The Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University and Astellas Pharma entered into the second phase of a joint research agreement to further promote the utilization of differentiated cells and tissues derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) and to create innovative medical solutions.

During the first phase (July 2017 to March 2023), the two parties conducted comprehensive joint research on drug discovery applications of iPS cells. In the second phase, the two parties will build on their past efforts and incorporate digital technology into a technological platform for differentiated cells and tissues derived from iPS cells to further accelerate drug discovery and develop the technology to cover an even broader range of medical applications.

For the purpose of this joint research, CiRA installed Astellas' cellular drug discovery platform "Mahol-A-Ba". The two parties will work together to construct digital protocols for Mahol-A-Ba to develop a high-quality and highly reproducible differentiation induction method and create a library of differentiated cells.

"The joint research agreement with Astellas, which includes state-of-the-art core technology for drug discovery, will be of critical importance to generating new possibilities of drug discovery using iPS cell technology. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Astellas," said CiRA Director Jun Takahashi. "Through this joint research, we hope to contribute to drug discovery and development of treatments for various diseases as soon as possible."

"We are pleased to enter into this joint research agreement," said Yoshitsugu Shitaka, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer at Astellas. "We hope that the collaboration between CiRA, who has expertise in iPS cells and cell therapy, and Astellas, who has proven capabilities in drug discovery, will deliver even greater VALUE to patients."

CiRA and Astellas will further promote the use of iPS cell-derived differentiated cells and tissues to create innovative medical solutions to offer new treatment options for patients, thereby contributing to the treatment of diseases with high unmet medical needs.