Astellas to acquire U.S. venture company for gene therapy drug development December 3, 16:02
Astellas, a major pharmaceutical manufacturer, announced that it will acquire an American bio-venture company that develops gene therapy drugs that are attracting attention as the next generation of drugs for about 320 billion yen, and will strengthen development in the field of gene therapy drugs I have decided.
Astellas held a press conference on the 3rd, and announced that it will make a TOB = tender purchase of shares of “Odentes”, a bio-venture company in California, USA, and acquire it for approximately 320 billion yen.
Odentes develops gene therapy drugs that are effective for intractable diseases that reduce the function of nerves and muscles.
Gene therapy drugs are attracting attention as next-generation treatments that cure genetic symptoms and relieve symptoms that had not been treated before, by putting genes directly into the body to work.
Astellas Vice President Naoki Okamura said at a press conference on the 3rd, “This is an important acquisition that fills the challenge of gene therapy research and development that is difficult for the company alone. I would like to lead to the creation of gene therapy drugs for other diseases, ”and stated that it would further strengthen the development of gene therapy drugs in the future.