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CiRA, Takeda to develop iPS cell applications

Kyoto University's Center for iPS Cell Research Application (CiRA) and Takeda Pharmaceutical have entered into a ten-year collaboration to jointly develop clinical applications of induced pluripotent stem cells in areas such as heart failure, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders and cancer immunotherapy.

The Takeda-CiRA (T-CiRA) joint program is designed to expedite multiple research projects for drug discovery and cell therapy using iPS cells.

As part of the deal, CiRA director Shinya Yamanaka will direct the program, while Takeda will offer long-term funding, recommendations on research management and facilities at its Shonan Research Center, Fujisawa, Japan.

iPS cell technologies have the potential to bring new transformations to future medical treatments, and their applications span a variety of fields, including drug discovery, cell therapy and drug safety assessments.

During the ten-year period, the two companies will jointly run projects led by research experts invited from CiRA.

The deal is expected to make significant contributions to science and application of iPS cell technology into clinical practice, which requires a significant amount of time, effort and investment.

Takeda president and chief executive officer Christophe Weber said: "Through this partnership, our company will provide significant assistance over a long period to CiRA’s research into iPS cell technology applications, which is a vital part of Japan Revitalization Strategy.

"It is our hope to deliver innovative treatments that meet patient needs as soon as possible through this collaboration between Takeda and CiRA."

The deal will see Takeda provide research facilities at its Shonan Research Center and collaborative funding of JPY20bn over a ten-year period.

Additionally, Takeda will provide over JPY12bn worth of research support including facility, equipment, Takeda researchers and various research services, over the ten-year period.