More annual reports from Astellas Pharma, Inc.:
2023 ReportPeers and competitors of Astellas Pharma, Inc.:
Rigel PharmaceuticalsFor the Year Ended March 31, 2021
ANNUAL REPORT
2021
Contents
Editorial Policy
CEO Message
About Astellas
Philosophy
VISION
History
Astellas’ Sustainability Governance
Materiality
SDGs
Corporate Information
Subsidiaries & Locations
Current Share Status
Astellas Value Creation
Corporate Strategic Plan
Business Review
Main Products
Pipeline Projects
Focus Area Approach
Primary Focus
Cell Therapy
Primary Focus Candidates
Biology, Modality/Technology of Interest
Rx+® Business
We're working on six Spheres
Major Pipeline
Sustainability
Access to Health
Research Activities on Tuberculosis and Malaria
Research Activities on NTDs
Development of Pediatric Formulation for Schistosomiasis
Access Accelerated
Environment, Health & Safety (EHS)
Sustainability in Business
Sustainable Procurement Initiatives
Research Initiatives
Clinical Development Initiatives
Technological Development and Production Initiatives
Distribution and Sales Initiatives
Employees
HR Vision
Providing Opportunities for Employees to
Succeed Globally
Diversity Management
Promoting Health Management
Respect for Human Rights
Social Contribution Activities
AECEP Overseas Volunteer Program
Supporting Patients and Their Families
Astellas Foundation
Changing Tomorrow Day
Corporate Governance
Top Management
Board of Directors
Risk Management
Ethics & Compliance
Primary Areas of Focus
Elements of Astellas’ Global Ethics & Compliance Program
Enhancing and Sustaining an Ethical and
Compliant Culture at Astellas
Financial Information
Financial Highlights
Financial Data (Annual Data)
Sales of Major Products
Revenue by Region
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Annual Report 2021 Editorial Policy
Astellas publishes its annual report as an integrated report to enable deeper stakeholder understanding of
Astellas' efforts to continuously create value for sustainable growth. In order to provide timely information, we
publish the Annual Report on the web site.
Scope of the Report
Period covered: Fiscal year ended March 2021 (April 1, 2020 - March 31, 2021)
● As much as possible, we have included the latest information available at the time of publication.
● The period and scope of coverage may vary depending on the subject. We have noted each such cases
individually.
Organizations covered: Astellas Pharma Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries in Japan and overseas (referred
to in this report as “Astellas”)
In this annual report, statements made with respect to current plans, estimates, strategies and beliefs, and other
statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements about the future performance of Astellas
Pharma. These statements are based on the management’s current assumptions and beliefs in light of the
information currently available to it and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. A number of factors
could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements.
Such factors include, but are not limited to: (i) changes in general economic conditions and in laws and
regulations relating to pharmaceutical markets, (ii) currency exchange rate fluctuations, (iii) delays in new
product launches, (iv) the inability of Astellas to market existing and new products effectively, (v) the inability of
Astellas to continue to effectively research and develop products accepted by customers in highly competitive
markets, and (vi) infringements of Astellas’ intellectual property rights by third parties. Information about
pharmaceutical products (including products currently in development) which is included in this annual report is
not intended to constitute an advertisement or medical advice.
2
On the Publication of Annual Report 2021
Annual Report 2021 covers the results of Corporate Strategic Plan
2018 promoted over the past three years and our Strategic Goals
under Corporate Strategic Plan 2021, newly established this year, and
Astellas’ value creation story for achieving these goals and realizing
our VISION.
The Report was prepared with reference to the revisions to the
International Integrated Reporting Framework published by the
International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) in January 2021 and
the Revisions of Japan's Corporate Governance
Code and Guidelines for Investor and Company Engagement and was
produced with the help of internal divisions with the relevant expertise.
I hereby state that this report was prepared in good faith and that the
information contained herein accurately conveys Astellas’ achievement
to date and its new medium- to long-term strategies.
Kenji Yasukawa
President and Chief Executive Officer
3
CEO Message
Building a Foundation to Create Innovative
Treatments under CSP2018
Kenji Yasukawa
President and Chief Executive Officer
CSP2021: Evolved Strategy. Ambitious Goals. Transformative Execution.
Same Deep Commitment to Our VISION.
The ongoing novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has made people more health-conscious and
greater importance has been placed on the role of healthcare providers than ever before. We remain committed
to fully utilizing our core capabilities to deliver VALUE to society.
On the Forefront of Healthcare Change to Turn Innovative Science into VALUE
for Patients
Astellas' VISION is “to be at the forefront of healthcare change to turn innovative science into VALUE for patients.”
With research and development at the heart of everything we do, we will constantly take on challenges to deliver
innovative new drugs and medical solutions by leveraging our core capabilities.
In recent years, the external environment has changed at dizzying speeds. We need to achieve sustainable
growth in step by flexibly adapting to change. We aim to generate benefits both for society and for us as a
company through the formulation of strategies that contribute to the sustainability of society and make Astellas
more sustainable as a result. This approach will build trust with stakeholders, and we will live up to stakeholders’
expectations through the allocation of generated funds to appropriate therapeutic areas. This is Astellas’ value
creation process. By implementing this process in a continuous cycle, we will sustainably enhance our corporate
value and continue to make innovative medical solutions available to patients.
4
Building a Foundation to Create Innovative Treatments under CSP2018
In fiscal 2020, which was the final year of Corporate Strategic Plan 2018, or CSP2018, (for fiscal years 2018
through 2020), revenue was in line with the plan if we exclude the impact of foreign exchange rates, albeit falling
slightly short of the full-year forecast, and core operating profit also reached the planned level. Sales of major
products that drive growth, namely XTANDI® (enzalutamide), XOSPATA® (gilteritinib) and PADCEV® (enfortumab
vedotin), expanded and we continue to contribute to many patients.
Looking back on CSP2018 as a whole, we focused on three Strategic Goals and achieved outcomes as planned
over the three years. During this period, I believe we succeeded in building a foundation to create innovative
treatments, which will be our mainstay products from the mid-2020s onwards. In other words, our six key post-
POC projects progressed steadily, and our Primary Focuses identified through our Focus Area Approach grew.
Further, with Rx+®, in addition to succeeding in expanding projects, we were able to identify the areas we
needed to focus on and clarify the direction for their commercialization.
Over the past three years, our portfolio has changed substantially. We have achieved steady progress on six key
post-POC projects and obtained approvals for these products. We have also out-licensed many of our long-listed
products, developing a framework that will allow us to focus more effectively on our core businesses. As a result,
growing products such as XTANDI® and mirabegron, new products such as XOSPATA® and PADCEV®, and
PROGRAF, which is still a core product, are expected to account for a combined share of 80% of revenue in
fiscal 2021 compared with just under 60% in fiscal 2018. Negative financial impacts from products such as
Vesicare® and Celecox® after the expiration of exclusive license agreements and from the termination of
agreements for sales of in-licensing products in Japan, such as Symbicort® and Micardis®, have mostly worn
off. I believe that the three-year period of CSP2018 was a period in which we overcame this period of transition
in our portfolio and prepared for the achievement of sustainable growth. We will use the foundation built in
CSP2018 to further enhance the execution of CSP2021, which will continue to evolve and develop each
strategy.
Pursuing Ambitious Outcomes while Contributing to Social Sustainability
In May 2021, Astellas announced CSP2021.
In the face of the diverse global challenges in recent years, as members of society, pharmaceutical companies
need to be strongly committed to improving social sustainability by actively meeting growing medical needs and
sincerely addressing environmental challenges. We included “Deepen our engagement in sustainability” in our
four strategic goals under CSP2021. We will continue to achieve ambitious targets as we pay close attention to
the external environment and contribute to social sustainability.
Under CSP2021, we have set four Strategic Goals, three Organizational Health Goals as signposts for fostering
a culture to reach these goals, and three Performance Goals, which we consider achievable if all the above are
accomplished. The Organizational Health Goals, which clearly set out our aspirations as an organization, will
further strengthen the organizational health and human resource development programs, which are Astellas’
core capabilities.
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Strategic Goal 1: Enable patients to achieve better outcomes
Astellas is committed to maximize patient access to our products and to partner effectively with healthcare
stakeholders to secure the realization of VALUE. To achieve this, we strive to accelerate submission of New
Drug Applications (NDAs), reducing the time to achieve broad geographic coverage, implementing sophisticated
launch plans and prioritizing our efforts across the portfolio towards where the VALUE opportunity is greatest.
We will take a patient-oriented approach, adopting new techniques to create and use data and implement
solutions that overcome obstructions to patient access or important factors that limit real-world outcomes. It is
through pursuing these activities in association with this strategic goal that Astellas will maximize the value of
XTANDI® and strategic products that drive medium- to long-term growth.
Strategic Goal 2: Translate innovative science into proven VALUE
Astellas will enhance its pipeline value by giving priority to the investment of management resources into its
Primary Focuses. Through acceleration of the demonstration of VALUE, the growth of Primary Focuses, and the
effective exploration of cutting-edge biopharmaceutical innovation, we aim to take our efforts under CSP2018 to
the next level. Astellas is working on researching and developing life-changing therapies through priority
investment in Primary Focuses selected based on an R&D strategy dubbed the Focus Area Approach. We have
already established four Primary Focuses: Immuno-Oncology, Blindness & Regeneration, Mitochondria Biology
and Genetic Regulation. I believe that therapeutic approaches building on our core technologies in Immuno-
Oncology and especially Genetic Regulation could bring about a paradigm shift. They will enable us to move
from symptomatic therapy to radical therapy, bringing great hope to patients desperate for new therapies that will
treat previously untreatable diseases.
Strategic Goal 3: Advance the Rx+® business
We changed the goal of “Developing Rx+® programs” under CSP2018 to “Advance the Rx+® Business” under
CSP2021. The Rx+® business will enter the stage where efforts for business creation will bear fruit in CSP2021.
In the period between fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2025, we expect to commercialize at least five projects. By putting
even greater effort into the commercialization of Rx+® programs, we will move closer to achieving our vision of
realizing “a world where people can live mentally and physically healthy lives and be true to themselves through
healthcare solutions based on scientific evidence.”
Strategic Goal 4: Deepen our engagement in sustainability
This is the strategic goal that we have newly added in CSP2021. We conducted a range of activities that have
contributed to society under CSR management. In fiscal 2020, we reviewed our activities to date and plan to
shift away from CSR-Based Management towards group-wide initiatives based on Astellas’ Sustainability, which
will contribute to the sustainability of both society and Astellas, while taking ESG into consideration. In our
sustainability initiatives, we are prioritizing and focusing on Access to Health (ATH), which leverages Astellas’
core capabilities, technologies, and expertise, and Environment, in particular Climate Change.
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Organizational Health Goals
We established Organizational Health Goals (OHGs) to implement CSP2021 more effectively. I believe that
fostering a corporate culture enabling the creation of greater innovation to reach more ambitious goals is
important for the reliable execution of CSP2021, and above all, for the personal growth of individual employees.
I hope that a culture which encourages employees to take appropriate risks without fear of failure and to steadily
learn from this to create innovation for the future will lead to growth of “Our People, Our Organization” and help
us to achieve our goals under CSP2021. We will achieve this whilst at the same time never compromising on
patient safety or product integrity or compliance with regulations.”
Performance Targets
The level of performance we consider achievable through the pursuit of our aspirations and steady
implementation of our four strategies is expressed as numerical targets in these performance goals.
1. Sales Revenue of XTANDI® and Strategic Products: ≥ ¥1.2 trillion in FY2025
2. Pipeline Value: Focus Area projects expected sales ≥ ¥0.5T in FY2030
3. Core Operating Profit Margin: ≥ 30% in FY2025
By achieving these three Performance Goals, we aim to become a company with a market capitalization valued
at more than 7 trillion yen in fiscal 2025.
For Growth with Society
Astellas recognizes that its contribution to social sustainability is essential for the company’s business continuity.
As a research and development-orientated company, we recognize we have a responsibility to increase social
sustainability and are committed to developing the organization and external cooperation framework needed for
this and to working as One Astellas to solve sustainability issues. At the same time, widespread recognition for
our initiatives will build trust in society and will also make Astellas more sustainable.
Astellas’ Materiality Matrix, which specifies the priority for our initiatives, identifies 31 material issues besides
Access to Health and climate change, including proper use of products, diversity & inclusion, health, and the
safety & welfare of employees We are tracking various material issues in accordance with our priority.
In addition, Astellas is a signatory to the UN Global Compact in 2011. By incorporating the Ten Principles in the
four areas of human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption into our daily business activities, we conduct
globally responsible business activities for the enhancement of sustainability as a consistent supporter of the UN
Global Compact.
An effective governance framework is another of Astellas’ strengths. To maintain governance on a global level,
we respect our Charter of Corporate Conduct and the Astellas Group Code of Conduct as a set of core ethics
and compliance standards for all our activities throughout the world. Acting in accordance with “high ethical
standards” is the core of our value here at Astellas.
I hope that this report will provide a better understanding of the full extent of our policies and initiatives for
contributing to a more sustainable society.
7
Build the Foundations of Human Resource and Organizational Management
Necessary for a Global Organization with Astellas’ Unique Approach
At Astellas, diverse people bring their ideas together as “One Astellas” to transform the company, and we are
striving to foster an organizational culture which enables sustainable enhancement of enterprise value and
realization of our VISION. Astellas has established the “HR Vision,” which represents its approach to “Our People,
Our Organization,” and the “Astellas Way,” which defines a shared set of values underlying this vision, and we
are working as a Group on various activities based on a shared global worldview. Through the global
standardization of a grade system and compensation philosophy based on the HR Vision, we are building
an HR Management system that allows us to fairly and impartially hire the best talent from human resource
markets around the world. In 2020, we actively revised multiple HR Management systems that were unique
to Japan in the interests of global standardization. Then, in 2021, the contents and training record of
employee training were integrated into a global common system.
Astellas’ approach for personnel assignments and career development is to assign the right person in the right
position and talent development. Since 2020, we introduced a new global common job posting system, and
appoint talent who are considered to be the most qualified for the position, regardless of nationality, gender, or
age. All employees who meet the requirements can apply for positions if they are interested in them, providing
employees with all kinds of career opportunities around the world.
We will continue striving for work styles that enable each employee to demonstrate high productivity and
creativity and achieve self-realization. The Organizational Health Goals we set in CSP2021 will further
accelerate these initiatives.
Continuing to Advance Strongly Towards the Realization of Our VISION
Through CSP2018, we succeeded in building a foundation to create the life-changing therapies which will be our
mainstay products from the mid-2020s. We are confident that this strategy was correct and believe we are even
closer to realizing our VISION. CSP2021 will build on this foundation and the steady translation of strategies into
results is considered its biggest challenge. As such, the keyword in CSP2021 is “Execution.”
We will harness transformative execution to reach the ambitious targets of CSP2021 and advance strongly
towards the realization of our VISION “to be on the forefront of healthcare change to turn innovative science into
VALUE for patients.”
8
About Astellas
Turn Innovative Science into VALUE for Patients
Since Astellas was established in 2005, the company has strived to continue to create innovation and deliver
innovative medical solutions that meet the needs of patients. Going forward, we are committed to achieving our
vision of tuning innovative science into VALUE for patients.
In the future as well, Astellas aims to stand on the forefront of healthcare change to turn innovative science into
VALUE for patients and will continually strive to fulfill the expectations of our stakeholders and society.
At a Glance
9
Global Business Expansion
Astellas’ overseas sales ratio is around 80%. We currently sell products in about 70 countries around the world,
including developing countries.
EM (Established markets): Europe, Canada, Australia
GC (Greater China): China, Hong Kong, Taiwan
INT (International Markets): Russia, Latin America, Middle East, Africa, South East Asia, South Asia, Korea, Export sales, etc.
Sales of Major Products
In addition to its main products, XTANDI® for the treatment of prostate cancer and Betanis/Myrbetriq/BETMIGA
for the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB), Astellas is working to develop and maximize the value of new
products which will drive our growth, such as XOSPATA® for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia, PADCEV®
for the treatment of urothelial cancer, and Evrenzo® for the treatment of anemia associated with chronic kidney
disease, launched during the period of Corporate Strategic Plan 2018.
*Prograf: Includes Advagraf, Graceptor and ASTAGRAF XL
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Sustainability
Astellas recognizes its contribution to environmental and social sustainability is essential for our business
continuity. We aim to enhance our corporate value by engaging in Value Creation and Value Protection, while
taking environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues into consideration.
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External Evaluation
Astellas’ Sustainability initiatives have been receiving positive external evaluations.
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Philosophy
SDGs
Read more
VISION
Read more
History
Read more
Corporate Information
Read more
Subsidiaries & Locations
Read more
Read more
Astellas’ Sustainability Governance
Current Share Status
Read more
Materiality
Read more
Read more
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About Astellas / Philosophy
Philosophy with Three Elements:
Raison D'être, Mission and Beliefs
Raison D'être
Contribute toward improving the health of people around the world through the provision of innovative
and reliable pharmaceutical products
• To go beyond all others in exploring and tapping the potential of the life sciences.
• To continue tackling new challenges and creating innovative pharmaceutical products.
• To deliver quality products along with accurate information and retain solid credibility among customers.
• To support healthy living for people around the world.
• To continue shining on the global pharmaceutical field.
Mission
Sustainable enhancement of enterprise value
• Astellas will seek to enhance its enterprise value in a sustainable manner.
• Astellas will seek to be the company of choice among all its stakeholders, including its customers,
shareholders, employees, and the global community.
• Astellas will strive to gain the trust of all stakeholders and thereby enhance its enterprise value.
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Beliefs
Our “beliefs” provide the code of conduct we prize at all times. Astellas will always be a group of people who act
upon these beliefs.
High Sense of Ethics
We will always manage our business with the highest sense of ethics.
Customer Focus
We will always seek to understand customer needs and our focus will always be on achieving customer
satisfaction.
Creativity
We will not be complacent and will always seek to innovate to create new value.
Competitive Focus
Our eyes will always be directed to the outside world, and we will continue to create better value faster.
Astellas promises to perform its obligations toward all stakeholders by acting ethically and seeking to actively
disclose information.
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About Astellas / VISION
Deep Commitment to Our VISION
*Adapted from “What Is Value in HealthCare?” Porter, M.E. (2010). New England Journal of Medicine
In drawing up our VISION in 2015, we made a major shift from the traditional Global Category Leader (GCL)
model to a drug discovery approach based on the Focus Area. Corporate Strategic Plan 2018 also designated a
common definition for patient “Value.”. Astellas defines VALUE as “Outcomes that matter to patients” divided by
“Cost to the healthcare system of delivering those outcomes." This common definition has enabled all
employees to point in the same direction, and our various efforts, including the Focus Area approach, has since
been progressing more vigorously and steadily. Going forward, Astellas will continue standing on the forefront of
healthcare change to turn innovative science into VALUE for patients.
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About Astellas / History
Astellas’ History
– To Contribute Toward Improving the Health of People Around the World Through
the Provision of Innovative and Reliable Pharmaceutical Products
The Birth of Astellas in 2005
Astellas’ history began in 2005. Yamanouchi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Fujisawa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.,
founded in 1923 and 1894, respectively, merged to establish Astellas, which integrate their respective strengths
in urology and transplantation / immunology products, synthetic and fermentation technology, and European and
North American operations. Astellas’ business results (first fiscal year ended March 31, 2006) were revenue of
¥879.3 billion and operating profit of ¥193.0 billion (under Japanese accounting standards). However, Astellas
has grown significantly over the past 15 years and, in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021, we posted revenue
of ¥1,249.5 billion and core operating profit of ¥251.3 billion (under international accounting standards),
representing revenue growth exceeding 40% and operating profit growth of around 30%. Moving forward,
Astellas will continue aiming to realize its VISION: “On the forefront of healthcare change to turn innovative
science into VALUE for patients.”
