Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development picks Eisai's venture capital to strengthen program for pharma startup ecosystem

Eisai Co. and Eisai’s corporate venture capital subsidiary, Eisai Innovation, Inc. have announced that Eisai Innovation, Inc. has been selected as a registered venture capital of the Strengthening Programme for Pharmaceutical Startup Ecosystem implemented by the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED).

To address the shortage of large-scale funding necessary for new drug development, this programme provides subsidies to pharmaceutical startups for development and commercialisation. This support is contingent upon startups securing funding from AMED-registered venture capital firms, which specialise in drug development and offer hands-on business management and commercialisation support.

The Eisai global network of affiliated companies (the Eisai Group) launched its venture investment business in May 2019, aiming to support the acceleration of drug discovery innovation and the establishment of an ecosystem platform in areas including dementia. This involves supporting the discovery of innovative technologies and services by supporting venture businesses with such capabilities and exploring possible future collaborations with these businesses. . Eisai Innovation, Inc. was established in the US in August 2019 as Eisai’s corporate venture capital subsidiary.

As an AMED-registered VC, Eisai Innovation, Inc. aims to further contribute to strengthening the drug discovery venture ecosystem in Japan.