The MTI was founded in 2015 by Tony Kouzarides and Jonathan Milner and its mission is to transform pioneering science into therapies by catalysing partnerships between academia and industry. By joining the Consortium, Astellas will access the pioneering science of the University of Cambridge, the Wellcome Sanger Institute and the Babraham Institute and turn it into therapies for the benefit of patients.
Joining the Consortium is the latest initiative that Astellas has undertaken as part of its strategy to become an integral part of the UK and European innovation ecosystems. Earlier this year Astellas opened a new office in Cambridge, UK to scout for opportunities emanating from across Europe.
Astellas Venture Management LLC (AVM), the corporate venture capital arm of Astellas, also invested in Phoremost Limited, Neophore Limited and Mogrify Limited, three Cambridge based companies. This investment activity augments the joining of the Consortium as part of Astellas’ overall European strategy.
Bradley Hardiman, Head of the UK Scouting Team at Astellas said, ‘I'm delighted that we have joined the Consortium. I know first-hand the fantastic science that takes place in Cambridge. Joining the Consortium will allow Astellas to access that science in a collaborative and constructive way. I’d like to thank the team at the MTI and my colleagues within Astellas for making this happen. I hope that this will be one of many great things that Astellas will accomplish within the UK and European innovation clusters.’
Tony Kouzarides, Director of the MTI, said, ‘It’s great to have Astellas on board as a member of the Milner Therapeutics Consortium. We look forward to working with them and to help them access the pioneering research that goes on here in Cambridge.’
Astellas' participation in the Consortium will enable it to become more deeply involved in the UK and European ecosystems to turn innovative science into VALUE for patients.
About Astellas
Astellas Pharma Inc is a pharmaceutical company conducting business in more than 70 countries around the world. We are promoting the Focus Area Approach that is designed to identify opportunities for the continuous creation of new drugs to address diseases with high unmet medical needs by focusing on Biology and Modality.
Furthermore, we are also looking beyond our foundational Rx focus to create Rx+® healthcare solutions that combine our expertise and knowledge with cutting-edge technology in different fields of external partners. Through these efforts, Astellas stands on the forefront of healthcare change to turn innovative science into value for patients. For more information, please visit our website at https://www.astellas.com/en.