For Immediate Release

Company name: DAIICHI SANKYO COMPANY, LIMITED
Representative: Joji Nakayama, President and CEO
(Code no.: 4568, First Section of Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya Stock Exchanges)
Please address inquiries to Noriaki Ishida, Corporate Officer,
Vice President, Corporate Communications Department
Telephone: +81-3-6225-1126
http://www.daiichisankyo.com

Daiichi Sankyo to Facilitate New Drug Discovery in 2013 through Collaborative Research and Grants

Tokyo, Japan (March 6, 2013) - Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited (TSE: 4568; hereafter, Daiichi Sankyo) today announced its TaNeDS (Take a New challenge for Drug diScovery) collaborative drug discovery project for 2013. The company will select research partners for the project from among researchers based in Japan.

 

1. Background

One key objective in Daiichi Sankyo’s Second Mid-term Business Management Plan (FY 2010-2012) is the discovery of new sources of research themes through open innovation. Daiichi Sankyo is implementing a range of sources of innovation for collaboration with external partners. One aspect of this strategy is the collaborative research and grant program TaNeDS, launched in 2011. A large number of research theme proposals were received in 2011 and 2012 from all over Japan, and projects are currently ongoing. Daiichi Sankyo will continue the program in 2013, seeking further drug discovery research possibilities by casting at wide net to find research themes and technologies that will result in the discovery of new drugs. The program will target researchers based in Japan. Furthermore, in 2013, Daiichi Sankyo’s wholly owned subsidiary, Daiichi Sankyo RD Novare Co., Ltd. (hereafter, RD Novare), will join TaNeDS to promote the development of technology platforms for the next generation.

 

2. Overview of TaNeDS

1) Multi-entrance

The TaNeDS project will accept entries for a range of themes, including exploratory research, collaborative research, early-stage drug discovery, concepts for inventions and enhancement of the value of intellectual properties. Themes covering all stages, from the initial phase of research to practical use, will be accepted.

In order to attract a variety of entries, both individual researchers and groups will be welcomed.

2) Multi-exit

In order to efficiently realize practical uses from research results, a number of outcomes are foreseen, including purchases of intellectual property, joint research and commissioned research.

 

3. Project overview

1) How to apply

Two project types have been set up for 2013 based on the results of applications and projects adopted in 2012, and with the participation of RD Novare this year in mind.

Project type		Objective	Applicable person/group	Duration *	Scope of funding (total)
A. Daiichi Sankyo's Desired Research Themes	Feasibility research	Discovery and development of initial drug discovery themes and new technologies	Researchers in Japan	Completion of contract to March 31, 2015	Up to 10 million yen
	Collaborative research	Discovery and development of initial drug discovery themes and new technologies in collaboration with Daiichi Sankyo	Researchers and research teams in Japan	Completion of contract for one or two years	Up to 20 million yen (up to 10 million yen per year)
B. RD Novare's Desired Research Themes	Feasibility research	Drug discovery and development technology platforms	Researchers in Japan	Completion of contract to March 31, 2015	Up to 5 million yen

 

*Project duration subject to change based on research

Target project numbers: 18 for A, and 2 for B

 

A.  Desired research themes by Daiichi Sankyo: 1) Exploratory researchthemes and research themes that will lead to initial drug discovery in the idea stage; 2) research themes that will lead to practical application of intellectual properties and proprietary know-how; and 3) technologies being researched academically that are applicable to solving challenges faced in terms of pharmaceutical manufacturing process development and quality assurance will be accepted. Daiichi Sankyo will determine if feasibility studies with Daiichi Sankyo researchers (preliminary collaborative research) or collaborative research should be conducted based on proposed themes. Accepted themes will be selected for continuation based on results after the research period comes to a close.

B.  Desired research themes by RD Novare: Research themes that will lead to the development of the novel technology platforms related to drug discovery and development will be accepted. Scientists at RD Novare work together on lead technologies being researched academically by applicants to establish leading edge technology platforms and biological evaluation methods.

 

2) Desired research themes

- Desired research themes by Daiichi Sankyo

     i.  Oncology

     ii. Cardiovascular metabolics (metabolic disease, heart disease and vascular disease)

     iii. Leading edge pharmaceuticals

     iv. Enhancement of current research projects

     v. Antibodies

     vi. Nucleic acid therapeutics, peptide pharmaceuticals, DDS

     vii. Biomarkers

     viii. Drug Safety, ADME (Drug Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion)

- Desired research themes by RD Novare

     i. Drug discovery and development technology platform research

   * For more information about the TaNeDS program, please visit the Daiichi Sankyo corporate website:

     https://www.daiichisankyo.co.jp/corporate/rd/taneds/

 

3) Who is eligible?

Researchers from universities and public research institutions who can conduct research in Japan

 

4) Schedule

Application period:   May 20 to June 14, 2013

First selection period:   June 17 to July 31, 2013

Second selection period:   August 1 to September 30, 2013

Contract negotiation:   From October 1, 2013

Start of research:   Upon completion of contract

 

Profile of DAIICHI SANKYO RD NOVARE CO., LTD.

 

Capitalization	50 million yen
Date of establishment	October 3, 2006
Location	Tokyo, Japan
President	Hideyuki Haruyama
Projected number of employees	Around 300
Core business overview	• Custom production of research materials and intermediates for drug discovery and development • Contract assay development and quantitative and/or qualitative analysis of drug substances • Technology based drug discovery support and alliance • Consultation for the evaluation and application of the novel technological platform for drug discovery • Contract Clinical development