Axcelead DDP participates in “MONSTAR-SCREEN-2” of the 4th-stage industry-academia collaborative Cancer Genome Screening Project for Individualized Medicine in Japan “SCRUM-Japan”, as a joint research institute

2021.10.25

We are pleased to announce that Axcelead Drug Discovery Partners Inc., (Headquarters: Fujisawa, Kanagawa, JAPAN, CEO: Yoshinori Ikeura, hereinafter “Axcelead DDP”) will participate as a joint research institution to support “MONSTAR-SCREEN-2” of the 4th-stage industry-academia collaborative Cancer Genome Screening Project for Individualized Medicine in Japan “SCRUM-Japan” led by the National Cancer Center Hospital East (Location: Kashiwa, Chiba, JAPAN, Director: Atsushi Ohtsu, hereinafter “NCCHE)”.

In MONSTAR-SCREEN-2, multi-omics assays such as whole exome sequencing and whole transcriptome sequencing are performed using DNA / RNA extracted from tumor tissue, and immunohistochemical staining (IHC) is performed in clinical specimens. By evaluating protein expression and localization, the project performs comprehensive analysis toward not only cancer cells but also tumor microenvironment which is including both various immune cells and candidate for biomarkers. In this research, Axcelead DDP will utilize its unique and proprietary drug discovery platform to perform high-quality fluorescent multiplex immunostaining and acquire stained image data using the multiplex IHC method. Axcelead DDP will contribute to a complex understanding with multi-omics analysis by histologically elucidating complex tumor tissues through this joint research.

Dr. Takayuki Yoshino, Project representative of MONSTAR-SCREEN-2 / Chief of the Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, NCCHE, said, “Axcelead DDP, a drug discovery solution provider based on excellent technical capabilities and abundant research experience, will play a part in elucidating cancer cells and the tumor immune microenvironment that surrounds them. I am confident that the solution provided by Axcelead DDP will greatly contribute to the acceleration of novel therapeutic drug development through this project.

Dr. Yoshinori Ikeura, President and CEO of Axcelead DDP, said, “Our mission is to discover innovative drugs as the best partner for drug discovery players based on the technology and know-how accumulated through drug discovery research and the huge amount of data. This time, we will participate as a joint research institution to support “MONSTAR-SCREEN-2”, and we will elucidate the pathophysiology of cancer. We are pleased to be able to contribute to the delivery of therapeutic drugs to patients suffering from cancer as a hub of drug discovery ecosystem, our VISION 2025 “.

Axcelead DDP is Japan’s first drug discovery solution provider established in July 2017 by taking over the drug discovery platform from Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. Screening, Medicinal chemistry, Pharmacology / Biology, DMPK, and Safety research functions are integrated into one center, with a state-of-the-art research base and original compound library, and that enables to create drug candidates by utilizing the vast amount of past drug discovery research data. Leveraging these strengths, we provide solutions to various challenges faced in the process from exploratory research to clinical in drug discovery.

*1 For more information on the 4th SCRUM-Japan and MONSTAR-SCREEN-2, please see the National Cancer Center website (press release on June 30, 2021).
https://www.ncc.go.jp/en/information/press_release/20210630/index.html

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