Introduction
In a groundbreaking move, Yaskawa Electric, a leading industrial robot manufacturer, has partnered with Astellas Pharma, a renowned pharmaceutical company, to create a revolutionary cell therapy platform. This partnership aims to bridge the gap between research and commercialization, enabling the high-quality manufacturing of cell therapy products and reducing the development time.
Main Article
Yaskawa Electric and Astellas Pharma have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore the possibility of building a new cell therapy platform that combines robotics and pharmaceutical technologies. The MOU is a legally non-binding agreement, and the two companies will proceed with specific discussions from now on.
The platform envisioned by both companies aims to seamlessly connect the initial stage of research in the cell therapy field to commercialization, enabling high-quality manufacturing of cell therapy products and shortening the research and development period. The platform may also be provided to startups and academic institutions, which could help reduce the investment required for the manufacturing of investigational drugs under Japan’s Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act. Additionally, the companies may consider building beneficial services that can contribute to the discovery and development of innovative drugs.
One of the major challenges in commercializing cell therapy products is the low stability and reproducibility of production. The work process relies on craftsmanship, and the manufacturing of cell therapy products requires large and expensive investments. Astellas Pharma has been actively pursuing drug discovery and manufacturing technology development in cell therapy, and has installed a dual-arm robot designed for biological applications, “Maholo”, at the end of 2017.
Astellas Pharma will provide innovative cell manufacturing technologies, clinical development, and regulatory expertise related to cell therapy to build its platform. Yaskawa Electric, on the other hand, has been developing and promoting clean environment robots for healthcare, food, and agriculture, and is strengthening its initiatives to utilize its expertise in cell therapy. Through this partnership, Yaskawa anticipates the practical use of i³-Mechatronics, a solution concept incorporating digital data with factory automation, and increase the value of the Yaskawa Group in the medical field, with the cell therapy field as a key area.
The partnership between Yaskawa Electric and Astellas Pharma aims to accelerate the commercialization, stable supply, and profit making of new drugs, as well as improve the development environment. In the end, Yaskawa Electric aims to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society in the cell therapy field through collaboration with Astellas Pharma.
Conclusion
In a move that could revolutionize the field of cell therapy, Yaskawa Electric and Astellas Pharma have partnered to create a new cell therapy platform. This platform aims to bridge the gap between research and commercialization, enabling the high-quality manufacturing of cell therapy products and reducing the development time. The partnership is expected to accelerate the commercialization, stable supply, and profit making of new drugs, as well as improve the development environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the partnership between Yaskawa Electric and Astellas Pharma?
The partnership aims to create a new cell therapy platform that combines robotics and pharmaceutical technologies, enabling the high-quality manufacturing of cell therapy products and reducing the development time.
What is the significance of the partnership?
The partnership is significant as it aims to bridge the gap between research and commercialization, enabling the high-quality manufacturing of cell therapy products and reducing the development time. This could lead to the accelerated commercialization, stable supply, and profit making of new drugs, as well as improve the development environment.
What technologies will be used in the partnership?
Astellas Pharma will provide innovative cell manufacturing technologies, clinical development, and regulatory expertise related to cell therapy, while Yaskawa Electric will utilize its expertise in robotics and mechatronics to develop the platform.
What is the expected outcome of the partnership?
The expected outcome of the partnership is the creation of a new cell therapy platform that enables the high-quality manufacturing of cell therapy products, reduces the development time, and accelerates the commercialization, stable supply, and profit making of new drugs.
What are the benefits of the partnership?
The benefits of the partnership include the accelerated commercialization, stable supply, and profit making of new drugs, as well as the improvement of the development environment. The partnership also aims to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society in the cell therapy field.
What is the timeline for the partnership?
The timeline for the partnership has not been disclosed, but the two companies will proceed with specific discussions from now on. The partnership is expected to accelerate the commercialization, stable supply, and profit making of new drugs, as well as improve the development environment.
