Mitsubishi Research Institute, Inc. (MRI) and Astellas Pharma Inc. (Astellas), is a global life sciences company, announced that they have agreed on a memorandum of understanding to provide drug-discovery startups in Japan with support in their efforts to go global. The pair aims to strengthen Japan’s position as a global hub for drug discovery and foster the growth of its startups that can thrive globally.
• Operated by Mitsubishi Research Institute since 2018.
• Supports drug-discovery startups in commercializing intellectual property.
• Addresses challenges in applying Japan’s advanced life-sciences technologies.
• Provides business planning, financing, and regulatory guidance.
• Collaborates with experts in R&D and pharmaceutical affairs.
• “When it comes to practical application, drug-discovery startups need external insights and expertise,” said Hirofumi Suzuki, executive officer and general manager of the Public Innovation Unit at Mitsubishi Research Institute.
• “Promising startups can substantially speed up the commercialization of their offerings by engaging with globally active pharmaceutical companies early.”
• MRI builds on its MEDISO experience, supporting 1,200+ startups and academic ventures.
• Tailored support programs designed to accelerate commercialization.
• Astellas Pharma provides startups with lab & office space at SakuLab-Tsukuba.
• Consultations with Astellas experts across various pharmaceutical fields.
• Collaborative research environment with fellow startups and Astellas researchers.
• “We are very pleased to agree on a memorandum of understanding with MRI. Astellas Pharma is committed to growing and developing innovative ideas and technologies with academia and startups by providing knowledge and experience gained through research and our global network,” said Tadaaki Taniguchi, M.D., Ph.D., chief research & development officer (CRDO) of Astellas Pharma.
• “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.”
• The new support will provide Japanese drug-discovery startups with early access to pharmaceutical-industry insights, enabling them to chart a path toward successful global development and potential out-licensing.
• This aligns with the Basic Policy on Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform 2024, which aims to improve domestic research and development environments while encouraging the participation of global pharmaceutical companies and venture capitalists in building a robust drug discovery ecosystem.
• “We are pleased to partner with Astellas Pharma to support startups under the MEDISO initiative, and we are sure that this will be a groundbreaking step for Japan’s drug discovery ecosystem,” said Suzuki.
• “We are committed to leveraging the strengths of both companies to swiftly deliver innovative pharmaceuticals to patients in Japan and globally.”
• Collaborating with domestic & international partners to boost Japanese drug-discovery startups.
• Encouraging global investors to support Japan’s growing pharmaceutical innovation.
• Providing early access to industry insights for startups to accelerate commercialization.
• Strengthening Japan’s position as a global hub for drug discovery.
• Moving forward, MEDISO as a whole aim to collaborate with domestic and international business partners to support the global expansion of Japanese drug-discovery startups while encouraging global investors to invest in Japan’s burgeoning drug discovery field.
• Mitsubishi Research Institute is one of Japan’s foremost think tanks.
• For over five decades, it has provided the public and private sectors with research and consulting services in fields spanning healthcare, the environment, energy, and digital transformation.
• Astellas is a global life sciences company committed to turning innovative science into VALUE for patients.
• It provides transformative therapies in disease areas that include oncology, ophthalmology, urology, immunology and women's health.