Astellas establishes new Genome Medical Science Laboratory

Astellas has unveiled the new Genome Medical Science Laboratory, a fund lab based at the University of Tokyo.

Working to clarify the mechanism of tumorigenesis through large analysis of clinical samples using the latest genomics technology, the centre aims to work on the development of new cancer treatments.

Astellas’ role in the research includes contributions to the advance of oncology studies through the fund lab – to which it will contribute 15 million yen (99,870 pounds) annually for a duration of five years.

The research being conducted at the Genome Medical Science Laboratory is set to continue until August 2014.

In other Astellas news, the firm announced last week that it has entered into an agreement with Pfizer for the co-promotion of Caduet Combination Tablets.

The deal, which expires in 2016, will see the two firms collaborate to manufacture, sell and promote the drug – which is made up of a hypertension treatment and a hypercholesterolemia therapy.