R&D
What is R&D at Chugai Pharmaceutical?
Creating new value to
contribute to the
medical community and human health around the world
There are still many patients around the world suffering from diseases with no existing treatments and facing numerous medical challenges. We continue taking on the challenge of discovering and developing innovative drugs to meet these medical needs. This is Chugai's mission in R&D.
Basic Policy on Research Activities
In order to create drugs that are truly needed by patients and in clinical settings, we consistently pursue drug discovery from the patient's perspective, even in various decision-making processes in research.
Creation of new drugs that will drastically change the way treatment is provided and help realize personalized medicine
In allocating research resources, we prioritize projects based on the following criteria:
- The compound’s potential for development as a novel medicine that can be clearly differentiated
- Whether it has a scientific basis for addressing unmet medical needs.
- Whether it is a project that will enable personalized healthcare (PHC)
Unique Technology
We are committed to providing the highest quality of care to our
patients by utilizing our proprietary technologies in a variety
of modalities (means of treatment),
revolutionizing treatment in a wide range of disease areas
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Small Molecule Drug Discovery
Focus on establishing proprietary technologies and developing fundamental platforms to realize next-generation small molecule drug discovery
Unique Technology
Small Molecule Drug Discovery
What is a small molecule drugs?
We are pursuing antibody-equivalent target binding affinity and target selectivity, and working
to develop next-generation small-molecule drugs from high-quality compounds with improved drug efficiency and reduced off-target toxicity.
To achieve this goal, we must significantly increase the efficiency of drug creation, and so
we have established unique new technologies and committed ourselves to developing a small molecule drug discovery platform.
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Next Generation Antibodies
Leveraging our experience in creating the first antibody drug in Japan, we will use our unique antibody engineering technology to create new drugs
Unique Technology
Next Generation Antibodies
What are Antibody Drugs?
These are drugs that utilize the function of antibodies, which are substances involved in the body's immune system. These drugs are expected to have fewer side effects because they pinpoint specific targets. Chugai was one of the first companies in Japan to engage in biopharmaceutical R&D and created the first antibody drug produced in Japan. Our proprietary antibody engineering technology, which further expands the possibilities of antibody drugs, leads to new drug discoveries.
Chugai 's proprietary antibody engineering technology
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Recycling antibody® technology
This innovative technology overcomes the limitations of ordinary antibodies, which can bind to an antigen only once, and allows a single antibody molecule to bind to its target multiple times. Since the treatment can be administered in small doses, it can be given subcutaneously at home instead of intravenously. Additionally, because the effects are long-lasting, it is expected that treatment will need to be administered less frequently. This will hopefully lead to a reduction in burden on patients as well as medical costs.
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Bispecific Antibody Manufacturing technology
While a typical antibody binds to one type of antigen per antibody, bispecific antibodies are a technology that allows different antigens to bind to two antigen-binding sites. It is expected to enhance the efficacy of drugs or create drugs with new effects, enabling unique approaches to drug discovery.
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Switch antibody™ technology
This refers to an antibody designed to bind to an antigen only under specific conditions. The antibody is activated only at the site of the disease while minimizing the effect on normal tissues, aiming for both good drug efficacy and safety at the same time.
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Mid-size Molecule Drug Discovery
We have been investing in the discovery of mid-size molecule drugs, which combine the advantages of small molecules and antibody medicines, for over 10 years, and we have established our own unique mid-size molecule drug discovery technology
Unique Technology
Mid-size Molecule Drug Discovery
What is a mid-size molecule drugs?
Mid-size molecules are a new modality* with a molecular weight between those of small molecule drugs and antibody drugs. Because of its high binding ability to target molecules inside cells and being administrable orally, it is expected to become a new treatment option for diseases that have been difficult to treat.
For more than a decade, Chugai has invested business resources and continued R&D, utilizing its expertise in small molecule and antibody drug discovery to establish proprietary technologies. Then, in October 2021, our first mid-size molecule project entered clinical trials, and subsequent projects are being launched one after another.
*The classification of treatment methods
Mid-size Molecule Approach
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High target specificity
It has high binding strength as well as the ability to reach intracellular targets and minimize side effects. Chugai ’s mid-size molecule technology combines high therapeutic efficacy and safety in diseases such as cancer and immunological disorders.
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Cyclic peptide technology
By investing business resources, we have created cyclic peptides, a diverse and vast group of mid-size molecule compounds with structures conducive to becoming drugs, and established proprietary mid-size molecular technologies that give us a competitive advantage.
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Possibility of oral administration
Unlike antibody drugs, mid-size molecule drugs can be administered orally. This could significantly improve patient convenience.
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R&D Principles
The corporate culture and mindset we have cultivated in our R&D (Research & Development) over the years create free thinking and original ideas.
We have established this R&D culture in the form of the R&D Principles that guide Chugai’s research and development activities.
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“Technology-Driven” drug discovery
Creating drugs for targets which until now was thought to be impossible to develop
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Developing molecules of the highest quality
Paying meticulous attention to highest quality achievable with current technologies
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Selection of targeted diseases based on the mechanisms of action and biology
Prepared to venture into any domain where our proprietary technologies may be put to good use
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Clinical development to maximize product value
Simultaneous development for multiple diseases at early stages of development
R&D System
Co-creating the future of healthcare beyond organizational
boundaries
with the use of a global drug discovery platform and external
collaboration
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Partnership with Roche
With a stable revenue base in place, Chugai can focus on more challenging and innovative R&D and proprietary projects. We have also become more efficient by sharing drug discovery platforms.
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Open Innovation
We aim to create drugs and accelerate their development through active collaboration with external partners, including academia and startup companies.
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R&D Bases
Chugai Life Science Park Yokohama and Ukima Research Laboratories are the core centers of our research and development with organic and functional collaboration with satellite research institutes in and out of Japan.
Strategies and Technologies for Productization
Enhancing competitive advantage and business flexibility
through digital tools and strategic approaches
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Clinical development
We are working to achieve clinical trials that excel in speed, efficiency, and scientific rigor through the use of digital technology.
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Production Technology
We are continuously advancing the speed, safety, and necessary advanced technologies to transform various drug discovery possibilities into reality, through robust manufacturing methods and collaborations with Roche and external partners. We are also focusing on maintaining and strengthening our supply chain to ensure stable supply.
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Intellectual Property Strategy
As a foundation to support the creation of innovative new drugs, we integrate intellectual property strategies with business and R&D strategies. This ensures the competitive advantage of our products and freedom of business.
Related
Information
People and Activities
Toward the creation of continuous innovation.
The Story
of Our Challenges
