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The global pharmaceutical market is valued at approximately $1,305.4 billion (2020)* and continues to grow, reflecting the increasing demand for effective healthcare solutions. This market is primarily divided into two categories: prescription drugs and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. In Japan, prescription drugs account for 90% of the pharmaceutical market, underscoring the critical role they play in patient care.
Prescription drugs can be further categorized into brand-name and generic medications. Brand-name drugs are developed using new active pharmaceutical ingredients or for innovative therapeutic purposes, and they are manufactured and marketed by the originating company. In contrast, generic drugs contain the same active ingredients as their brand-name counterparts and are made available by different companies once the original patents expire.
Astellas is an R&D-oriented pharmaceutical company that specializes in the development of innovative new drugs.
* Source: The Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association “DATABOOK 2022”
Copyright © 2022 IQVIA. Quoted from IQVIA World Review, Data Period 2020 (Reprinted with permission)
Classification of drugs
*Ratio in Japanese market Created by Astellas based on the survey by Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (https://www.mhlw.go.jp/toukei/list/105-1.html)
At Astellas, we are dedicated to addressing the unmet medical needs that persist in various disease areas. Our global efforts focus on developing innovative new drugs for patients who have yet to receive effective treatment or who are not responding adequately to existing therapies.
In our Research & Development (R&D) activities, our mission is clear: to create groundbreaking therapies by leveraging the best science, collaborating with the world’s top talent, and conducting our R&D in the most conducive environments. We are committed to delivering our results to patients awaiting new treatments as swiftly as possible.
Our production facilities are located in Japan, China and Ireland. As a global life sciences company, we operate in over 70 countries and regions, establishing a strong presence in each market as we continue to expand our reach and impact.
Reaching patients in over 70 countries
*This is a business map, identifying Astellas markets around the world
Products listed on this website are the main products that Astellas provides globally. These products may not be available in all countries or regions and may be available under different brand names and trademarks, for different indications and patient populations, in different dosages, and in different strengths. These products generally are available only by prescription through local healthcare professionals.
(enfortumab vedotin)
for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer
(avacincaptad pegol)
for the treatment of geographic atrophy secondary to age-related macular degeneration
(fezolinetant)
for the treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms associated with/due to menopause
(zolbetuximab)
for the first-line treatment of adults with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma whose tumors are claudin (CLDN) 18.2 positive
(gilteritinib)
for the treatment of adult patients who have relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia with a FLT3 mutation
(enzalutamide)
For the treatment of advanced prostate cancer, including metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC), metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) and non-metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (nmHSPC) with high-risk biochemical recurrence (BCR)
(mirabegron)
for the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB)
(tacrolimus)
For use with other adjuvants and medicines to help prevent organ rejection in people who have had a kidney, liver, heart, or lung transplant
*Strategic Brands
** VEOZAH: Approved as VEOZA in ex-US
The development of new drugs is a complex and rigorous process that typically spans over 10 years. This journey begins with basic research, followed by non-clinical trials and extensive clinical trials designed to assess the drug's efficacy, safety, and quality.
Once these critical evaluations are complete, the drug must undergo a thorough review process and receive approval from regulatory authorities in each country or region. In Japan, this approval is granted by the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare. Only after this comprehensive evaluation can the drug be made available to patients, ensuring that we uphold the highest standards of safety and effectiveness in our commitment to improving health outcomes.
R&D expenses
The revenue-to-R&D expense ratio in the pharmaceutical industry is significantly higher than in many other sectors, highlighting a distinctive characteristic of our business. Successful research and development are crucial for the growth and sustainability of the pharmaceutical industry, making investment in R&D essential for the ongoing creation of innovative products.
At Astellas, we are committed to this principle, investing approximately 17.1% of our revenue in R&D for the fiscal year ending in March 2025, totaling 327.7 billion yen. This investment is well above the industry average and reflects our dedication to advancing science and delivering transformative therapies that meet the needs of patients worldwide.
R&D programs in progress
Astellas is actively advancing a robust portfolio of research and development programs. Currently, we have 18 programs focused on prescription drugs (Rx). Building on the expertise and knowledge gained from our Rx business, we have launched the Rx+® initiative, which aims to address all aspects of healthcare, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
As of the end of fiscal year 2024, we have four programs underway within our Rx+® business. This strategic approach underscores our commitment to innovation and our dedication to improving patient outcomes across the healthcare continuum.
Corporate Strategic Plan 2021 (CSP2021): Three Goals to Accelerate Growth
Astellas’ vision is to be on the forefront of healthcare change, turning innovative science into VALUE for patients. Our CSP2021 framework outlines a comprehensive set of strategies designed to advance this vision over a five-year period, from fiscal year 2021 to the end of fiscal year 2025.
These strategies include:
We believe that these three goals are interconnected and will work synergistically to help us effectively execute our strategies.
Shareholder returns
Astellas is committed to distributing profits through shareholder returns while continuously improving corporate value. We strive to raise dividend levels aligned with profit, cashflow plan and actual performance, while giving top priority to business investment to achieve future growth. When surplus funds become available, we flexibly execute share buybacks to improve capital efficiency and the level of returns to shareholders.
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