- Early approaches to cutting-edge science and technology innovation -

TOKYO, September 23, 2020  - Astellas Pharma Inc. (TSE: 4503, President and CEO: Kenji Yasukawa, Ph.D., “Astellas”) has signed an agreement with two research centers at the University of Tokyo (President: Makoto Gonokami, Ph.D.): The Institute for Life Science Research and Education, and The University of Tokyo Center of Innovation and the Research Institute for Science & Technology (the COI), on a collaborative effort ‘Astellas Alliance Acceleration Program’ (AAAP) to create innovative new medicines and medical solutions.

Based on these agreements, Astellas seeks a wide range of research project proposals from researchers belonging to the Institute for Life Science Research and Education and the COI. It looks for proposals for research and development at different stages, from initial investigations into the biological mechanisms underlying diseases to the identification of drug discovery targets and the discovery of new therapeutic agents including their verification. Astellas will discuss the proposals with respective researchers in preparation for launching the collaborative research projects.

Astellas will have early stage access to the Institute for Life Science Research and Education, and the COI research activities through AAAP. The collaboration of research projects will enable the early introduction of cutting-edge scientific and technological innovations to Astellas.

“We are delighted to build upon a close collaboration with the Institute for Life Science Research and Education, and the COI,” said Akihiko Iwai, Ph.D., President of Drug Discovery Research at Astellas. “It is hoped that these collaborations will enable us to approach cutting-edge scientific and technological innovations from an earlier stage, further accelerating our efforts in a wide range of drug discovery research from the initial stage to clinical practice.”

Astellas' philosophy is to "contribute toward improving the health of people around the world through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products." Astellas is working to create medical solutions by ensuring that scientific progress is targeted where the greatest potential exists to create and deliver VALUE for patients. Alliances and partnerships with academia and bioventure companies around the world play an important role in achieving these goals. Therefore, the company is actively seeking collaboration opportunities in order to access capabilities beyond its organization. This collaboration with two research centers at the University of Tokyo is part of these efforts.

 

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