Sustainability in business practice

A scientist view samples under a microscope, reflecting Astella’s commitment to fulfill its social responsibilities.
An Astellas employee holding a phone, reflecting on the company’s aim to be an Employer of Choice.

Astellas is committed to fulfilling its social responsibilities through its business activities as a global life sciences company, namely, to contribute toward improving the health of people around the world through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products. We respect human rights through every business activity from research and development to the provision of product information. We strive to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. 

To fulfill Astellas’ environmental and social responsibilities across the entire supply chain, it is important for us to embed environmental, social and governance principles into our processes and decision making with respect for compliance. To achieve this goal, Astellas has formulated the Sustainable Procurement Pledge which sets out our commitment and expected commitment from our Suppliers towards our sustainability goals in 5 main pillars. We also undertake measures for sustainable procurement globally to build a sound network for business activities. 

Astellas Business Partner Code of Conduct

Astellas expects its Suppliers to meet or exceed all applicable laws and regulations that are in place in the countries where Astellas and Suppliers operate. We encourage Suppliers to go beyond legal compliance by committing to meet relevant international standards and devote to continuous improvement.

 
The standards set forth in the Business Partner Code of Conduct are not intended to change or replace any specific contractual requirements. Rather, this Code of Conduct establishes the basic principles for business behavior which Astellas expects from its Suppliers. If Suppliers have agreed to stricter or more detailed requirements than this Code of Conduct, then we expect them to meet those contractual provisions. The Astellas Business Partner Code of Conduct is now an integral part of the Sustainable Procurement Pledge as one of 5 pillars. 

The basic policy for procurement activities 

To carry out procurement activities in a fair and transparent manner, it is necessary for purchasing staff to comply with the basic policy for procurement activities involving suppliers as a code for self-regulation. 

Basic policy for procurement activities involving suppliers

1. Comply with the law and corporate ethical standards

Observe all laws and regulations, and act in accordance with prescribed social norms in a highly ethical manner.

 

2. Maintain partnerships

Respect all suppliers as important partners, maintain integrity in all dealings with them, and work to foster cooperative and reliable relations.

 

3. Make selections based on economic rationality

Select suppliers fairly and impartially, based on economic rationality, and ensure that these business relationships are transparent and appropriate.

 

4. Practice fairness and impartiality

Do not treat any particular supplier unfairly.

 

5. Do not accept inappropriate payments

Do not give or receive inappropriate gifts (money, physical objects, entertainment/wining and dining, and other benefits), exploiting a superior position or your purchasing authority. Such gifts are prohibited.

 

6. Observe strict confidentiality

Strictly observe the confidentially of all information received from suppliers.

 

7. Promote sustainable procurement

Conduct procurement activities with a sustainability perspective, making sure that all suppliers observe laws and regulations and give consideration to environmental issues.

 

Risk assessments for significant business partners 

Astellas conducts a global assessment that includes an evaluation of sustainability risk in the selection process for significant business partners*, the business partners that have a particularly significant impact on Astellas’ business continuity among others. The sustainability risk assessment involves judging a risk level based on a combination of the business partner’s response to a questionnaire, external database information, a basic assessment by in-house experts on risks related to sustainability such as human rights, the environment, occupational health and safety and personal information protection, and, if necessary, the results of a local on-site audit carried out by an Astellas employee. In addition, for the environment, occupational health and safety risk assessments, Astellas' original questions are added to the questionnaire (SAQ), which has been published by PSCI (Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Initiative). 


Sustainability risk assessment has started operating in Japan, North America and Europe since February 2019, and has also been deployed in South America and Asian countries. Risk assessment results and assessment processes are centralized by using a global platform. Astellas may conduct a sustainability assessment for the subcontractor depending on the business between third parties. 


If Astellas identifies a risk that can be improved during the business partner selection process, it encourages the business partner to make the improvement and monitors its initiatives. Astellas does not engage in business if it identifies a critical risk and it judges the risk is difficult to be improved. 


Moreover, business divisions continue monitoring risk status even after business transactions have begun and the supplier’s sustainability risk level is assessed once every two years through a questionnaire. If necessary, the assessment takes place even within the two-year period.


*Business partners that have a significant impact on Astellas’ business continuity, such as suppliers of raw materials (regardless of whether they are direct or indirect materials), outsourcing companies, pharmaceutical wholesalers and sales alliance partners. 

On-site audits of suppliers 

In 2020, there have been movement restrictions due to the impact of COVID-19. We conducted field survey on two companies in Japan regarding the operational status of wastewater treatment facilities, the working environment of employees, and the prevention of chemical substance exposure. In cases where items were pointed out, Astellas indicated an improvement proposal, requested a plan for corrective measures be drawn up and is currently following up on progress of the improvements based on the corrective measures plan. 

