Astellas Pharma

Astellas Pharma Inc is a global specialty pharmaceutical company dedicated to advancing healthcare through innovative science. With a presence in approximately 70 countries, the company focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of transformative treatments for challenging diseases. Astellas is particularly committed to areas such as immuno-oncology, gene therapy, mitochondrial diseases, blindness and regeneration, and targeted protein degradation. Its portfolio includes notable products such as the anticancer agents XTANDI, XOSPATA, and PADCEV; VEOZAH for menopause-related vasomotor symptoms; and Betanis / Myrbetriq / BETMIGA for overactive bladder treatment, along with Prograf, an immunosuppressant used in organ transplantation. In fiscal year 2022, Astellas reported revenues of approximately 1,500 billion yen and invested around 280 billion yen in research and development, underscoring its commitment to innovation and patient care.

Shingo Iino

President

25 past transactions

AviadoBio

Corporate Round in 2024
AviadoBio is focused on developing innovative gene therapies aimed at transforming the lives of individuals affected by neurodegenerative disorders, specifically frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The company leverages advanced research from King's College London and the UK Dementia Research Institute to create its therapeutic platform. By integrating a comprehensive understanding of brain biology with proprietary gene therapy techniques, AviadoBio seeks to address the challenges of effectively delivering treatments to targeted areas in the brain. This approach aims to enhance the therapeutic potential of gene therapies, offering hope for halting or potentially reversing the progression of these debilitating diseases.

Propella

Acquisition in 2023
Propella Therapeutics is a development-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on creating innovative prescription products that leverage known active ingredients with validated mechanisms of action. The company employs advanced medicinal chemistry and lymphatic targeting techniques to develop oncology drugs that enhance bioavailability to critical tissues, such as lymph nodes and bone metastatic sites. This approach aims to improve pharmacological activity while minimizing adverse effects on the liver and enhancing the overall safety profile of the drugs. By utilizing established active ingredients, Propella Therapeutics seeks to bring best-in-class therapies to market, addressing significant needs in cancer treatment.

Poseida Therapeutics

Post in 2023
Poseida Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in San Diego, California, dedicated to developing innovative therapeutics for patients with significant unmet medical needs. The company utilizes non-viral gene engineering technologies to create a pipeline of targeted therapies, including both autologous and allogeneic chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) product candidates aimed at treating hematological malignancies and solid tumors. Additionally, Poseida is advancing gene therapies for rare and life-threatening conditions, such as Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency, methylmalonic acidemia, and various genetic liver diseases. Founded in 2014, Poseida is committed to addressing critical health challenges through its focused research and development efforts.

IVERIC bio

Acquisition in 2023
IVERIC bio is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering and developing innovative treatment options for retinal diseases that have significant unmet medical needs. The company is actively working on therapeutic product candidates aimed at age-related retinal diseases, as well as gene therapy product candidates designed for orphan inherited retinal diseases. Through its focused research and development efforts, IVERIC bio seeks to address critical gaps in the treatment landscape for patients suffering from these conditions.

Taysha Gene Therapies

Post in 2022
Taysha Gene Therapies, Inc. is a gene therapy company based in Dallas, Texas, established in 2019, focused on developing adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapies for monogenic diseases affecting the central nervous system (CNS). The company’s product pipeline includes several therapies currently in development, such as TSHA-101 for GM2 gangliosidosis, TSHA-118 for CLN1 disease, TSHA-102 for Rett syndrome, TSHA-103 for SLC6A1 haploinsufficiency disorder, and TSHA-104 for Surfeit locus 1 deficiency. Taysha Gene Therapies aims to translate innovative treatments from research to clinical practice efficiently, leveraging a strategic partnership with The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center to enhance its development and commercialization capabilities. The company's mission is to create curative medicines that target both rare and prevalent CNS conditions, thereby addressing severe and life-threatening diseases.

