We identify the target that constitutes the cause of a disease and create the "seeds" for new drugs that contribute to its cure. In a nutshell, this is all about "creating something out of nothing." These "seeds" will eventually become new drugs and the probability of their being supplied as products to the market is said to be in the order of 1 in 20,000. On average it takes at least 15 years to develop one new drug. KYORIN Pharmaceutical has established a global research system spanning Japan, the US and Europe and undertakes drug discovery research efficiently by narrowing its core areas to three fields - respiratory, urological and infectious diseases. Kyorin's creative drug discovery capabilities are acclaimed the world over.
To quickly and efficiently find the lead chemicals (candidate compounds) that become the seeds of new drugs, Kyorin has established a global drug creation network spanning Japan, the United States and Europe. Kyorin strives to upgrade the quality of new drug research and speed up the development process by making the most effective use of the particular areas of strength exhibited by each of its three research centers, the Kyorin Discovery Research Laboratories in Japan, Kyorin-Scotland Research Laboratories (KSRL) in Scotland and US subsidiary ActivX Biosciences Inc.
After a certain lead chemical has been detected, lead optimization research is carried out to bring it one step closer to becoming a drug. At Kyorin Discovery Research Laboratories we engage in effective optimization research on the basis of close cooperation among all departments that synthesize chemicals and the departments that establish drug efficacy, pharmokinetics and drug safety. Kyorin develops and consolidates the technologies necessary for this as its core technologies.
Development research is the process of developing the seeds generated in drug discovery research into pharmaceuticals. Essentially, this is about raising 1 to 100. While focusing on speed, science and reliability, we not only investigate the efficacy and safety of drugs in full detail, but also conduct research in areas such as the drug manufacturing process. Based on the data acquired in this process from a global vision, applications are filed, and new drug is born after approval.
The keywords that define Kyorin's development research are "speed, science and reliability." While it is essential to ensure a level of reproducibility that yields the same results no matter how often tests are repeated, reducing development costs and speeding up drug development are also significant challenges. In an effort to promote shorter new drug development times, we have introduced a system of fully integrated development with a single organization-wide team taking charge of the process from lead optimization to POC in initial clinical trials. Kyorin also works to speed up the process by outsourcing some aspects of research, such as CMC, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and toxicity.
- POC: Proof of Concept involving the confirmation of efficacy and safety in humans
- CMC: Short for Chemistry, Manufacturing and Control and implies production control based on scientific evidence
Under Kyorin's medium-term business plan known as HOPE 100 -Stage 1-, initiatives taken under the plan will be labeled based on the time frame, as Stage 1, Stage 2 or Stage 3 research and development activities, according to the stage at which results will materialize. The plan also establishes respiratory, urological and infectious diseases as core fields for in-house drug discovery. Looking ahead, Kyorin will work to rebuild its drug creation network. Under the medium-term business plan, Kyorin will also seek to launch the KRP-108 antiasthmatic drug on the market and make active efforts in the area of LCM with new application and dosage for Pentasa.
