HGSI is expanding it's strategic relationship with Takeda chemicals of Japan in a drug discovery alliance. I think that this is one of the areas where we shall see Japan Blossom over the next 3 to 5 years.
ROCKVILLE, Md., March 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Human Genome Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: HGSI - news) today announced that Takeda Chemicals Inc. has selected approximately 100 targets for use in small molecule and antibody drug discovery.
The targets are of particular interest to Takeda because of their relevance to several of the therapeutic areas in which Takeda is focused, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, bone and joint diseases, central nervous system disorders, urogenital diseases and allergy.
Takeda, the largest pharmaceutical company in Japan, is one of Human Genome Sciences' five strategic partners in its human gene consortium. Through the 1995 agreement with Human Genome Sciences, Takeda became one of the world's first major pharmaceutical companies, and the first in Japan, to enter into a broad strategic alliance in order to access state-of-the-art genomics information and technology.
Under the terms of the broad collaboration agreement between the two companies, Human Genome Sciences is entitled to receive milestone and royalty payments on products developed and commercialized by Takeda. Takeda's selection of approximately 100 individual drug discovery targets based on Human Genome Sciences' gene sequencing technology indicates the value this technology represents to its partners.
Arthur M. Mandell, Senior Vice President and Chief Business Officer of Human Genome Sciences, said, ``We are very pleased that our strategic partner, Takeda Chemicals, has identified so many targets of interest for their own drug discovery efforts. We have a high regard for Takeda's research capabilities and view the selection of these targets as a further strengthening of our long term relationship.''
Dr. Osamu Nishimura, Corporate Officer, General Manager, Pharmaceutical Discovery Research Division of Takeda Chemicals, commented, ``Human Genome Sciences' genomics database has provided our organization with a tremendous opportunity to expand the number of drug discovery targets available to us. We are hopeful that these targets will translate into meaningful therapeutics in the years to come.''
Takeda Chemicals, the largest pharmaceutical company in Japan, recorded pharmaceutical sales of U.S. $6.4 billion in fiscal year 1999.
Human Genome Sciences is a company with the mission to treat and cure disease by bringing new gene-based drugs to patients.
HGS and Human Genome Sciences are registered trademarks of Human Genome Sciences, Inc. For additional information on Human Genome Sciences, Inc., visit the company's Web site at hgsi.com . Copies of HGS press releases are also available by fax 24 hours a day at no charge by calling 800-758-5804, ext. 121115 |
