Zurich-based Takeda Pharmaceuticals International has further expanded its presence in Latin America with the launch of a wholly-owned subsidiary in Peru. Takeda Peru S.R.L. will be headquartered in Lima and will be responsible for the sales and marketing of Takeda's products in Peru.

Takeda has a direct presence in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, and is looking at opportunities to further expand its footprint in the region. According to IMS Market Prognosis, pharmaceutical sales in those countries totaled $60 billion in 2012 and are expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 12.5% between 2013 and 2017. Takeda plans to outgrow the market over the same period. It is estimated that the country's GDP totaled $200 billion in 2012 while pharmaceutical sales amounted to $1.5 billion and are expected to continue to grow by 8% during 2013.

Takeda Peru is building a product portfolio based on the medical needs of the population, focusing on gastroenterology, cardiology, metabolism, oncology and respiratory diseases.

Julio Cesar Acevedo Orrego has been appointed country manager for Peru. He joins the organization from Takeda Colombia, where he has built up and headed the Takeda sales and marketing organization following the acquisition of Farmacol Laboratories. He will lead the start-up team which will grow steadily as the Company expands its portfolio and enters new therapeutic areas.