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Astellas Experiments With Partnering Models For a Phase IIa Ulcerative Colitis Compound

 
• By Daniel Poppy

Astellas out-licensed a melanocortin receptor agonist to a virtual company backed by Astellas' corporate venture arm.

TOKYO – Astellas Pharma Inc. has created what it calls a "uniquely structured partnership" in out-licensing a compound to Drais Pharmaceuticals Inc.,which in turn established a virtual company, Telsar Pharma, Inc., solely to develop the compound. Astellas hasn't washed its hands of the compound though; its corporate venture arm invested in the virtual company and retains a number of negotiation rights if the compound reaches proof-of-concept.

Astellas out-licensed ulcerative colitis therapy ASP3291, a melanocortin receptor agonist in the planning stages of a Phase IIa study, to...

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More from Japan

Publisher’s Spotlight: Shortlist Unveiled For Citeline Japan Awards

 
• By Ian Haydock

Shortlists of potential winners in all categories of the Citeline Japan Awards 2025 have now been released. Join us at the event in Tokyo on October 21, it’s not too late to book your table!

Mitsubishi Tanabe Names New CEO In C-Suite Reshuffle

 
• By Lisa Takagi

Under new owner Bain Capital, the Japanese firm is aiming to regain its global presence, helped by new top executives formerly with Pfizer Japan and Takeda.

Nippon Kayaku Aims To Broaden Portfolio Via Singaporean JV

 
• By Lisa Takagi

Mid-sized, diversified Japanese group teams up with Singaporean wholesaler Formiica and Japanese trading/contract services firm CBC for Singapore JV focused on in-licensing in Asia/Oceania.

Japan Results Roundup: Reduced Forex Impact, Uncertain US Tariff Outlook

 
• By Lisa Takagi

Most major Japanese firms report generally positive fiscal first quarter results, led by mainstay growth and despite lower currency effects. But the future impact of any US pharma tariffs remains an overhang.

More from Focus On Asia

Biokin/BMS, Genfleet/Verastem’s Drug Candidates Impress At WCLC

 
• By Dexter Jie Yan

With data generated from China-only trials and consistency issues lingering, Chinese drug makers presented impressive results from early-stage studies of their assets at the World Conference on Lung Cancer annual conference.

The Rise In China Deals: How International Biopharma Is Turning To China For Innovation

 
• By Joseph Haas, Mary Jo Laffler, and Nancy Pham

The rapid growth of Chinese biopharmas has led to increased dealmaking with the US and Europe, but that could be stifled by a potential new Trump Administration policy.

Indigenization, AI Drive ICMR, Gennova, Zydus Vaccine Efforts In India

 
• By Vibha Ravi

Indian firms are upping indigenization, exploring AI application and expanding use of technology platforms like self-amplifying mRNA to develop vaccines against age-agnostic diseases like malaria, dengue, flu and Nipah encephalitis