Eisai to concentrate on east Asian expansion

Eisai's chief executive Haruo Naito has confirmed that his company is looking to refocus its efforts on the east Asian market.

Speaking to the Financial Times, Mr Naito also said the Japanese pharmaceutical firm intends to concentrate on the development of innovative patent medicines rather than generic drugs.

He told the newspaper there is "enormous potential" in east Asia, with China continuing to develop rapidly and Japan starting to grow again after a period of stagnation and uncertainty.

On the subject of Japan, Mr Naito said: "It is becoming more attractive. It is the best market in the world for research."

However, he also stressed that Eisai will continue to operate in western markets and described the recent 'patent box' reform proposals in the UK as "very favourable".

Eisai recently lowered its full-year profit forecast for the second time in just over three months, following a decline in sales of its Alzheimer's treatment Aricept.