and regions, reinforcing its steadfast commitment to create a diverse and inclusive organization that enables its people to thrive.

“This serves as a testament to Takeda’s long-standing values,” shared Villanueva. “It also recognizes our initiatives to support and develop talent in all levels of the organization.”

Takeda Healthcare Philippines is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, a global R&D-driven biopharmaceutical company. Its headquarters in Makati City is home to its employees who all share the same passion, drive, and commitment towards delivering life-transforming treatments, sustainable patient access programs, and vaccines in the areas of oncology, gastroenterology, and rare diseases.

Established more than 30 years ago, Top Employers Institute is the global authority on recognizing excellence in people practices. Currently it has close to 2,000 organizations in 123 countries and regions.

For more information on Takeda, visit www.takeda.com.