Steve Barker's questions to TAKEDA PHARMACEUTICAL CO (TAK) leadership • Q1 2026
Question
Questioned the discrepancy between the substantial Q1 drop in SG&A and R&D spending versus the full-year guidance. Also asked for more detail on the potential new indications for the next-generation orexin agonist, specifically its application in areas like Alzheimer's, sleep apnea, and obesity.
Answer
The company explained the Q1 spending drop was due to FX impact on SG&A and the timing of R&D trial ramp-ups, combined with efficiency savings, but reiterated the full-year guidance is unchanged. For orexin, they confirmed they are exploring a broad range of indications including respiration and metabolism but are not yet specifying diseases like obesity, pending further data.