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History After the Merger
Astellas continues to make steady progress as a global pharmaceutical company. As for products, we are
continuously launching XTANDI®, XOSPATA®, PADCEV® Evrenzo® and many other high value-added products
in the global market. We are also pursuing external opportunities and optimizing resource allocation for Astellas’
sustainable growth. When it comes to capturing external opportunities, Astellas is actively incorporating cutting-
edge external science and technology based on the idea of open innovation. We will continue to actively
collaborate with academia / ventures and various companies. To optimize resource allocation, we are
proceeding with efforts to pursue efficiency. Leveraging our drug discovery capabilities that turn science into
value, we are focusing on the creation of innovative new drugs.
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Growth Trajectory
Company management and sustainability
Apr. 2005
Astellas Pharma Inc. (Astellas) was established by merging the former Yamanouchi
Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and the former Fujisawa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Apr. 2006
Astellas sold Zephama, operating in the over-the-counter drug business, to Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. in Japan to
concentrate Astellas' managerial resources on its ethical drug business.
Nov. 2011
Astellas signed United Nations Global Compact.
Mar. 2012
Astellas launched a wind turbine power generation station and a woodchip biomass boiler
in the Kerry Plant in Ireland.
July 2012
Astellas participated in the new public-private partnership to develop a treatment for schistosomiasis-infected
preschool children.
Apr. 2013
Astellas announced participation in Global Health Innovative Technology Fund (GHIT Fund).
Nov. 2018
Science Based Targets Initiative approved Astellas’ greenhouse gas reduction plan.
Nov. 2018
Astellas launched the Astellas Global Health Foundation to support improving access to health for underserved
populations.
Dec. 2020
Astellas supported recommendations of Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).
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Main products
July 2011
Astellas launched Betanis® in Japan for the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB).
Sep. 2012
Astellas launched XTANDI® in the U.S. for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant
prostate cancer.
Oct. 2012
Astellas launched MYRBETRIQ® in the U.S. for the treatment of OAB.
May 2014
Astellas launched XTANDI® in Japan for the treatment of prostate cancer.
Dec. 2018
Astellas launched XOSPATA® in Japan and the U.S. to provide a therapeutic option for
the treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
Nov. 2019
Astellas launched Evrenzo® in Japan for the treatment of renal anemia in patients on
dialysis.
Dec. 2019
Astellas launched PADCEV® in the U.S. for the treatment of urothelial cancer.
Sep. 2020
Astellas launched science-based fitness service, Fit-eNce®.
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Building a foundation to support growth
Dec. 2007
Astellas acquired Agensys, Inc., a biotechnology company specialized in therapeutic antibody research and
development in cancer in the U.S.
Feb. 2016
Astellas acquired Ocata Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company in the U.S. to enable
Astellas to establish a presence in ophthalmology and a leading position in cell theapy.
Feb. 2018
Astellas acquired Universal Cells, Inc., a bio-venture company which has ability to produce
pluripotent stem cells that have lower immunological rejections.
Aug. 2018
Astellas acquired Quethera, a gene theraphy company in the U.K. to further Astellas'
commitment to innovation in ophthalmology with addition of novel gene therapy program for
glaucoma.
Dec. 2019
Astellas acquired Xyphos Biosciences, Inc., a biotechnology company in the U.S. to accelerate
next-generation cancer immunotherapy.
Jan. 2020
Astellas acquired Audentes Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company in the U.S. to
complement capabilities and resources of Astellas for creating an industry-leading gene
therapy company.
Oct. 2020
Astellas acquired iota Biosciences, Inc. in the U.S. to explore new biosensing and treatment measures using
ultra-small implantable medical devices.
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About Astellas / Astellas’ Sustainability Governance
Contributing to a More Sustainable Society
is Essential for Business Continuity
Realizing Our Mission of Making Astellas Sustainable
Astellas recognizes our contribution to environmental and social sustainability is essential for our business
continuity.
Astellas is committed to engaging in the sustainability of society by fulfilling our social responsibilities as a
pharmaceutical company, including but not limited to providing our products such as a pharmaceutical products
that satisfy unmet medical needs. As a result, we earn trust from society for both the Company and our products,
which enhances Astellas’ sustainability.
This positive cycle will lead to the realization of our mission, "sustainable enhancement of enterprise value"
through fulfillment of our raison d'etre "contribute toward improving the health of people around the world
through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products." In short, for Astellas, contributing to
the sustainability of society means the realization of its philosophy.
The activities we have carried out under the aforementioned philosophy continue to be well-received externally.
For example, Astellas has been named to the FTSE4Good Index Series, a representative investment index, for
10 consecutive years. Astellas is also included as a constituent in all of the ESG investment indexes adopted by
the Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF) in Japan, which are FTSE Blossom Japan Index, MSCI Japan
ESG Select Leaders Index, MSCI Japan Empowering Women Index (WIN) and S&P/JPX Carbon Efficient Index.
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Engaging in Value Creation and Value Protection
Sustainability that Astellas is engaged in has two aspects: value creation and value protection.
Value Creation
Through its business activities, Astellas is creating value for society by addressing social issues such as unmet
medical needs, and by rewarding stakeholders.
By reinvesting the profit we gain through business activities, we strengthen our capabilities in research and
development. In addition, by winning the trust from government and business partners in each country, we
create new business opportunities. That is to say, value for Astellas is created.
Value Protection
Astellas seeks to reduce its environmental burden, preserve biodiversity, ensure compliance, and takes
measures to prevent corruption. In addition to the social value of these activities, these contribute to mitigating
reputation risks and enhancing our corporate brand, thereby protecting our enterprise value.
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Framework for Contributing to Sustainability
Astellas has established the Sustainability Advisory Panel, and Environment, Social or Governance Working
Group (ESG Working Group) led by Corporate Advocacy and consisting of cross-functional members. These
organizations promote activities to contribute to sustainability by all departments from a long-term, strategic and
groupwide perspective.
Sustainability Advisory Panel
The panel’s primary focus is on Astellas’ sustainability issues that are overarching to Environment, Social and
Governance matters.
ESG Working Groups
With reference to the principles, guidelines and the external environment, respective Working Groups identify
important ESG matters for the company and consider plans for improvements. They also verify the progress of
ESG initiatives and create advocacy strategies.
Sustainability, Corporate Advocacy
Sustainability, Corporate Advocacy is responsible for working as a secretariat of the Sustainability Advisory
Panel and each Working Group and responding to sustainability matters throughout the entire Astellas Group,
raising sustainability awareness internally and externally in collaboration with communication functions.
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About Astellas / Materiality
The 31 Material Issues Guiding
Our Sustainability Activities
Identification and Prioritization of Material Issues
Astellas’ Materiality Matrix guides the company’s sustainability activities. Astellas has identified material issues
to be addressed based on the issues regarded as prerequisites of business activities. These material issues
include global issues related to medical care, health and other broader social issues.
With consideration to the expectations and requests from a broad range of stakeholders, the company classified
and prioritized the material issues into three categories by evaluating their societal significance and relevance to
our business (Materiality Matrix.) In order to tackle important material issues, we are executing a concrete action
plan.
26
Three Steps for Determining Materiality
Step 1
Identify Issues
Astellas' material issues have been identified with reference to various principles and guidelines (such as ISO
26000, the UN Global Compact's ten principles and the SASB* Materiality Map), communications with
stakeholders and criteria for Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) indices.
* SASB: Sustainability Accounting Standards Board. A U.S. non-profit organization which sets industry-specific standards for corporate
sustainability disclosure. SASB has prepared industry-specific materiality maps by evaluating the materiality of sustainability topics.
Step 2
Prioritize
We prioritize Astellas' material issues from the dual perspectives of societal significance and relevance to our
business.
Step 3
Review
● Dialogue with stakeholders (investors, patient groups, doctors, employees, consultants, and academics)
● Deliberating on matters during the Sustainability Advisory Panel which is composed of cross-functional
Astellas employees
●Deliberating on matters by the Executive Committee*and obtaining approval by the Board of Directors
* The Committee discusses material issues concerning business strategies, product strategies, corporate management, and personnel of the
Astellas Group companies. The Committee consists of the President and Chief Executive Officer; the Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Financial
Officer; the Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer; the Chief Medical Officer; the Chief Commercial Officer; the Chief
Scientific Officer, the Chief Business Officer; and the General Counsel.
Astellas’ material issues are reviewed and verified by the Corporate Advocacy Division once a year. When
necessary, the material issues will be modified depending on the level of initiatives implemented and/or any
changes regarding the needs of society.
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Materiality Matrix
28
Definition and Explanation of Material Issues
Material issue
Definitions / explanation of material issues
Development of innovative products
Creating innovative medicines and medical solutions sustainably in therapeutic
and medical solutions
areas with a high level of unmet medical needs.
Access to Health
accelerating social benefit-driven research and development, enhancing availability,
Developing and delivering necessary healthcare to people around the world by
strengthening healthcare system, and improving health literacy
Ensuring ethical consideration throughout the entire R&D process, and conducting
Responsible R&D
R&D in compliance with global and/or local guidelines, including ethical
considerations in animal testing and clinical trials.
Responsible marketing and ethical
In compliance with laws and guidelines in each country, ensuring equitable and
appropriate marketing and advertising activities, raising awareness about diseases
advertising
Product pricing
and treatments to contribute toward improving health of people.
Striking a sustainable balance between fostering innovation and ensuring access to
such innovation by setting prices reflecting the benefits of our products.
Enhancing the proper use of our products by Healthcare professionals and patients
Proper use of products
to ensure patient safety and the efficacy and safety of our products.
This includes the adoption of user-friendly package design in consideration of
convenient universal design.
Product quality assurance and
Ensuring our products are manufactured with appropriate quality assurance
product safety
Anti-counterfeit
Diversity and Inclusion
standards, and maintaining a functional and robust pharmacovigilance system
Preventing counterfeit drug problems and improper distribution
Ensuring equal opportunity and fair employment regardless of characteristics,
including race, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability
Health, safety, and welfare of
Ensuring the mental and physical health of employees, and ensuring a safe
employees
workplace. Enriching the welfare of employees and their family
Compliance and ethical business
practices
Acting with integrity and making ethical decisions in all aspects, and going beyond
compliance with applicable laws, regulations and industry codes. Promoting such
behavior through our global compliance structure, the development, implementation,
and continuous enhancement of necessary policies and processes, and focusing our
activities on Anti-bribery/Anti-corruption compliance, avoiding conflicts of interest,
encouraging a "speak-up" culture, and demonstrating our commitment to integrity,
ethics, and compliance
Protection of personal and
Appropriately handling confidential information or our stakeholders’ personal
confidential information
information, including data obtained in clinical trials (including post marketing clinical
29
trials) by complying with applicable laws, regulations, and Company policies and
procedures
Meeting the needs and expectations of customers, such as patients and healthcare
Customer satisfaction
professionals, which includes ensuring effective infrastructure and practice to
Board independence and
effectiveness
appropriately respond to customers' complaints, inquiries, and consultations
The Board of Directors consists of a majority of outside Directors who satisfy the
Company’s independence standards for outside Directors and the required
conditions for independent Directors stipulated by Tokyo Stock Exchange, Inc. The
independence and effectiveness of the Board of Directors is ensured by analyzing
and evaluating its effectiveness.
Providing career development opportunities that respect the ownership, talent, and
Talent development
Recruitment and retention of
employees
aptitude of employees
Recruiting and retaining talented people
Fair appraisal and competitive
Recognizing the contributions of and appraising and treating employees in a fair
reward
manner according to their role and achievement
Sustainable procurement
Selecting suppliers in compliance with selection criteria, including sustainability
perspectives, such as compliance with laws and respecting human rights. Guiding
less-compliant suppliers and supporting their capacity building for improvement
through procurement activities
Continuous stable supply
Ensuring a continuous stable supply of products
Stakeholder engagement
shareholders, to understand their expectations and demands from society to reflect
Having mutual dialogues with multiple stakeholders, including patients and
their opinions of Astellas' business activities and decision-making process
Enhancing the transparency of our corporate activities by disclosing information to
all stakeholders in a timely, proper, and fair manner regardless of laws and
Transparency of corporate activities
・Data and information acquired in research and development activities
regulations
Examples:
・Board structure
・Executive compensation
・Risk management system and material risks with mitigation plans
Tax compliance
Complying with the local tax laws and regulations in each country where we operate
and seek to pay the right amount of tax in the right place at the right time
Human rights in labor
elimination of discrimination, the freedom of association and the protection of the
Respecting the human rights of employees and business partners, including the
rights to organize, and the exclusion of child labor and forced labor
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Reduction of environmental burden
minimum level, including measures for preventing atmospheric pollution, recycling
Mitigating the environmental burdens caused by business operations to the
resources, and the management of chemical substances
Environmental impacts of
Identifying and managing the environmental impact of our pharmaceutical products
pharmaceuticals
throughout their lifecycle from their manufacture and usage to disposal
Supporting patient organizations for charitable purposes and conducting advocacy
activities*, including funding for patient organization activities, sharing knowledge
and information such as holding peer support training sessions, promoting disease
awareness through disease awareness events, defending patients' rights, and
Patient assistance and advocacy
representing the patient's voice
* Advocacy activities: Encouraging the advancement of public policy and society through policy
recommendation
Supporting medical and scientific research which contributes to the advancement of
Advancement of medical science
medical sciences
Water management
recycling
Using water resources efficiently by reducing the volume of withdrawal, reusing, and
Climate change and energy
efficient use of energy
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with business operations by
Biodiversity
benefits from biodiversity
Mitigating negative impacts on biodiversity and promoting the sustainable use of
Philanthropic community support
such as Disaster Relief, support for employees’ volunteering, and nurturing the next
Supporting the communities in which we operate. For example, social contribution,
generation
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About Astellas / SDGs
Contributing to the Achievement of
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were formally adopted at the United Nations General Assembly in
2015 as universal targets that should be achieved by 2030. Astellas assessed the impact on the SDGs across its
entire business activities and identified items for priority action, using the SDG Compass as a reference. In our
Corporate Strategic Plan 2021, Astellas has selected “Deepen our engagement in sustainability” as one of its
strategic goals and is committed to focusing on the sustainability of society. Key focus areas are provision of
patients’ access to innovative therapeutics, and the proactive efforts to improve global environment such as
climate change response that are categorized as a value creation activity. These are aligned with “SDGs Goal 3:
Good Health and Well-Being” and “SDGs Goal 13: Climate Action”, respectively. We will continue to contribute to
the attainment of the SDGs through a variety of business activities.
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Goal 3: Good Health and Wellbeing
Astellas is tackling the SDGs with a focus on Goal 3, which has the strongest affinity to its
business philosophy to “contribute toward improving the health of people around the world
through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products.” Health is not just a
healthcare issue, because losing health could lead to restricting opportunities for education or
employment and be the cause of poverty in cases. In light of this, attaining Goal 3 will also contribute to
achieving the other SDGs.
Improving Access to Health in Four Areas
Astellas has adopted “Deepen our Engagement in Sustainability” as one of strategic goals outlined in the
Corporate Strategic Plan 2021 and aims to contribute to Goal 3 of the SDGs through the initiatives. There are
many people with insufficient access to the healthcare they need due to the lack of available treatments, poverty,
challenges in healthcare systems and limited healthcare information. We recognize this problem as an Access to
Health issue and have identified four areas where we are working to address such issues by making full use of
the strengths and technology that we have. The four areas are (1) Creating innovation, (2) Enhancing availability,
(3) Strengthening healthcare systems, and (4) Improving health literacy. In doing so, we will make maximum use
of our partnerships as defined in Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) of the SDGs.
Please click here for more detailed information.
Goal 13: Climate Action
One of the principles of the Astellas Charter of Corporate Conduct is “Recognizing that
harmony between the global environment and our business activities is a prerequisite to our
corporate existence, we shall take proactive measures to conserve the global environment.”
Astellas will need to sensitively grasp changes in the environment and continuously evolve in
step with those changes.
Mitigating and adapting to the threat posed by climate change
requires active involvement by national governments, local
governments, corporations, citizens, and others. Recognizing
that climate change will become a constraint on conducting
sustained corporate activity, Astellas contributes to SDG Goal 13
“Climate Action” as part of its initiatives to “Deepen our
Engagement in Sustainability,” which is one of strategic goals
outlined in the Corporate Strategic Plan 2021.
In April 2020, Astellas changed the electricity supply plan in three
33
Hydroelectric Plant that supplies the electricity
generated by renewable energy sources
(Provided by TEPCO Renewable Power, Inc.)
of its research and production facilities in Japan, to hydroelectric
power, which is free of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Additionally, in December 2020, Astellas expressed its support for the recommendation of the Task Force on
Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), established by the Financial Stability Board (FSB).
Based on the recommendation, Astellas will analyze climate-related risks and opportunities, and proactively
disclose information on climate change measures beginning in FY 2021 around the four thematic areas of
Governance, Strategy, Risk Management, and Metrics and Targets.
Initiatives for SDGs
SDGs
Examples of Astellas’ initiatives
• Creating innovation
• Access to Health
• Human resource development for employees
• Provision of training for surgeons through support for the ACTION ON FISTULA™
program, and occupational training for obstetric fistula patients
• Diversity and inclusion initiatives
• Human rights initiatives
• HR Vision
• Maintenance/preservation of biodiversity
• Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
• Use of renewable energies
• Resource recycling initiatives
• Prevention of air and water pollution
• Disaster relief (COVID-19 response)
• Promotion of a work-life balance
• Occupational health and safety initiatives
• Promoting Health Management
• R&D to create innovative medicines and medical solutions
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• Promotion of R&D for global health through collaboration between the public and
private sectors (GHIT fund)
• Sustainable procurement
• Ensure product quality assurance and safety
• Reduce the environmental burden of products
•
• Compliance and ethical business practices
• Established an internal reporting system with a third-party helpline
• Anti-bribery and anti-corruption
• Collaborated with biotechnology startups and academia to create innovative medical
solutions
• Participated in Access Accelerated
• Participated in the GHIT Fund
• Signatory to the United Nations Global Compact
• Social Contribution
35
About Astellas
Corporate Information
Company Name
Astellas Pharma Inc.
Headquarters
2-5-1, Nihonbashi-Honcho, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo 103-8411, Japan
Tel. +81-3-3244-3000
Headquarters Access Map (Google Maps) Headquarters Annex Access Map (Google Maps)
Foundation
1923
Capital
103,001 million yen (March 2021)
Representative Director
Kenji Yasukawa (President and Chief Executive Officer)
Employees
15,455 (Consolidated basis, March 2021)
Business Description
Manufacturing, marketing and import/export of pharmaceuticals.
Organization Chart
As of April 1, 2021 Organization Chart (pdf 136KB)
36
About Astellas
Subsidiaries & Locations
Office Locations
Headquarters
2-5-1, Nihonbashi-Honcho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-8411, Japan
Tel.:+81-3-3244-3000
Access Map (Google Maps)
Headquarters Annex Access Map (Google Maps)
Takahagi Chemistry & Technology Development Center
160-2, Akahama, Takahagi-shi, Ibaraki 318-0001, Japan
Tsukuba Research Center
21, Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki 305-8585, Japan
Tsukuba Biotechnology Research Center
5-2-3, Tokodai, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki 300-2698, Japan
Yaizu Pharmaceutical Research Center
180, Ozumi, Yaizu-shi, Shizuoka 425-0072, Japan
37
Major Subsidiaries
Japan
Manufacturing base
Astellas Pharma Tech Co., Ltd.
