Otsuka Pharmaceutical has acquired Transcend Therapeutics for $700 million upfront through its subsidiary Otsuka America, with potential milestone payments of up to $525 million. The deal gives Otsuka access to Transcend's MDMA analogue for psychiatric conditions currently in development.

Otsuka presented new Phase 3 VISIONARY trial data for VOYXACT (sibeprenlimab-szsi) in IgA nephropathy patients at the 2026 ISN World Congress of Nephrology. The analyses showed 82.5% of patients receiving sibeprenlimab achieved negative microscopic hematuria at week 48, compared with 52.6% on placebo. Median time to achieve hematuria negativity was nine weeks versus 24 weeks for placebo. VOYXACT, approved under accelerated approval in the US, is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits APRIL, a key driver in IgAN pathogenesis. Previously reported data showed the drug met its primary endpoint with a 51.2% placebo-adjusted reduction in proteinuria at nine months. The trial continues evaluating sibeprenlimab's effect on preserving kidney function over 24 months.

Otsuka Medical Devices and Otsuka Pharmaceutical have launched the Paradise Ultrasound Renal Denervation system in Japan, with National Health Insurance coverage effective 1 March. The device, developed by US subsidiary Recor Medical, treats resistant hypertension by reducing sympathetic nerve overactivity surrounding renal arteries. The system targets patients whose blood pressure remains above target despite using three different antihypertensive medications, including a diuretic. This marks Japan's first ultrasound renal denervation treatment. The Paradise system received FDA approval in the US in November 2023. Under a co-promotion agreement, both Otsuka companies will leverage their cardiovascular and renal expertise to deliver the treatment according to guidelines established by Japanese medical societies. The system offers a new option for resistant hypertension patients at high risk of serious cardiovascular complications.