Japan Approves Moderna's mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine

Osaka-based Takeda Pharmaceutical Company announced that Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) granted special approval for the emergency use of Moderna’s mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, TAK-919, now known as COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna Intramuscular Injection.

Takeda confirmed on May 21, 2021, it plans to begin distribution in Japan immediately.

“This is an important step in Takeda’s support of Japan’s pandemic response,” commented Rajeev Venkayya, president of the Global Vaccine Business Unit at Takeda, in a press statement.

“Moderna’s vaccine has demonstrated an excellent safety and effectiveness profile to date, and we are excited to make it available to the Japanese population.”

The approval results from a three-way agreement announced in October 2020 with Moderna and the Government of Japan’s MHLW to distribute 50 million doses of TAK-919 in Japan in the first half of 2021.

Takeda’s efforts are supported by the MHLW and the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development.

Modern's experimental COVID-19 vaccine is Authorized in the USA by the U.S. FDA.

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE: 4502/NYSE: TAK) is a global, values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical leader headquartered in Japan, committed to discover and deliver life-transforming treatments, guided by our commitment to patients, our people, and the planet.