Seeking Novel Early-Stage Small Molecule Compounds Having Potential to Cure Diseases

Astellas Pharma wishes to engage with academic research projects and technologies utilising small molecule compounds with significant in vivo efficacy that have the potential to reverse disease pathophysiology.

Research interests

Astellas Pharma are primarily looking for partners who have immature small molecule compounds which need to be optimized and have the potential to cure disease by reversing harmful effects. Astellas Pharma will offer its capability on optimizing compounds for drug discovery programs. Small molecule compounds fulfilling one or more of the following criteria will be given priority and be within scope:

Mandatory requirement:

Significant in vivo efficacy that can reverse the pathophysiology by treatment administration after pathology established on animal model

Preference will be given to:

• Drug‑like properties in molecular weight, lipophilicity, solubility, membrane permeability, metabolic stability and toxicity
• Higher activity in target cell
• Higher target specificity
• Clarified direct target binding and/or modification
• Patentability
• Preference given to basic research through to pre-clinical research, although development stages outside these parameters are of interest.

Out of Scope

Cancer, Infectious diseases, Metabolic diseases, Central Nervous System Diseases and Rare Diseases are out of scope for this campaign. All other diseases will be considered.

Submission Information

Submission of one-page research project and technology briefs and applicable spin-outs is encouraged.