T-CiRA | Takeda Pharmaceuticals

T-CiRA


T-CiRA is a unique, long-term joint research program that was established in 2016 by Takeda and the Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University. From our research facilities in Shonan Health Innovation Park (iPark) in Japan, the program is led by Professor Shinya Yamanaka, Director Emeritus of CiRA and recipient of the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

Over a 10-year period, the program is mapping uncharted territory to explore breakthrough clinical applications by use of evolving technologies with iPS (induced pluripotent stem) cells. The ultimate aim is to develop innovative treatments, alongside cell and gene therapies, that address unmet patient needs in neuro-psychiatric conditions, cancer, complex muscle diseases, complication of heart function with genetic causalities and gastrointestinal disorders.

"This 10-year joint program with Takeda, Japan's largest pharmaceutical company, will become a powerful engine to realize medical applications using iPS cells This partnership will contribute to the development of new therapies to cure not only major diseases but also rare ones."

Professor Shinya Yamanaka, Nobel Laureate and Director Emeritus of CiRA, Kyoto University

Professor Shinya Yamanaka

Main Areas of Research


  • Research towards the clinical application of iPS cells for neuro-psychiatric disorders, cancer, complex muscle diseases, complication of heart function with genetic causalities, gastrointestinal diseases and other conditions

  • Research to develop medicines and cell/gene therapies using iPS cells

Projects


Our team of researchers, along with academia, are working together to discover breakthrough solutions in neurological diseases, cancer, intractable muscle diseases and gastrointestinal diseases, and more. We are committed to developing innovative treatments for patients through iPS cell technology.

Learn more about our projects:

T-CiRA Joint Program takes innovative approaches toward clinical solutions for rare and intractable disease patients. Our approaches with iPS cells could provide transformative progress in Neuroscience, Gastroenterology, Oncology and Rare Diseases, accompanied by new therapeutic options of various modalities.

Yasushi Kajii, Head of R&D Japan Region, Takeda

Yasushi Kajii

Research Achievements (as of March 2024)


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221

Presentations at scientific conferences

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54

New patent applications

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8

Programs supported by public funds

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49

Publications in scientific journals