Platform Technologies Related to Oncology, Rare Genetic and Haematological Disease, and Medicinal Chemistry

Takeda Pharmaceutical are launching an open innovation initiative inviting researchers to submit their proposals addressing emerging technological platforms related to oncology, rare genetic or haematological disease, or medicinal chemistry. 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#6 Translational research platforms for immuno-oncology. Specifically: (i) translationally-relevant humanised animal models and/or in vitro/ex vivo tumour organoid systems reflecting human immune components, and (ii) novel biomarker discovery approaches/platforms for immuno-oncology.

REF#7 Imaging agents of lysosomal health. Approaches enabling visualisation of lysosomal activity in vivo are envisioned. Small molecules that can be labelled for PET imaging are of particular interest.

REF#8 Novel chemistry‑driven technologies for nucleic acid drug development. Specifically:

• Novel approaches to improve efficacy, selectivity, toxicity and/or durability of nucleic acid medicines
• Technologies that confer nucleic acid medicines with new mechanism of action (e.g. RNA editing, gene up‑regulation)
• Delivery technologies (e.g. enhancing tissue-specific delivery, de‑targeting of kidney and liver, novel delivery vehicles)

REF#9 Chemistry-driven novel technologies, methods or approaches to accelerate drug discovery process. Specifically:

• Novel platform technologies for protein degraders or DNA/RNA targeting ligand
• Application of AI/machine learning/molecular simulation
• Drug delivery system technologies for tissue-selective transport of middle/high-molecular weight molecules
• Innovative synthetic chemistry technologies (e.g. synthesis of challenging building blocks, novel conjugation technologies)

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.