Other
Astellas Green Supply,Inc.
Americas
The company holds business locations for R&D, manufacturing and sales & marketing in Americas under the
name Astellas U.S. Holding.
Holding company in North America
Astellas US Holding, Inc.
Regional headquarters
Astellas US LLC
R&D bases
Astellas Pharma Global Development, Inc.
Astellas Institute for Regenerative Medicine (AIRM)
Astellas Research Institute of America LLC
Astellas Innovation Management LLC
Astellas Venture Management LLC
Sales bases
Astellas Pharma US, Inc.
Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc. (Canada)
Astellas Farma Brasil Importaçáo e Distribuiçáo de Medicamentos Ltda. (Brazil)
Astellas Farma Colombia SAS (Colombia)
Other
Astellas US Technologies, Inc.
38
EMEA
The company holds business locations for R&D, manufacturing and sales & marketing also in EMEA, under the
name Astellas B.V.
Holding company in EMEA
Astellas B.V.
Regional headquarters (Astellas EMEA operations)
Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd.
R&D and manufacturing bases
Astellas Pharma Europe B.V. (R&D and manufacturing, Netherlands)
Astellas Ireland Co., Limited (Development and manufacturing, Ireland)
Sales bases
Astellas Pharma Ges.m.b.H (Austria)
Astellas Pharma B.V. (Belgium)
Astellas Pharma s.r.o (Czech Republic)
Astellas Pharma A/S (Denmark)
Astellas Pharma S.A.S (France)
Astellas Pharma GmbH (Germany)
Astellas Pharmaceuticals AEBE (Greece)
Astellas Pharma Kft. (Hungary)
Astellas Pharma Co., Limited (Ireland)
Astellas Pharma S.p.A. (Italy)
Astellas Pharma B.V. (Netherlands)
Astellas Pharma Sp.zo.o. (Poland)
Astellas Farma Limitada (Portugal)
JSC Astellas Pharma (Russia)
Astellas Pharma d.o.o. (Slovenia)
Astellas Pharma(Proprietary), Ltd. (South Africa)
Astellas Pharma S.A. (Spain)
Astellas Pharma A.G. (Switzerland)
Astellas Pharma ilaç Ticaret ve Sanayi A.Ş. (Turkey)
Astellas Pharma DMCC (United Arab Emirates)
Astellas Pharma Ltd. (United Kingdom)
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Asia/Oceania
The company holds sales & marketing and manufacturing functions in China, and sales offices in Hong Kong,
Taiwan, South Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, India, Australia and Singapore.
Sales and other bases
Astellas Pharma China, Inc. (Sales and manufacturing, China)
Astellas Pharma Hong Kong Co.,Ltd. (Hong Kong)
Astellas Pharma Taiwan, Inc. (Taiwan)
Astellas Pharma Korea, Inc. (Korea)
Astellas Pharma Philippines, Inc. (Philippines)
Astellas Pharma (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (Thailand)
P.T. Astellas Pharma Indonesia (Indonesia)
Astellas Pharma India Private Limited (India)
Astellas Pharma Australia Pty Ltd. (Australia)
Astellas Pharma Singapore Pte. Ltd. (Singapore)
Astellas Pharma Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (Malaysia)
The Representative Office of Astellas Pharma Singapore Pte. Ltd. in Vietnam(Vietnam)
40
About Astellas
Current Share Status
(as of March 31, 2021)
Number of shareholders: 93,953
Common stock Authorized: 9,000,000,000
Common stock Issued: 1,861,787,075
Breakdown of Shareholders by Type
41
Top ten (10) principal shareholders in the register of shareholders:
Name of shareholders
The Master Trust Bank of Japan, Ltd.
(trust account)
Number of
shares held
(Thousand)
Percentage of
shares held (%)
238,582
12.82
Custody Bank of Japan, Ltd. (trust account)
128,764
6.92
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY 505001
71,274
3.83
Nippon Life Insurance Company
64,486
3.46
Custody Bank of Japan, Ltd. (trust account 7)
47,934
2.57
STATE STREET BANK WEST CLIENT - TREATY 505234
29,094
1.56
BNYM AS AGT/CLTS NON TREATY JASDEC
28,863
1.55
Custody Bank of Japan, Ltd. (trust account 5)
26,589
1.42
GOVERNMEMT OF NORWAY
26,537
1.42
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
JP MORGAN CHASE BANK 385781
23,952
1.28
*Number of shares held are presented by discarding the numbers down to the thousand, and percentage of shares are presented by
discarding the numbers down to the third decimal.
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Astellas Value Creation
Towards the Realization of Our VISION
Astellas’ raison d’être is to “contribute toward improving the health of people around the world through the
provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products.” Based on this, we aim to ”be on the forefront of
healthcare change to turn innovative science into value for patients.” This is Astellas’ VISION.
For the realization of our VISION, we announced Corporate Strategic Plan 2021 (“CSP2021”) in May 2021.
While inheriting the basic strategy of Corporate Strategic Plan 2018, the company set four strategic goals with
the intention of evolving and developing each strategic goal.
To address Strategic Goal 1 “Enable patients to achieve better outcomes,” we will seek to maximize the value of
strategic products.
For the achievement of Strategic Goal 2 “Translate innovative science into proven VALUE,” Astellas will
enhance its pipeline value by giving priority to investing management resources into multiple programs, created
from the Focus Area approach.
For Strategic Goal 3 “Advance the Rx+® business,” Astellas aims to commercialize multiple projects during the
CSP2021 period.
In addition, we set “Deepen our engagement to sustainability” as a brand new, fourth Strategic Goal under
CSP2021.
By firmly committing to these Strategic Goals, we will make steady progress towards the realization of our
VISION.
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Philosophy
Read more
VISION
Read more
Corporate Strategic Plan
Business Review
Read more
Read more
*Adapted from “What Is Value in Health Care?” Porter, M.E. (2010). New England Journal of Medicine
44
Astellas Value Creation / Corporate Strategic Plan
Corporate Strategic Plan 2021 -
Deep Commitment to Realize Our VISION
Over the last three years, empowered by Corporate Strategic Plan 2018 (“CSP2018”), Astellas has continued to
offer meaningful VALUE for patients by translating innovative science into life-changing therapies. We are
convinced that the steps taken so far are along the right path. Leveraging our accomplishments under CSP2018,
we will move forward with renewed ambition as represented by Corporate Strategic Plan 2021 (“CSP2021”).
CSP2021 sets three types of goals: Strategic Goals as signposts towards the realization of our VISION;
Organizational Health Goals to build a workplace where innovation and exceptional execution are cultivated and
sustained; and Performance Goals that represent the subsequent enhancement of Astellas corporate value
achieved through all of its activities. By constantly striving towards these three types of goals, designed to guide
and maintain an appropriate balance in our efforts, Astellas will make the right judgments to maximize its value
to society.
Overview of Corporate Strategic Plan 2021
45
Four Strategic Goals to Create VALUE and Realize Our VISION
Creating and delivering VALUE through the pursuit of four goals
SG1: Enable patients to achieve better outcomes
Astellas is committed to maximize patient access to our products and to partner effectively with healthcare
stakeholders to secure the realization of VALUE. To achieve this, we strive to accelerate submission of New
Drug Applications (NDAs), reducing the time to achieve broad geographic coverage, implementing sophisticated
launch plans and prioritizing our efforts across the portfolio towards where the VALUE opportunity is greatest.
We will take a patient-oriented approach, adopting new techniques to create and use data and implement
solutions that overcome obstructions to patient access or important factors that limit real-world outcomes. It is
through pursuing these activities in association with SG1 that Astellas will maximize the value of XTANDI® and
strategic products that drive medium- to long-term growth.
SG2: Translate innovative science into proven VALUE
Astellas will apply a Focus Area Approach and create products which deliver high levels of VALUE through
combinations of biology, modalities, and diseases. At every stage of the research and development process, we
will evaluate the potential for innovation based on VALUE and choose the right way to proceed in order to fully
demonstrate that potential. We will accelerate and expand strategies for each Primary Focus and create a
framework that will allow us to apply new capabilities across organizational boundaries. Astellas will focus on
open innovation to make breakthrough discoveries available to patients. Bearing in mind regions with cutting-
edge science, top talent, and the highest potential success rates, we will continue collaborating with world-
leading partners. Astellas will make its presence felt at the ever-changing cutting-edge of science and aim to be
the partner of choice as a company. We will further advance our Focus Area Approach, while considering the
optimal balance between research and development in existing Focus Areas and the exploration of new Focus
Area candidates.
SG3: Advance the Rx+® business
The Rx+® business will enter the stage where efforts for business creation will bear fruit in CSP2021. Astellas
will continue to pursue turning innovative science into VALUE for patients in unprecedented ways. We will focus
on Spheres where we are actively developing new businesses, especially “Chronic Disease Progression
Prevention” and “Patient Outcome Maximization via Precise Surgery/Diagnosis,” and will work on achieving
commercialization of Business Accelerator Programs (BAPs), creating and implementing projects with a high
46
success rate. During the period of CSP2021, we plan to commercialize multiple projects including BlueStar®,
digital therapeutics for patients with diabetes in Japan, and ASP5354, an imaging agent being investigated for
intraoperative ureter visualization in patients undergoing minimally invasive and open abdominopelvic surgeries.
SG4: Deepen our engagement in sustainability
Astellas’ core business provides meaningful VALUE for patients by translating innovative science into life-
changing therapies and delivers VALUE to society. We will further increase our efforts to improve the
sustainability of society and Astellas. Leveraging Astellas’ strengths, technologies, and expertise, we will
strengthen value creation activities which will help improve access to health and address environmental issues,
especially climate change. We will also actively advocate our sustainability efforts, including topics related to
environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concerns, therefore earning the trust of all stakeholders through
maximizing positive societal impact.
Establishment of Three Organizational Health Goals
For the first time in a Corporate Strategic Plan, CSP2021 sets three Organizational Health Goals, designed to
overcome organizational and behavioral obstacles to strategy execution. Through this, Astellas aims to create an
environment which will translate into a superior performance in the longer term.
The first is “Empowerment to take appropriate risks and support to be ‘outcome-driven’ and ‘innovation-
focused’.” Fostering a culture in which smart risk taking and smart failures are acceptable will lead to continuous
and more valuable innovation faster, whilst at the same time never compromising on patient safety or product
integrity or compliance with regulations.
The second is “Purposeful talent management with a consistent leadership style.” The deployment of a global
human resource management strategy will give all employees more opportunities to use their skills and abilities
to contribute to patients and business performance and to advance their careers according to their chosen
career path while growing as individuals.
The third is “Effective co-operation with robust and coordinated execution to achieve common goals.” A better
understanding of Astellas’ strategies and the actions expected of us as One Astellas will lead to closer
cooperation, helping us learn from each other, trust each other, and continue to create breakthrough innovations.
FY2025 Performance Goals
Realize sustainable growth by steadily implementing the following three goals.
1. Revenue: XTANDI and Strategic products* sales ≥ ¥1.2T in FY2025
2. Pipeline Value: Focus Area projects expected sales ≥ ¥0.5T in FY2030
3. Core Operating Profit Margin: ≥ 30% in FY2025
By achieving these three Performance Goals, we aim to become a company with a market capitalization valued
at more than ¥7 trillion in fiscal 2025.
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Plan for Realization of CSP2021
Expansion of revenue and pipeline value
Astellas aims to achieve sales revenue of XTANDI® and strategic products (XOSPATA®, PADCEV®,
zolbetuximab, EVRENZO®, fezolinetant, AT132) of more than ¥1.2 trillion in fiscal 2025. We will maximize the
product value of XTANDI®, XOSPATA®, and PADCEV®, which have already been approved for one or more
indications, by continuing to implement various strategic initiatives to expand approval to include earlier stage
patients. We plan to file initial applications for zolbetuximab, fezolinetant, and AT132 in fiscal 2022. As shown in
the table below, our peak sales estimates are ¥600-700 billion for XTANDI® and around ¥1 trillion in total for the
strategic products from fezolinetant through AT132, excluding XTANDI®.
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Potential peak sales XTANDI® and strategic products
Based on the unique Focus Area Approach, Astellas has currently defined four Primary Focuses: Immuno-
Oncology, Blindness & Regeneration, Mitochondria Biology, and Genetic Regulation. We are prioritizing these
areas for the investment of management resources to enhance pipeline value. Currently, there are
approximately 30 projects driving towards clinical proof of concept by the end of fiscal 2025 in Primary Focus
and Primary Focus Candidates. As a result, the company expects to contribute more than ¥500 billion to sales in
fiscal 2030 from these projects.
Aiming for a core operating margin of more than 30%
Based on estimates of revenue growth and necessary costs during the period of CSP2021, Astellas believes it
can aim for a core operating margin of more than 30%. By implementing Strategic Goals 1 and 2, sales revenue
is expected to grow at around 8% per year, alongside the company’s continued focus on investment in new
product launch readiness and digital transformation while taking initiatives to drive efficiency and excellence. As
a result, the company will hold SG&A expenses in fiscal 2025 to approximately ¥390 billion, which is the same
level as in fiscal 2020, and reduce the ratio of SG&A to revenue to 21% (fiscal 2020: 31%). With this expected
strong sales growth, Astellas could achieve its performance goal of core operating profit margin of more than
30% in fiscal 2025 even if the company increases R&D expenses to 19% of sales in fiscal 2025 (fiscal 2020:
18%) and an absolute amount of ¥350 billion.
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Growth Scenario under CSP2021
Capital Allocation Consistent with Basic Policy
The capital allocation plan is consistent with our previous basic policy, that is, while putting a priority on business
investment to assure future growth, we will strive to increase dividend payments stably and continuously based
on our medium- to long-term profit growth.
During the five-year period starting from the first fiscal year of CSP2021, we will move towards a full-scale profit
growth trend. Throughout the period of CSP2021, we will aim for stable and sustainable improvement in
dividends based on medium-term profit growth.
In fiscal 2021, Astellas expects to pay an annual dividend of ¥50, an increase of ¥8 compared with the previous
fiscal year’s dividend of ¥42. We believe that higher dividends will increase long-term shareholder returns and
will also open up ways for achievement of our market cap target. We will also flexibly execute share buybacks
utilizing excess cash to increase capital efficiency and shareholder return.
Basic Policy for Capital Allocation Under CSP2021
Investing in growth while keeping SG&A flat in absolute terms
Astellas will make the necessary investments in growth from a medium- to long-term perspective, allocating
resources as appropriate, while at the same time thoroughly implementing groupwide cost-cutting measures.
During the period of CSP2021, we plan to launch new priority products and obtain approval of new indications.
50
We will make investments in priority areas to maximize launch opportunities for new products such as
fezolinetant and zolbetuximab, the establishment of a commercial organization framework for cell and gene
therapies, and IT and digital investment to evolve our business.
Transformation of SG&A Cost Structure during CSP2021
51
Business Review
Delivering Proven VALUE for Patients
Our VISION is “Be on the forefront of healthcare change to turn innovative science into VALUE for patients.”
Through our business activities, we will realize our VISION by pursuing cutting-edge science and utilizing our
global network to create continuous innovation.
Our Strategic Goals under Corporate Strategic Plan 2021 are to “Enable patients to achieve better outcomes,”
“Translate innovative science into proven VALUE,” “Advance the Rx+® business” and “Deepen our engagement
in sustainability.” By steadily pursuing these goals, we will achieve medium-to long-term growth and improve the
sustinability of Astellas and society.
Corporare Strategic Plan 2021
Our Strategic Goals (SG)
52
Main Products
Rx+® Business
Read more
Read more
Pipeline Projects
Major Pipeline
Read more
Read more
Focus Area Approach
Read more
53
Business Review / Main Products
Main Products for Maximizing Value
Products listed on this website are the main products that Astellas provides globally. These products may not be available in all
countries or regions and may be available under different brand names and trademarks, for different indications and patient
populations, in different dosages, and in different strengths. These products generally are available only by prescription through
local healthcare professionals. Please visit our local country or region websites for local product information.
Prostate Cancer Treatment
XTANDI®
XTANDI® is an androgen receptor signaling inhibitor indicated for the treatment of different forms of advanced
prostate cancer. Since being launched in the United States in 2012, XTANDI® is now available around the world,
including in Europe, Japan and China. Since its launch, it has obtained additional indications for the earlier
stages of prostate cancer and has contributed to the treatment of many patients.
With a strong presence in the urological field and by leveraging abundant data based on accumulated clinical
experience since its launch, Astellas is striving for a further penetration of approved indications.
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Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Treatment
XOSPATA®
XOSPATA® is a FLT3 inhibitor for adult patients with FLT3 mutation-positive relapsed/refractory acute myeloid
leukemia. In addition to Japan, the United States, and Europe, and a few other countries, it was launched in
China in April 2021.
AML is a cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, and about 30% of the patients are reported to have
mutations in the FLT3 protein, a receptor tyrosine kinase involved in the growth of cancer cells. XOSPATA® is
believed to inhibit the growth of tumor cells bearing FLT3 mutations by showing inhibitory activity against
mutations in both internal tandem duplication mutations (Internal Tandem Duplication: ITDs) and tyrosine kinase
domain mutations (Tyrosine Kinase Domain: TKDs), which are activating mutations in FLT3.
Astellas contributes to the treatment of AML by providing XOSPATA® as a new treatment option for FLT3m+
relapsed or refractory AML patients and healthcare professionals.
Metastatic Urothelial Cancer Treatment
PADCEV®
PADCEV® (enfortumab vedotin-ejfv), a treatment for adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial
cancer who have previously received a PD-1/L1, and a platinum-containing chemotherapy in the
neoadjuvant/adjuvant, locally advanced or metastatic setting, was launched in the United States in December
2019.
PADCEV® is a first-in-class antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) that is directed against Nectin-4, a protein located on
the surface of cells. Nonclinical data suggest that the anticancer activity of PADCEV® is due to the binding of the
ADC to Nectin-4-expressing cells followed by internalization of the ADC-Nectin 4-complex and release of MMAE
via proteolytic cleavage. Release of MMAE disrupts the microtubule network within the cell, subsequently
inducing cell-cycle arrest and apoptotic cell death.
Metastatic urothelial cancer is a serious disease with limited treatment options. Astellas will contribute to the
treatment of metastatic urothelial cancer by providing PADCEV® as a treatment option in the United States for
adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer who have previously received a PD-1/L1, and
a platinum-containing chemotherapy in a neoadjuvant/adjuvant, locally advanced or metastatic setting.
Renal Anemia Treatment
Evrenzo®
Evrenzo® is an oral, first-in-class treatment for anemia associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In
November 2019, it was launched in Japan for the treatment of anemia in adult CKD patients who are dialysis
dependent (DD). Additionally, in November 2020, we obtained approval for an additional indication of anemia of
chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adult patients not on dialysis based on the results of clinical trials in Japanese
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patients. The additional indication has expanded the indication for renal anemia in general.
Evrenzo® is an inhibitor of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) prolyl hydroxylase (PH), which is different from that of
erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). As a HIF-PH inhibitor, Evrenzo® activates a response that occurs
naturally when the body responds to reduced oxygen levels in the blood. This response involves the regulation
of multiple, complementary processes to promote erythropoiesis and to increase the blood’s oxygen-carrying
capacity.
