Fujifilm, Takeda Partner on Regenerative Medicine Therapies

On Feb. 8, 2018, Fujifilm and Takeda announced a collaboration to develop regenerative medicine therapies for the treatment of heart failure using induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes.

This partnership grants Takeda the right of first negotiation to collaboratively and globally commercialize regenerative medicine products using cardiomyocytes derived from iPSCs currently under development by Fujifilm's affiliate company, Cellular Dynamics International. Under the contract, Takeda will make a one-time payment to Fujifilm, and both companies will evaluate the safety and efficacy of resulting regenerative medicine therapies.

"We are delighted to initiate this partnership applying practical use of our iPSC-derived cardiac cells with Takeda, which has abundant experience in drug development and clinical trials," said Aiichiro Hiruma, general manager of Regenerative Medicine Division at Fujifilm, in a company press release. "In addition to establishing new treatment methods for patients with heart disease, Fujifilm and Takeda will contribute to the elevation of regenerative medication business to the industrial stage by applying our engineering technologies to manufacture high-quality cells safely and efficiently."

According to Takeda, while significant treatment benefit is expected with regenerative medicine, there remain unaddressed technological and economic challenges. Collaborative research will combine Fujifilm's expertise in iPSC-related technologies and engineering technology developed by photographic business with Takeda's iPSC technology capabilities. This will be fostered by collaborative research with Kyoto University’s Center for iPS Cell Research and Application in Japan, as well as expertise in pre-clinical and clinical studies for drug development to make effective and safe therapies available for cardiac patients.

"Fujifilm has impressive capabilities in high-quality cell manufacturing technology, an innovative area with significant treatment potential," said Seigo Izumo, MD, global head of the Regenerative Medicine Unit at Takeda, in the release. "This collaboration allows us to leverage the strengths of both organizations with the goal of achieving meaningful, life-changing benefits for patients."

Source: Takeda