Published 13 Apr 2015

Both companies believe that human genetics and genomics can add great value to the drug development process. Genomics plc, the Oxford based genome analytics company, will be partnering with Eisai’s new Integrated Human Genomics (IHGx) Research Unit, which operates directly under the supervision of Eisai Product Creation Systems’ Chief Clinical Officer.

“Eisai is delighted to be working with Genomics,” states Dr Nadeem Sarwar, Global Head of Genetics & Human Biology and Director of the IHGx Research Unit, “Genomics’ founders are internationally recognized leaders in the analysis and interpretation of human genetic data. This collaboration is another indication of Eisai’s commitment to leveraging genomic knowledge to accelerate the discovery and development of impactful new medicines.”

Professor Peter Donnelly, a director and founder of Genomics, says “Genomics’ research work with Eisai will demonstrate the real value that powerful analyses of large genomic databases can add to drug development pipelines.”

“Genomics is excited to be working with one of the world’s leading research and development-based pharmaceutical companies, in the rapidly growing area of genomic analysis. This exciting new area promises to have a major impact on medicine,” adds John Colenutt, CEO of Genomics.

Eisai’s Integrated Human Genomics Research Unit combines dedicated quantitative, wet-lab biology and chemistry expertise and resource within an autonomous and highly collaborative R&D innovation unit. IHGx focuses predominantly on neurodegeneration, auto-immune diseases and oncology, employing entrepreneurial and collaborative business models, to catalyse delivery of novel and targeted therapeutics from human genetics to patients.

About Eisai Co., Ltd.

Eisai Co., Ltd. is a leading global research and development-based pharmaceutical company headquartered in Japan. We define our corporate mission as “giving first thought to patients and their families and to increasing the benefits health care provides,” which we call our human health care (hhc) philosophy. With over 10,000 employees working across our global network of R&D facilities, manufacturing sites and marketing subsidiaries, we strive to realise our hhc philosophy by delivering innovative products in multiple therapeutic areas with high unmet medical needs, including Oncology and Neurology.

As a global pharmaceutical company, our mission extends to patients around the world through our investment and participation in partnership-based initiatives to improve access to medicines in developing and emerging countries.

For more information about Eisai Co., Ltd., please visit www.eisai.com.