As a new treatment option for adults with CKD anemia, where unmet medical needs still exist, the drug will
further contribute to patients with CKD anemia and healthcare professionals involved in its treatment. It is under
development in Europe and elsewhere in addition to Japan.
Betanis/Myrbetriq/BETMIGA (mirabegron)
Betanis/Myrbetriq/BETMIGA for the treatment of OAB is a beta-3 adrenergic receptor agonist. Since the first
launch in Japan in 2011 under the brand name of Betanis, the product has since been launched as Myrbetriq in
the Americas, as BETMIGA in Europe and China, and a few other countries.
The drug improves various symptoms associated with OAB, such as urgency, urinary frequency, and urge
urinary incontinence.
Astellas aims to maximize its product VALUE by ensuring that more physicians understand the balance between
efficacy and tolerability, the feature of this product.
Immunosuppressants
Prograf and Advagraf/Graceptor/ASTAGRAF
Prograf and Advagraf/Graceptor/ASTAGRAF are immunosuppressants used to suppress organ rejection
following a transplant. Although the patent for this drug has already expired in major countries, it continues to be
used in transplants globally and contributes to the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid
arthritis and ulcerative colitis in Japan.
Please refer to the Supplementary Documents (pdf) of the Business Results in regard to the sales of major
products in each region, including the products above.
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Business Review / Pipeline Projects
Seven Projects Positioned as
Strategic Products for Priority Development
enzalutamide (brand name: XTANDI®)
Enzalutamide is marketed worldwide for the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer and metastatic
castration-sensitive prostate cancer. Astellas is developing enzalutamide in collaboration with Pfizer Inc. to
expand the indications to earlier stages of prostate cancer.
Enzalutamide is an androgen receptor (AR) inhibitor. It targets the AR and exerts its effects on three steps of the
AR signaling pathway: inhibiting androgen binding to the receptor; preventing nuclear translocation; and
impairing DNA binding of the AR to the DNA.
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancers in men and 1.4 million men annually are newly diagnosed
worldwide.*1 Astellas is focusing on further development so that enzalutamide can help more patients.
*1 World Health Organization Cancer Fact Sheet 2020
gilteritinib (brand name: XOSPATA®)
Gilteritinib is marketed for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory FLT3 mutation-positive acute
myeloid leukemia (AML) in regions including Japan, the U.S., Europe, and China. Astellas is developing
gilteritinib to expand the indications to earlier stages of AML.
Gilteritinib inhibits mutated FLT3, a receptor type tyrosine kinase known to be involved in cancer cell
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proliferation. FLT3 mutations are seen in approximately one-third of patients with AML.*2 Gilteritinib
demonstrates inhibitory activity against major types of mutations that are internal tandem duplications and
tyrosine kinase domain mutations.
AML is a life-threatening disease and requires early intervention. Induction and consolidation chemotherapy are
the current standard care. However, resistance to current AML treatments and ineligibility of high-intensity
induction chemotherapy for elderly patients due to excessive physical burden makes AML treatment challenging.
Promising new treatment options targeting specific genetic mutations have been awaited in the AML treatment
landscape.
*2 Patel JP, et al., 2012
enfortumab vedotin (brand name: PADCEV®)
In the United States, enfortumab vedotin is marketed by Seagen Inc. for the treatment of locally advanced or
metastatic urothelial cancer previously treated. Further development to expand the regions and the indications to
earlier stages of urothelial cancer is ongoing.
Enfortumab vedotin is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC)*3 composed of an anti-Nectin-4 monoclonal antibody
attached to a microtubule-disrupting agent, MMAE, using Seagen’s proprietary linker technology. Enfortumab
vedotin targets Nectin-4, a cell adhesion molecule that is expressed in many solid tumors.
Urothelial cancer is the most common type of bladder cancer (90% of cases). Globally, approximately 570,000
people are diagnosed with bladder cancer annually, and there are approximately 210,000 deaths worldwide.*4 It
is known that Nection-4 is highly expressed in urothelial cancer.*5
Enfortumab vedotin is currently also under development for other solid tumors.
*3 Antibody-drug conjugate (ADC): ADCs are monoclonal antibodies that are designed to selectively deliver cytotoxic agents to cancer cells.
*4 World Health Organization Cancer Fact Sheet 2020
*5 Challita-Eid PM, et al., 2016
zolbetuximab
Astellas is developing zolbetuximab as a treatment for gastric and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer.
Zolbetuximab is an antibody that targets Claudin 18.2, a transmembrane protein that forms a tight junction
connecting and binding two adjoining cell membranes. In normal cells, Claudin 18.2 is expressed locally in
stomach cells, while in cancerous cells, it is expressed in various cancer types including gastrointestinal
adenocarcinomas, as well as pancreatic, biliary duct, ovarian, and lung cancers.
Gastric and GEJ cancer is one of the malignancies that has the highest unmet medical needs. Gastric cancer is
the fourth leading cause of cancer death worldwide.*6 Moreover, the overall five-year survival rate for metastatic
gastric and GEJ cancer is under 20%.*7 Chemotherapy and anti-HER2 antibodies are widely used for the
treatment of metastatic or recurrent gastric and GEJ cancer. However, other therapeutic options are awaited
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especially for HER2-negative patients who lack effective targeted therapies.
Zolbetuximab is currently under development also in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Pancreatic cancer is the
seventh leading cause of cancer death worldwide*6 and shows a low overall five-year survival rate at 4%.*8
*6 World Health Organization Cancer Fact Sheet 2020.
*7 Pennathur A, et al., 2013; Sahin U, et al., 2008
*8 Ilic M, et al., 2016
roxadustat (brand name: EVRENZO®)
Astellas is developing roxadustat in collaboration with FibroGen, Inc. as a treatment for anemia associated with
chronic kidney disease (CKD). Astellas has the development and commercialization rights in Japan, Europe, the
Commonwealth of Independent States, the Middle East, and South Africa. Roxadustat is marketed in Japan for
the treatment of renal anemia.
Roxadustat has a new mechanism of action, inhibiting hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) prolyl hydroxylase (PH). By
inhibiting HIF-PH, roxadustat increases HIF involved in the production of red blood cells, thereby enhancing the
production of red blood cells and improving anemia.
Anemia is one of the common complications of CKD. It is reported that the progression of anemia in CKD leads
to end-stage renal disease and increases its mortality rate.*9 Roxadustat can be a new treatment option as the
first-in-class and orally administered drug for anemia associated with CKD, a condition with high unmet medical
needs.
Roxadustat is currently under development also in chemotherapy-induced anemia.
*9 Stauffer ME, et al., 2014
fezolinetant
Astellas is developing fezolinetant as a non-hormonal treatment for vasomotor symptoms (VMS) associated with
menopause (hot flashes (also called hot flushes) and/or night sweats).
Fezolinetant is an antagonist of the NK3 receptor. Fezolinetant works by blocking neurokinin B (NKB) signaling
and normalizing KNDy (kisspeptin/NKB/dynorphin) neuron activity, which modulates the temperature control
center and reduces the frequency and severity of MR-VMS.
Hot flashes are the most common symptom for women transitioning through menopause.*10 Globally,
approximately 57% of women aged 40 to 64 years have reported occurrences of hot flashes and sweating.*11
VMS have a significant impact on a woman's quality of life, including sleep. Currently, there are limited non-
hormonal options for managing this condition, and new safe and effective non-hormonal therapeutics are
awaited.
*10 Freedman RR, 2014
*11 Utian WH, 2005
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resamirigene bilparvovec (AT132)
Astellas is developing resamirigene bilparvovec (AT132) as a treatment for X-linked myotubular myopathy.
AT132 is an AAV8 vector containing a functional copy of the MTM1 gene and may provide patients with
significantly improved outcomes based on the ability of AAV8 to target skeletal muscle and increase
myotubularin expression in targeted tissues following a single intravenous administration.
XLMTM is a serious, life-threatening, rare neuromuscular disease that is characterized by extreme muscle
weakness, respiratory failure, and early death. XLMTM is caused by mutations in the MTM1 gene that lead to a
lack or dysfunction of myotubularin, a protein that is needed for normal development, maturation, and function of
skeletal muscle cells. The disease affects approximately 1 in 40,000 to 50,000 newborn males, and mortality
rates are estimated to be 50% in the first 18 months of life. More than 80% of patients require ventilator support,
and normal developmental motor milestones are delayed in most patients. Currently, only supportive treatment
options, such as ventilator use or a feeding tube, are available.
AT132 is expected to be the first gene therapy for XLMTM.
Please see here for details of target diseases and the status of each project.
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Business Review
Focus Area Approach
Our Focus Area Approach
Astellas has established a Focus Area Approach for its research and development strategy. Specifically, our
Focus Area Strategy is defined as combinations of three components: (1) biologies with high disease relevance,
(2) versatile modalities/technologies, and (3) diseases with high unmet medical needs that are expected to be
tackled by the first two components. We view this strategy as a way to build a sustainable, expandable drug
discovery approach to develop new platforms, leverage expertise and create innovative products.
The Focus Area is constantly adapting in response to advances in science and changes in disease treatment
paradigms.
In the past, we have achieved success by identifying business opportunities from a disease domain perspective,
based on the concept of the Global Category Leader (GCL) model. However, given major changes in the
healthcare industry environment, we realize that identifying drug discovery opportunities more flexibly and
efficiently is becoming crucial to continuously create new drugs and bring VALUE for patients. To this end, we
developed our Focus Area Approach. It is designed to identify opportunities for the continuous creation of new
drugs by focusing on biology, modalities, and technologies regardless of the disease area.
We will continue to develop new drug candidates for diseases with high unmet medical needs based on our
expertise in each biology, modality, and technology that make up the Focus Area. What is particularly
noteworthy is that the Focus Area Approach is not fixed, but continuously evolving by adapting its components to
reflect the progress of research and development and the latest progress in science and technology. This will
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allow Astellas to develop its strengths while flexibly and efficiently identifying and realizing new drug discovery
opportunities.
In particular, Primary Focus is a specific focal point within our Focus Area Approach where a lead and follow-on
projects show a clear R&D path with expected commercial feasibility. Based on criteria such as higher scientific
validity and identification of leads and follow-on programs, we are currently working on four Primary Focus.
Systematic Evolution to Identify Primary Focus
Based on a Focus Area Approach, we concentrate our R&D investments on Primary Focus, and work to develop
innovative treatments. These include Blindness & Regeneration, which offers new treatment options such as cell
therapy for restoring and maintaining vision; Mitochondria Biology, which tackles development of mitochondrial
replacement therapy; Genetic Regulation, which works on making progress in gene therapy; and Immuno-
Oncology, which works on discovering, developing and delivering the best innovative cancer medicines to
patients.
We also identify Biology, Modalities/Technology that may become Primary Focus in the future as Primary Focus
Candidates, e.g. Cancer Genomic Alteration, Immune Homeostasis.
As areas of interest for Astellas, which are much earlier than Primary Focus and Primary Focus Candidates, we
are exploring Biology, Modality/Technology, e.g. Targeted Therapeutics for Auditory Regeneration, Autophagy.
The following diagram shows how our research and development areas evolve step by step.
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Clinical Proof and Expansion of Key Platforms
Primary Focuses have a robust pipeline to newly build a Post-PoC portfolio by the end of FY2025.
1. Not exhaustively listed.
2. Estimated based on standard development timelines, assuming 100% probability of success (as of May 2021).
3. The first convertibleCAR program (with autologous cells) IND is planned for late FY2021.PoC: Proof of concept (key clinical data supporting a
decision to initiate late-stage development), AAV: Adeno-associated virus,UDC: Universal donor cell
Related Links
Primary Focus
Cell Therapy
Primary Focus Candidates
Biology, Modality/Technology of Interest
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Business Review / Focus Area Approach
Primary Focus
Blindness & Regeneration
Our mission for Primary Focus Blindness & Regeneration is to free patients from the fear of vision loss, and offer
the hope of recovery of lost sight. By taking advantage of next-generation modalities such as cell therapy and
gene therapy for patients with back of the eye diseases at high risk of blindness, we will provide new treatment
options to restore and maintain vision. Cell therapy and gene therapy will enable us to meet unmet medical
needs that were difficult to meet with existing therapeutic approaches. It has the promise of delivering safe,
effective, and sustainable options for patients who previously have not had any treatment options.
Our capabilities range from research, CMC and development of pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-based cell therapy,
Universal donor cell technology, design and CMC of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapy, in
ophthalmology area. Astellas can be uniquely positioned as an innovative company, armed with both cell-based
medicine and virus-based medicine as core strengths.
Our Primary Focus Blindness & Regeneration has been working on the below leading programs.
[Human pluripotent stem cell (PSC) -derived cell therapy programs]
• Retinal pigment epithelial cell (ASP7317, Phase 1)
• Photoreceptor, retinal ganglion cell, corneal endothelial cell (preclinical)
• Universal donor cell-based retinal pigmental epithelial cell (preclinical)
[Gene therapy programs based on adeno-associated virus (AAV) ]
• Next generation gene therapy targeting retinal diseases (preclinical)
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In addition, Astellas has the following capabilities:
• Creation, manufacturing and development of PSC-derived differentiated cells for therapeutic
• Universal donor cell technology
• Creation of next generation cell products using gene-editing technology
• Design and manufacturing of AAV-based gene therapy product
• Preclinical evaluation of cell and gene therapy candidates
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Mitochondria Biology
Health is Our Passion and Priority. Astellas’ VISION is to turn innovative science into VALUE for patients. We
are committed to making a difference for our patients today and providing them with additional therapeutic
options for a brighter future tomorrow.
Our target, the mitochondrion, is remarkably complex. While it is primarily thought of as an energy supplying
organelle, it also has multifaceted functions and is controlled by multiple biological pathways. In fact,
mitochondria play an important role in the aging process with many clinical and preclinical evidence, and
mitochondrial dysfunction causes and/or aggravates a wide variety of diseases.
Our goal in Primary Focus Mitochondria Biology is to become the global leader in discovering, developing and
commercializing mitochondrial biology-based medicine that provides clear VALUE for patients, clinicians and
healthcare systems.
To achieve the goal, Astellas acquired Mitobridge in January 2018 and established it as an Astellas Company
based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Building upon the emerging scientific findings linking mitochondrial
function with disease pathophysiology, Mitobridge and Astellas are advancing innovative mitochondrial
approaches to the treatment of diseases with high unmet medical needs.
Astellas continues to prioritize investment in the following fields.
• ASP0367: This is a highly selective Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR) delta modulator
with oral formulation. It stimulates mitochondrial respiration through increased fatty acid oxidation-related
genes and mitochondrial biogenesis. Thus, ASP0367 is being investigated as a treatment to improve
function for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and Primary Mitochondrial Myopathy (PMM) patients.
Visit clinicaltrials.gov to learn more about ASP0367 clinical trials. Also, visit the United Mitochondrial
Disease Foundation’s website to learn more about the clinical trial for the patients with PMM.
• ASP1128: This is a highly selective PPAR-delta modulator which is administered as an i.v. formulation.
ASP1128 is being evaluated for the treatment of acute kidney injury (AKI) after Coronary Artery Bypass
Grafting (CABG) and a POC study started in November 2019. Visit clinicaltrials.gov to learn more about
ongoing ASP1128 clinical trials.
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Astellas is also evaluating several other modulators of mitochondrial function in preclinical studies for potential
use in additional indications.
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Genetic Regulation
Genetic medicines have the potential to be transformative. Mutations or deficiencies in genetic code cause
nearly 7,000 human diseases* and contribute to the pathophysiology of many common diseases. New
technologies to replace or regulate genes safely have advanced rapidly and are now a reality. One single
treatment intervention has the potential to deliver transformative benefits to patients with few or no alternative
treatment options.
Our vision and strategy aim to build capabilities for global leadership in Adeno-Associated Virus(AAV)-based
genetic medicines. In January 2020 we completed the acquisition of Audentes Therapeutics, a leader in
developing AAV-based genetic medicines with a focus on rare neuromuscular diseases. Audentes will become
our Center of Excellence for Genetic Regulation as we aspire to address unmet medical need in patients with
rare as well as more common diseases. Audentes plans to further strengthen its manufacturing capacity with a
new cutting-edge gene therapy manufacturing facility in North Carolina which will become operational and GMP
ready by mid-2022.
*: Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man® (OMIM®) Gene Map Statistics available at https://www.omim.org/statistics/geneMap (Accessed December
9, 2020)
Our Primary Focus Genetic Regulation has been working on the below leading programs
• AT132: A gene replacement therapy being investigated for X-linked Myotubular Myopathy (XLMTM), a
rare and fatal disease caused by lack of myotubularin protein in skeletal muscle cells.
• AT845: A gene replacement therapy being investigated for Pompe Disease, a severe progressive
neuromuscular condition caused by lack of acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA) enzyme activity leading to
accumulation of glycogen in skeletal and cardiac muscle.
• AT702/751/753: A vectorized exon skipping gene regulation therapy being investigated for the treatment
of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a severe progressive neuromuscular disease caused by
mutations in the gene coding for dystrophin.
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With Audentes as our Center of Excellence we have access to a pipeline of transformative therapies, including
AT132 in late stage clinical development, and industry-leading manufacturing capabilities.
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Immuno-Oncology
Our mission is to discover, develop and deliver the best innovative cancer medicines to patients and ultimately,
cure cancer. We are activating our best innovative capabilities and building a strong network of collaborations
with external partners, in order to complete our mission.
Despite the approval of multiple novel cancer treatments, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, over the past
few years, significant unmet needs still exist. Many cancer patients do not respond to a given treatment
(“refractory”) or fail to maintain a response (“relapse”) during the treatment, with as many as 80 percent of
patients estimated to be refractory to immune checkpoint inhibitors or to relapse during the treatment.
Our strategy is to target multiple aspects of the immune response to the cancer simultaneously.
Our Primary Focus Immuno-Oncology has been working on the below leading programs
We have established a robust and competitive development, and research stage Immuno-Oncology portfolio
through internal efforts and strategic external collaborations. We have built internal discovery, protein
engineering, pre-clinical and clinical development, translational sciences and manufacturing capabilities in the
US (greater Boston area, Seattle, Washington, South-San Francisco, California, and Northbrook, Illinois) and in
Tsukuba, Japan. We have also formed collaborations with leading academic institutions and biotech companies
worldwide to develop unique therapeutic approaches in Immuno-Oncology.
• ASP1948: Anti-NRP1 antibody
• ASP1951: GITR agonistic antibody
• ASP9801: Oncolytic virus (Collaboration with Tottori University)
• ASP7517: WT1 loaded artificial adjuvant vector cell (aAVC) (Collaboration with Riken)
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71
Business Review / Focus Area Approach
Cell Therapy
Cell-based therapeutics have tremendous potential to satisfy unmet patient needs across a broad range of
disease areas. They are also in their earliest stages of use within healthcare systems around the world, in only a
handful of diseases. Those two facts put cell therapy at Astellas’ sweet spot, turning innovative science into
VALUE for patients. There is still so much to explore in terms of both where the science can go and how it can
help patients, particularly those for whom no other treatment exists.
Over the last few years, we have acquired and developed the means to create a broad portfolio of different cell
types. We collaborate with leading minds in a variety of therapeutic areas to fully explore the potential of cell
therapy for treating diseases with high unmet medical need and unlock the VALUE that it can provide to patients.
