Takeda Healthcare Philippines Inc. partners with Tzu Chi Foundation to support treatment of individuals with rare diseases

PHOTO: Takeda Philippines and the Tzu Chi Foundation forged a partnership to enhance its Patient Assistance Program, enabling patients with lymphoma and IBD to access essential treatments granting improved health outcomes, and allowing them to pursue a better quality of life.

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Biopharmaceutical leader Takeda Healthcare Philippines Inc. recently inked a partnership with Tzu Chi Foundation to bolster a Patient Assistance Program (PAP) specifically benefiting patients suffering from Hodgkin Lymphoma and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

The Tzu Chi Foundation is an international humanitarian organization that has been operating in the Philippines for 27 years. It holds special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC) and focuses on disaster relief and rehabilitation, education, healthcare, and environmental protection, positively impacting communities in need. 

In collaboration with the foundation, Takeda will be able to support individuals suffering from rare diseases through its funding assistance. This support enables more patients to start and complete their treatments, enhancing their quality of life and helping them become more productive members of society.

“We really look forward to this [partnership] as it sets milestones to make sure that we help those who truly need it. Tzu Chi’s mission to relieve the suffering of those in need and create a better world resonated with us as this is aligned to our mission of providing better health and a brighter future for all. This partnership showcases the potential of combining our expertise, our resources, and with our mutual dedication, that will help address critical health challenges and foster a healthier, more equitable access to healthcare for rare diseases,” said Loreann Villanueva, Country Manager of Takeda in Philippines. 

Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez also emphasized the importance of this collaboration: “Tzu Chi’s mission is to help, and this partnership enables us to reach more people in need.”

In this partnership, Tzu Chi Foundation and Takeda will co-fund the treatment of patients requiring antibody-drug conjugates for Hodgkin lymphoma or monoclonal antibody medicines for IBD.

Interested applicants can enroll in the Takeda PAP through their doctors and complete the necessary assessments. Qualified candidates will then be referred to the Tzu Chi Foundation for further evaluation and financial support.

“We have a myriad of problems in the country, and a few NGOs or a few charity organizations will not be able to do it. And I think Takeda is setting an example to maybe other pharma companies and other corporations to also do their share,” said Tzu Chi Foundation Director Peggy Sy-Jiang.

Lymphoma, the most common blood cancer, is often hard to detect early due to symptoms like fever, night sweats, and painless lymph node swelling. In 2020, over 83,000 people worldwide were diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. Since 2022, Takeda Philippines has embarked on several awareness initiatives on lymphoma, such as the “Spot Lymphoma Stop Lymphoma” campaign, collaborating with the Philippine College of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine (PCHTM), the Philippine Society of Medical Oncologists (PSMO), the Philippine Society of Hematology and Blood Transfusion (PSHBT), and the Philippine Society of Pathology (PSP). The campaign aims to educate the public and healthcare professionals, and it includes partnerships with the Philippine Cancer Society to support CD30 biomarker testing for Hodgkin lymphoma and with Health Futures Inc. to provide continuing medical education programs for oncology nurses.

Meanwhile, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) causes gastrointestinal inflammation and is increasingly prevalent in Asia due to rapid industrialization. In the Philippines, Crohn’s and Colitis Philippines—an active patient support organization—has over 100 members and continues to grow. Despite being classified as rare and having limited prevalence data, estimates suggest there may be over 300 cases in the country, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and support for those affected by IBD.

Takeda reports that less than half of Hodgkin Lymphoma patients are able to initiate treatment, and 45% of IBD patients struggle to afford even one dose of medicine to begin therapy. This partnership allows patients with Hodgkin Lymphoma and IBD to access innovative treatments.

Through its patient assistance program, Takeda helps these patients obtain necessary care, fostering a healthier community. These efforts highlight the importance of support for those affected by these conditions.

To learn more about Takeda Healthcare Philippines, Inc. and its initiatives, please visit https://www.takeda.com/en-ph/.

Disclaimer: This information is available to the public for informational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating any health problems or diseases. It is not a substitute for consulting a healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider for further advice.