Astellas Pharma Partners with Korea Institute to Boost Startup Drug Discovery Efforts

Astellas Pharma Partners with Korea Institute of Startup and Entrepreneurship Development

Astellas Pharma Inc., listed on TSE (4503) and led by President and CEO Naoki Okamura, has established a new partnership with the Korea Institute of Startup and Entrepreneurship Development (KISED). This collaboration aims to foster drug discovery research and support the global expansion of promising Korean startups involved in this field. The agreement was framed under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) officially announced on July 17, 2025.

KISED, serving as an umbrella organization under the Ministry of SMEs and Startups in South Korea, will manage the Partnership with Global Companies Program. The initiative's goal is to identify and nurture innovative drug-discovery startups in Korea. As part of this program, KISED will provide comprehensive management alongside essential research funding.

Astellas is set to facilitate selected Korean startups by providing access to state-of-the-art laboratory and office space at SakuLab™-Tsukuba, part of the Astellas Tsukuba Research Center. Startups that find their home in SakuLab™-Tsukuba will benefit from expert consultations, not only with Astellas but also with their peers in the research environment. This collaborative ecosystem aims to accelerate drug discovery efforts through shared knowledge and resources.

The announcement also revealed two initial beneficiaries of this collaboration: TCUBEiT Inc. and AAVATAR Therapeutics. TCUBEiT is focused on next-generation T-cell-based immunotherapies, while AAVATAR specializes in advanced AAV viral vector engineering technology. These startups will initiate their collaboration by relocating to the aforementioned research facility, where they can access Astellas' expertise and technological infrastructure.

Dr. Tadaaki Taniguchi, Astellas' Chief Research Development Officer, expressed significant enthusiasm regarding the partnership, highlighting the importance of diverse perspectives and expertise in driving innovation within the pharmaceutical industry. According to Taniguchi, today’s fast-evolving landscape requires collaborative efforts between established firms and startups to transform innovative ideas into viable medical solutions that ultimately benefit patients.

Ki-Seok Yoo, KISED’s President, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that this strategic partnership would significantly enhance the competitiveness of promising Korean startups on the global stage. The direct access to Astellas' extensive research assets and established networks represents a pivotal opportunity for these companies as they endeavor to thrive in the several challenges of new drug development.

While the partnership is expected to yield rich results particularly in startup support and drug research acceleration, it is important to note that the financial impact on Astellas' results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, is projected to be minimal.

About Astellas Pharma

Astellas is a global life sciences entity dedicated to transforming innovative science into improved healthcare outcomes. The company's portfolio encompasses a variety of therapeutic areas, including oncology, urology, ophthalmology, immunology, and women's health. Through its robust research and development programs, Astellas aims to create pathways for new treatments that address significant unmet medical needs.

About KISED

The Korea Institute of Startup and Entrepreneurship Development plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and competitiveness among small and medium-sized enterprises in South Korea. The agency’s mandate includes enhancing the startup ecosystem through various strategic initiatives that ensure sustainable growth and innovative management practices. With a focus on cooperation with global corporations, KISED continues to bolster the development of its startup network.

Through this collaboration, Astellas and KISED are setting a precedent for pharmaceutical and biotechnology entrepreneurship in South Korea and nurturing a robust environment for innovative healthcare solutions.