The Launch of Chugai’s New TV Commercial Featuring Tori Matsuzaka "Medicine Defining Tomorrow / Mid-Size Molecules"

TOKYO, December 18, 2025 -- Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (TOKYO: 4519, hereafter "Chugai") announced the launch of a new commercial featuring Tori Matsuzaka titled “Medicine that Changes the Future / Mid-Size Molecules.” on TV and various media platforms.

This commercial is the latest in an advertising series showcasing Chugai 's commitment to developing innovative medicines and services through proprietary technologies and cutting-edge science. This installment focuses on "mid-size molecules," a promising next-generation pharmaceutical platform.
Creating new medicines for diseases that have no treatment options - this is our mission. At Chugai, we are dedicated to discovering groundbreaking therapies, always putting the health and well-being of each patient first.

CM Movie: https://youtu.be/2DUlbSoR55E (Japanese only)
Brand Website: https://www.chugai-pharm.co.jp/profile/ad/ (Japanese only)
Official YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/chugaijp (Japanese only)

 

CM Story

An alien travels through space in search of advanced medical technologies that could improve human health. His journey leads him to Earth, where he discovers Chugai's groundbreaking "mid-size molecule" platform. The narrative symbolizes our quest to find hope in medicines that can transform patients' futures and revolutionize drug discovery - representing Chugai's commitment to developing treatments for diseases with no current therapeutic options.

The research scenes were filmed on location at Chugai Life Science Park Yokohama (Totsuka Ward, Yokohama City), our drug discovery research laboratory. The commercial features actual Chugai researchers working on mid-size molecule development.

 

About Mid-Size Molecule Drugs

In addition to antibody and small molecule drugs, Chugai Pharmaceutical is pioneering mid-size molecules - an emerging therapeutic modality that represents the next frontier in drug discovery. This platform combines the benefits of both: the cell-penetrating capabilities of small molecules and the high target specificity of antibodies. Mid-size molecules are expected to serve as next-generation therapeutics, offering new treatment possibilities for previously "undruggable" targets that have been difficult to address with conventional approaches.

For over a decade, Chugai has been building the scientific and technological foundation necessary to advance mid-size molecule drug discovery. Today, we have established capabilities for efficiently identifying drug candidates, with active research and development programs targeting a wide range of diseases. To maintain end-to-end control from early development through initial manufacturing, we are also making capital investments in specialized production facilities dedicated to mid-size molecule investigational drugs, while continuously strengthening our operational infrastructure.

 

[Performer]

Tori Matsuzaka

Born October 17, 1988, in Kanagawa Prefecture.

Launched his acting career in 2009. Received the Best Supporting Actor Award at the 42nd Japan Academy Awards for "The Blood of Wolves" and the Best Actor Award at the 43rd Japan Academy Awards for "The Journalist."

Recent credits include the drama series "Mikami Sensei" ('25) and films such as "Our Eternal Song" ('25), "Frontline" ('25), "Paddington in Peru" ('25), and "100m" ('25) *including voice performances.

Upcoming projects include the sequel to TBS's Sunday drama "VIVANT" (scheduled for 2026) and the lead role in NHK's 2027 Taiga drama "Gyakuzoku no Bakushin".