Astellas Pharma Inc. (TSE: 4502) is a Japanese multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, formed in 2005 through the merger of Yamanouchi Co., Ltd. and Fujisawa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Astellas is one of Japan's largest pharmaceutical companies with a focus on oncology, urology, immunology, and neuroscience[1].
The company has been actively developing treatments for neurological disorders including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and other CNS conditions through both internal research and partnerships[2].
Astellas was created through the merger of two historic Japanese pharmaceutical companies:
Key milestones in neuroscience:
Astellas maintains programs in neurodegenerative diseases with a focus on Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.
| Drug | Mechanism | Phase | Partner |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASP-001 | Alpha-synuclein antibody | Preclinical | - |
| RE-021 | ROCK inhibitor | Phase 2 | - |
| Drug | Mechanism | Phase | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASP-4345 | PDE9 inhibitor | Phase 2 | Completed |
| ASP-3672 | 5-HT receptor modulator | Phase 1 | Completed |
| Drug | Indication | Phase |
|---|---|---|
| ASP-0482 | Epilepsy | Phase 1 |
| ASP-8942 | Neuropathic pain | Phase 1 |
Following the acquisition of iota Biosciences, Astellas is developing bioelectronic medicine approaches:
Astellas has invested in gene therapy platforms for neurological disorders through partnerships with Roivant Sciences and other biotechnology companies.