– Supporting Korean Startups’ Drug Discovery Research and Global Expansion –
– First Pharmaceutical Company from Japan to Actively Support the Operation of the Program –
TOKYO, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A groundbreaking partnership is taking shape as Astellas Pharma Inc. (TSE: 4503), led by President and CEO Naoki Okamura, announces a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Korea Institute of Startup and Entrepreneurship Development (KISED). This strategic collaboration aims to nurture Korean drug-discovery startups and facilitate their growth on a global scale.
As the first pharmaceutical company from Japan to engage in such an initiative, Astellas is set to play a pivotal role. This collaboration brings together KISED, an umbrella organization under the Ministry of SMEs and Startups—a key Korean government agency—focused on strengthening the startup ecosystem in South Korea.
Under the MoU, KISED will manage and fund the Partnership with Global Companies Program. Astellas’ contribution includes offering selected Korean drug-discovery startups access to state-of-the-art facilities, including laboratory and office spaces at SakuLab™-Tsukuba. Located within the Astellas Tsukuba Research Center, this facility will serve as a hub for innovation.
Startups that take residence in SakuLab™-Tsukuba will benefit not only from the physical space but also from consultations with Astellas experts across various fields. This collaboration is designed to accelerate the startups’ drug discovery efforts by leveraging both the networks within SakuLab™ and the extensive expertise of Astellas researchers.
Two promising startups have already been identified for participation in this transformative initiative: TCUBEiT Inc., known for its next-generation T-cell-based immunotherapy developments, and AAVATAR Therapeutics, which specializes in AAV viral vector engineering technology. Both companies are set to commence full-scale collaboration by relocating to SakuLab™-Tsukuba.
Tadaaki Taniguchi, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Research & Development Officer (CRDO) of Astellas
“We are very pleased to agree on a MoU with KISED for the Operation of the Partnership with Global Companies Program. In today’s world, where new drug discovery ideas and technologies are emerging one after another, diverse perspectives, expertise, and experiences are essential to turning innovative ideas and technologies into VALUE for patients. Astellas is committed to fostering innovation in collaboration with startups by providing knowledge and expertise we have gained through our research and global network. We expect that the signing of this MoU will further strengthen and accelerate drug discovery research together with Korean startups, ultimately contributing to the creation of innovative medical solutions,” Taniguchi stated.
Jong-pil Yoo, President of KISED
“This agreement will serve as a significant opportunity to accelerate the global expansion of promising Korean startups in the bio and pharmaceutical sectors through strategic collaboration with Astellas, a global pharmaceutical company. In particular, as new drug development requires a high level of expertise and infrastructure, this program—enabling startups to leverage Astellas’ research assets and global network directly—is expected to provide substantial support for their growth. KISED will continue to strengthen its partnerships with global corporations to ensure that Korean startups can enhance their competitiveness in the global market,” Yoo remarked.
Financial analysts anticipate that the impact of this partnership on Astellas’ results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026 will be minimal. However, the potential for long-term benefits, particularly in fostering innovation and enhancing Astellas’ position in the global pharmaceutical landscape, is noteworthy.
About Astellas
Astellas is not just a pharmaceutical company; it represents a commitment to transforming innovative science into VALUE for patients worldwide. The organization’s work encompasses a variety of therapeutic areas, including oncology, ophthalmology, urology, immunology, and women’s health. Through rigorous research and development programs, Astellas is pioneering new healthcare solutions to address diseases with significant unmet medical needs. For more information, visit www.astellas.com.
About the Ministry of SMEs and Startups
This South Korean government agency plays a crucial role in enhancing the competitiveness and encouraging innovation among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups. Established initially as the Ministry of SMEs in 1996, it was rebranded in 2017 to better reflect its expanded mission. The Ministry is committed to implementing policies that support the growth of startups, promoting corporate development, and bolstering the competitive edge of small businesses in both national and global markets. For more information, visit https://www.mss.go.kr/site/eng/main.do.
About KISED
KISED is dedicated to enhancing the startup ecosystem and propelling innovative management practices and sustainable growth in South Korea. It focuses on advancing strategic initiatives aimed at fostering successful, tailored startups. To learn more about KISED’s activities, visit https://www.kised.or.kr/index.es?sid=a2.
Cautionary Notes (Astellas)
In this press release, statements regarding future plans, estimates, strategies, and beliefs are forward-looking and involve known and unknown uncertainties. Many factors, including economic conditions, legal regulations, and competitive market dynamics, could cause actual results to differ materially. Information pertaining to pharmaceutical products is not intended as an advertisement or medical advice.
SOURCE Astellas Pharma Inc.
