Astellas Pharma Inc. and Yaskawa Electric Corporation have initiated discussions by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering an inventive cell therapy ecosystem through the fusion of pharmaceutical and robotics technologies. This agreement, while non-binding, sets the stage for more detailed deliberations between the two entities in the coming stages.
Commercializing cell therapy faces a major obstacle in the form of the intricate nature of product manufacturing. Extensive investments are necessary to navigate the complexities of developing manufacturing processes, transferring technology between manufacturers, and establishing large-scale production facilities for commercial purposes. Consequently, startups and academic institutions encounter significant challenges in independently commercializing cell therapy.
Since the end of 2017, Astellas has been advancing drug discovery and manufacturing technology research in cell therapy through the introduction of the humanoid robot 'Maholo', developed by the Robotic Biology Institute, a subsidiary of Yaskawa. Under the terms of the MoU, the companies will begin discussions to potentially develop a platform that may seamlessly link early-stage research to commercialization, utilizing the state-of-the-art Maholo robot to manufacture high-quality products and shorten the R&D period of cell therapy.
Additionally, the companies are contemplating extending the platform to startups and academic institutions, with the goal of cultivating an advanced cell therapy ecosystem. This initiative aims to facilitate innovation discovery and development, potentially lowering the investment required for investigational drug manufacturing under the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act. Astellas will contribute cell manufacturing technology, along with clinical development and regulatory expertise in the field of cell therapy, while Yaskawa will furnish and enhance cutting-edge robotics and factory automation technologies.