Astellas Pharma has entered a strategic partnership with the Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research (JFCR) to expedite research in translational and clinical oncology.

The partnership combines Astellas' expertise in translational, clinical and scientific domains with JFCR's comprehensive cancer research capabilities to progress the treatment development for patients who are resistant to existing therapies.

The agreement stipulates that projects will be co-selected, drawing on shared interests and areas of expertise.

These projects are expected to yield new clinical and translational data for Astellas' early-stage pipeline assets.

This data will be amalgamated with Astellas' information to hasten and enhance the development programmes.

Astellas aims to progress translational science and clinical research into new medicines.

JFCR will benefit from early accessibility to Astellas' pipeline, along with extra resources and expertise.

Astellas chief research and development officer Tadaaki Taniguchi stated: “We are pleased to collaborate with JFCR, one of the largest and well-known cancer centres in Japan, to help advance our oncology pipeline. With a diverse set of early-stage oncology assets spanning multiple cutting-edge modalities, we are committed to delivering the next generation of therapies with outcomes that matter for patients.

“Through our partnerships, we can collectively enhance the insights and expertise that are critical for accelerating the development of new and innovative treatments for patients in need.”

JFCR promotes trials for new drug development, clinical and translational research into new treatment and diagnostic methods.

Before this collaboration, Astellas Pharma had formed a joint venture with Yaskawa Electric Corporation, focusing on developing a cell therapy product manufacturing platform.