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Astellas Pharma, led by President and CEO Naoki Okamura, has announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with YASKAWA Electric Corporation (YASKAWA) to begin discussions on creating an innovative cell therapy ecosystem through the integration of pharmaceutical and robotics technologies.
This legally non-binding MOU marks the start of specific discussions between the two companies.
The commercialization of cell therapy faces significant challenges, particularly in the complexity of product manufacturing. The need for substantial investments in developing manufacturing processes, transferring technology among manufacturers, and establishing large-scale facilities makes it difficult for startups and academia to commercialize cell therapy independently.
Since the end of 2017, Astellas has been enhancing drug discovery and manufacturing technology in cell therapy through the use of the humanoid robot "Maholo," developed by the Robotic Biology Institute, a subsidiary of YASKAWA.
The MOU outlines the potential development of a platform that may seamlessly connect early-stage research to commercialization. This platform would leverage the Maholo robot to manufacture high-quality products and reduce the R&D period of cell therapy. The companies are also considering offering the platform to startups and academia, fostering an advanced cell therapy ecosystem that may accelerate innovation while reducing investment in investigational drug manufacturing under the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act 1.
Astellas will contribute cell manufacturing technology, clinical development, and regulatory insights related to cell therapy, while YASKAWA will provide and develop robotics and factory automation technologies.
Astellas aims to stay at the forefront of healthcare change by turning innovative science into value for patients. Through this potential partnership, Astellas seeks to support startups and academia in delivering cutting-edge cell therapy products, potentially leading to innovative treatments for patients.
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