Japan collaboration on regenerative medicines using cardiomyocytes derived from iPSC

A collaboration to develop regenerative medicine therapies using cardiomyocytes derived from iPSC for the treatment of heart failure has been announced by Japanese pharma major Takeda Pharmaceutical (TYO: 4502) and Fujifilm Corp (TYO: 4901).

Aiichiro Hiruma, general manager of Fujifilm’s Regenerative Medicine Division commented: “In addition to establishing new treatment methods for patients with heart disease, Fujifilm and Takeda will contribute to the elevation of regenerative medication business to the industrial stage by applying our engineering technologies to manufacture high-quality cells safely and efficiently."

While significant treatment benefit is expected with regenerative medicine, there remain unaddressed technological and economic challenges. Collaborative research will combine Fujifilm's expertise in cutting-edge iPSC-related technologies and engineering technology nurtured by photographic business with Takeda's iPSC technology capabilities. This will be fostered by collaborative research with CiRA (T-CiRA), as well as expertise in pre-clinical and clinical studies for drug development to make effective and safe therapies available for cardiac patients.

"Fujifilm has impressive capabilities in high-quality cell manufacturing technology, an innovative area with significant treatment potential," said Seigo Izumo, global head of the regenerative medicine unit at Takeda, adding: "This collaboration allows us to leverage the strengths of both organizations with the goal of achieving meaningful, life-changing benefits for patients."

Fujifilm and Takeda signed the contract on February 8, 2018, allowing Takeda right of first negotiation (ROFN) to collaboratively and globally commercialize regenerative medicine products using cardiomyocytes derived from iPSC, currently under development by Fujifilm's affiliate company, Cellular Dynamics International, based in Madison, USA. Under the contract, Takeda will make a one-time payment to Fujifilm, and both companies will evaluate the safety and efficacy of resulting regenerative medicine therapies.