We also work hard to apply the latest technologies to the development of these therapies which allows us to stay
at the forefront of breakthroughs in this fast-paced and emerging new field. Our goal is to develop “off-the-shelf”
cell-based therapies that can be used in any patient and so we are working at the intersection of cell science and
genetic science to develop the cell-based therapies of the future. The field of cell-based therapies truly excites
us because we believe through our scientific expertise, we can make a difference for patients.
Our leading programs in Cell Therapy
Our most clinically-advanced program is looking at the use of retinal pigmented epithelium cells for improving
vision in patients with dry age-related macular degeneration. We also have several other ocular cell types in our
portfolio, such as Photoreceptor Cells, Corneal Endothelial Cells and Retinal Ganglion Cells. Our lead asset in
the non-ocular space is our human hemangioblast-derived mesenchymal stem cell program, which has the
potential to be of use in a wide range of conditions and diseases that involve immune response. This is closely
followed by our Vascular Progenitor Cell asset with potential to add value in areas such as chronic limb ischemia
and pulmonary hypertension.
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Astellas has evolved cell therapy, which is our important modality platform, and the organic application of cell
therapy platforms is progressing in multiple primary focus strategies.
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Business Review / Focus Area Approach
Primary Focus Candidates
Cancer Genomic Alteration
Our aspiration is to deliver disruptive clinical benefit for selected cancer patients by inhibiting pathologic genomic
signaling. We will achieve our goal by eliminating critical cancer drivers and providing solution for acquired
resistance as well.
Many critical cancer drivers were thought to be “undruggable.” Growing scientific knowledge, and evolution of
technology, like PROTAC, shallow pocket and RNA binders enable us to access, eliminate, or reprogram these
driver mutations. Increasing number of newly discovered cancer targets expand the potentially addressable
cancer types as well. Astellas has established deep R&D and commercial expertise in developing and
commercializing targeted medicines to selected patients (erlotinib and gilteritinib).
We are highly focused on building a novel pipeline of targeted medicines as monotherapy, and as combination
partners for immune oncology medicines.
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Immune Homeostasis
Our vision for Primary Focus Candidates Immune Homeostasis is to deliver curative therapies for patients
suffering from immune-related diseases. Current treatments, such as corticosteroids, are mainly symptomatic
treatments that suppress the entire immune response and may cause serious adverse side effects and
increased risk of infection. In addition, most autoimmune diseases are chronic and difficult to control and/or cure.
Safe and effective treatments that could specifically suppress the pathogenic immune response would represent
a significant advancement in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
Immune homeostasis is the natural mechanism that maintains the balance between immunogenicity to
pathogens and immune tolerance to self. Naturally-occurring immunoregulatory cells, such as mesenchymal
stem cells, tolerogenic antigen presenting cells and regulatory T cells, play an important role in maintaining
immune homeostasis. Our aim is to develop innovative therapeutics to restore immune equilibrium in patients
suffering from autoimmune diseases, by leveraging the endogenous homeostatic mechanisms of these
immunoregulatory cell types.
Astellas has a long history in research and development of various immunoregulatory drugs in the
transplant/immunology field, such as Prograf. Recently, we have acquired and developed capabilities in cell-
based therapy as well. We now aim to combine our immunology R&D experience and cell therapy capabilities, to
develop novel immunomodulatory cell therapies. In addition, we are exploring innovative technology that can
induce endogenous immunoregulatory cells in collaboration with external partners.
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Business Review / Focus Area Approach
Biology, Modality/Technology of Interest
Targeted Therapeutics for Auditory Regeneration
Hearing ability serves an important role in the daily communications between families, friends, and colleagues
and has a big impact on quality of life. There is the public interest in the threat of hearing loss caused by
exposure to unsafe levels of sound from audio device and an aged society. Increasing evidences have shown
that hearing loss diminishes a person’s mode of communication leading to social isolation and is associated with
several diseases in the CNS. However, there is still no curable treatment for hearing loss at this point.
Astellas is taking the approach of regaining auditory functions by leveraging its core technology in the area of
regenerative medicine. It believes doing so will not only help people regain auditory functions, but will also
contribute to the well-being of society.
Astellas’ Auditory Regeneration has been working on the following leading programs.
• FX-322 (Inner ear progenitor cell activator for sensorineural hearing loss, Phase 2)
• ASP0598 (Recombinant heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) for
regeneration of tympanic membrane, Phase 1)
In addition, Astellas has the following capabilities:
• Unique preclinical programs and optimal animal models for translational research
• Our original local drug delivery system technology in the ear
• Several pipelines in clinical stage and lots of expertise in development.
• Top-notch researchers and clinicians through partnerships
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Autophagy
Many diseases are marked by the accumulation of defective, damaged or no longer required proteins that
compromise cellular function.
Autophagy is a key quality control process by which cells eliminate such aberrant proteins.
Potentiating autophagy is a direct way to address the wide range of diseases characterized by defective protein
accumulation and is expected as an approach applicable to neurodegeneration, lysosomal storage disorders,
renal disease, infectious disease, HIV, cancers, and even some psychiatric disorders.
Astellas utilizes its biochemistry and cell biology expertise in autophagy and aims to provide new safe and
effective treatment options to patients who are suffering from various diseases without effective treatments.
Bispecific Immune Cell Engager
Bispecific immune cell engager is known as an approach that attracts two cells via a bispecific antibody in which
two antibodies against an antigen expressed on the surface of each of the two cells of interest are bound. In
particular, the bispecific T cell engager is a bispecific antibody that binds an antibody against a target antigen
expressed on the surface of cancer cells and an antibody capable of activating T cells, and the T cells are
placed near the target cancer cells. It is attracting attention as an approach of effectively removing cancer cells.
By utilizing these technologies, high specificity and unique control that cannot be achieved by conventional
antibody technologies will be possible, and it is expected that the possibility of drug discovery will be greatly
expanded even for diseases other than cancer.
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Astellas aims to provide new treatment options for patients with diseases for which there is no effective
treatment by combining these approaches of bispecific immune cell engager with the antibody drug discovery
technology of Astellas.
Direct Reprogramming (Transdifferentiation)
Direct reprogramming is a biology that directly converts the fate of cells without passing through the pluripotent
state, and the technology that enables direct reprogramming in vivo has attracted attention as a new
regenerative medicine approach. Unlike conventional treatments, direct reprogramming not only removes
unnecessary cells or replenishes necessary cells, but also converts unnecessary cells into necessary cells. It is
expected to be highly effective against intractable diseases that have been thought to be incurable.
In addition, if agents that generate the desired cells in the body are obtained, it is expected to avoid the risk of
immune elimination and tumorigenesis, which are issues in cell therapy.
By utilizing its extensive experience in the gene/cell therapy and regenerative medicine area to provide new
treatment options for intractable diseases with high unmet medical needs, Astellas aims to create products in
which high efficacy can be expected using the new science of direct reprogramming.
Engineered Bacteriophage
Bacteriophage is a natural virus that specifically infects target bacteria. It is applied to phage therapy that aims to
selectively eliminate bacteria from the living body by using bactericidal actions, the primary properties of a virus.
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Due to the advancement of genetic engineering technology, progress is being made in recent years in the
research of enhancing the usefulness and safety of engineered bacteriophage, and it is attracting attention as
the next-generation phage therapy technology.
This technology is expected to be useful not only for the treatment of common bacterial infections, but also as a
new treatment for difficult-to-treat bacterial infections and for solving the problem of antimicrobial resistance, a
serious global threat to public health.
With the intention of providing new treatment options, Astellas aims to create products in which high efficacy
against infectious diseases and microbiome-related diseases—diseases with high unmet medical needs—can
be expected by utilizing its expertise in the field of infectious diseases and the new technology of next generation
phage therapy.
Innate Immunity (Innate Lymphoid Cells)
Innate Lymphoid Cells (ILCs) are newly discovered cells of the immune system. Compared to other immune
cells, ILCs have superior effector functions and can produce large amounts of cytokines to induce inflammation.
On the other hand, they are also known to induce immune tolerance.
If agents that regulate the function of ILCs are found, they are expected to lead to the avoidance of side effects
associated with the use of immunosuppressants in addition to the effects that could not be achieved by
conventional immunoregulation targeting known immune cells.
With the intention of providing new treatment options, Astellas aims to create products in which high efficacy
against autoimmune, allergic diseases, cancer, etc.—diseases with high unmet medical needs—can be
expected by utilizing its extensive experience in the field of immunity and the new biology of ILCs.
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Innate Immunity (Microglia)
Microglia are the only immunocompetent cells in the brain and spinal cord that help keep the brain functioning
normally by removing dead cells and waste and protecting neural circuits. Excessive activation of microglia by
neuropathy, stress, insomnia, infection and aging, etc. induce inflammation in the brain, causing the onset and
exacerbation of various neuroimmune diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases, psychiatric disorders, and
autoimmune diseases.
In recent years, the role of innate immune cells in central and peripheral nerve functions has attracted attention,
and the regulation of microglia function, in particular, is expected to have a new therapeutic effect on a wide
range of neuroinflammation-related diseases from neurodegenerative diseases to autoimmune diseases.
If agents that control the function of microglia are found, it is expected to avoid the side effects commonly seen
with drugs that act directly on the nerves, in addition to the effects that could not be achieved by conventional
regulation of nerve function targeting neuron directly.
With the intention of providing new treatment options, Astellas aims to create products in which high efficacy
against neurodegenerative diseases, psychiatric diseases, autoimmune diseases, etc.—diseases with high
unmet medical needs—can be expected by utilizing its expertise in microglia and its extensive experience in the
field of central nervous system and immunoinflammatory areas.
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Human Genetics
The decrease in the probability of drug discovery success and the increase of R & D-related costs have become
major issues for the pharmaceutical industry, and appropriate solutions are strongly demanded. In recent years,
it has been found that the probability of success can be improved by advancing drug discovery with human
genetic evidence, and the importance of human genetics has been reaffirmed. With the tremendous progress of
human genome sequence analysis technology represented by next-generation sequencers, the spread of
electronic medical records, and innovations in information technology, it is believed that future drug discovery
will be changed significantly due to the great improvement of our understanding of human diseases such as the
relationship between gene function and human diseases, causes of diseases, and useful factors for prevention.
For example, in monogenic diseases, more causal genes have been identified, and new therapeutic approaches
such as gene therapy are being actively researched. In addition, in the case of more general diseases, so-called
"common diseases," the understanding of the mechanism of disease and identification of drug discovery target
molecules are being accelerated. Furthermore, human genetics is expected to contribute not only to the
research and development of therapeutics, but also to preventive medicine aimed to suppress the onset of
diseases.
Astellas is promoting the identification of causal genes of monogenetic disorders through collaboration with
domestic and overseas medical institutions / research institutes that promote cutting-edge human genetics
research and it is also conducting research that will lead to the treatment of common diseases by making
effective use of collaboration with biobanks in the relative countries. Astellas aims to provide the value of a new
treatment option to many patients by integrating these findings and utilizing its extensive experience, know-how,
and technology in drug discovery.
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Business Review
Rx+® Business
Rx+® Business
Rx+® business is defined as a business that leverages the expertise and knowledge of Astellas, which have
been cultivated through its Rx business; integrates innovative medical technology with cutting-edge technology
in different fields; contributes to patients through Patient Journey (overall medical care, including diagnostic,
preventive, therapeutic, and prognostic care); and creates new revenue streams separate from our core Rx
products.
Astellas has mapped out “Rx+ Story®” as the strategic direction of Rx+® business creation, and aims to realize “a
world where people can live mentally and physically healthy lives and be true to themselves through healthcare
solutions based on scientific evidence.”
To this end, we are working to create the following three value propositions:
• Prevent disease onset and slow progression by using personal data
• Expand options for people with limited access to current therapeutics
• Support active living by enhancing physical and sensory function
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Potential Growth of Rx+® Business
for Realization of the Corporate Strategic Plan
The Rx+® business is expecting to breakeven*1 by FY2025 with continuous investment, reach revenue of mid-
double digit billion yen by FY2030, and grow toward one of Astellas’ mainstay businesses in the 2030s.
* 1 "Breakeven“: a state that the total revenue of Rx+® businesses covers the cost for the entire Rx+-related activities
Related Links
We're working on six Spheres.
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Business Review / Rx+® Business
We're working on six Spheres.
To make Rx+ Story® a reality, we have established the following six areas, which we call "Spheres.” We are actively
developing new businesses in these Spheres:
(1) Chronic Disease Progression Prevention; (2) Motor Function Support/Replacement; (3) Digital × Neuroscience;
(4) Patient w/o Effective Medicines; (5) Patient Outcome Maximization via Precise Surgery/Diagnosis; and (6)
Sensory Function Support/Replacement.
Chronic Disease Progression Prevention
Amid aging populations, the gap between average life expectancy and healthy life expectancy is not closing, and
controlling ever-increasing health care costs is becoming an important social challenge. Pharmaceuticals have
made a significant contribution to the treatment of lifestyle-related diseases and other chronic diseases such as
diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. For now, the role of pharmaceuticals is not only providing such treatment
but also “preventing disease” and “limiting the severity of disease” is becoming much more important.
Solutions for disease management and prevention from disease progression based on scientific evidence
utilizing digital technology and medical big data, which have been rapidly developed and widely accepted in
recent years, is expected to contribute to further progress in medical care and potential solutions for social
problems.
With Sphere "Chronic Disease Progression Prevention," we aim to prevent the onset and severity of chronic
diseases such as lifestyle-related diseases by providing solutions for disease management and prevention of
severity based on scientific evidence.
In the short and medium term, we aim to develop and provide exercise programs and services that incorporate
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gamification (applying game elements to services and systems to improve user motivation and satisfaction) for
diabetes and more patient-centric home-healthcare systems or services for preventing cardiovascular diseases
progression. Based on the data accumulated through digital devices, we also are working to develop and
provide risk prediction and individualized intervention measures through deep learning, which will help lead to
disease management and prevention of disease progression according to individual constitution and lifestyle.
In the long term, we aim to prevent the onset of symptoms of the diseases and the progression of severity by
highly individualized optimization by developing personalized scientific intervention measures from PHR
(Personal Health Record)/EMR (Electronic Medical Record).
Motor Function Support/Replacement
At Sphere "Motor Function Support/Replacement," we are currently working on providing new, drug-free
medical care solutions to patients with difficult-to-treat diseases, particularly those who suffer from impaired
motor function related to muscles and nerves, and to caregivers who support such patients.
The main diseases we include in this area are physical frailty, limb disorder due to cerebrovascular disease
such as stroke, spinal cord injury, limb amputation, and motor function disorder such as Amyotrophic Lateral
Sclerosis (ALS), etc. In order to develop new medical methods to assist patients with motor function related
disease, we intend to utilize multimodal device technologies, especially bioelectronics (the technologies that
complement and replace the aforementioned obstacles with cutting-edge bioelectronics called
Neuroprosthesis and Brain-Machine Interfaces (BMI)), based on the following three technologies:
1. Sensing technology that reads motor movements from biological activity information such as brain,
nerves and muscles, etc.
2. Modulation technology that activates or bypasses muscles or nerves that are disordered by electrical,
magnetic, or ultrasonic stimulation
3. Digital technologies such as sensing and modulation technologies for accurate diagnosis, data
utilization for effective and efficient treatment, user interfaces, and applications
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In the medium to long term, we aim to provide solutions that utilize individual or multiple technologies among
these three technologies for various diseases. Finally, we will work to integrate these three technologies to
provide closed-loop medical care solutions that enable autonomous and active diagnosis and treatment
throughout the body, thereby creating a suite of products that are able to complement and replace physical
exercise functions.
Digital × Neuroscience
Drug Discovery Research aimed at treating central nervous system (CNS) diseases has led to the discovery
of several medicines that are now being used in practice. On the other hand, not all medications can relieve
patients from problems associated with their diseases, and CNS disorder is still an area with many unmet
medical needs.
Sphere "Digital × Neuroscience" aims to provide medical solutions that utilize digital technology to help patients
and caregivers supporting the patients addressing daily problems caused by CNS disorders. In addition, by
combining multiple medical solutions, we aim to provide personalized solutions tailored to individual symptoms.
In the long term, we aim to prevent the onset of disease and prevent the worsening of symptoms by early
detection and to improve detection of various symptoms recognized within CNS disorders through the
acquisition of various biometric information.
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Patient w/o Effective Medicines
Sphere "Patient w/o Effective Medicines" aims to provide patients with limited drug options an opportunity to
access an alternative solution. We understand that every patient is in a different situation and circumstances.
They may be facing a variety of adversities, such as not seeing a doctor because it is difficult to judge for
themselves whether their physical condition is good or bad, or they may know it is good to take medicine but
they do not want to do so.
To improve the situation for these patients, Astellas started with changing the medical-care environment for
women facing various life-stage problems. For example, the general idea is that some degree of discomfort and
anxiety cannot be avoided in case of pregnancy, and issues regarding pregnant women had not been taken
seriously in the past. Under these circumstances, it is often difficult for these individuals to reveal their physical
condition to the people around them, and, therefore, important signs may be overlooked. We may have a room
to improve such a situation. This is an issue that we hope to address through Rx+®.
For pregnant women, we are considering providing perinatal management solutions based on prenatal checkup
information and various monitoring methods. Monitoring the situation when a pregnant woman is both in or out of
the home, not just in the hospital, may reduce her anxiety and make it easier to identify situations that require
intervention. We aim to establish a system that can lead to prompt treatment in such a situation.
As Astellas is aware of the difficulty of solving problems of people having limited access to medicine, we look
forward to working with external partners.
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Patient Outcome Maximization via Precise Surgery/Diagnosis
In the evolving medical care environment, hospitals increasingly need to change how they respond to patient
needs. In addition to treating patients, hospitals are expected to provide a high quality patient experience
(patient experience value) in the future.
Personalizing medical care and enhancing care quality in order to meet changing and diverse patient needs are
inevitable. As one of the solutions for such trends, Sphere "Patient Outcome Maximization via Precise
Surgery/Diagnosis" aims to optimize patient value with smart hospital services.
Astellas aims to provide various solutions to support realization of personalized smart hospitals. In particular, we
are considering the following:
• Surgical navigation utilizing technique-upgrading technology and individual image data
• Minimally invasive medical care as an alternative to surgery
• Enhancing individual patient management, considering proper information provision, suitable treatment
and preventing recurrence by adapting to individual circumstances
Sensory Function Support/Replacement
In our daily lives, we receive, transmit, and process information from the outside world even unconsciously.
Much of the information about the outside world is received by the sensory organs (eye, ear, nose, tongue, and
skin), and internal organs (i.e., bladder and intestine) and is transmitted to and processed by the brain, where it
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is interpreted as light (vision), sound (auditory sense), smell (sense of smell), taste (taste), feel (sense of touch),
and sensation that develops in various internal organs.
What happens if these functions are compromised? Needless to say, quality of life (QOL) is greatly affected.
With Sphere "Sensory Function Support/Replacement," we aim to improve QOL of people with impaired sensory
functions by incorporating new science and technology, such as engineering, in order to develop a
multidisciplinary and superior solution, including the development of sensory function, and a system that
supports the patient, surrounding family members, as well as doctors and caregivers. With the elemental
technologies to control a sensory function established through these initiatives, we plan to develop new
replacement solutions for sensory dysfunction. We are looking at solutions and services that promote,
complement, and replace sensory functions, specifically implantable devices, wearable devices, and digital
applications.
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Business Review / Major Pipeline
Development Status
The list shows the development status in the target diseases for which we aim to obtain approval in Japan, the
United States, Europe, and/or China (as of July 2021).
