Seeking Research and Technologies Related to in vivo Direct Reprogramming

Astellas Pharma, a global pharmaceutical company with cutting-edge capabilities in drug development, wishes to engage with academic research and biopharma companies and assets that involve the use of in vivo direct reprogramming to achieve cell conversion/ transdifferentiation from one cell type to another functional type. 

Astellas is particularly interested in the direct reprogramming of cells to cell types related to the Central Nervous System, Lung, Heart, Kidney, Liver, Gut, Skin and Eye. Their goal is to discover therapeutic interventions that cure degenerative diseases for which treatments are limited, e.g. by directly reprogramming endogenous cells within the body to regenerate cells lost in disease. 

Approaches of Interest:

• Astellas is open to all methods for direct reprogramming of endogenous cells in vivo, including small molecules and non viral delivery (e.g. mRNA, lipid nanoparticle). 
• Conversion from any cell type to functional cells (e.g. fibroblasts to functional cells).
• Novel approaches to assess/validate cell transdifferentiation are also of interest.

Developmental Stages of Interest:

• Research at basic to late preclinical stages. Research on differentiation pathways/signalling alone is out of scope.
• Research should have in vivo validation. In vitro studies are of interest but not prioritised for this campaign. 

Out of Scope:

• Cell therapy, cell transplantation, biomaterial-based therapy, CRISPR/Cas systems and medical device approaches.
• Transdifferentiation related to cancer, diabetes and cosmetics (e.g. hair growth).
• Direct reprogramming to produce pluripotent cells.

Submission Information and Opportunity for Collaboration:

Submission of one page, 200-300 word briefs are encouraged, along with any optional supplementary information e.g. relevant publications. Applicants are encouraged to use this submission form to provide additional information and outline a research proposal if appropriate. Intellectual property status of the research should be included where relevant. In submitting to this campaign, you confirm that your submission contains only non-confidential information. Applicants who have previously applied to an Astellas campaign are welcome, providing there is progression since their last submission.

Astellas Pharma is open to a range of collaboration scenarios, with the most appropriate path determined by the needs of the opportunity. Example outcomes include licensing, investment and ongoing collaboration opportunity.