Focusing on innate immunity*, we aim to develop innovative therapeutics for allergic diseases, autoimmune diseases, fibrotic diseases, infectious diseases, cancer, and other diseases.
We are conducting drug discovery research using various modalities such as engineered antibodies, small molecule compounds, nucleic acids, and cells.
*Please check here for the explanation of innate immunity (Innate Lymphoid Cells).
Unit Head
Yuji Saita, PhD
Saita worked as a researcher in multiple therapeutic areas such as autoimmune diseases and led multiple collaborative research program with academia and venture companies. He then moved to a research portfolio planning department where he established research strategy in immunology and immuno-oncology and was involved in multiple partnering opportunities. He assumed his present position in April 2019.
MESSAGE FROM UNIT HEAD
Astellas has been conducting research and development on immunomodulators represented by Prograf® (FK-506) and has accumulated robust experience in the immunology area. By integrating cutting-edge science and technology possessed by leading academia and bio-techs and our drug discovery experience, we aim to develop innovative therapeutics.