Platform Technologies Related to DMPK and Safety

Takeda Pharmaceutical are launching an open innovation initiative inviting researchers to submit their proposals addressing emerging technological platforms related to drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK), or safety. One‑year projects will be funded up to JPY 5,000,000 or equivalent amount, including indirect costs.

Projects should address one of four areas:

REF#10 Development of biosensors for pharmacokinetic evaluation. Specifically, platforms that enable: (i) drug monitoring in microenvironments such as capillaries and CSF space, or (ii) evaluation of the existence form of drugs.

REF#11 Establishment of human glomerular microphysiological system (MPS) that can predict and assess glomerular damage and glomerular filtration function. The in vitro MPS should faithfully recapitulate physiological human renal function to predict safety and pharmacokinetics of drugs in the kidney.

REF#12 Development of novel devices and analytical approaches to evaluate pathophysiological conditions or drug toxicities in animal studies. Proposals addressing innovative approaches for measuring biological parameters to evaluate pathophysiological conditions and drug toxicity in animal studies (rats, mice, dogs, monkeys, etc.) will be considered. Specifically:

• Development of (i) devices, (ii) software, or (iii) experimental methods to acquire and analyse biological parameters such as blood pressure, biochemical parameters, emotional and behavioural characteristics
• Investigation of methodologies already employed in humans with laboratory animals, with the aim of analysing underlying mechanisms and versatility

REF#13 Development of novel methodologies for evaluation and/or prediction of RNA binding specificity of small molecules. Proposals that will contribute to reducing safety concerns of RNA-targeting small molecules will be considered. Specifically:

• Experimental methods and in silico prediction platforms to evaluate RNA binding specificity of small molecules
• Platforms that allow in silico analysis of RNA structures amenable to ligand binding

Jurisdictions of Interest

Only submissions from Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan will be eligible for this campaign.

Submission Information

To view more details on each area of interest seeking proposals for funding, download a proposal template here. For terms and conditions, click here. To submit your proposal, please visit our website at discover.in-part.com, register, and submit your proposal under the appropriate Discover campaign.