Supplier diversity 

Astellas encourages and welcomes a diverse supply base as part of its commitment to diversity and inclusion. This is to ensure that diverse individuals and companies are included and play a role, in our vision to turn innovative science into value for patients, irrespective of race, nationality, gender, or age. We recognize that diverse suppliers bring unique backgrounds and experiences, and these are critical contributors to our ecosystem of value.

Astellas adheres to Japan’s Subcontract Act and also has a long-standing U.S. Small Business Program that observes the guidelines established by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.  Astellas’ Small Business Program focuses on providing opportunities for a number of small business categories including disadvantaged businesses, women-owned, veteran-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, and Historically Under-utilized Business Zones (HUBZone) small businesses. 


Astellas is expanding its diversity efforts and is formally launching the Astellas Supplier Diversity Program. These actions are being taken in accordance with Astellas’ Sustainability efforts to contribute to society and evolve into a model that inspires trust, collaboration, and creates a positive impact on communities, as well as with Astellas’ policy to provide fair and equitable opportunity to all qualified businesses to be considered potential suppliers to Astellas. This Program aims to include a broader range of traditionally excluded supplier groups, creating growth and development opportunities for these suppliers. This Program will initially focus on the United States and expand into other countries in the coming years. 


The Astellas Supplier Diversity Program includes suppliers that fall under one or more of the following categories: 

  • Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)  
  • Woman Business Enterprise (WBE)  
  • Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise (VBE)  
  • Small Business (SB) 
  • Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB)  
  • Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB)  
  • Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB)  
  • Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SD-VOSB)  
  • Historically Underutilized Business Zone Business (HUBZone) 

Astellas is committed to research activities to create innovative new drugs and medical solutions in compliance with applicable laws and regulations and the highest ethical standards. 

Ethical considerations in research on human subjects 

Astellas conducts research on human participants and research utilizing specimens and information derived from humans after appropriately obtaining the consent of the participants in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki*1 as well as the laws, regulations and guidelines of relevant countries. 

For example, Astellas provides training for employees in Japan that conduct research, in areas such as bioethics, genome research and related clinical research based on a strong commitment to respecting the human rights of research participants and protecting the privacy and confidentiality of their personal information. The Astellas Research Ethics Committee has been established with internal/external experts participating in the committee to determine the ethical acceptability and scientific propriety of research plans in a fair and impartial manner. The details of the Astellas Research Ethics Committee have been released on the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare’s ethics committee reporting system website*2


Ethical considerations in stem cells research and development 

Astellas is advancing research and development activities using stem cells*3 in order to supply new treatment methods to address diseases that previously had no known treatment methods. 


Astellas recognizes that concerns which need careful consideration could arise when promoting research using human stem cells. In particular, it is necessary to pay full attention to the social and bioethical issues associated with research using human embryonic stem cells (ES cells). 


Based on these principles and awareness, Astellas has established its “Policy on Human Stem Cell Research and Development*4,” which sets forth the basic matters it must comply with in the course of conducting human stem cell research and development. Specifically, in all of its research and development activities involving human stem cells, Astellas will comply with the relevant laws, ordinances and regulations of the countries and regions where it undertakes these research and development activities. Moreover, we have set up the committee comprising internal and external experts, from which it will obtain oversight and advice on the ethical aspects and the scientific validity and legitimacy of these research and development activities. All research and development programs will be implemented upon investigation by the committee from an ethical and scientific standpoint. Furthermore, when establishing and using human ES cells, Astellas will take steps to satisfy the ethical standards established by the world’s major scientific authorities, including the guidelines laid out by the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 


Ethical considerations in human genome editing 

As a leading Life Sciences company with a dedicated mission to contribute towards improving the health of people around the world through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products, Astellas is at the forefront of advances in human genome editing techniques. In partnership with academic research institutes and biotechnology companies, Astellas employees and partners at sites around the world are developing innovative therapeutic approaches by combining an in-depth understanding of the underlying biology of diseases with innovative platforms and treatment modalities which includes genome editing/genome regulation. 


