Astellas, Osaka University to develop cell therapy

Astellas Pharma's subsidiaries, the Astellas Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Universal Cells, have entered into a research collaboration with the Graduate School of Medicine/Faculty of Medicine at Osaka University in Japan. This partnership aims to develop a cell therapy derived from pluripotent stem cells to treat intervertebral disc degenerative disease.

Central to this effort is Universal Cells' Universal Donor Cell (UDC) technology. This technology, which involves the genetic modification of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) through gene editing, plays a crucial role by significantly reducing the risk of immune rejection when creating cell therapy products from pluripotent stem cells.

The collaboration will integrate several key elements: the protocol for creating cartilage tissue, Universal Cells' UDC technology, and AIRM’s extensive capabilities in research and development in the field of cell therapy. Astellas’ chief scientific officer, Yoshitsugu Shitaka, expressed optimism about the partnership, highlighting the company's commitment to being at the forefront of healthcare innovation. Shitaka stated that Astellas aims to leverage its UDC technology to benefit academic institutions and startups worldwide, ultimately delivering next-generation cell therapies to patients. He emphasized the significance of this partnership in advancing open innovation using UDC technology.

Professor Noriyuki Tsumaki from Osaka University’s Department of Tissue Biochemistry also voiced his enthusiasm, noting the potential of their cartilage-like tissue to regenerate intervertebral discs. Tsumaki expressed hope that by combining their research with Astellas’ UDC technology and advanced R&D cell therapy system, the development of regenerative therapies for intervertebral disc degenerative disease would be accelerated.

In a related development, Astellas’ monoclonal antibody Vyloy (zolbetuximab) received approval in March 2024 from Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW). Vyloy, in combination with chemotherapy, is approved for the treatment of gastric cancer.

Moreover, the cell and gene therapy industry is experiencing significant growth. A new wave of therapies promises to revolutionize the treatment and potential cure of various diseases. The industry is currently exploring numerous opportunities for advancement, although it also faces several challenges.