Eisai establishes Canadian hq in Mississauga
With a financial contribution from the Ontario Government
Japanese pharmaceutical firm Eisai Co Ltd is investing CA$15m (£10m) in Canada to expand its operations in the region.
The Tokyo-headquartered firm will establish its Canadian headquarters in Mississauga, Ontario with a contribution of CA$2m from the Ontario Government.
The expansion into Ontario will increase access to a variety of therapies and medications, including treatments for advanced breast cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy, the firm said.
The project will create 11 new jobs and retain one existing position over five years.
Eisai will also continue to invest in clinical trials in Mississauga, supporting Ontario suppliers, public and private research institutions and organisations.
Takihiro Hirasawa, president of Eisai Limited, Canada, said: ‘We chose Ontario over other Canadian jurisdictions because of the benefits it offers, including its exceptional talent pool, comprehensive research and clinical trial resources, and unique global connections and partnerships.’
Eisai Canada was established in April 2010 as a pharmaceutical base to serve the entire Canadian market.
The company plans to launch anti-epileptic agent Banzel (rufinamide) for adjunctive treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS) in children above four years and adults and Gliadel Wafer in Canada in the current fiscal year following the receipt of marketing authorisation from Health Canada in June.
Eisai Canada will also add products in the future from its oncology and neurology franchises, such as Halaven, an anticancer agent currently marketed in the US and Europe, and its global pipeline product perampanel, an AMPA receptor agonist, pending approval from the Canadian regulatory authorities.
Earlier this week the Ontario government announced its support of Roche Canada’s new global development site in Mississauga.