Astellas recognizes and supports the ongoing work of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Genome Editing Consortium, European Academies' Science Advisory Council (EASAC), U.S. Pharmacopeia, International Organization for Standardization (ISO), World Health Organization (WHO), and other globally authorized organizations to develop global standards for governance and oversight of human genome editing. Astellas recognizes and supports the premise that basic and preclinical research using genome editing technologies of somatic cells and germline cells should be carried out in compliance with appropriate legal and ethical rules and oversight in order to contribute to health and welfare for patients. Also at the clinical use stage, Astellas is committed to research and development for appropriate scientific purposes in compliance with all relevant laws and guidelines. Astellas publishes its Position on Human Genome Editing on its website.*5 


Animal welfare in animal testing 

Astellas conducts animal testing based on its Policy on Animal Care and Use*6, which was created based on various relevant laws, regulations and guidelines related to animals such as the Act on Welfare and Management of Animals. We have established the Corporate Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee with external experts that verify the 4R Principles*7 and determine whether to conduct animal testing. All of Astellas’ animal facilities strive to ensure transparency by acquring accreditation from AAALAC international*8


Biotechnology and biohazard control 

In compliance with the World Health Organization Laboratory Biosafety Manual*9, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Biosafety Manual*10 and the U.S. National Institutes of Health Guidelines*11, as well as the laws of individual countries, Astellas handles experimental materials containing genetically modified organisms and pathogens. 


Consideration for biodiversity 

As set out in its “Position on Genetic Resources*12,” Astellas is committed to the conservation of biological diversity in accordance with the provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity*13 and, when using new genetic modification techniques, handles genetic resources carefully, mindful about their impact on the environment and people’s health. Astellas also follows guidelines on the utilization of genetic resources and distribution of benefits arising out of their utilization set out in the Nagoya Protocol*14 and, when accessing the genetic resources of another country, Astellas complies with the relevant laws and regulations of the providing country and ensures the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of utilization. 


Treatment of intellectual property 

Appropriate protection of intellectual property is critical to addressing unmet medical needs and maintaining a competitive advantage. With this in mind, Astellas has established a Policy on Intellectual Property*15. In addition, Astellas is a signatory to the IP PACT*16, a declaration of 10 key principles affirming our strong commitment to innovation and keeping the needs of patients at the heart of IP practices. 


In view of the importance of improving people’s access to health, Astellas participates in the Patent Information Initiative for Medicines (Pat-INFORMED) implemented by the World International Patent Organization (WIPO) to ensure easy access to Astellas’ patent information on medicines by health agencies tasked with the procurement of medicines in various countries. Patent information for XTANDI®, Lexiscan(TM), Gonax®, Suglat®, Tarceva® and XOSPATA® is provided in the Pat-INFORMED database. 


Astellas commits to not filing or enforcing patents in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) defined by the United Nations or Low Income Countries (LICs) defined by the World Bank. Astellas also commits to considering flexibilities in licensing patents in other developing countries on a case-by-case basis, in order to address pressing health challenges, while recognizing these challenges are the shared responsibility of multiple actors, including the pharmaceutical industry*17


Astellas conducts clinical trials to assess the efficacy and safety of new medicinal products and other treatment candidates in patients while adhering to the Declaration of Helsinki, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and applicable laws and regulations. Astellas prioritizes the protection of human rights, privacy and confidentiality of clinical trial participants’ personal information. Clinical trial protocols developed by Astellas are evaluated and approved for ethical acceptability and scientific validity by internal and external evaluation committees. 


In conducting clinical trials, Astellas confirms that clinical trial participants have provided informed consent, having received a full explanation of the purpose and methods of the trial, its expected benefits, potential risks and other details. Moreover, we regularly implement education and training for employees and staff members involved in developing and operationalizing Astellas-sponsored clinical trials, and monitor medical institutions that perform clinical trials to ensure full GCP compliance. 


In addition, we protect the privacy and confidentiality of the personal information of clinical trial participants by managing trial data appropriately. Periodic assessments are also conducted to ensure that any outsourced clinical trials are conducted in accordance with the same high standards. 

Disclosure of information on clinical trials and trial results 

Astellas is committed to transparency and disclosure of clinical trial data. Maximizing the value of clinical trial data, and putting it to good use in driving scientific advancement and increasing innovation, requires that the clinical trial data be appropriately accessible to the research community and others who might utilize it. The Policy on Disclosure of Clinical Trial Data*1 has been published on the Company website to present Astellas’ position on this matter. 

