Takeda looks to jump-start its AI drug development efforts with Numerate, a well-positioned start-up in the field

June 05, 2018 | Case Study

Takeda Pharmaceutical is Japan's largest drug company, and, with more than $15 billion in annual revenues, is also among the largest in the world. Therapeutic focus areas for the company include neuroscience, gastroenterology, oncology, and vaccines, and the firm is continuing to try to build out its drug pipeline in those areas. Historically, the company has done so via acquisitions, including recently spending billions of dollars buying companies like Ariad Pharmaceuticals, TiGenix, and Shire. The 230-year-old company is increasingly focused on digital transformation, with its chief digital officer, Bruno Villetelle, noting that it aims to become the industry's digital health leader by 2025, including by pursuing external collaborations.