Astellas launches new innovation management division

Astellas has launched a new division called Astellas Innovation Management (AIM), in line with strategic plans outlined in May 2013.

The business unit will oversee external strategic alliance activities – a function currently undertaken by multiple departments, including Astellas Venture Management – and will be responsible for acquiring external innovation opportunities in the preclinical development stage.

It will handle functions such as strategy planning, screening, scientific assessment and alliance negotiations, allowing these business alliances to be carried out in a systematic and strategic manner.

AIM will also be looking to draw upon external innovation opportunities arising in fields such as academia, with the ultimate aim of facilitating creative approaches to drug development during the preclinical stage.

The company said: "Astellas has proceeded with the reshaping research framework and introduction of new initiatives in order to further enhance the ability to generate innovative drugs."

Last month, the firm announced positive findings from a post-hoc analysis of a phase III study of Betmiga, its new oral treatment for overactive bladder, which was launched in the UK in February 2013.