 

Astellas registers clinical trials, posts clinical trial information, and discloses clinical trial results to public database. Astellas provides anonymized patient-level data in accordance with applicable laws and regulations through an external website*2 to those scientists and healthcare professionals requesting it in the case that a review panel consisting of third-party experts evaluates and approves the request based on scientific usefulness and scientist eligibility. In addition Astellas discloses summaries of clinical trial findings from phase 1 through 4 interventional trials after Health Authority approval of medicinal product or discontinuation of the medicinal product development so that healthcare professionals and the public can view them via the clinical trial results website(s)*3. These website(s) also give patients access to plain language summaries of trial results prepared for non-experts*3


Early access and post-trial access to investigational therapy 

Astellas has set forth its approach to supplying investigational medicines to patients for purposes other than clinical trials in its Position on Early Access and Post-Trial Access to Investigational Therapy*4

 

Astellas recognizes that patients with serious, life-threatening diseases may have exhausted all of their available treatment options, may not qualify for a clinical trial and may seek access to investigational medicines. In these cases, in response to a request for investigational medicines from a primary physician, Astellas fairly and impartially evaluates whether or not the request meets the required conditions to provide early access as appropriate. Furthermore, early access programs may be established in countries where the clinical development of an investigational medicine is progressing and the medicine is targeted for commercial availability. This procedure will be implemented in accordance with the regulations of the country where early access is requested. Early access programs that require physicians to follow an approved treatment protocol are registered, if required by regulation, on ClinicalTrials.gov, the EU Clinical Trials Information System and/or local registries. 

Access to Medicines Request Platform 

Patient centricity in clinical development 

Anti-doping measures

Our commitment to quality

At Astellas, our focus on quality is not just a regulatory requirement; it is the cornerstone of our commitment to turn innovative science into tangible VALUE for patients. 

 

We believe that innovation and quality go hand-in-hand and are dedicated to exceeding the expectations of those who depend on our treatments, guided by the following fundamental principles: 

Maintain a robust quality management system: We are committed to maintaining a strong quality management system that advances quality and assures compliance throughout the organization, grounded in strict regulatory adherence. Our focus on continuous improvement drives us to regularly evaluate our processes, allowing us to mitigate risks and adapt to evolving industry standards that protect patients and research participants while also assuring integrity of data.

 

Create value as a strategic partner: We recognize that quality goes beyond processes; it encompasses the cultivation of strong, trust-based relationships. As a strategic partner, we embrace collaboration and transparency as key drivers of excellence. We provide solutions-oriented support at every stage of the product lifecycle, offering our independent insights to deliver reliable information and services that maintain high accountability standards, ultimately reducing risks for our stakeholders. By actively engaging with internal teams, external partners, and regulatory bodies, we enhance our collective capacity to deliver innovative solutions that meet unmet medical needs and drive meaningful change in patient care.

 

Foster a culture of quality: We believe that a Culture of Quality is cultivated through shared responsibility and a commitment to excellence at all levels of the organization, embodying our core values of innovation, integrity, and impact. We strive to create an environment of critical thinking and open dialogue that allows us to proactively address challenges and maintain the highest of standards for our patients. We also invest in our team by providing them with the knowledge and skills necessary to uphold these standards.

 

Instill confidence & trust: We understand that trust is essential in healthcare. Our commitment to quality is designed to instill confidence in those who rely on our treatments. By maintaining transparency in our operations and communicating openly about our quality initiatives, we seek to reassure all stakeholders that we prioritize protection of patients and well-being of research volunteers in everything we do.

 

Stable supply and quality control

*1Blister card packaging: Plastic packaging formed to fit the shape of the product.

FY The number of FDA Inspections
Warning Letter Issued
Form 483 Issued*2 Location of Form 483 Issued
2014 5 None 1 Takaoka (Japan)
2015 4 None 2 Norman (US)*1 
Takaoka (Japan)
2016 2 None 1 Toyama (Japan)
2017 2 None 1 Toyama (Japan) 
2018 3 None 1 Takaoka (Japan)
2019 2 None 1 Toyama (Japan)
2020 2 None None None
2021 0 - - -
2022 0 - - -
2023 1 - 1 Yaizu (Japan)
2024 1 - - Toyama (Japan)

*1The Norman plant in the U.S was transferred to Avara Norman Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. in August 2016.

*2Form 483: An FDA Form 483 is issued to firm management at the conclusion of an inspection when an FDA investigator(s) has observed any conditions that in their judgment may constitute violations of the Food Drug and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act and related Acts.


*3SEAI: Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland is an Irish government-affiliated organization supporting the reduction of CO2 emissions.


FY The number of recall
Severe 
(Class I)
Moderate 
(Class II) Mild 
(Class III)  Non Classified
2014 3 0 1 1 1
2015 3 0 1 1 1
2016 3 0 2 1 0
2017 3 0 2 0 1
2018 7 0 4 2 1*
2019 2 0 1 0 1
2020 1 0 0 1 0
2021 1 0 0 1 0
2022 0 - - - -
2023 1 0 0 1 0
2024 2 1 1 0 0

*Authority-initiated recall