Eisai Research Institute of Boston, Inc., a pharmaceutical R&D subsidiary of Tokyo-based Eisai Co., Ltd., has opened a new facility at its site in Andover, MA. The 150,000-sq.-ft. structure will consolidate basic discovery research operations and provide for future growth.

The $65 million facility will be devoted to discovery research using natural products-based synthetic organic chemistry and target-oriented biology to identify and develop drug compounds. Part of Eisai’s business plan, the “Dramatic Leap Plan,” the state-of-the-art labs and office space will provide increased opportunity for scientific discovery and compound selection.

Eisai Research currently has two compounds in Phase III trials globally, one for the treatment of severe sepsis and the other for cancer. Additional compounds discovered at Eisai Research Institute are in preclinical and clinical development for the treatment of cancer and other diseases.

“We are delighted to commemorate today’s dedication,” said Michael Lewis, president, Eisai Research Institute. “We are confident that the environment we have created will actively promote the atmosphere of collaboration and teamwork that has been a critical source of Eisai’s cutting edge science.”