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Exploratory Research
Exploratory research is the starting
point in drug discovery.
Exploratory research sheds light on disease mechanisms and searches for compounds
that will act on them. Astellas has built its own system to analyze gene function and
drive the genomics drug discovery. Using genomics technology, we illuminate
the physiological functions concerning disease and drugs. In our logical approach to
research, we identify new targets and then work to develop new drugs to fit them.
Discovering the optimal compounds for new drugs through superior synthesis and fermentation technologies.
Sophisticated synthesis technology is used to create compounds precisely as researchers envision them.Fermentation technology is used to search for compounds, as yet unimagined by human beings, produced by microorganisms that inhabit the soil or other environments. These two technologies are the pillars of new drug discovery at Astellas.
Introducing the latest technologies to accelerate research and increase efficiency.
Astellas employs a variety of techniques, including combinatorial chemistry, an approach that permits the simultaneous synthesis of multiple compounds, and high-throughput screening in which computers control each step in the screening process. Other examples include proteomics research that investigates changes in amount of the specified proteins in genome research, X-ray analysis of the interaction between compounds and bio-macromolecules, and NMR screening. We also established virtual screening technology, to select compounds expected to act on those proteins.
Building a global research network.
In addition to in-house resources, Astellas makes extensive use of external resources to ensure that we quickly take full advantage of indispensable, state-of-the-art knowledge and technologies.We are constantly growing our global research network through active involvement in cooperative research activities with universities, other research organizations, and other pharmaceutical related venture companies.
By concentrating our research focus,we aim to achieve greater efficiency in new drug discovery.
At Astellas, our focus is on urology and immunology and inflammation, especially in transplantation,areas in which we have a strong competitive edge in the global arena. We are also increasingly focusing on other targeted areas of unmet medical needs. We believe that focusing on these areas and concentrating our resources in them strengthens our capability to discover new drugs.
