Being a Pioneer in Genomic Drug Discovery
In April 2005, Forerunner Pharma Research (FPR) was jointly established by Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and Central Institute for Experimental Animals to create an unprecedented research collaboration form that combines genome research, disease structure and pathological studies with bio-pharmaceutical and antibody drug discovery. As a first step towards the goal, we set a research base in Komaba Open Laboratory of University of Tokyo to realize a collaborative study with the university that has proven records in leading-edge research. This also enabled us to construct a research system for the new genomic antibody drug discovery that produces antibody drugs efficiently from disease structure and genomic information. Although the importance of this type of system as open innovation is pointed out today, it was a new research model at that time. With the understanding and the support of the investors and the University of Tokyo, we have been fortunate to achieve considerable number of research findings to date. Through these activities, we confirmed that the satellite-type research model that sets a research base strategically is highly beneficial for the creative drug discovery study.
In September 2010, we opened a new laboratory in Yokohama Bio Industry Center to expand our research activities and to start a joint study with neighboring RIKEN. FPR uniquely combines a management style that enables innovative researches with a corporate culture that values the ambitions of researchers. We have expanded the range of research from antibody drug discovery to new drug targeting. In terms of our technological capabilities, we proudly consider FPR a top level firm in Japan. While the competition is increasingly fierce, we are going to continue our research activities with an aim to make contribution to the new drug development by taking a creative approach.
Tatsumi Yamazaki, Ph.D.
President, Forerunner Pharma Research Co., Ltd.
