In the effort of realizing its VISION, Astellas is advancing research activities in line with its Focus Area Approach.
Our research organization is implementing a unique operating model similar to bio-venture ecosystems. Each research unit, led by entrepreneurial leaders, works as an in-house bio-venture with a high degree of autonomy and mobility to accomplish its objectives. At the same time, the research organization also pursues distinctive capabilities as a pharmaceutical company.
Members with diverse expertise come together and work closely with external partners such as academia and bio-ventures, to deliver VALUE to patients around the world.
Organizational Structure
Astellas’ research organization consists of three groups.
Product Creation Units consist of acquired bio-ventures, in-house grown bio-ventures, and internally growing venture units. These units operate under an agile model, where talents with the necessary expertise come together according to their research needs and make autonomous decisions. They also incorporate a growth mechanism that mirrors external bio-venture ecosystems, where their role evolves from establishing a platform to building a pipeline.
Applied Research & Operations focuses on cutting-edge drug discovery platforms, translational research and regulatory science. Leveraging Astellas’ capabilities as an established pharmaceutical company, ARO enhances quality of drug candidates and productivity in the product creation process.
Administration Functions provide holistic strategy, coordination, and connectivity among the affiliates.
Product Creation Units
Please refer to the panels below to see detailed activities of each unit.
In-house Bio-ventures (acquired and in-house grown)
Pluripotent stem cell-derived therapeutic products
Pluripotent stem cell-derived therapeutic products
Engineered allogeneic stem cell technology such as Universal Doner Cells
Engineered allogeneic stem cell technology such as Universal Doner Cells
Cell based Immuno-Oncology therapies, combining ACCEL technology and Universal Donor Cells technology
Cell based Immuno-Oncology therapies, combining ACCEL technology and Universal Donor Cells technology
Antibody-/ Small molecule-based Immuno-Oncology therapies
Antibody-/ Small molecule-based Immuno-Oncology therapies
Discovery and manufacturing of genetic medicines
Discovery and manufacturing of genetic medicines
Small molecule therapeutics based on induced proximity technology represented by targeted protein degradation
Small molecule therapeutics based on induced proximity technology represented by targeted protein degradation
Venture Units
Engineered bacteriophage-derived therapeutic products
Engineered bacteriophage-derived therapeutic products
Next (re)generative medicine based on direct reprogramming
Next (re)generative medicine based on direct reprogramming
Causal therapy based on innate immune regulation
Causal therapy based on innate immune regulation
Therapy based on circadian rhythm regulation
Therapy based on circadian rhythm regulation
Unique platform technologies using AI and robots with state-of-the-art research environment
Unique platform technologies using AI and robots with state-of-the-art research environment
Bridging non-clinical to clinical, using biomimetic technology and mathematical models for a variety of modalities
Bridging non-clinical to clinical, using biomimetic technology and mathematical models for a variety of modalities
Consistent strategy planning, execution and regulatory submissions around non-clinical studies
Consistent strategy planning, execution and regulatory submissions around non-clinical studies
Where We Are
Each Research Engines is creating VALUE autonomously at each site in Japan, United States and Europe.
All of the Research Engines featured below have access to top-tier Scientific Advisory Board members, and we are continually looking to grow our expertise by forming partnerships with the best and brightest companies working in our Focus areas.
Tsukuba Research Center
(Tsukuba, Japan)
