Leading the Charge in Oncology: How Astellas is Redefining Cancer Treatment
Over the past decade, Astellas has risen from an oncology newcomer to a recognized leader in the field with three best-in-class cancer therapies that have been prescribed to over one million patients across 70 countries. This transformation is fueled by relentless innovation, and Astellas is looking to strengthen its oncology leadership by advancing an early-stage pipeline of novel, cutting-edge modalities including immuno-oncology (IO) and targeted protein degradation (TPD), which target hard-to-treat cancers with high unmet needs.
Under the current leadership of Chief Medical Officer Tadaaki Taniguchi, Astellas' innovative approach is driving the development of treatments that make a profound impact on the lives of those battling cancer. In this article, Tadaaki shares his insights on how Astellas is leading the charge in oncology and what the future holds for cancer treatment.
Addressing Challenges in Cancer Treatment
The complexity and diversity of cancer demand a relentless commitment to deliver treatments with urgency. Since joining Astellas in 2022, Tadaaki has leveraged his extensive experience as a surgical oncologist to strengthen the company’s efforts in accelerating the availability of therapies, ensuring Astellas continues to meet the pressing needs of cancer patients.
"As a surgeon, I often faced the frustration of seeing patients with limited treatment options after surgery," he reflects. "This drives my commitment to developing therapies that offer real hope to those battling cancer."
Tadaaki’s end-to-end experience in the biopharma industry spans over 20 years across research, development, medical affairs, and commercialization. He brings deep, yet holistic, insights that have been crucial in delivering innovative oncology medicines designed to make a meaningful difference for patients worldwide.
Recently, Astellas’ presence at the 2024 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress showcased a wealth of data across multiple cancer types from its approved products, as well as innovative pipeline developments in IO and TPD, aimed at some of the most challenging cancers with high unmet needs. "Our focus is on cancer types where there are limited treatment options.” We are committed to bringing new therapies to patients eagerly waiting for them," Tadaaki emphasizes.
Reflecting on the impact of Astellas' work, Tadaaki recalls a standing ovation during a product data presentation at the 2023 ESMO Congress, which highlighted significant improvements in survival rates. "That moment was unforgettable. It shows why it is so important to keep pushing to develop better treatments," he shares.
Astellas' Evolution in Oncology
Astellas is taking a strategic approach to evolving its oncology portfolio, seeking to increase the number of patients who could benefit from its therapies. Initially, the company focused on specific cancer types that affected smaller groups of people, leveraging its deep scientific expertise in urology and immunology to address more targeted conditions like prostate and bladder cancer.
Building on this success, Astellas is expanding its efforts to address cancers with significant unmet medical needs, such as gastric, lung, pancreatic, and head and neck cancer. The goal is to develop treatments that benefit as many people as possible.
“Our strong foundation has allowed us to not only expand into new cancer types but also embrace innovative approaches like targeted therapies and new treatment modalities,” says Tadaaki. “Looking ahead, we are committed to pioneering first-in-class treatments that push the boundaries of cancer care.”
Impact of Next-Generation Therapies
Staying one step ahead of cancer requires exploring new approaches. Astellas is advancing several next-generation cancer therapies, with an R&D approach concentrating on oncology investments in IO and TPD. In addition, the company is pioneering innovative technologies — such as AI and robotics — to accelerate the discovery and development of new therapies. "TPD is a game-changer for us because it allows us to tackle targets previously out of reach," Tadaaki explains. "By focusing on these historically 'undruggable' targets, we can make a real difference for patients with limited treatment options."
Astellas’ lead program in TPD is a protein degrader targeting the mutant KRAS G12D protein. Mutated KRAS proteins drive tumor growth but have traditionally been considered “undruggable” as they lack a binding pocket suitable for small molecule inhibitors. Specifically, KRAS G12D mutations are found in many different cancer types, including around 40% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas and around 15% of colorectal cancers . Furthermore, there are currently no approved treatments specifically for KRAS G12D mutated cancers.
In IO, Astellas is developing next-generation therapies targeting different stages of the cancer immune cycle. "Our goal in IO is to outmaneuver cancer by harnessing the body's natural defenses in ways never done before," adds Tadaaki.
Astellas’ IO pipeline includes a variety of modalities designed to overcome various challenges, including oncolytic viruses, bispecific immune cell engagers, small molecules, cell therapy, and immunostimulatory antibody-drug conjugates (iADC).
Collaboration and Future Direction
Collaboration is central to Astellas’ advancements in oncology. The company partners with a diverse range of organizations, from global research institutions and academic centers to biotech companies, each bringing unique expertise to the table.
For instance, Astellas’ partnership with Mass General Brigham helps ensure patient and provider perspectives are embedded into the drug development process, while its collaborations with companies like Sutro Biopharma, Poseida Therapeutics, and Kelonia Therapeutics introduce cutting-edge technologies and specialized. Together, these collaborations enable Astellas to approach cancer treatment from multiple angles, accelerating progress and delivering meaningful solutions for patients.
Astellas is dedicated to transforming cancer treatment, striving to provide hope to patients and their loved ones facing difficult-to-treat cancers. Reflecting on his firsthand clinical experience, Tadaaki emphasizes: "We must do everything in our power to meet the needs of patients and support the healthcare professionals who care for them."
Astellas' journey in oncology is far from over. With a strong foundation built over the past decade, the company continues to push for innovative solutions. Recognizing the urgency of unmet needs in cancer, Astellas remains dedicated to improving patients’ lives.
Learn more about our groundbreaking innovation by clicking the links below:
Primary Focus Immuno-Oncology
Read more
Primary Focus Targeted Protein Degradation
Read more
Related Links