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)

Grant in 2021
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®), a not-for-profit alliance of 26 of the world's leading cancer centers devoted to patient care, research, and education, is dedicated to improving the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of cancer care so that patients can live better lives. Through the leadership and expertise of clinical professionals at NCCN Member Institutions, NCCN develops resources that present valuable information to the numerous stakeholders in the health care delivery system. As the arbiter of high-quality cancer care, NCCN promotes the importance of continuous quality improvement and recognizes the significance of creating clinical practice guidelines appropriate for use by patients, clinicians, and other health care decision-makers. World-renowned experts from NCCN Member Institutions diagnose and treat patients with a broad spectrum of cancers and are recognized for dealing with complex, aggressive, or rare cancers. NCCN Member Institutions pioneered the concept of the multidisciplinary team approach to patient care and conduct innovative research that contributes significantly to understanding, diagnosing, and treating cancer. NCCN programs offer access to expert physicians, superior treatment, and quality and safety initiatives that continuously improve the effectiveness and efficiency of cancer care.

Iota Biosciences

Acquisition in 2020
Iota Biosciences, Inc. is a medical device company based in Berkeley, California, founded in 2017. It specializes in the development of wireless sensors and devices aimed at monitoring, measuring, and stimulating internal nerves, muscles, and organs for electroceutical applications, particularly in the treatment of immune and neural disorders. The company has pioneered neural dust technology, utilizing implantable, mote-sized ultrasonic sensors that enable untethered and real-time wireless cortical recordings, improving the methods by which physicians monitor and treat various diseases. Iota's mission is to create safe and effective bioelectronic devices that transform disease management and enhance patient care. As a subsidiary of Astellas Pharma, Iota is committed to leveraging innovative science and technology to advance the field of bioelectronics and make a meaningful impact on patients' lives.

Nanna Therapeutics

Acquisition in 2020
Nanna Therapeutics Limited is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, focused on developing drugs for age-related diseases, including mitochondrial, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular/metabolic, joint/tissue diseases, and cancer. Founded in 2012, the company aims to address the unmet medical needs in these areas by targeting fundamental cellular processes to create innovative treatments. Nanna Therapeutics employs a proprietary platform known as the Totally Integrated Medicines Engine (TIME), which utilizes advanced technologies such as microfluidics, nanofabrication, and artificial intelligence to enhance drug discovery. This platform enables the rapid creation and functional screening of millions of novel compounds, thereby accelerating the development of transformative medicines for conditions that currently lack effective therapies. As of April 2020, Nanna Therapeutics operates as a subsidiary of Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd.

Xyphos Biosciences

Acquisition in 2019
Xyphos Biosciences, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing immuno-oncology therapeutics aimed at enhancing the immune system to combat cancer. Founded in 2004 and based in South San Francisco, California, the company specializes in a CAR-T cell therapy platform known as ACCEL (Advanced Cellular Control through Engineered Ligands). This innovative platform allows for precise control over the activity of universal CAR-T cells, referred to as convertibleCAR-T, enabling them to target various tumor-specific antibodies effectively. Xyphos Biosciences provides uniquely modified human receptors that can be selectively controlled using bispecific antibody-like molecules, which enhances the targeting of tumor antigens. This technology aims to improve the potential for durable cancer cures by preventing tumor recurrence through advanced switching and multiplexing capabilities. As of late 2019, Xyphos operates as a subsidiary of Astellas Pharma Inc.

Audentes Therapeutics

Acquisition in 2019
Audentes Therapeutics, a clinical stage biotechnology company based in San Francisco, specializes in developing gene therapy products aimed at treating serious, life-threatening rare diseases resulting from single gene defects. The company is advancing several therapeutic candidates, including AT132 for X-linked myotubular myopathy, AT342 for Crigler-Najjar syndrome, and AT845, which is in preclinical studies for Pompe disease. Additionally, Audentes is developing vectorized antisense treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and myotonic dystrophy type 1. It has established collaborative agreements with Genethon and the University of Pennsylvania to further research and commercialization efforts for these therapies. Founded in 2012, Audentes Therapeutics was acquired by Astellas Pharma in January 2020 and operates under the name Astellas Gene Therapies, focusing on gene therapy research, development, and future commercialization.

LabCentral

Corporate Round in 2019
LabCentral is a provider of business incubation and acceleration services aimed at supporting startup entrepreneurs in the life sciences sector. It offers essential resources such as mentorship, coaching, and collaborative workspaces to facilitate the growth of emerging companies. Additionally, LabCentral organizes promotional events that connect entrepreneurs with potential investors, fostering opportunities for funding and business development. The facility has attracted companies like Conkwest, Inc., which focuses on developing novel cell-based treatments for cancer and viral infections. Through its comprehensive support system, LabCentral plays a vital role in nurturing innovation and advancing research in the biotech field.