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Key Post-POC Products and Maximization of Their Value
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Projects with Focus Area Approach
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Others
Rx+® Program
Reference Materials
Please click IR Library: Overview of R&D Pipeline for more detailed information.
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Sustainability
Bringing About Worthwhile Changes in Society Based on Our Raison D’ȇtre
Astellas has a shared responsibility and stake in sustainability. We must ensure that the decisions we made
today contribute towards a sustainable future for our planet, our society and our business.
Keeping up with advances in science, life sciences companies have created brilliant medical solutions,
extending life expectancy in advanced and emerging countries and significantly contributing to improving
healthcare in developing countries. However, there are still many areas of unmet medical needs, including
diseases with limited treatment options such as cancer and rare diseases. A sustainable scientific approach to
overcome such challenges is needed.
Astellas aims to tackle diseases with high unmet medical needs by creating medical solutions that combine
innovative therapeutic approaches such as cell and gene therapy with our own core capabilities and cutting-
edge technology in different fields. Through such initiatives, we are committed to engaging in the sustainability of
society by fulfilling our social responsibilities as a pharmaceutical company. This will build trust from society,
which will, in turn, also make Astellas more sustainable.
This positive cycle will lead to the realization of our mission, “sustainable enhancement of enterprise value”
through fulfilment of our raison d’être: “Contribute toward improving the health of people around the world
through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products.” In short, for Astellas, contributing to
the sustainability of society means the realization of its philosophy.
To clearly give priority to our sustainability activities in terms of materiality, we are addressing the broad issues
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that are key to our stakeholders and where we can make an impact.
While continuing to conduct close communication with our stakeholders and never forgetting our raison d’ȇtre,
we will continue to turn innovative science into VALUE for patients.
Contributing to the Sustainability of Society and Astellas
We adopted “Deepen our engagement in sustainability” as one of strategic goals outlined in the Corporate
Strategic Plan 2021 (“CSP2021”). We aim to contribute even further to improving the sustainability of society and
Astellas by strengthening activities focusing on Access to Health and the Environment (Climate Change), which
are considered to provide value to society (value creation).
Under CSP2021, we also set new Organizational Health Goals. Astellas will transform its ability to execute by
fostering a culture where innovation, talent and collaboration come together to reach ambitious goals.
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Recognizing the Importance of Our Commitment to Sustainability and Gaining
Trust through Our Positive Impact on Society
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Helping Realize a Sustainable Society through Responsible Business
Activities
Astellas is engaged in business activities worldwide. To maintain governance on a global level, we respect
our Charter of Corporate Conduct and the Astellas Group Code of Conduct as a set of core ethics and
compliance standards for all of our activities globally.
Astellas is committed to fulfilling our social responsibilities as a pharmaceutical company. We respect human
rights in every stage of our business, from research and development to the provision of product information. We
also endeavor to ensure compliance with the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act and other applicable laws
and regulations.
Astellas implements environmental, health and safety initiatives, aiming to create a pleasant working
environment for its employees and minimizing the environmental impact of our business activities. We set short-
and medium-term targets for climate change, natural resource conservation, biodiversity and waste disposal,
and publish these targets in our annual Environmental Action Plan.
Our contribution towards the health of people around the world is not only to supply products through the market.
As a responsible corporate citizen, Astellas also strives to understand the expectations of society through
continuous dialogue with a broad range of stakeholders and to bring about positive changes in society through
active involvement in non-profit activities at a local and a global level.
Access to Health
Employees
Read more
EHS; Environment, Health & Safety
Read more
Social Contribution Activities
Read more
Sustainability in Business
Read more
Read more
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Sustainability / Access to Health
Contributing to Achievement of the
SDGs in Four Areas
Position on Access to Health
Astellas’ vision is to be on the forefront of changing medicine and turning scientific process into value for
patients. Astellas is acutely aware of the situation where barriers still remain for many people who have difficulty
accessing the healthcare they need due to the lack of available treatments, poverty, healthcare system
challenges and insufficient healthcare information. Astellas recognizes this problem as an Access to Health
issue. To improve Access to Health, Astellas has identified four areas where we can leverage our strengths and
technologies: (1) creating innovation, (2) enhancing availability, (3) strengthening the healthcare system and (4)
improving health literacy. We will make full use of our research and development of new drugs based on a
Focus Area Approach and our external partnerships to tackle such issues. We believe that undertaking initiatives
to create innovation and otherwise improving Access to Health will help enhance the sustainability of society,
and developing relationships built on trust with external partners and local governments cultivated through these
activities will also make Astellas more sustainable.
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Contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a Focus on
Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
Astellas is tackling the sustainable development goals (SDGs) with a focus on Goal 3 “Good
Health and Well-being,” which has the strongest affinity to its raison d’être to “contribute
toward improving the health of people around the world through the provision of innovative
and reliable pharmaceutical products.” Health is not just a healthcare issue, because losing
health can restrict opportunities for education or employment and can sometimes be the cause of poverty. In
light of this, attaining Goal 3 will also contribute to achieving the other SDGs.
Improving Access to Health in Four Areas
Astellas focuses on strengthening initiatives to improve access to health as one of strategic goals outlined in the
Corporate Strategic Plan 2021 and aims to contribute to the attainment of Goal 3 of the SDGs though such
initiatives.
Many people still have difficulty accessing the healthcare they need due to the lack of available treatment,
poverty, healthcare system challenges and insufficient healthcare information. Astellas recognizes this problem
as an Access to Health issue. To improve Access to Health, Astellas has identified four areas where it can
leverage its strengths and technologies, and is working to solve issues, making full use of external partnerships.
These areas are “creating innovation,” “enhancing availability,” “strengthening the healthcare system” and
“improving health literacy.” In doing so, Astellas will make maximum use of its partnerships in alignment to Goal
17 of the SDGs.
In the area of (1) creating innovation, Astellas conducts research and development based on a Focus Area
Approach, combining innovative biology and modalities/technologies to develop therapeutic approaches for
diseases where high unmet medical needs exist. Moreover, Astellas has been working with partners on
collaborative research to identify lead compounds for tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases
(Leishmaniasis and Chagas disease), and to develop a pediatric formulation of praziquantel tablets for the
treatment of schistosomiasis. Furthermore, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Astellas has been
cooperating with the development of COVID-19 treatments in cooperation with the bodies concerned to provide
drugs in response to requests by the government.
In terms of (2) enhancing availability, Astellas has established programs to assist patients who face severe
financial constraints with the cost of pharmaceutical products and also supports patients by not filing or enforcing
patents in countries facing significant economic challenges. Astellas has also established a cross-departmental
project to make its medicines more widely available to patients.
In the areas of (3) strengthening healthcare systems and (4) improving health literacy, Astellas participates in
Access Accelerated, a global initiative which aims to contribute to achieving the SDG of reducing premature
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mortality from non-communicable diseases by one-third by 2030. Astellas has supported ACTION ON
FISTULATM helping transform the lives of women in Kenya who have been suffering with obstetric fistula.
Furthermore, Astellas has also donated ambulances and wheelchair transport vehicles and moved forward with
activities supporting patient associations in Japan.
Additionally, the Astellas Global Health Foundation‘s mission is to improve Access to Health in locations where
Astellas does not have a business presence.
Related Links
Research Activities on Tuberculosis and Malaria
Research Activities on NTDs
Development of Pediatric Formulation for Schistosomiasis
Access Accelerated
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Sustainability / Access to Health / Research Activities on Tuberculosis and Malaria
Joint Research on New Treatments for
Tuberculosis and Malaria That Afflict
People in Developing Countries
Main Targets
Creating Innovation
In 2019, 10 million incidences of tuberculosis were observed with 1.4 million deaths (figure includes 0.208 million
people infected with HIV), and more than 200 million incidences of malaria were observed with 409,000 deaths.
Both tuberculosis and malaria have led to serious social problems and innovative drugs to treat these diseases
are eagerly desperately needed.
Astellas is pursuing collaborative research to discover new drugs for the treatment of tuberculosis and malaria,
which, together with HIV, form the so-called "Big Three" infectious diseases that have ravaged developing
world populations.
The research programs below are funded by the Global Health Innovative Technology Fund (“GHIT Fund”).
Program results are published on the GHIT Fund’s website.
Exploring TB Drugs
Astellas conducted joint research (“Screening PJ”) for the exploration of new compounds for Mycobacterium
tuberculosis in collaboration with TB Alliance (Global Alliance for TB Drug Development) from October 2017. The
hit compounds discovered in the Screening PJ appear to be unique in their structures compared with TB drugs
in use or under development. They also appear not to share the mechanism of action with the existing TB drugs
suggesting activity against drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Astellas and TB Alliance
entered into a new collaborative research agreement on March 31, 2021 to identify lead compounds with
improved pharmacological activity pharmacokinetics, as well as safety by utilizing multiple hit compounds
obtained from the Screening PJ.
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Exploration of Antimalarial Drugs
Astellas entered into a collaborative research agreement with Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) for the
exploration of an antimalarial drug in October, 2017. Under this agreement, Astellas has provided its original
library of tens of thousands of compounds, and MMV has worked to screen the library for compounds that
demonstrate the potential to become new antimalarial drugs.
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Sustainability / Access to Health / Research Activities on NTDs
Contributing to Neglected Tropical
Diseases Drug Discovery
Main Targets
Creating Innovation
Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are mainly parasitic, bacterial, viral or fungal infections prevalent among
people living in poverty in developing nations in tropical and subtropical regions. At least 1 billion people
worldwide are reported to be infected with the 20 NTDs listed by the World Health Organization (WHO), many of
which cause serious social difficulties.
Astellas is working with external partners on collaborative research to discover new drugs for the treatment of
NTDs.
Participation in NTDs Drug Discovery Booster
In March 2018, Astellas participated in the Neglected Tropical Diseases Drug Discovery Booster*1, a consortium
established to identify lead compounds*2 for leishmaniasis and Chagas disease, both of which are neglected
tropical diseases (NTDs). Through this consortium, Astellas will contribute to the discovery of new drugs for
patients suffering from leishmaniasis and Chagas disease.
The consortium is supported by funding from the Global Health Innovative Technology Fund (“GHIT Fund”).
*1 Neglected Tropical Diseases Drug Discovery Booster: A consortium launched by the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), a not-for-
profit organization engaged in the development of new treatments for neglected diseases. In addition to Astellas, seven pharmaceutical companies,
specifically Eisai Co., Ltd., Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, AstraZeneca plc., Celgene Corporation, Merck KGaA
and AbbVie, also participate in the consortium as partners.
*2 Lead compound: A compound with confirmed pharmacological activity against a target disease. Optimization research (for improvement of
activity, physical properties, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, etc.) is conducted based on lead compounds.
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Involvement in Collaborative Research on New Chagas Disease Drugs
From October 2018 until March 2020, Astellas was engaged as an advisor to the collaborative research project
“Exploratory research aiming to determine target molecules for discovery of new drugs against Chagas disease.”
The project has been conducted by the Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University (NEKKEN) together
with the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), High Energy Accelerator
Research Organization (KEK) and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM).
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Sustainability / Access to Health / Development of Pediatric Formulation for
Schistosomiasis
Aiming to Make Products
Available to Children in Endemic
Countries in Africa within the
Next Few Years
Main Targets
Creating Innovation
Schistosomiasis – A Potentially Life-threatening Infection
Schistosomiasis is one of the most prevalent parasitic diseases in developing countries, notably in Africa and
South America. The economic and health impacts of schistosomiasis are considerable. If it is left untreated,
schistosomiasis causes anaemia, stunted growth, reduced ability to learn, and chronic inflammation of the
organs, which can be fatal*1. The disease has a particularly high incidence among children.
The existing “standard of care” treatment for schistosomiasis is praziquantel. However, at present, the group of
infected preschool-age children, including infants and toddlers, is left untreated in public health programs due to
lack of relevant clinical data and a missing appropriate child-friendly formulation of the drug. Young children
cannot swallow the existing tablet because of its large size and bitter taste.
Pediatric Formulation Developed with Consortium Partners Based on Astellas’
Technology
Within a consortium of partners, involving pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and international
non-profit organizations, Astellas has developed a pediatric formulation of praziquantel.
The pediatric formulation newly developed by Astellas uses proprietary drug formulation technology to create a
smaller, orally dispersible tablet of reduced bitterness that can be taken with or without water. The pediatric
formulation has also been designed for manufacturing at a reduced cost using simple production technology,
yielding tablets that are stable even in hot and humid tropical climates. To facilitate the production of materials
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for clinical trials and help develop local pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities for future supplies, Astellas
has transferred to consortium partners in Germany and Brazil the technology and expertise needed to develop
the pediatric formulations and produce the tablets.
Clinical Development of Pediatric Formulation
After successful completion of the Phase II clinical study, the consortium program is currently running the pivotal
Phase III clinical trials in Kenya and Ivory Coast to collect data for registration and facilitate access to a novel
orally dispersible tablet formulation for young children (below six years of age). In addition, on February 2021,
the consortium received additional funding from GHIT and EDCTP to initiate implementation research programs
to prepare for large-scale access and delivery of the Consortium’s novel pediatric medication in endemic
countries. *2
Astellas is committed to providing the consortium with all necessary technical expertise. As a member of the
consortium, Astellas is working with the partners aiming to have the product available for launch in the first
endemic country in Africa within a few years.
For more information on the Consortium program and the partners, please refer to the following link:
https://www.pediatricpraziquantelconsortium.org/
*1 https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/schistosomiasis
*2 Consortium activities are currently supported by grants from the Global Health Innovative Technology (GHIT) Fund and the European and
Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP).
Newly developed pediatric
Pediatric Praziquantel Consortium partners and project
formulation (top) and existing
contributors ©Lygature
tablet (bottom)
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Sustainability / Access to Health / Access Accelerated
Tackling Non-Communicable Diseases for
Patients in Low- and Middle-Income
Countries
Main Targets
Strengthening Healthcare System /
Improving Health Literacy
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are any diseases not caused by human-to-human transmission of an
infectious agent. Leading NCDs include cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease and
diabetes. Many NCDs are caused by unhealthy eating, lack of exercise, smoking or excessive drinking, and
could be prevented by lifestyle improvement. NCDs are not just on the increase in developed countries, but the
number of patients suffering from NCDs is also increasing in developing countries. The rising incidence of NCDs
not only puts pressure on the healthcare budgets of developing countries, but also leads to economic losses
when patients cannot work due to illness.
Astellas is working with external partners on improving access to NCDs prevention, diagnosis and treatment in
low- and middle-income countries.
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Supported by Astellas Since Launch in 2017
Access Accelerated*1 is a global initiative aimed at improving access to non-communicable diseases (NCDs)
prevention, diagnosis and treatment in low- and middle-income countries. More than 20 international
pharmaceutical companies are partners in the program, working alongside organizations such as the World
Bank, City Cancer Challenge Foundation, PATH, NCD Alliance and World Heart Federation. Astellas has
participated in Access Accelerated since its launch in January 2017.
*1 For details about Access Accelerated, please visit the following website:
Access Accelerated Website
Link to Press Release released by Access Accelerated (pdf 428KB)
Astellas’ Efforts under Access Accelerated
Under Access Accelerated, Astellas supports ACTION ON FISTULA™*2. Since this program began in 2014, 11
doctors who can perform surgery for obstetric fistula were trained, the fistula treatment network was established
and a system that provides routine surgery at multiple cooperating hospitals was prepared. As a result of this
program, a total of over 6,200*3 obstetric fistula patients received surgery and their quality of life was improved.
Further, 22 support groups were established that take care of patients’ mental well-being and provide economic
support and employment support so that patients who have received treatment can reintegrate into society.
Additionally, in the field of oncology, Astellas launched a new initiative in India structured according to patients’
income levels, with the aim of improving their access to its anticancer products since 2017. Moreover, Astellas
supported the City Cancer Challenge initiative in Cali city, Colombia. Astellas will continue to push ahead with
activities that improve patients’ access to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of NCDs in low- and middle-
income countries.
*2 ACTION ON FISTULA™: A program launched by the Fistula Foundation. Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd., which is a European subsidiary of
Astellas, provided funds for the Fistula Foundation, aiming to treat a total of over 4,500 patients by 2020.
*3 At the end of the program, a total of 6,223 patients accessed fistula treatment.
Outcomes of Efforts under Access Accelerated
Access Accelerated annual reports introduce outcomes of Access Accelerated. Since its launch on January 18,
2017, over 100 programs have been newly carried out or continued by participating companies. ACTION ON
FISTULA™, a program to transform the lives of obstetric fistula patients in Kenya, is also included in this report.
Through participation in Access Accelerated, Astellas is working to achieve the United Nations Sustainable
Development Goal to reduce premature deaths from NCDs by one-third by 2030 in collaboration with various
partners.
Access Accelerated Year One Report Access Accelerated Year Two Report
Access Accelerated Year 3 Report Access Accelerated Year 4 Report
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Sustainability / Environment, Health & Safety (EHS)
Seeking to be Chosen and Trusted by
All Stakeholders
Working Organizationally and Continuously in Pursuit of EHS Management of
Achieving EHS Excellence
Astellas has embraced the sustainable enhancement of enterprise value as its corporate mission. To fulfill this
mission, Astellas seeks to be a chosen and trusted enterprise by all stakeholders, including patients,
shareholders, employees, and the global community. The Astellas Charter of Corporate Conduct contains the
following principles on Environment, Health and Safety (EHS): We shall respect employees' human rights,
individuality, and differences; promote diversity in the workplace; and provide a safe and rewarding work
environment" and "Recognizing that harmony between the global environment and our business activities is a
prerequisite to our corporate existence, we shall take proactive measures to conserve the global environment."
These principles require employees to conduct themselves based on high ethical standards in EHS fields,
among other areas.
Astellas' basic stance toward EHS is outlined in the Astellas EHS Policy. Moreover, Astellas is working
organizationally and continuously toward achieving this stance as described in the Astellas EHS Guidelines. In
addition, Astellas has set medium-term targets for priority issues in its EHS Action Plan and is working to achieve
those targets.
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Environmental Initiatives and Fiscal 2020 Results
EHS Action Plan
Astellas sets specific numerical targets related to climate change, water resources, waste disposal management
and biodiversity as its environmental action plan, and implements initiatives continuously to achieve them.
Results of fiscal 2020
Item
Goal
Fiscal on 2020 results
Measures to
Reduce GHG emissions (Scope 1 + Scope 2) by 30% by
Ratio to base year 39% decrease
Address Climate
fiscal 2030 (Base year: fiscal 2015) (Emissions in the base
(Emissions: 123 kilotons)
Change
year: 202 kilotons)
Reduce GHG emissions (Scope 3) by 20% per unit of
Ratio to base year 21% decrease
revenue by fiscal 2030 (Base year: fiscal 2015)
Measures for the
Enhance water resource productivity by around 2.5 times
Ratio to fiscal 2005 level
Conservation of
the fiscal 2005 result by the end of fiscal 2020
3.2 times
Natural Resources
(For research and production sites in Japan and overseas)
Indicator: Revenue (¥ billion)/Water resources withdrawn
(1,000 m3)
Waste management
Improve waste generated per unit of revenue to around
Ratio to fiscal 2005 level
20% of the fiscal 2005 result by the end of fiscal 2020
23%
For research and production sites in Japan and overseas
Indicator: Volume of waste generated (tons)/Revenue
(¥ billion)
Biodiversity
Triple the biodiversity index by fiscal 2020 from the fiscal
Ratio to fiscal 2005 level
2005 level
3.5 times
New climate change initiatives
Climate change is positioned as an important strategic goal in Corporate Strategic Plan 2021. Astellas expressed
its support for the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) in
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December 2020 and is currently considering information disclosure in line with the TCFD recommendations.
