Center for iPS Cell Research Application (CiRA) of Kyoto University and Takeda Pharmaceutical will work together to develop clinical applications of induced pluripotent stem cells in areas such as heart failure, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders and cancer immunotherapy.

The "Takeda-CiRA Joint Program for iPS Cell Applications" (T-CiRA) is designed to expedite multiple research projects for drug discovery and cell therapy using iPS cells.

CiRA Director Shinya Yamanaka, a Nobel laureate for his work on iPS cells, will direct the Program, while Takeda provides long-term funding, recommendations on research management, and facilities at its Shonan Research Center, Fujisawa, Japan.

This collaboration is aligned with the purpose of National Projects of Japan on clinical applications of iPS cell technologies.

Takeda will provide research facilities at its Shonan Research Center and collaborative funding of 20 billion yen over a 10-year period.

In addition, Takeda will provide more than 12 billion yen worth of research support (facility, equipment, Takeda researchers and various research services) over the 10-year collaboration period.

About 100 researchers including new researchers recruited globally are to be based at Takeda's Shonan Research Center engaged in joint research, with each contributing about 50 researchers.

Also, the access to special research assets, such as Takeda's compound libraries, will be provided for the collaboration.

Potential initial research projects include heart failure, diabetes mellitus, neuro-psychiatric disorders, and cancer immunotherapy.

Additional projects will be included as the collaboration moves forward. Once set up, around 10 projects will be pursued concurrently.

For further deal information visit Current Agreements (subscription required)

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