Iota Biosciences

Series A in 2018
Iota Biosciences, Inc. is a medical device company based in Berkeley, California, founded in 2017. It specializes in the development of wireless sensors and devices aimed at monitoring, measuring, and stimulating internal nerves, muscles, and organs for electroceutical applications, particularly in the treatment of immune and neural disorders. The company has pioneered neural dust technology, utilizing implantable, mote-sized ultrasonic sensors that enable untethered and real-time wireless cortical recordings, improving the methods by which physicians monitor and treat various diseases. Iota's mission is to create safe and effective bioelectronic devices that transform disease management and enhance patient care. As a subsidiary of Astellas Pharma, Iota is committed to leveraging innovative science and technology to advance the field of bioelectronics and make a meaningful impact on patients' lives.

Potenza Therapeutics

Acquisition in 2018
Potenza Therapeutics, Inc. is a preclinical-stage biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded in 2014. The company focuses on developing a portfolio of oncology programs that harness the body's immune system to identify and eliminate tumors. Potenza's innovative approach is rooted in understanding the biological mechanisms by which cancer cells evade immune detection and destruction. By leveraging these insights, the company aims to create effective pharmaceuticals that enhance the health outcomes of cancer patients.

Quethera

Acquisition in 2018
Quethera Limited is a gene therapy company based in Canterbury, United Kingdom, founded in 2013. The company specializes in developing innovative treatments for glaucoma and other ophthalmic diseases, particularly aimed at reducing progressive visual loss associated with these conditions. Quethera collaborates with leading experts in the field of glaucoma to design and conduct clinical trials that evaluate the efficacy and safety of its novel therapies, especially for patients who experience accelerated visual field loss. With a strong foundation in gene therapeutic design and development, Quethera is advancing its research pipeline from preclinical testing into clinical development, striving to enhance treatment options for patients suffering from common blinding eye diseases. As of August 2018, Quethera operates as a subsidiary of Astellas Pharma Inc.

Heartseed

Series A in 2018
Heartseed Inc., founded in 2015 and located in Tokyo, Japan, focuses on developing myocardial regeneration medicine using induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. The company is dedicated to advancing the clinical application of regenerative medicine for heart disease, specifically through the development and commercialization of iPS cell-derived cardiomyocyte replacement therapy aimed at treating advanced heart failure. Heartseed's mission is to transform heart disease treatment by pioneering innovative solutions in myocardial regeneration.

Universal Cells

Acquisition in 2018
Universal Cells Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Seattle, Washington, founded in 2013. It focuses on developing, licensing, and commercializing stem cell therapies designed to overcome immune rejection, which allows for the creation of universal donor stem cells compatible with all patients. The company utilizes proprietary genome editing technology to engineer stem cells that prevent the expression of polymorphic human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules, effectively eliminating the risk of donor tissue rejection. This innovative approach enables the development of off-the-shelf therapeutic products and accelerates the advancement of cell therapies for various diseases and conditions. Universal Cells operates as a subsidiary of Astellas Pharma Inc.

Mitobridge

Acquisition in 2017
Mitobridge, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing small molecule therapeutics that enhance mitochondrial function. The company is advancing its clinical compound, MA-0211, an orally bioavailable PPARd modulator designed to address mitochondrial deficits in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Founded in 2013 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Mitobridge aims to leverage emerging scientific insights linking mitochondrial dysfunction to various diseases. The company's strategy involves establishing proof of concept in rare diseases before expanding into more prevalent conditions. With a strong team of experts in mitochondrial biology, metabolism, and aging, Mitobridge is committed to translating innovative discoveries into effective treatments for genetic, metabolic, and neurodegenerative disorders, as well as age-related diseases. Since its inception, the company has received backing from notable investors, including Astellas Pharma, MPM Capital, and Longwood Fund.

Catalia Health

Grant in 2017
Catalia Health Inc. is a San Francisco-based company that develops a cloud-based patient care management platform aimed at enhancing healthcare delivery. Established in 2014, the company integrates artificial intelligence, psychology, and medicine to improve patient engagement and support. Its platform provides healthcare providers with real-time data on patient progress and challenges, facilitating effective communication through mobile apps, web interfaces, and an interactive robotic coach. By delivering tailored conversations to patients, Catalia Health aims to address ongoing healthcare issues, ultimately enabling healthcare professionals to monitor adherence to treatment and improve overall patient outcomes.

