Towa International, a subsidiary of the Japanese pharmaceutical company Towa Pharmaceutical, has received approval to start manufacturing medicines for the Japanese market from its plant in Martorelles. The Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency of Japan (PMDA) has authorized it for the manufacturing and commercialization of esomeprazole, a drug used to treat the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which acid secreted by the stomach returns to the esophagus causing reflux and possible esophageal injury.
It will be the first time the company targets the Japanese market, the third largest generics market worldwide after the United States and Europe, now facing problems to cover local demand. "This milestone marks a key moment in the evolution of Towa International. The effective collaboration with our parent company and obtaining this approval demonstrate our solid capabilities, technology, and know-how to operate in the largest international markets," says its CEO, David Peix, "we are committed to continuing our international expansion plan in order to reach the largest number of patients in the world."
The Japanese Towa Pharmaceutical, based in Kadoma, arrived in Barcelona in 2019 with the purchase of Pensa Pharma, the generics division of the Esteve group. The operation closed for a total of 320 million euros. It was in Barcelona where the pharmaceutical company established the headquarters of its international hub, with a global workforce of more than 1,000 employees and offices in New Jersey, Milan, and Lisbon.
Since its arrival in Martorelles, the company has invested 80 million euros to gain more capacity and internationalize the plant in Vallès Oriental, which complies with the standards of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Specifically, 25 million euros have been allocated to expand and improve production and R&D facilities, and 55 million euros to its R&D pipeline.