01 Keyword Acromegaly

Targeting Acromegaly Targeting Acromegaly Targeting Acromegaly

Acromegaly is a metabolic disease in which tumors in the pituitary gland cause excess production of the hormone responsible for bone and muscle growth. Also known as pituitary gigantism, patients can show a range of symptoms such as the enlargement of facial features, hands and feet, headaches and loss of outer field vision. As the progression of the disease is slow, it often goes unnoticed. Nevertheless, if left untreated, acromegaly can cause serious complications such as diabetes, hypertension, angina or cerebrovascular disease, leading to a significantly reduced life expectancy. As an intractable disease, patients in Japan are eligible to receive financial support. It is thought that around 10,000 individuals suffer from acromegaly in Japan, including those who are so far undiagnosed, making it quite a rare disease.

Teijin Pharma has an illustrious history when it comes to finding solutions for complex healthcare problems. For example, an early treatment for osteoporosis developed by Teijin Pharma was the first ever vitamin D₃ drug in tablet form. Continuous research went on to uncover that it was also an effective treatment for hypoparathyroidism, underproduction of parathyroid hormone. Beyond this experience, Teijin Pharma also developed a treatment for gout and hyperuricemia in Japan. These experiences have resulted in good relationships with medical professionals in the fields of metabolism, internal secretion and neurosurgery, making Teijin well equipped to target acromegaly. Seeing the potential to expand choices for patients, thereby answering their philosophy to improve quality of life, they got to work.

02 Keyword Choice

Giving Patients Choice in Treatment Giving Patients Choice in Treatment Giving Patients Choice in Treatment

The most common treatment for acromegaly is surgical removal of the tumor. However, some tumors are too large to remove, or the pituitary gland continues to secrete excess hormones even after the tumor is removed. In these cases, patients usually undergo drug therapy. The main drug therapy uses somatostatin, a hormone that inhibits the secretion of growth hormone. When Teijin Pharma began their research, only one somatostatin treatment was available in Japan, leaving patients with little choice.

Teijin Pharma traveled to Europe after hearing of the effectiveness of a drug called Somatuline, produced by Ipsen, whose R&D expertise is recognized globally. Consulting directly with health professionals who had experience with the drug, they were impressed. Somatuline is a synthetic somatostatin analog, which is injected. Approved for use in over 50 countries, Teijin Pharma quickly realized that it would be a highly beneficial treatment option for Japan and were confident that it would help improve quality of life for acromegaly patients. Somatuline contains the active substance lanreotide, which is very effective at inhibiting growth hormone. Unlike conventional products, it is provided in a pre-filled syringe, saving doctors the task of preparing each dose individually, and features a retractable needle for safety. Furthermore, thanks to its long lasting-effects, it only needs to be re-administered every four weeks.

03 Keyword Journey

The Journey Continues
The Journey Continues
The Journey Continues

Teijin Pharma have now successfully completed in-licensing of Somatuline subcutaneous injection as a treatment option for patients of acromegaly and pituitary giantism, but this doesn’t mean the end of the story. Deciding that merely increasing treatment options was not enough, they then began working on efforts to support patients and medical professionals in other ways. One of these efforts has been to establish two websites sharing information on acromegaly. The website for patients, Acromegaly Net, is a source of information on acromegaly in Japan. It features videos on the changes patients undergo, helping identify acromegaly to patients who have not yet been diagnosed, as well as Japanese translations of the book Alone in My Universe, a compilation of essays contributed by Acromegaly Community, a support group for patients in the US. The site also guides patients through applying to receive public subsidy for their treatment. This disease is life changing, and patients need continued support. Additionally, Acromegaly Navi, designed for medical professionals, contains educational materials on the disease, as well as treatment options. It also features associated medical conditions such as diabetes or sleep apnea, and ways to help patients deal with these. Patients are often diagnosed with one of these associated conditions first, making this kind of information instrumental in identifying acromegaly. It also outlines the mental struggle many patients face with their changing looks and how to help them cope.

04 Keyword Lives

Saving More Lives Saving More Lives Saving More Lives

It has recently come to light that, besides acromegaly and pituitary gigantism, Somatuline is also an effective treatment for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Neuroendocrine cells produce hormones and are found throughout the human body. NETs are rare mutations of these cells, which most commonly occur in the gastrointestinal tract, lungs or pancreas. Because there can be a lack of specific symptoms, this form of cancer is difficult to diagnose and is often only discovered at a late stage. Often, the first treatment option is surgery to remove the tumor. Yet even if NETs is removed, it is possible that the hormones continue to be secreted, and this can cause various problems for patients. However, when surgery is not possible, or when the tumor returns, patients are treated with drug therapy. Research conducted by Ipsen across patients in 14 countries has shown that Somatuline shows significant antiproliferative effects on metastatic gastroenteropancreatic NETs, slowing down progression of the tumors. Teijin Pharma, realizing the importance of such a treatment for patients, carried out additional trials in Japan, and subsequently filed to have the drug provided as a treatment for patients of NETs.

It is necessary to continue searching for ways to increase options for patients, regardless of how rare diseases are, or what treatments already exist. Teijin Pharma are continuing their journey with patients of metabolic diseases, and will continue to target ways to improve quality of life for patients.