Astellas withdraws neurological research from Edinburgh

Astellas has announced it is to terminate its research agreement with the University of Edinburgh for central nervous system (CNS) research when the current agreement expires in March next.

Before its merger with Yamanouchi Pharmaceutical last year, Astellas – formerly known as Fujisawa – agreed to support research in Edinburgh for the development of drugs for stroke victims and patients with cognitive difficulties. The University of Edinburgh’s neurosciences department has said that the Fujisawa Institute for Neuroscience in Edinburgh (FINE) is an integral part of the department.

The agreement meant that Fujisawa used the university’s research for commercial purposes while the university benefited from holding the patents. It says that the research centre has developed two new drugs since its inauguration, both currently in testing.

After the merger, Astellas declared it would analyse its research functions, the result being that they decided to “consolidate” its research centres. CNS research will be transferred to its site in Tsukuba, Japan.

Astellas’ main research areas are urology, anti-inflammatory drugs for transplants and immunology. It employs approximately 15,300 people worldwide.

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