Takeda launches contract R&D firm AXCELEAD

AXCELEAD is the first business model in the Japanese pharmaceutical industry that bridges basic and applied clinical research, from exploratory research to optimising candidate compounds. Takeda transferred a part of its research business to EXCELEAD in May this year and the newly formed company will leverage Takeda’s extensive drug discovery knowledge and state-of-the-art research facility to offer drug discovery services for a broad range of diseases and unmet medical needs. 

AXCELEAD will support not only the Takeda group businesses, but also other life-science organisations such as other pharmaceutical companies, bio-technology ventures, and public and academic research institutions both within and outside Japan. It will do this as part of its comprehensive integrated drug discovery services and consultation for the Shonan Health Innovation Park (SHIP) at the Shonan Research Centre. It complements the existing value-added services available at SHIP and strengthens the park’s potential for the co-creation and development of innovative medicines.

Yoshinori Ikeura, President of AXCELEAD, said: “I’m very excited for the role I believe AXCELEAD will play in drug discovery. AXCELEAD has the capability to be a valuable partner by providing comprehensive and integrated expertise in areas like screening, synthesis, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and safety assessment.

“We are also able to draw on the scientific powerhouse of our personnel, who have gained extensive technical skills, knowledge, and experience through their work at Takeda. My vision is for our business to go beyond contracted research and provide optimised solutions that address each customers’ unique needs. Every one of our staff is looking forward to the challenge of being the best partner for innovation-minded organisations and unlocking new approaches in drug discovery and healthcare.”