By: IPP Bureau
Last updated : December 24, 2025 8:37 pm
Shonan iPark was chosen for its globally connected life-science ecosystem, which unites pharmaceutical firms, next-generation medicine developers, AI and digital health innovators, venture capital, and academia
Aiming for global innovation edge, Asahi Kasei Pharma Corporation has announced that it will relocate its R&D hub from Izunokuni City, Shizuoka Prefecture (Ohito) to Shonan Health Innovation Park (Shonan iPark) in January 2027.
The move is designed to boost its global pharmaceutical research and accelerate open innovation through external partnerships, the company has said.
The company, known for its strong proprietary drug discovery and clinical development capabilities, has recently pivoted toward open innovation, collaborating with external partners to increase the likelihood of successful drug commercialization.
Shonan iPark was chosen for its globally connected life-science ecosystem, which unites pharmaceutical firms, next-generation medicine developers, AI and digital health innovators, venture capital, and academia. The area is also emerging as a hub for young, advanced professionals—a factor expected to help Asahi Kasei Pharma attract top R&D talent.
“This strategic move was guided by our mission of sincerely caring for each individual and solving unmet medical needs with a wealth of ideas and science,” said Kazunobu Konishi, Senior General Manager of the Pharmaceuticals Research Center at Asahi Kasei Pharma.
“Our current R&D site in Ohito, Shizuoka Prefecture, serves as a nexus for global specialty pharma. The move to Shonan iPark will allow us to enhance productivity and create value with globally competitive new medicines in areas where we have extensive experience, such as autoimmune diseases, severe infectious diseases, transplantation, and renal diseases.”
The new Shonan iPark facility will feature state-of-the-art open labs and shared equipment, improving research efficiency, optimizing resources, and accelerating operations.