Astellas to shut Urogenix research facility

The US subsidiary of Japanese pharmaceutical firm Astellas is to close its subsidiary, Urogenix, a Durham, North Carolina-based research facility focused on the discovery of drugs for urological disorders.

Astellas says the closure will be completed by the end of December. Urogenix currently employs 13 scientists and staff.

Astellas bought the Urogenix research facility from Dynogen Pharmaceuticals in 2006. Since then, Urogenix has evaluated the clinical potential of urological development candidates, particularly in the area of lower urinary tract disorders.

Astellas says it will continue to focus on urology as one of its five main therapeutic areas and is transferring the research functions at Urogenix to its Tsukuba Research Centre in Japan.

The firm says this will strengthen its commitment to making the most of its research and development resources.