Oct 18, 2022

  • R&D

Construction of Chugai’s New Research Center “Chugai Life Science Park Yokohama” Reached Completion

  • Construction of Chugai Life Science Park Yokohama has been completed
  • Operation will start in April 2023 integrating existing research laboratories in Japan, Fuji Gotemba and Kamakura Research Laboratories

TOKYO, October 18, 2022 -- Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (TOKYO: 4519) announced that the Company celebrated the completion of its new research center, Chugai Life Science Park Yokohama (hereafter, Chugai LSP Yokohama).

Chugai LSP Yokohama is a center for drug discovery research, which is the starting point of value creation at Chugai. By integrating the existing domestic research centers of Fuji Gotemba and Kamakura Research Laboratories in one place, Chugai has built the foundation to maximize its drug discovery capabilities. In addition to the drug discovery research function, Chugai LSP Yokohama also includes a part of pharmaceutical research facilities which will mainly focus on mid-size molecule compounds. Chugai LSP Yokohama will start to operate in April 2023 with approximately 1,000 employees, including researchers and staff.

“We are very pleased to announce the completion of construction of Chugai Life Science Park Yokohama, Chugai’s new drug discovery engine,” said Chugai’s President and CEO, Dr. Osamu Okuda. “I would like to express our gratitude once again for all the support and efforts from many people since the start of construction in August 2019. Chugai will further pursue innovation and continue striving to deliver a steady stream of innovative new drugs from our new research center for the benefit of patients around the world who are awaiting new treatments.”

[Chugai Life Science Park Yokohama] Photo taken in September 2022

A variety of design features were adopted in the construction of Chugai LSP Yokohama to induce innovation through communication of researchers from different fields and the fusion of their knowledge. The 300-meter corridor named “Spine” that connects laboratories and researchers’ offices is the backbone of Chugai LSP Yokohama. By setting up spaces for meetings and collaboration in the Spine, where researchers will be walking around daily, this concept aims to stimulate conversations and lively discussions among these researchers. As a state-of-the-art research facility, Chugai LSP Yokohama exploits artificial intelligence (AI)-based drug discovery and automation incorporating robotics technology, in order to significantly improve the productivity and quality of research. Chugai hopes that the center’s cutting-edge research and convenient location will attract excellent talents and enhance our relationship with external researchers both inside and outside Japan.

The concept of the research center is “Green Innovation Village - State-of-the-art creative research laboratories scattered in the greenery.” Lush greenery is brought into the exterior of the facility and designed to harmonize with neighboring communities. Measurements are adopted in pursuit of coexistence with the environment, sustainability, and safety. This includes saving energy by using the latest lighting and air conditioning systems and creating energy by using natural resources to reduce the environmental burden. In addition to having a portion of the site as parks provided to the city of Yokohama, an area on the west side of the research center has been designated as a greenway and will be opened to the public during the day as a promenade. After the facility is operational, the sports ground will be available for public use. Furthermore, a hands-on facility named “Bio Lab” will provide programs for children and students to contribute to the local community and the development of human resources in the biotechnology field.


Upper Left: Spine, Upper Right: collaboration spaces in the Spine
Lower Left: laboratory buildings from the greenway, Lower Right: Bio Lab

[Overview of Chugai Life Science Park Yokohama]

  1. Location:
    West side: 216 Totsukacho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama
    East side:  79 -1 Kamikuratacho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama
  2. Start of construction:           August 2019
  3. Completion of construction:  October 15, 2022
  4. Start of operation:               April 2023
  5. Site area:                              158,600 m2
  6. Total floor area:                     119,500 m2
  7. Future site area:                    31,770 m2
  8. Building structure:
    16 buildings in total (west side: 7, east side: 9)
    6 floors above ground, 1 floor below ground (maximum)
  9. Total investment:
    171.8 billion yen
    (Land: 43 billion yen, Building and equipment: 128.8 billion yen)

[Reference Information]
Chugai Life Science Park YokohamaWebsite (Japanese only)
https://www.chugai-pharm.co.jp/profile/lsp/

Establishment of Chugai Life Science Park Yokohama and Relocation of Research Laboratories (Press Release on May 21, 2019)
https://www.chugai-pharm.co.jp/english/news/detail/20190521170000_619.html

Contact:

  • For Media
  • Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
  • Media Relations Group, Corporate Communications Dept.,
  • Tomoko Shimizu
  • Tel: +81-3-3273-0881
  • E-mail: pr@chugai-pharm.co.jp
  • For Investors
  • Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
  • Investor Relations Group, Corporate Communications Dept.,
  • Takayuki Sakurai
  • Tel: +81-3-3273-0554
  • E-mail: ir@chugai-pharm.co.jp
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