• Text in Japanese

Overview

Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation (President & Representative Director, CEO: Masayuki Mitsuka; Head Office: Chuo-ku, Osaka; hereinafter “Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma”) and Osaka University (President: Shojiro Nishio; Location: Suita, Osaka) announce that, on July 1, 2018, co-founded the “Department of Neuro-Medical Science” in the Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, to conduct translational research*1 concerning the innovative drug discovery for refractory neurological diseases.

Neurological disease is one of the therapeutic field looking for disease modifying therapy urgently although the root causes of diseases are remaining unknown. The newly established department will research as follows: the pathological evaluation of various neurological diseases, exploring the target discovery based on above evaluation, evaluation of drug candidates by animal disease models, and search of biomarkers*2 for appropriate and rapid evaluation of the efficacy of compounds at clinical trials.

The Department will integrate the knowledge and technologies developed by researchers at the Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University as academia, and Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma as pharmaceutical industry, and utilize the cutting-edge imaging systems owned by Osaka University. By so doing, the department will promote research and pursue the new value creation and innovative drug discovery.

【Department Overview】

We will work hard to ensure that our department’s research will substantially contribute to delivering the best possible drugs as quickly as possible to many patients fighting against neurological diseases.

◆ Terminology

*1 Translational research
Translational research is an effort to convert academic research findings into practical applications and apply the results of research using animals to clinical patient treatment in a more direct and accurate manner.

*2 Biomarker
Biomarker refers to the indicators used in the processes of diagnosis, observation, or treatment for an objective measurement and evaluation of the patient’s physical condition. In addition to blood and other biochemical measurements, this term also includes diagnostic imaging data.

◆ Overview of Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma

Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, which was founded in 1678, has its headquarters in Doshomachi, Osaka, which is the birthplace of Japan’s pharmaceutical industry. With business centered on ethical pharmaceuticals, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma is a well-established company and has the longest history of any listed company in Japan. In accordance with the corporate philosophy of “contributing to the healthier lives of people around the world through the creation of pharmaceuticals,” the Company formulated the key concept of Open Up the Future under the Medium-Term Management Plan 16-20. Through the discovery of drugs that address unmet medical needs, centered on its priority disease areas — autoimmune diseases, diabetes and kidney diseases, central nervous system diseases, and vaccines — Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma will strive to contribute to the health of patients around the world.
For more information, go to https://www.mt-pharma.co.jp/

◆ About Osaka University

Originating from Kaitokudo and Tekijuku, two places of learning established in Osaka during the Edo period, Osaka University was founded in 1931 as Japan’s sixth imperial university through strong demand from Osaka citizens and the government and business sectors of Osaka. Currently comprising 11 faculties, 16 graduate schools, and 6 research institutes, Osaka University continues to develop as a leading comprehensive research university. In line with its key concept, “Co-creation” with society, Osaka University conducts creative activities in cooperation with society with the goal of becoming a “World-Leading Innovative University Contributing to Social Change” by 2031, when it is to celebrate the 100th anniversary of its founding.
For more information, go to http://www.osaka-u.ac.jp/en/