Mitsubishi Research Institute and Astellas Pharma accelerate Japan’s drug discovery startups: innovation ahead

This report covers the recent strategic MoU between Mitsubishi Research Institute and Astellas Pharma to empower Japanese drug-discovery startups with lab space, global expertise, and government-backed acceleration programs. It reveals how this collaboration aims to transform Japan into a global hub for innovative medical solutions by bridging research and practical application gaps.

Sources:
BioSpectrum AsiaFiercebiotech
Updated 3h ago
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Sources: BioSpectrum AsiaFiercebiotech
Mitsubishi Research Institute (MRI) and Astellas Pharma have formalized a partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate the growth of Japan’s drug discovery startups and enhance their global competitiveness.

This collaboration is part of a broader initiative supported by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s Medical Innovation Support Office (MEDISO), operated by MRI, which aims to address the underutilization of Japan’s advanced life sciences technologies.

Astellas Pharma will provide startups in the acceleration program with access to laboratory and office space at SakuLab-Tsukuba, located within the Astellas Tsukuba Research Center. This support is designed to foster innovation and practical application of research.

“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 R&D Officer at Astellas Pharma.

Hirofumi Suzuki, executive officer and general manager of MRI’s Public Innovation Unit, emphasized the impact of the agreement: “This will further strengthen and accelerate drug discovery research by Japanese startups, ultimately leading to the creation of innovative medical solutions.”

The initiative aligns with Japan’s Basic Policy on Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform 2024, which seeks to improve domestic R&D environments and encourage participation from global pharmaceutical companies and venture capitalists, thereby building a robust drug discovery ecosystem.

By combining resources and expertise, MRI and Astellas Pharma aim to position Japan as a global hub for drug discovery, supporting startups to thrive internationally and contribute to medical innovation.
Sources: BioSpectrum AsiaFiercebiotech
Mitsubishi Research Institute and Astellas Pharma have signed an MoU to support Japan’s drug discovery startups, providing global expansion aid and access to lab space at SakuLab-Tsukuba. Backed by Japan’s Ministry of Health, this initiative aims to boost innovation and position Japan as a global drug discovery hub.
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The Headline

MoU boosts Japan's drug discovery startups globally

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.
Tadaaki Taniguchi
M.D.
Fiercebiotech
Todays agreement will further strengthen and accelerate drug discovery research by Japanese startups, ultimately leading to the creation of innovative medical solutions.
Hirofumi Suzuki
Executive Officer and General Manager
Fiercebiotech
Key Facts
  • Mitsubishi Research Institute and Astellas Pharma have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support drug-discovery startups in Japan in their efforts to go global.BioSpectrum Asia
  • The partnership aims to strengthen Japan's position as a global hub for drug discovery and foster the growth of startups that can thrive internationally.BioSpectrum Asia
  • Astellas Pharma will provide laboratory and office space at SakuLab-Tsukuba for startups participating in the MEDISO acceleration program.BioSpectrum AsiaFiercebiotech
  • The project is backed by Japans Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's Medical Innovation Support Office (MEDISO), operated by MRI, to address the lack of practical application of Japan's advanced life sciences technology.Fiercebiotech
  • Astellas Pharma commits to leveraging its global network and expertise to develop innovative ideas with academia and startups.BioSpectrum AsiaFiercebiotech
  • Mitsubishi Research Institute highlights that the agreement will accelerate drug discovery research by Japanese startups, leading to innovative medical solutions.Fiercebiotech
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Background Context

Alignment with Japan's 2024 economic and R&D policy

Key Facts
  • This initiative aligns with Japan's Basic Policy on Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform 2024, aiming to improve domestic R&D environments and encourage participation of global pharmaceutical companies and venture capitalists.
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