Takeda Pharmaceutical Co has responded again to reports that a much-rumoured acquisition of Switzerland's Nycomed is a done deal, denying that any agreement is in place.

For the last week or so, it has been reported that the Japanese drugmaker has agreed a deal to buy privately-owned Nycomed for around one trillion yen, or around $12.3 billion. Just before last weekend, Takeda felt moved to make a statement saying no agreement had been reached.

However the rumour mill has continued to turn and the Nikkei business newspaper said that the purchase was going to be announced today (Wednesday). This has prompted the Osaka-headquartered company to issue another statement.

This states that the firm "would like to make clear that Takeda has not agreed to any such an agreement, and accordingly, has not decided to make an announcement as reported by certain media publications. In addition, Takeda has a policy of not commenting on any rumours regarding our business."

The attraction of Nycomed is principally based on its very strong presence in the emerging markets and the company's new chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment Daxas (roflumilast), known in the USA as Daliresp. Takeda has expressed its desire to expand overseas and is looking to replace some of the revenues that will be lost when its diabetes blockbuster Actos (pioglitazone) goes off-patent in the USA next year.