Asahi Kasei Pharma has entered an exclusive global license agreement with Alchemedicine, a company specializing in the discovery of small molecule drugs, covering novel lead compounds for a single target.

Under the agreement, Asahi Kasei Pharma obtains exclusive worldwide rights to research, develop, manufacture, and commercialize the compounds, which are currently at the preclinical stage. The compounds were identified using Alchemedicine’s drug discovery platform, HiSAP and are expected to have therapeutic potential for multiple autoimmune diseases. The specific target indications will be determined by Asahi Kasei Pharma as development progresses. This agreement represents the second license agreement between the two companies, following an initial license agreement in June 2022. The new program is independent of the previous agreement.

Kazunobu Konishi, Ph.D., Senior General Manager of the Pharmaceuticals Research Center at Asahi Kasei Pharma, said, “By combining Alchemedicine’s differentiated drug discovery technology with our expertise in drug development, we aim to develop a high-potential therapeutic candidate that addresses unmet medical needs through open innovation.”

Yoshikazu Aoki, President of Asahi Kasei Pharma, added, “Strengthening our research capabilities through open innovation is a strategic priority as we work toward Asahi Kasei Group’s goal of $3 billion in pharmaceutical sales by 2030. We will continue to pursue partnerships that deliver innovative medicines and drive sustainable growth.”

More Asahi Kasei News

Last year, Asahi Kasei established Asahi Kasei Life Science to operate its bioprocess businesses under a new organizational structure.