#Japan #Tokyo #Astellas Pharma #Mitsubishi Research Institute #Japan Startups

Supporting Innovation in Japan's Pharma Sector

In a collaborative effort to boost Japan's pharmaceutical landscape, Mitsubishi Research Institute, Inc. (MRI) and Astellas Pharma Inc. have recently signed a memorandum of understanding. Their joint initiative seeks to provide crucial support to drug-discovery startups in Japan, empowering them to achieve success on a global scale. This partnership signifies a strategic push to make Japan a prominent hub for drug discovery and innovation while nurturing startups that show the potential to thrive internationally.

Enhancing Drug-Discovery Startups

The collaboration will implement several programs under the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's Medical Innovation Support Office (MEDISO). This governmental body aims to tackle the insufficient practical application of Japan's advanced life-sciences technologies. Since 2018, MRI has been in charge of managing MEDISO, working tirelessly to help promising drug-discovery startups commercialize their intellectual properties.

Hirofumi Suzuki, Executive Officer and General Manager of the Public Innovation Unit at MRI, emphasized the significance of external insights and expertise for startups in the drug-discovery field. He states, "Promising startups can substantially speed up the commercialization of their offerings by engaging with globally active pharmaceutical companies early."

Comprehensive Support Programs

Leveraging its extensive background with MEDISO, MRI has supported over twelve hundred startup and academic ventures. The institute plans to tailor specific support programs for participating startups. Astellas Pharma, on the other hand, is set to provide physical resources including laboratory and office space through its SakuLab™-Tsukuba initiative, located within the Astellas Tsukuba Research Center.

Startups that reside in SakuLab™-Tsukuba will benefit not only from direct consultations with Astellas experts across various fields but also from the opportunity to collaborate with fellow residents and Astellas researchers, accelerating their drug discovery processes.

Dr. Tadaaki Taniguchi, Chief Research Development Officer (CRDO) at Astellas Pharma, expressed excitement about the partnership, noting the company's dedication to fostering innovative ideas and technologies in collaboration with academia and startups. He stated, "We expect that the signing of this MoU will further strengthen and accelerate drug discovery research by Japanese startups, ultimately leading to the creation of innovative medical solutions."

Fostering Global Perspectives

The support structure being rolled out will afford early access for Japanese drug-discovery startups to key insights from the pharmaceutical industry. This initiative is aligned with the Basic Policy on Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform 2024, which aims to enhance domestic research and development environments while encouraging the involvement of global pharmaceutical firms and venture capitalists. These actions are crucial for developing a robust drug discovery ecosystem in Japan.

Suzuki elaborated on the potential impact of this partnership, stating that collaborating with Astellas Pharma under the MEDISO initiative is a significant milestone for Japan's drug discovery ecosystem. He reaffirmed the commitment to leverage their combined strengths to efficiently deliver innovative pharmaceuticals to both local and international markets.

A Vision for the Future

Moving forward, MEDISO is projected to engage with both domestic and international business partners to promote the global expansion of Japanese drug-discovery startups. This initiative is expected to entice global investors to consider opportunities in Japan's thriving drug discovery sector.

About Mitsubishi Research Institute, Inc.

Mitsubishi Research Institute is recognized as one of Japan's leading think tanks. For over 50 years, it has provided comprehensive research and consulting services across various sectors, including healthcare, the environment, and energy. The organization is focused on resolving societal challenges and driving change towards a sustainable future.

About Astellas Pharma Inc.

Astellas is a global life sciences enterprise dedicated to delivering transformative therapies across a range of medical fields, including oncology and immunology. By harnessing innovative research and development methodologies, Astellas strives to address significant unmet medical needs through pioneering healthcare solutions.

In summary, the partnership between Mitsubishi Research Institute and Astellas Pharma heralds a promising future for pharmaceutical innovation in Japan, positioning the nation as a contender in the global drug discovery arena.