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R&D Reorg Helps Astellas Move Swiftly With Protein Degraders

KRAS G12D Asset Leads Pack

 
• By Lisa Takagi

In selecting targeted protein degradation as a new Primary Focus area within its R&D effort, Astellas has moved rapidly to develop a potential first-in-class KRAS G12D degrader candidate ASP3082, helped by a reorganization last year to develop a more agile research function. The Japanese firm sees very broad potential for TPDs beyond oncology in the longer term.

In the process of developing TPD candidates, restructured R&D organization since 2021 enabled agile decision making, says Astellas.
restructured R&D organization has helped agile decision-making, says Astellas • Source: Shutterstock

Astellas Pharma, Inc. chose to highlight its growing R&D activities in the hot area of targeted protein degradation (TPD) at its recent R&D Meeting, apparently becoming the first major Japanese pharma firm to disclose a strategic focus on the increasingly competitive field.

It has already developed several candidates including the potential first-in-class KRAS G12D degrader ASP3082, for which a Phase I trial...

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