Astellas Pharma Inc. has signed a memorandum of understanding with Yaskawa Electric Corporation to begin discussions about creating an innovative cell therapy ecosystem through the integration of pharmaceutical and robotics technologies.
 
This memorandum is legally non-binding and will lead to further specific discussions between the two companies in the future.
 
Under the terms of the memorandum, the companies will begin discussions to potentially develop a platform that may seamlessly link early-stage research to commercialization, utilizing the dual-armed, humanoid robot “Maholo,” which Astellas installed in 2017, to manufacture high-quality products and shorten the R&D period of cell therapy.
 
Furthermore, the companies would consider the possibility of offering the platform to startups and academia, aiming to develop an advanced cell therapy ecosystem that may enable the discovery and nurturing of innovation while potentially reducing investment in investigational drug manufacturing based on the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act.
 
Astellas would provide cell manufacturing technology, clinical development and regulatory insights related to cell therapy. Yaskawa would provide and develop robotics and factory automation technologies.