About Us
The Circadian Rhythm Regulation Research Unit was established in August 2023 and is based at Tsukuba Research Center in Japan. Recent studies have shown that circadian rhythms* play important roles in maintaining biological homeostasis, and their disruption causes or worsens some diseases. We are working to develop methods to normalize circadian rhythms, as well as to suppress the onset of and treat these diseases by controlling circadian rhythms. Our goal is to develop efficacious treatments to regulate circadian rhythms, including ones that prevent diseases through early interventions.
*Circadian rhythms: mental and physical changes that follow in 24-hours cycle
Approach
Effective academic and industry collaborations are crucial to better understand circadian rhythm disruption and its mechanism to cause diseases. To develop novel therapeutics to treat diseases by regulating circadian rhythms, we are leveraging our small molecule drug discovery capabilities. We are identifying new target molecules surrounding genetic backgrounds, and AI and robotics applications. Furthermore, our efforts include activities to establish unique translational science by building primate models and utilizing multiple digital biomarkers.
Team
Unit Head
Makoto Ohmiya, Ph.D.
Dr. Ohmiya has worked as a pharmacological researcher in neuroscience and discovered three drug candidates. He has also been engaged in digital therapeutics-related venture investments in the US at Rx+ Business Accelerator Division since 2018. In 2020, he started research on circadian rhythms and has been in his current position since August 2023. He believes in providing newly valuable therapy to patients suffering from illnesses as quickly as possible.
Partnering
Astellas is seeking partners in this area and would wish to explore the following assets and capabilities
- Candidate molecules for new medicine related to circadian rhythm regulation
- Novel biomarker or the cutting-edge technology to measure circadian rhythms
- Animal model studies of various diseases induced by circadian rhythm misalignment