Published 2026-05-16
Summary: Kissei Pharmaceutical Co., which markets Amgen Inc.’s Tavneos in Japan, has advised doctors to stop prescribing the drug to new patients amid reports of deaths and liver injuries linked to Tavneos in Japan. The move adds to regulatory scrutiny surrounding the medicine.
What We Know
- Kissei Pharmaceutical Co. is recommending that doctors stop prescribing Tavneos to new patients in Japan.
- The guidance follows reports of deaths and liver injuries associated with Tavneos in Japan.
- The drug in question is Amgen’s Tavneos, marketed in Japan by Kissei.
- There is widespread regulatory attention to Tavneos related to safety concerns, as noted in multiple reports.
- Reported numbers in various sources indicate multiple deaths and liver-related adverse events linked to Tavneos in Japan, though exact figures vary by source.
What’s Still Unclear
- The exact total number of deaths and liver injury cases tied to Tavneos in Japan remains uncertain across reports.
- Whether the stoppage applies to all patients or only new patients starting Tavneos therapy is not clearly confirmed.
Context
Japan has observed safety concerns with Tavneos, prompting actions from its local distributor and heightened scrutiny from health regulators. Tavneos, a medication used for certain conditions, has drawn attention worldwide due to adverse event reports.
Why It Matters
The development could influence prescribing practices for Tavneos in Japan and may affect Amgen’s and Kissei’s regulatory and market positions, as regulators review safety signals and patient risk.
What to Watch Next
- Updates from Japanese health regulators regarding Tavneos safety evaluations.
- Any official statements from Amgen or Kissei addressing safety findings and potential amendments to labeling or usage guidelines.
- Clarification on whether existing patients are affected by the guidance beyond new prescriptions.
FAQ
Q: What is Tavneos and who markets it in Japan?
A: Tavneos is Amgen’s drug, marketed in Japan by Kissei Pharmaceutical Co.
Q: Why are doctors being told to stop prescribing Tavneos?
A: The guidance follows reports of deaths and liver injuries linked to Tavneos in Japan, prompting safety concerns and regulatory scrutiny.
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Source Transparency
- This article is based on a short preliminary brief and may not reflect the full details available in ongoing reporting.
- Source links are provided in the Sources section where available.
- A limited open-web check was used to clarify key details when possible; unclear items remain clearly marked.
Original brief: Kissei, which sells Amgen’s drug Tavneos in Japan, is recommending that doctors stop prescribing it, adding to pressure on the company over a medicine that’s attracted scrutiny from health regulators worldwide…
Sources
- Amgen's Tavneos Discouraged by Japanese Partner After Deaths
- Amgen's rare disease drug linked to deaths, liver injuries in Japan …
- Amgen Stock Drops Over 2% After 20 Deaths Tied to Tavneos Drug
- Amgen's rare disease drug linked to deaths, liver injuries in Japan …
- 20 People in Japan Died After Taking Amgen Drug – WSJ