Roche’s breast cancer drug Herceptin^® is one of the molecular targeted therapies that inhibit the action of certain disease-causing molecules in the body. This drug targets cancer cells that overexpress a protein called HER2, which is commonly found in breast cancer, and is used for patients who are found to be HER2-positive by testing in advance. Herceptin^® has become a pioneering example of personalized medicine for Chugai.

One reason for the development of personalized medicine is the rapid progress in genomic medicine and data analysis technology, which has made it possible to comprehensively test the genetic status of patients. One of the best-known examples of this is the Roche Group’s Foundation Medicine business, which is working on personalized medicine through cancer genome medicine. In 2019, we launched FoundationOne^® CDx Cancer Genomic Profile, a system for comprehensive cancer-related genomic profiling using next-generation sequencing. This is expected to improve access to personalized medicine for cancer.

Chugai aim to innovate the drug discovery process and make personalized medicine even more accurate and high-quality by combining our R&D capabilities in the fields of pharmaceuticals, biochemistry and biotechnology with the utilization and advancement of digital technologies such as AI and Real World Data (RWD).

We have announced “CHUGAI DIGITAL VISION 2030” in 2020 in order to achieve digital transformation by 2020 through three basic strategies: strengthening our digital infrastructure, streamlining all value chains, and using digital to create innovative new drugs.

Working closely with national governments and academia, we will also collaborate with the Roche Group, including Flatiron Health, to contribute to the collection of real-world data (RWD), including cancer genome information, and to build a comprehensive database for regulatory compliance.