Ogeda

Acquisition in 2017
Ogeda SA is a clinical-stage drug discovery company based in Gosselies, Belgium, that focuses on inventing and developing small molecule drugs that target G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs). The company's lead product, fezolinetant, is currently in Phase II clinical development for treating women's health disorders. In addition to fezolinetant, Ogeda is developing other small molecules aimed at addressing various therapeutic areas, including inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Founded in 1994 and formerly known as Euroscreen, Ogeda operates additional facilities in Brussels, Belgium, and Paris, France. The company is a subsidiary of Astellas Pharma Inc. and is supported by prominent investors in the biotechnology sector.

Ganymed Pharmaceuticals

Acquisition in 2016
Ganymed Pharmaceuticals AG is a biopharmaceutical company with the mission of revolutionizing cancer treatment by developing a new class of therapeutic drugs called Ideal Monoclonal Antibodies (IMABs). IMABs are unique in that they are highly selective for proteins which are present on tumor cells, but do not bind to healthy cells. This unmatched tumor cell specificity makes IMABs cancer cell selective allowing them to efficiently kill tumor cells without harming normal healthy tissues. They can thus be administered at optimal dose and have a broad therapeutic window with reduced risks of side effects.

Ocata Therapeutics

Acquisition in 2015
Ocata Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of Regenerative Ophthalmology therapeutics. Ocata’s most advanced products are in clinical trials for the treatment of Stargardt’s macular degeneration, dry age-related macular degeneration, and myopic macular degeneration. Ocata’s intellectual property portfolio includes pluripotent stem cell platforms – hESC and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) – and other cell therapy research programs.

Mitobridge

Venture Round in 2013
Mitobridge, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing small molecule therapeutics that enhance mitochondrial function. The company is advancing its clinical compound, MA-0211, an orally bioavailable PPARd modulator designed to address mitochondrial deficits in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Founded in 2013 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Mitobridge aims to leverage emerging scientific insights linking mitochondrial dysfunction to various diseases. The company's strategy involves establishing proof of concept in rare diseases before expanding into more prevalent conditions. With a strong team of experts in mitochondrial biology, metabolism, and aging, Mitobridge is committed to translating innovative discoveries into effective treatments for genetic, metabolic, and neurodegenerative disorders, as well as age-related diseases. Since its inception, the company has received backing from notable investors, including Astellas Pharma, MPM Capital, and Longwood Fund.

Telsar Pharma

Series A in 2012
Telsar Pharma Inc., a new company that will develop an Astellas drug for a common inflammatory bowel disease.

OSI Pharmaceuticals

Acquisition in 2010
OSI Pharmaceuticals strives to improve the health and quality of life for patients, develop breakthrough treatment options for physicians, offer rewarding careers to employees, and deliver value to our shareholders. The strategy is to build on the success of our flagship product, Tarceva® (erlotinib), and continue to invest in clinical and pre-clinical drug candidates in oncology, diabetes and obesity to provide longer-term growth. OSI has evolved to become a scientifically strong and financially successful top-tier biopharmaceutical company that is focused on disease areas that impact virtually every family in the world. The Oncology team is dedicated to the discovery and development of molecular targeted therapies to revolutionize the way cancer is treated and improve treatment outcomes. The Diabetes & Obesity team is dedicated to the discovery and development of novel drugs for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. The strategy for this business team is to advance a pipeline of innovative diabetes and obesity research projects through clinical proof-of-concept studies, with a view to then potentially seeking financially attractive development and commercialization partnerships for these research programs. The goal is to pave the way for the future of oncology, diabetes and obesity treatments. They believe that our Company strategy is poised to deliver a rich pipeline of promising drug candidates that have the potential to significantly improve the treatment options available to patients today.

Agensys

Acquisition in 2007
Agensys is a biotechnology company focused on the research and development of therapeutic human monoclonal antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates specifically for cancer treatment. The company offers products aimed at addressing various tumors, including those associated with prostate, pancreatic, bladder, kidney, lung, and colon cancers. Founded in 1997 and based in Santa Monica, California, Agensys operates as a subsidiary of Astellas Pharma US, Inc. It is dedicated to providing innovative therapeutic solutions to improve patient outcomes in oncology.
Spot something off? Help us improve by flagging any incorrect or outdated information. Just email us at support@teaserclub.com. Your feedback is most welcome.