Asterand signs partnership to supply drug discovery services to Japan

UK-based human tissue research company Asterand has entered into agreements with Mitsui Corporation and Toyobo Co. Ltd to offer drug discovery services to the Japanese market.

Asterand will supply Japanese drug discovery companies with biological samples, data and research services covering a range of diseases, including cancer, gastrointestinal, respiratory, metabolic disorders, inflammatory, cardiovascular, as well as diseases of the Central Nervous System such as Alzheimer's.

"The Japanese pharmaceutical market is a major developer of new drugs. The use of human tissue in preclinical research can shorten the drug development process. However, Japanese drug research companies have limited access to high quality samples and data and this creates an opportunity for Asterand," ceo Randal Charlton pointed out.

Under the agreement with the two companies, Asterand has been guaranteed a minimum level of business. However, Charlton emphasised that Asterand and its partners are taking a long-term view of the Japanese market where very high quality service is critical to success. "We expect to grow revenues carefully and steadily over several years," he said.

Asterand will provide full scientific and technical support, including scientific support from Asterand's research team, technical literature in Japanese and a Japanese language web site, plus regular visits to support the Toyobo sales team.