For details of our “Position on Climate Change,” please visit the following website:
https://www.astellas.com/en/about/policies-and-position-statements?param=expend-tit-change#environment
For details of other environmental initiatives, please visit the website on the links below:
https://www.astellas.com/en/sustainability/environmental-action-plan
https://www.astellas.com/en/sustainability/measures-to-address-climate-change
We have received third-party assurance for some of the information published on the website.
Health & Safety Initiatives and Fiscal 2020 Results
Occupational Health & Safety Action Plan
Astellas is working to reduce the severity rate of work-related injuries and carry out the risk assessments as part
of its occupational health and safety action plan, and implements initiatives continuously to minimize work
injuries through prevention of accidents and ensuring maintenance of safe work environments.
Severity Rate of Work-
Prevent the incidence of major occupational accidents while maintaining a severity rate of work-
Related Injuries
related injuries at or below 0.005 at all business sites
Risk Assessment
Assess all business operations to identify risks in all areas as well as establish self-regulations to
reduce such risk
Incidence of work-related injuries in 2020 (Summary)
From January to December 2020, there were no work-related fatalities, while there were six cases of injuries
requiring leaves of absence. The longest number of work days lost was 78 days due to a fall on stairs. The work-
related accident severity rate was 0.004, below the target rate of 0.005 or less. Driving sales fleets was limited
due to the impact of COVID-19, which resulted in a reduction of work-related accidents accompanying fleet use.
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Global
Number of work-related injuries (leave of
19
18
6
2018.1-12
2019.1-12
2020.1-12
absence)
Frequency rate of work-related injuries*1
0.55
Severity rate of work-related injuries*2
0.009
0.55
0.014
0.18
0.004
* Severity rates of work-related injuries for 2018 and 2019 have been revised due to the overreported number of days lost in some occupational
accidents in 2018 and 2019, and the settlement of days lost in some occupational accidents in 2019
*1 Frequency rate of work-related injuries: This rate shows the number of employee deaths or injuries resulting from work-related accidents causing
leave of absence per million hours of work. The larger the number, the more frequently work-related injuries occur.
*2 Severity rate of work-related injuries: This rate shows the number of lost work days due to work-related injuries per thousand hours worked. The
higher the number, the more serious the injury.
For details of other health & safety initiatives, please visit the website on the link below:
https://www.astellas.com/en/sustainability/occupational-health-and-safety
In order to ensure the transparency and reliability of our data, we have obtained third-party assurance for some
of the information published on the website.
EHS Report
For a printer-friendly version of the EHS Report, please visit the website on the link below:
https://www.astellas.com/en/sustainability/environmental-report
Related Links
EHS Management
Environment Initiatives
Climate Change Measures
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Sustainable Biodiversity Initiatives
Initiatives for Resource Recycling
Initiatives for Preventing Pollution
Environmental Impact of Products and Countermeasures
Environmental Accounting
EHS Report
Occupational Health & Safety
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Sustainability / Sustainability in Business
Commitment to Fulfilling Social
Responsibilities through Every Business
Activity
Astellas is committed to fulfilling its social responsibilities through its business activities as a pharmaceutical
company, based on its raison d'être, namely to “Contribute toward improving the health of people around the
world through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products.” We respect human rights
through every business activity from research and development to the provision of product information. We also
strive to ensure compliance with the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act and other applicable laws and
regulations.
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Related Links
Sustainable Procurement Initiatives
Research Initiatives
Clinical Development Initiatives
Technological Development and Production Initiatives
Distribution and Sales Initiatives
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Sustainability / Sustainability in Business
Sustainable Procurement Initiatives
To fulfill Astellas’ social responsibilities across the entire supply chain, it is important for us to conduct
our procurement activities with respect for compliance. To achieve this goal, Astellas has formulated
the Basic Policy for Procurement Activities and the Astellas Business Partner Code of Conduct. We
also undertake measures for sustainable procurement globally to build a sound network for business
activities.
Risk Assessments for Significant Business Partners
Astellas conducts a global assessment that includes an evaluation of sustainability risk in the selection process
for significant business partners*, the business partners that have a particularly significant impact on Astellas’
business continuity among others. The sustainability risk assessment involves judging a risk level based on a
combination of the business partner’s response to a questionnaire, external database information, a basic
assessment by in-house experts on risks related to sustainability such as human rights, the environment,
occupational health and safety and personal information protection, and, if necessary, the results of a local on-
site audit carried out by an Astellas employee.
Sustainability risk assessment has started operating in Japan, North America and Europe since February 2019,
and has also been deployed in South America and Asian countries.
If Astellas identifies a risk that can be improved during the business partner selection process, it encourages the
business partner to make the improvement and monitors its initiatives. Astellas does not engage in business if it
identifies a critical risk and it judges the risk is difficult to be improved.
Moreover, business divisions continue monitoring risk status even after business transactions have begun and
the supplier’s sustainability risk level is assessed once every two years through a questionnaire. If necessary,
the assessment takes place even within the two-year period.
* Business partners that have a significant impact on Astellas’ business continuity, such as suppliers of raw materials (regardless of whether they
are direct or indirect materials), outsourcing companies, pharmaceutical wholesalers, sales alliance partners and banks.
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On-Site Audits of Suppliers
In 2020, there have been movement restrictions due to the impact of COVID-19. We conducted field survey on
two companies in Japan regarding the operational status of wastewater treatment facilities, the working
environment of employees, and the prevention of chemical substance exposure. In cases where items were
pointed out, Astellas indicated an improvement proposal, requested a plan for corrective measures be drawn up
and is currently following up on progress of the improvements based on the corrective measures plan.
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Sustainability / Sustainability in Business / Research Initiatives
Fulfilling Our Ethical Obligations as a
Leading Life Sciences Company
Astellas is committed to research activities to create innovative new drugs and medical solutions in
compliance with applicable laws and regulations and the highest ethical standards.
Ethical Considerations in Research on Human Subjects
Astellas conducts research on human subjects and research utilizing specimens and information derived from
humans after appropriately obtaining the consent of the subjects in accordance with the Declaration of
Helsinki*1 as well as the laws, regulations and guidelines of relevant countries.
For example in Japan, Astellas provides training for employees that conduct research, in areas such as
bioethics, genome research and related clinical research based on a strong commitment to respecting the
human rights of research subjects and protecting the privacy and confidentiality of their personal information.
The Astellas Research Ethics Committee has been established with internal/external experts participating in the
committee to determine the ethical acceptability and scientific propriety of research plans in a fair and impartial
manner. The details of the Astellas Research Ethics Committee have been released on the Ministry of Health,
Labour and Welfare’s ethics committee reporting system website*2.
*1 Declaration of Helsinki: A statement of ethical principles for medical research involving human subjects, addressed to physicians and others who
are involved in medical research on human subjects.
*2 For details, please visit the following website:
https://rinri.niph.go.jp/
Ethical Considerations in Stem Cells Research and Development
Astellas is advancing research and development activities using stem cells*3 in order to supply new treatment
methods to address diseases that previously had no known treatment methods.
Astellas recognizes that concerns which need careful consideration could arise when promoting research using
human stem cells. In particular, it is necessary to pay full attention to the social and bioethical issues associated
with research using human embryonic stem cells (ES cells).
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Based on these principles and awareness, Astellas has established its “Policy on Human Stem Cell Research
and Development*4,” which sets forth the basic matters it must comply with in the course of conducting human
stem cell research and development. Specifically, in all of its research and development activities involving
human stem cells, Astellas will comply with the relevant laws, ordinances and regulations of the countries and
regions where it undertakes these research and development activities. Moreover, we have set up the committee
comprising internal and external experts, from which it will obtain oversight and advice on the ethical aspects
and the scientific validity and legitimacy of these research and development activities. All research and
development programs will be implemented upon investigation by the committee from an ethical and scientific
standpoint. Furthermore, when establishing and using human ES cells, Astellas will take steps to satisfy the
ethical standards established by the world’s major scientific authorities, including the guidelines laid out by the
National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America.
*3 Cells that can self-renew and are pluripotent
*4 For details, please visit the following website:
https://www.astellas.com/en/about/policies-and-position-statements?param=expend-tit-development#r_and_d
Ethical Considerations in Human Genome Editing
As a leading Life Sciences company with a dedicated mission to contribute towards improving the health of
people around the world through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products, Astellas is at
the forefront of advances in human genome editing techniques. In partnership with academic research institutes
and biotechnology companies, Astellas employees and partners at sites around the world are developing
innovative therapeutic approaches by combining an in-depth understanding of the underlying biology of diseases
with innovative platforms and treatment modalities which includes genome editing/genome regulation.
Astellas recognizes and supports the ongoing work of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Genome Editing Consortium, European Academies' Science Advisory Council (EASAC), U.S. Pharmacopeia,
International Organization for Standardization (ISO), World Health Organization (WHO), and other globally
authorized organizations to develop global standards for governance and oversight of human genome editing.
Astellas recognizes and supports the premise that basic and preclinical research using genome editing
technologies of somatic cells and germline cells should be carried out in compliance with appropriate legal and
ethical rules and oversight in order to contribute to health and welfare for patients. Also at the clinical use stage,
Astellas is committed to research and development for appropriate scientific purposes in compliance with all
relevant laws and guidelines. Astellas publishes its Position on Human Genome Editing on its website.*5
*5 For further details, please visit the website on the link below.
https://www.astellas.com/en/about/policies-and-position-statements?param=expend-tit-humangenome#r_and_d
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Animal Welfare in Animal Testing
Astellas conducts animal testing based on its Policy on Animal Care and Use*6, which was created based on
various relevant laws, regulations and guidelines related to animals such as the Act on Welfare and
Management of Animals. We have established the Corporate Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee with
external experts that verify the 4R Principles*7 and determine whether to conduct animal testing. All of Astellas’
animal testing facilities have acquired accreditation from AAALAC international*8.
*6 For details, please visit the following website:
https://www.astellas.com/en/about/policies-and-position-statements?param=expend-tit-animal#r_and_d
*7 4R Principles: Developing non-animal testing alternatives and replacing animals of phylogenetically lower species (Replacement); reducing the
number of animals involved to the minimum necessary to achieve the scientific purpose (Reduction); avoiding the infliction of distress on animals
wherever possible (Refinement); and scientifically and ethically justifying animal use in light of their significance, necessity, predictability and other
criteria (Responsibility).
*8 AAALAC International: The Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International. An international organization
that promotes the humane treatment of animals through voluntary accreditation and assessment programs. Studies are undertaken from both
scientific and ethical standpoints to verify the quality of animal control and use programs.
Biotechnology and Biohazard Control
In compliance with the World Health Organization Laboratory Biosafety Manual*9, the U.S. Centers for Disease
Control (CDC) Biosafety Manual*10 and the U.S. National Institutes of Health Guidelines*11, as well as the laws of
individual countries, Astellas handles experimental materials containing genetically modified organisms and
pathogens.
*9 Laboratory Biosafety Manual 3rd Edition
*10 Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories 5th Edition
*11 NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules
Consideration for Biodiversity
As set out in its “Position on Genetic Resources*12,” Astellas is committed to the conservation of biological
diversity in accordance with the provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity*13 and, when using new
genetic modification techniques, handles genetic resources carefully, mindful about their impact on the
environment and people’s health. Astellas also follows guidelines on the utilization of genetic resources and
distribution of benefits arising out of their utilization set out in the Nagoya Protocol*14 and, when accessing the
genetic resources of another country, Astellas complies with the relevant laws and regulations of the providing
country and ensures the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of utilization.
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*12 For details, please visit the following website:
https://www.astellas.com/en/about/policies-and-position-statements?param=expend-tit-resources#r_and_d
*13 The Convention on Biological Diversity: International convention on the sustainable use and conservation of biological diversity
*14 Nagoya Protocol: Protocol on access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their utilization
Treatment of Intellectual Property
Appropriate protection of intellectual property is critical to addressing unmet medical needs and maintaining a
competitive advantage. With this in mind, Astellas has established a Policy on Intellectual Property*15. In
addition, Astellas is a signatory to the IP PACT*16, a declaration of 10 key principles affirming our strong
commitment to innovation and keeping the needs of patients at the heart of IP practices.
In view of the importance of improving people’s access to health, Astellas participates in the Patent Information
Initiative for Medicines (Pat-INFORMED) implemented by the World International Patent Organization (WIPO) to
ensure easy access to Astellas’ patent information on medicines by health agencies tasked with the procurement
of medicines in various countries. Patent information for XTANDI®, Lexiscan(TM), Gonax®, Suglat®, Tarceva® and
XOSPATA® is provided in the Pat-INFORMED database.
Astellas commits to not filing or enforcing patents in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) defined by the United
Nations or Low Income Countries (LICs) defined by the World Bank.
Astellas also commits to considering flexibilities in licensing patents in other developing countries on a case-by-
case basis, in order to address pressing health challenges, while recognizing these challenges are the shared
responsibility of multiple actors, including the pharmaceutical industry*17.
*15 For details, please visit the following website:
https://www.astellas.com/en/about/policies-and-position-statements?param=expend-tit-property#value
*16 For details, please visit the following website:
http://www.interpat.org/wp-content/uploads/IP-PACT.pdf
*17 For details, please visit the following website:
https://www.astellas.com/en/about/policies-and-position-statements?param=expend-tit-countries#access_to_health
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Sustainability / Sustainability in Business / Clinical Development Initiatives
Respect for Human Rights, Protection of
the Privacy and Confidentiality of the
Personal Information of Clinical Trial
Subjects, and Assurance of Reliability in
Clinical Trials
Astellas conducts clinical trials to assess the efficacy and safety of new drug candidates in patients under the
Declaration of Helsinki, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and applicable laws and regulations with full consideration
to protecting human rights and the privacy and confidentiality of clinical trial subjects’ personal information.
Clinical study protocols developed by Astellas are evaluated and approved for ethical acceptability and scientific
validity by internal and external evaluation committees.
In conducting clinical trials, Astellas confirms that clinical trial subjects have provided informed consent, having
received a full explanation of the purpose and methods of the trial, its expected benefits and disadvantages,
matters related to compensation for health impairment and other details. Moreover, we regularly implement
education and training for employees and staff members involved in clinical trials, and monitor medical
institutions that perform clinical trials to ensure full GCP compliance.
In addition, we protect the privacy and confidentiality of the personal information of clinical trial subjects by
managing trial data appropriately. Periodic assessments are also made to check that any outsourced clinical
trials are conducted in accordance with the same standards.
Disclosure of Information on Clinical Trials and Trial Results
Astellas is committed to increasing transparency and providing disclosure of clinical trial data. Maximizing the
value of clinical trial data, and putting it to good use in driving scientific advancement and increasing innovation,
requires that the clinical trial data be appropriately accessible to the research community and others who might
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utilize it. The Policy on Disclosure of Clinical Trial Data*1 has been published on the Company website to present
Astellas’ position on this matter.
Astellas registers clinical trials, posts clinical trial information, and discloses clinical trial results. Astellas provides
patient-level data that have been anonymized in accordance with applicable laws and regulations through an
external website*2 to those scientists and healthcare professionals requesting it in the case that review panel
consisting of third party experts evaluates and approves the request based on scientific usefulness and scientist
eligibility. In addition to disclosing summaries of clinical trial findings from phase 1-4 interventional studies after
the approval or discontinuation of the study so that healthcare professionals and the public can confirm them via
the clinical trial results website(s), the website(s) also give(s) patients access to plain language summaries of
study results prepared for non-experts*3.
*1 For details, please visit the following website:
https://www.astellas.com/en/about/policies-and-position-statements?param=expend-tit-data#r_and_d
*2 Patient-level data are provided through the following website:
http://www.clinicalstudydatarequest.com
*3 Results of the clinical trials are provided through the following website:
www.clinicaltrials.astellas.com and/or www.trialsummaries.com/Home/LandingPage
Expanded Access to Investigational Medicines
Astellas has set forth its approach to supplying investigational medicines to patients for purposes other than
clinical studies in its Position on Expanded Access to Investigational Medicines*4.
Astellas recognizes that patients with serious or life-threatening diseases may have exhausted all of their
available treatment options, may not qualify for a clinical trial and may seek access to investigational medicines.
In these cases, in response to a request for investigational medicines from a primary physician, Astellas fairly,
impartially and rapidly evaluates whether or not the patient meets the required conditions to provide early access
as appropriate. Furthermore, early access programs may be established in countries where the clinical
development of an investigational medicine is progressing and the medicine is targeted for commercial
availability. This procedure will be implemented in accordance with the regulations of the country where early
access is requested. Information on early access programs can be found on Astellas’ corporate website*5.
*4 For details, please visit the following website:
https://www.astellas.com/en/about/policies-and-position-statements?param=expend-tit-medicines#access_to_health
*5 For details, please visit the following website:
https://www.astellas.com/system/files/active_expanded_access_programs_en_20210823.pdf
Patient Centricity in Clinical Drug Development
The pharmaceutical industry is actively working on patient centricity in clinical drug development and is
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discussing it at all points in pharmaceutical development.
We are listening to the opinions of patients, their families and caregivers by working with patient organizations.
For example, to improve our communication and education tools, we obtained feedback from members of
patient organizations on our informed consent, pediatric assents, thank you letters to study participants, and the
design of our website for patients.
In addition, to understand the patient experience in a clinical trial, one study team is currently obtaining feedback
from parents of children in a pediatric trial using a questionnaire.
Through these efforts, we try to make it easier for patients to participate in clinical trials so that we can obtain
trial results with scientific significance for patients.
Anti-doping Measures
Doping is an issue closely related to abuse and misuse of medicines in sports. It is a serious priority for the
pharmaceutical industry given that it is not only associated with a risk of inducing serious side effects, but it can
also become a breeding ground for the unauthorized distribution and counterfeiting of medicines. Astellas is
working to identify the compounds under development that have the potential to be used in doping and to
prevent the misuse of those compounds.
In October 2016, Astellas made a global agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to partner on
the prevention of misuse and abuse of medicines for doping in sports which aims to contribute to the eradication
of doping and improvement of public health.
Doping in sports relies primarily on the misuse and abuse of commercially available medicines, as well as
compounds in development that are not as well-known or easily detected. To support WADA in its efforts to
address this issue, Astellas identifies compounds solely developed by Astellas or its affiliates with the potential
for sport-related doping abuse and cooperates in sharing relevant information to aid WADA in the organization’s
development of detection methods for these compounds. Additionally, Astellas cooperates with WADA to
minimize the risk of misuse of compounds with doping potential during clinical trials to avoid opportunities for
abuse.
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Sustainability / Sustainability in Busines
Technological Development and
Production Initiatives
Stable Supply and Quality Control
Astellas places highest priority on ensuring robust manufacture and stable supply of safe and effective
pharmaceuticals to patients. To ensure this, we have established our own standards aligned with Good
Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Good Distribution Practice (GDP) as the basis for consistently achieving high
levels of quality. We apply these standards to manufacturing facilities and equipment, and to all stages from raw
material procurement and storage to production and shipment.
