Support for pharma start-ups in Japan

Companies developing cell therapies for heart failure, compounds to treat obesity and peptide vaccines for cancer were among those that presented their pitches as part of a Japanese program to boost start-ups in the pharmaceutical sector.

Last year, Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) launched Blockbuster TOKYO, the first acceleration program for drug discovery start-ups initiated by a local government, and the scheme has since supported young companies through mentoring and introducing investor contacts.

The recent Blockbuster TOKYO event allowed start-ups to make business pitch presentations to an audience of more than 200 from established pharma companies, the investment community and academics.