BioFocus has signed a collaboration agreement with Astellas Pharma Inc. focused on discovering novel targets in the field of CNS disorders. Under the agreement, BioFocus will utilize its SilenceSelect target discovery platform to deliver validated targets to enhance the Astellas neurology pipeline and will receive research funding and success payments based on the progress of the collaboration.

“We are delighted to support Astellas Pharma in its research” said Dr Chris Newton, SVP Galapagos Services and managing director BioFocus. “Our target discovery offering allows clients to access a unique platform providing rapid identification of novel targets through a proven technology”.

Astellas Pharma Inc., is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to improving the health of people around the world through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceuticals. It is committed to becoming a global category leader in urology, immunology including transplantation and infectious diseases, oncology, neuroscience, DM complications and metabolic diseases.

BioFocus aims to expand its partners’ drug pipelines by accelerating the gene-to-drug candidate discovery process. This is achieved through a comprehensive discovery platform, which includes target discovery in human primary cells, focused as well as diverse compound libraries, in vitro and cell-based screening, structural biology, medicinal chemistry, ADME/PK services, supported by unique chemogenomic and informatics tools, and compound library acquisition, storage and distribution services.