Chugai Opens U.S. Partnering Office in South San Francisco to Accelerate Global Open Innovation

• Operations begin January 2026
• Chugai will accelerate open innovation by building networks with U.S. academia and start-ups
• Chugai aims to establish a global partnering framework by strengthening network among group companies

TOKYO, December 11, 2025 -- Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (TOKYO: 4519, hereafter “Chugai”) announced today the establishment of a new partnering office (hereafter “Chugai Partnering US Office”) in South San Francisco. The office will operate as a branch of Chugai’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Chugai Pharma USA, Inc. (hereafter “CPUSA”), and will begin operations in January 2026.

Chugai aims to become a top innovator in the global healthcare industry by 2030, and positions open innovation as one of the key drivers to achieve this goal. Through the establishment of Chugai Partnering US Office, headed by Andrew Wong, who has held key business development positions at leading global pharmaceutical companies and research institutions, Chugai will strengthen its network with the academia and start-ups in the U.S., while advancing strategic external partnership activities.

Chugai Partnering US Office will also collaborate with Chugai’s partnering functions across multiple regions to accelerate global open innovation. Chugai’s head office (Japan) along with its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Chugai Pharma Europe Ltd. (UK) and Chugai Pharmabody Research Pte. Ltd., have been advancing partnerships with local companies and research institutions. With the establishment of Chugai Partnering US Office, Chugai will further strengthen this global partnering network and establish a comprehensive framework for worldwide partnership activities. Moreover, along with investment activities in external start-ups and cutting-edge technologies via the Chugai Venture Fund (Boston, U.S.) , Chugai will aim to drive further innovation.

“We are delighted to officially launch Chugai Partnering US Office next month,” said Dr. Osamu Okuda, Chugai’s President and CEO. “By further strengthening our network with local academia and start-ups, we will advance our search for technologies from external organizations and target identification technologies that have synergies with Chugai’s drug discovery technologies. Through collaboration with our partnering functions around the world, we will globally accelerate open innovation.”

Overview of Chugai’s Partnering Office in the U.S.
Name: Chugai Partnering US Office
Location: 601 Gateway Blvd, South San Francisco, CA 94080
Job title and name of representative: Head of Chugai Partnering US, Andrew Wong
Description of business:

• Explore partnerships with academia and start-ups in the U.S., and promote external collaboration
• Collect information on the U.S. ecosystem and build networks with the academia, venture capitals, and start-ups in the U.S.
• Enhance Chugai’s brand recognition globally

About Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, is a research-based pharmaceutical company with world-class drug discovery capabilities, including proprietary antibody engineering technologies. Chugai is committed to creating innovative pharmaceutical products that may satisfy unmet medical needs. Chugai is listed on the Prime Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. While maintaining autonomy and management independence, Chugai is an important member of the Roche Group.
Additional information is available at https://www.chugai-pharm.co.jp/english/

About Chugai Pharma USA, Inc. (CPUSA)
CPUSA, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chugai, conducts clinical development and regulatory submission for innovative pharmaceutical products created by Chugai in the U.S.