October 7, 2021 (CAMBRIDGE, MA) – The Massachusetts Biotechnology Council (MassBio®) and Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc., (Otsuka) today announced a collaboration to identify and support entrepreneurs and biotechs with innovative approaches to serious medical needs in the areas of the central nervous system (CNS), nephrology, and autoimmune diseases. During Otsuka’s Pharma Days® on November 10 and 11, 2021, participating innovators will learn about Otsuka’s capabilities and approaches to collaboration and will have the opportunity to connect with Otsuka leadership about potential collaborations.
“We are driven by our purpose to defy limitation so that others can too and have an unwavering belief in challenging the norm,” said Kabir Nath, president and CEO, Otsuka North America Pharmaceutical Business. “When Otsuka people collaborate with other inventive companies, affiliates, academia and advocacy groups, it enables us to connect healthcare communities, share knowledge and address some of the greatest healthcare challenges of our time.”
On November 10 from 3:00 – 5:00PM ET, representatives from Otsuka will give an overview of its collaboration capabilities, platforms, and expertise while providing more detail on their target therapeutic areas. Biotech companies, entrepreneurs, academics, research institutions, accelerators, and incubators can register here to participate in this open information session. The information session will be followed by a networking reception at the MassBioHub event and conference center in Kendall Square
Innovators with a therapeutic program in clinical trials, or scheduled to reach the clinic within 12-18 months, who are actively looking for licensing or collaboration opportunities, are encouraged to apply for a one-on-one meeting with Otsuka representatives. Otsuka’s target therapeutic areas are:
- CNS, with a broad focus on neurology, psychiatry, and digital health
- Please note that digital health technologies should be validated and intended for marketing authorization by the FDA
- Nephrology, with a focus on chronic and acute kidney conditions, and kidney transplant
- Autoimmune diseases
To apply for a collaboration meeting, please visit the MassBio website. The deadline to apply is October 14, 2021 at 12:00AM (midnight) ET.
“Massachusetts’ cohort of early-stage startups are working on some of the world’s most complicated science, but often lack the resources and expertise to navigate from lab bench to patient bedside,” said Kendalle Burlin O’Connell, President & COO, MassBio. “We’re honored to host Otsuka and facilitate connections with these emerging leaders to accelerate innovation and ultimately improve patient lives.”
MassBio’s Pharma Days® provide unparalleled opportunities for emerging innovators to learn from and connect with world-leading biopharmaceutical companies. Since 2010, MassBio has facilitated more than 1,000 connections between emerging entrepreneurs and established biopharmaceutical companies through Pharma Days® and other collaboration initiatives.