| Santen's goal is
to swiftly develop and deliver breakthrough pharmaceuticals
in the fields of ophthalmology and rheumatology
that help improve the quality of life of patients.
In order to create the new drugs patients need
and move them quickly through clinical development
in Japan, the United States and Europe, we invest
actively in research and development while strengthening
our alliances with influential companies and research
institutions outside the Company.
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(Fiscal years ended March 31)
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Setting Clear Research Targets
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Santen's basic R&D strategy is to commercialize new
drugs quickly by concentrating management resources
on promising projects in fields where the Company can
display its strengths, thus raising its value as a unique
pharmaceutical company. In its core field of ophthalmology,
Santen focuses on original discovery research as well
as research that applies compounds developed as general
drugs, such as anti-infective agents, to the field of
ophthalmology. Key targets are creating next-generation
ophthalmic drugs and strengthening research in the retinal
field, where we currently have no effective drug therapies.
Generating research results efficiently and quickly
is essential. Santen therefore has created a research
organization that clarifies initiatives and responsibilities
by allocating ophthalmic researchers mainly in three
groups specializing in glaucoma, inflammatory and corneal
disorders, and retinal disorders. In pharmaceutical
development research, Santen pursues improved safety
and effective delivery of drugs to target tissues, with
the aim of developing innovative drug delivery systems
and advancing pharmacokinetic research.
Close communication with medical doctors, who are on
the front lines of healthcare, supports Santen's ability
to develop pharmaceuticals from the perspective of patients.
Leveraging the results of leading-edge ophthalmological
research, Santen develops pharmaceutical treatments
that meet the needs of patients and healthcare practitioners.
In the field of anti-rheumatic drugs, Santen has drawn
on the technology and broad knowledge of cellular and
immunologic research gained through its development
of Rimatil to establish a unique position in
the industry. Santen strives for faster development
of new drugs by blending basic research skills with
computer science, which enables synthesis of a large
number of compounds and high-throughput screening.
Santen is also studying genomic drug discovery, a field
on the cutting edge of life science. In this area, Santen
exchanges information and participates in joint research
with leading research organizations. We have begun the
work necessary to link the results of these efforts
to breakthroughs in ophthalmic and rheumatology research.
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Business Development Using External Resources
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Research and development of new drugs
requires integration of a wide range of specialized
technologies. To enhance its new product pipeline and
support efficient research and development, Santen is
strengthening its own R&D organization while also forming
alliances that allow the Company to take advantage of
external resources. Santen has established a global
network of technological alliances with pharmaceutical
companies, universities, research centers and venture
businesses. Through these tie-ups, Santen actively engages
in information exchange, licensing and joint development,
and applies the results of these activities to efficient
development of new pharmaceuticals.
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Strengthening Global Clinical Development
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Major pharmaceutical companies today conduct clinical
development worldwide to speed the process toward market
launches of new drugs in key countries. Santen has also
established a clinical development network in Japan,
the United States and Europe to accelerate delivery
of high-quality and innovative new drugs to patients
around the world.
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