Astellas is continuously investing in various manufacturing facilities with the aim of maintaining and
strengthening stable supply. In 2020, construction of the Center for Active Ingredient for Biopharmaceuticals was
completed at Toyama Technology Center. Bio-drug substances for clinical trials and commercial use are
manufactured at the Center and supplied according to global standards. In addition, construction of the Third
Fermentation Building has commenced. When the construction is completed, the active pharmaceutical
ingredients of immunosuppressant Prograf® that suppress rejection after organ transplants will be manufactured
at the facility. In Yaizu Technology Center, construction of aseptic drug product manufacturing lines which allow
flexibility to manufacture not only antibodies but also new modalities requiring high-level technology in the future
was initiated. In the gene therapy domain, Astellas has established plants in South San Francisco,
California and Sanford, North Carolina (GMP manufacturing will commence in 2022), building capability for the
in-house manufacture and supply of adeno-associated virus (AAV) drug substances, AAV products, and
plasmids which provide self-sufficiency from research to the commercialization of gene therapy programs.
Meanwhile, in the cell therapy domain, Astellas has established a new manufacturing base in Westborough,
Massachusetts, in April 2020, strengthening our capability to manufacture GMP-compliant, cell-based drug
substances and products for use in cell therapy. By constructing such in-house, state-of-the-art manufacturing
facilities, we aim to build a more robust manufacturing system capable of supplying high quality products going
forward.
Quality Audits
Astellas has quality systems for auditing both internal sites and external manufacturing and distribution partners.
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The risk-based auditing approach determines the sites audit frequency and intensity.
Internal audits are conducted on all Astellas organizations that conduct current Good Manufacturing Practice
(cGMP) and/or current Good Distribution Practice (cGDP) activities at all points across the product lifecycle and
across the supply chain, in accordance with documented policies and procedures.
Quality audits are conducted for new or established external partners of Astellas. Such audits are performed to
evaluate compliance with cGMP, cGDP and applicable Astellas requirements.
In fiscal 2020, Astellas performed a total of 305 audits, including 31 internal audits and 274 quality audits of
external partners globally.
Supply Chain Management Structure for Stable Supply
Supply chains are becoming more complicated than ever due to the increase in global products and
diversification of modality, along with the increase in partnerships and cooperation with suppliers.
Taking these environmental changes into account, Astellas is strengthening its supply chain management
globally by building a framework to centrally manage demand forecasts, inventory data and supply plans for
regions all over the world, encompassing the manufacture of drug substances through to finished product
supply.
Moreover, in addition to building a global logistics and distribution network to develop the functions and
capabilities which flexibly meet the various needs for products, including cold chains, Astellas is advancing
logistics and trade compliance, including for imports and exports, to enhance the stable supply management.
Furthermore, in the area of commercial supply chain, Astellas has established a function at three locations:
Japan, the Netherlands, and the US to continuously develop the supply chain process adapting to the
environment changes and strengthened the management framework in global operations.
Shared Logistics for Stable Supply
One of the most important missions for a pharmaceutical company is to continuously improve BCP (Business
Continuity Plan) and maintain and continue a stable supply of pharmaceutical products even when natural
disasters occur. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare released Japanese GDP (Good Distribution
Practice) Guidelines which require greater strictness with respect to ensuring quality in storage and shipment
under GDP. Meanwhile, MLIT (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism), METI (Ministry of
Economy, Trade and Industry), and MAFF (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries) are promoting “White
Logistics,” an initiative aimed at addressing working style reform, driver shortages, CO2 reduction among other
issues facing logistics. Under this initiative, consignors cooperate with logistics partners to implement activities
for improvement and reform, and build sustainable logistics frameworks.
Under the environment changes surrounding logistics, Astellas, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Teva
Takeda Pharma Ltd., Teva Takeda Yakuhin Ltd. and Nichi-Iko Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. have co-established a
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shared storage and joint distribution platform in Hokkaido, Japan. The platform aims to ensure a diverse and
stable supply of pharmaceuticals with adequate contingency, even in the event of a large-scale natural disaster,
as well as enhancing efficiency and quality management of product distribution. Astellas will continue initiatives
that advance the sharing and standardization of the pharmaceutical logistics within the industry.
The joint distribution platform in Hokkaido has reduced costs. It has not only enabled us to set up a new logistics
base but also has reduced the environmental burden through the reduction of carbon emissions. In recognition
of these points, Astellas received the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award in 2018 for the Green
Logistics Excellent Business Award.
From 2021 onward, a joint distribution center was added in Kyushu, and a system for product inventory and
supply management was established at four locations in Japan.
Measures to Prevent Medical Malpractice and to Improve the Distinguishability
of Pharmaceuticals
Astellas strives to supply products from the users’ perspective to ensure that healthcare professionals and
patients do not mistake one pharmaceutical for another. We are working to prevent medical malpractice in this
respect, through measures including printing product names directly on capsules and tablets, as well as printing
product names and dosage on packaging sheets (blister sheets) so that the product name and dosage can be
easily identified even after the blister sheet is split apart.
To prevent misreading of labeling on blister sheets, Astellas also
endeavors to make products easier to identify visually by adopting
easily discernible colors and font types for the blister sheets of
certain products. We also adopt blister card packaging*1 for pharmaceuticals that require care with dosage
frequency from the perspective of preventing medical malpractice. For example, Evrenzo® 20 mg / 50 mg / 100
mg tablets newly launched in 2019 are packaged in a set of three tablets in order to prevent taking more or less
than the required dosage of three times per week. The size, color and labeling design are also differentiated to
reflect the dosage size, to prevent taking the wrong tablet.
In addition, to improve patients’ medication compliance and ease of swallowing, Astellas is also reducing the size
of the tablet and changing the formulation. For example, the XTANDI® 40 mg (10.1 mm dia.) / 80 mg (17.2 mm
dia.) tablets launched in 2018 were smaller than the previously released XTANDI® 40 mg (21 mm dia.).
Moreover, as the number of tablets per dose is expected to be reduced, it will also reduce patients’ burden when
taking medications.
*1 Blister card packaging: Plastic packaging formed to fit the shape of the product.
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Introducing Universal Design into Product Packaging
We have introduced universal design to certain product packaging. For example,
the universal design packaging of Bonoteo® 50 mg tablets, which is administered
once every 4 weeks, features packaging with good openability. To prevent
patients from forgetting to take the drug, there is an area provided on the
packaging to write the day when the drug should be taken. A small sticker to be
used on a calendar is also attached. In addition, the packaging uses a universal
Universal design packaging of
design font type for easy reading.
Bonoteo® 50mg tablets
FDA Inspection
Astellas has established its own quality standards in compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practice
(cGMP) and applies these standards to Astellas Group manufacturing sites. In fiscal 2020, Astellas underwent
two U.S. FDA inspections globally and received no Form 483*2.
*2 Form 483: An FDA Form 483 is issued to firm management at the conclusion of an inspection when an FDA investigator(s) has observed any
conditions that in their judgment may constitute violations of the Food Drug and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act and related Acts.
U.S. FDA inspection history
FY
The number of FDA Inspections
Warning Letter Issued
Form 483 Issued
Location of Form 483
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
5
4
2
2
3
2
2
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
1
2
1
1
1
1
Issued
Takaoka (Japan)
Norman (US)*
Takaoka (Japan)
Toyama (Japan)
Toyama (Japan)
Takaoka (Japan)
Toyama (Japan)
None
None
* The Norman plant in the U.S was transferred to Avara Norman Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. in August 2016.
Quality Manual
Astellas has set forth the quality assurance function and activities in the Quality Manual. The Quality Manual sits
on the apex of the document management system hierarchy. Underneath the Quality Manual, policies, standard
operating procedures, and guidelines exist defining quality assurance systems, operational management and
procedures for a variety of quality assurance-related activities at the global, regional and national levels.
Education and training programs are implemented to promote understanding and awareness of these matters.
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These documents are revised periodically and as necessary. We respond swiftly to developments in the external
environment, such as regulatory changes and amendments through an established Regulatory Intelligence
system.
Strengthening of Quality Assurance Systems at Affiliates
Astellas has developed a robust global quality assurance system so that it can ensure patients worldwide a
supply of uniformly high quality of pharmaceuticals. This quality management system was developed to be
consistent with our quality policy on a global, company-wide basis. The organizational structure of the global
quality assurance system incorporates the quality assurance activities of all Astellas affiliates. Our sales affiliates
globally receive ongoing support in strengthening our quality culture whilst educating our personnel to the
highest standards.
Relationship with Local Communities and Consideration for the Environment
To promote sustainable pharmaceutical manufacturing, Astellas arranges opportunities for dialogue with local
residents and communities near its manufacturing sites. By proactively disclosing its initiatives, Astellas is
working to build good relationships with them.
On the premises of the Kerry Plant in Ireland, our nature reserve is a resource made available to the local
community and visitors by creating public walkways and information boards, provided by Astellas, detailing the
flora and fauna and biodiversity in the nature reserve.
Astellas holds an annual calendar art competition with local schools on the topics of safety, environment and
energy. Funds raised from the sale of these calendars are donated to a local charity. Each year, over 1,000
entries are received from 12 local schools.
Astellas helps in promotion of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) to local schools through
science and engineering talks and tours onsite and online. Astellas communicates with the local community with
the publication of the quarterly “Astellas Biodiversity Newsletter.” This newsletter contains biodiversity
information relative to the season it is published in. Astellas nurtures good community relationships through
integration with and the support of many other local interest groups such as a local nursing home, local Men’s
Shed Association, Tidy Towns committee, National Park Education Centre, local bee keepers and local bird and
bat conservation groups.
One of industry’s biggest challenges is to develop manufacturing processes that do not unnecessarily burden
the environment and to develop sustainably within the local community. The efforts made by Astellas to meet the
highest manufacturing standards for our life saving drugs, but also the requirement to do so sustainably limiting
our impact on the environment have not gone unrecognized. Since April 2020, the Kerry plant has won SEAI*3
award under the category of Energy Team of the Year.
*3 SEAI: Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland is an Irish government-affiliated organization supporting the reduction of CO2 emissions.
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Sustainability / Sustainability in Business / Distribution and Sales Initiatives
Complying with Laws and Regulations and
Upholding High Ethical Standards
Ensuring Proper Use
Astellas’ Medical Representatives (MRs) provide information on appropriate usage based on on-label
information to healthcare professionals to ensure that Astellas pharmaceutical products are used safely and
effectively. In promotion of Astellas products, MRs act with high ethical standards and strictly comply with
applicable laws and regulations, industry codes and company policies including the Astellas Group Code of
Conduct.
Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) engage with healthcare professionals to exchange scientifically based
information to advance their understanding and the safe and effective use of our products in patient care. MSLs
also act with high ethical standards and provide reliable, clear, fair, balanced and unbiased medical and scientific
information. MSLs refrain from promotion of products, and observe high ethical standards, making compliance
their top priority.
Responding to Inquiries
Astellas has a responsibility to provide truthful, balanced and unbiased medical information in response to
inquiries regarding our products. By fulfilling this responsibility, Astellas supports the safe and effective use of our
products.
In countries throughout the globe, we have Medical Information Call Centers that respond to a variety of
inquiries. In our larger call centers, we have systems that allow for 24-hour responses to urgent inquiries, even
on business holidays. In fiscal 2020, we responded to approximately 88,000 inquiries.
Astellas makes continuous efforts to improve its medical information services, with the aim of providing accurate,
appropriate and consistent information. As part of these efforts, a global medical information system is used to
receive inquiries for information and document medical responses from group companies around the world. This
allows us to respond to inquiries in a simple, swift and accurate manner. At the same time, we can analyze
130
feedback from patients and medical professionals and communicate these insights to support the life cycle
management of our products.
We have recently implemented new regional medical information web portals for HCPs to allow for additional
and direct access to information regarding our products.
Anti-counterfeiting Activities
The infiltration of counterfeit/falsified medicines into the legitimate supply chain not only leads to the loss of
opportunities for patients to receive effective medical treatment but could also pose severe adverse health
consequences. This has become a serious problem worldwide.
Astellas has published a clearly defined Counterfeit/Falsified Medicines Position Statement on our global
website.
As an anti-counterfeit measure, Astellas commissioned a formal Committee comprised of leaders from multiple
stakeholder functions (quality assurance, supply chain, etc.), and has also established a product security
function to oversee daily activities relevant to product-related security risks. These entities monitor the global
market for suspicious activities affecting Astellas products, and implement countermeasures targeting not only
counterfeit/falsified medicines, but also diversion, theft and other illicit activities that potentially affect our
products and/or present a potential risk to patients. Astellas systematically introduces anti-counterfeit measures,
including, but not limited to, product serialization as stipulated by current regulations and pharmaceutical laws.
In addition, Astellas regularly engages in various collaborative activities with other members of the
pharmaceutical industry to help prevent the spread of counterfeit/falsified medicines. We also proactively support
and cooperate with national regulatory and judicial authorities in the prevention of counterfeit/falsified medicines.
Product Recalls
Astellas has a recall system in place that is activated when the safety, efficacy or quality of a product is brought
into question. The system ensures relevant information is promptly passed on to medical institutions and other
affected parties and that a recall of the product in question is instigated. Astellas voluntarily initiated 1 product
recall in fiscal 2020.
History of product recall
FY
The number of
Severe
Moderate
Mild
Non Classified
recall
(Class I)
(Class II)
(Class III)
2014
2015
2016
2017
3
3
3
3
0
0
0
0
1
1
2
2
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1
1
1
0
1
1
0
1
2018
2019
2020
7
2
1
* Authority-initiated recall
0
0
0
4
1
0
2
0
1
1*
1
0
Improving the Pharmacovigilance (PV) System
Astellas is continuously improving its pharmacovigilance (PV) system by strengthening collaboration between its
PV function and other relevant functions, affiliates and licensing partners. This is to respond to expansion of
product strategies and advance the provision of trustworthy product information and proper product use, along
with compliance with regulatory requirements.
Astellas has been building a system to collect product safety information from a variety of sources. The
Company annually provides product safety awareness training not only to staff closely involved with the PV
function but also to all employees and contractors including affiliate staff, to maintain and strengthen swift and
appropriate collection of product safety information. For external service providers outsourced by functions other
than the PV function, Astellas adds requirements for the collection of product safety information in their contracts
as necessary.
Astellas has been maintaining safety databases and procedures used globally to respond to environmental
change. In fiscal 2018, it completed a major upgrade of its safety database and procedures to meet regulatory
requirement changes. In fiscal 2019 and 2020, it continued to enhance the safety database system to implement
electronic submissions of safety reports in accordance with the regulatory requirements of each country.
Astellas is exploring utilizing real-world data such as large healthcare databases for evaluation of its product
safety to help minimize risk by enhancing collaboration between PV and other functions. Furthermore, Astellas
continues to explore automation technologies and artificial intelligence technologies that can be used for
monitoring, intaking, processing and reporting of product safety information, and early identification and analysis
of safety signals. We plan to use these technologies to strengthen our PV system.
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Sustainability / Employees
Working at Astellas - Something Special
Developing innovative therapies is one of the most challenging, most essential and personally rewarding fields in
science. And there’s something special about working at Astellas. It’s reflected in our focus on the people we
serve, the way we treat each other and the results we achieve as a company.
Related Links
HR Vision
Providing Opportunities for Employees to Succeed Globally
Diversity Management
Promoting Health Management
Respect for Human Rights
133
Sustainability / Employees / HR Vision
One Astellas with the Astellas Way
To realize our corporate VISION, employees must work as One Astellas by effectively leveraging all our assets
and capabilities. Astellas is an innovative and successful organization because of our diverse and talented
people who respect each other and who value the power of long-term relationships. One Astellas with the
Astellas Way is fundamental towards achieving our VISION.
Our HR Management approach is based on attracting, developing and retaining the right talent to ensure that
human resources services, policies, and systems align with the organization’s strategy and needs.
Overview of the HR Vision
134
Sustainability / Employees /
Providing Opportunities for Employees to Succeed Globally
Supporting the Development of
Future Leaders
Offering Global Development Programs
Attract, Develop and Retain is at the heart of Astellas’ people strategy. At Astellas, we create a lot of
opportunities for employees to grow and succeed globally.
To equip our employees with the skills needed in the workplace, we offer digital platforms for employees to self-
learn, including programs for managers, aspiring managers and those who perform their duties in a cross-
cultural environment. We also provide global development programs targeted to different levels of employees to
increase their capabilities and prepare them to be future leaders.
Putting the Right Person in the Right Position at the Right Time
In order to foster a collaborative culture in Astellas, we promote mobility and utilize an internal job posting
system globally. Regardless of which location or legal entities our employees join, they can discuss with their
managers and develop competencies from our global competency.
In addition to offering employee development programs under HR Vision, we continuously listen to employees’
feedback through regular talent reviews and career conversations to build short-, mid- and long-term career
development with a standardized, global approach.
With this approach, we believe we will have the right person in the right position at the right time in a sustainable
and consistent manner.
135
Sustainability / Employees / Diversity Management
A Diverse Talent Pool Enhances Creativity
within Astellas, Attracting Talented People
and Improving Competitiveness
Promoting Diversity in Line with the Regions
Astellas is working to promote diversity so that diverse individuals can play a role, irrespective of race,
nationality, gender, or age. Respecting the diverse values of our employees and reflecting their various
perspectives in our business activities not only heightens creativity in our organization, but also helps to attract
and retain talented people as employees and enhances our competitiveness.
Based on this recognition, Astellas implements measures led by its HR functions in each region to promote
diversity in line with the current situation in the relevant region. For Astellas, promoting the career advancement
of women in Japan is a high priority, particularly because the country has a low ratio of women in management
positions compared to other regions. We use a two-pronged approach: (1) change management alters
workplace attitudes and behaviors towards women and (2) framework reforms improve business processes and
personnel programs. We aim to make Astellas a vibrant and rewarding workplace for women and provide equal
job opportunities regardless of gender. We are working to overcome diversity barriers knowing that this will help
enhance Astellas’ overall competitiveness.
Employee Ratio per Region and Ratio of Female Managers (The year ended March 2021) *1
Established
Greater
International
Japan
United
Average
Markets*2
China*3
Markets*4
States
Male
Female
45.4%
38.9%
45.5%
70.8%
44.3%
53.9%
54.6%
61.1%
54.5%
29.2%
55.7%
46.1%
Ratio of female managers
51.1%
58.6%
48.1%
11.6%
53.3%
41.2%
*1 Expatriate employees seconded within the Astellas corporate group are included in the headcount of their current location. Expatriate employees
seconded out of the Astellas corporate group are excluded from the headcount.
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*2 Established Markets: Europe, Canada, Australia
*3 Greater China: China, Hong Kong, Taiwan
*4 International Markets: Russia, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Korea
Promoting Diversity and Inclusion
Furthermore, we are committed to develop individuals, irrespective of nationality, to further accelerate
globalization. In Japan, we have employed non-Japanese new graduates since 2014.
The Astellas workplace environment is also well equipped to accommodate employees with disabilities. Aside
from establishing the Green Supply Support Office*5, Astellas employs the usage of speech-to-text applications
to support employees with hearing impairments. We have also taken part in Accessibility Consortium of
Enterprises (ACE)*6
In October 2019, Astellas was awarded “Platinum Kurumin Certification” by the Minister of Health, Labour and
Welfare based on the Act on Advancement of Measures to Support Raising Next-Generation Children. The
certification recognizes companies that support employees for raising children.
*5 Green Supply Support Office: Function established in one of Japanese affiliated companies to support employees with disabilities by offering
employment opportunities. Duties including planting, recycling, and cleaning are tailored to promote environmental sustainability.
*6 Accessibility Consortium of Enterprises (ACE): Japanese general incorporated association for model innovation of employment services for
persons with disabilities
137
Sustainability / Employees / Promoting Health Management
Supporting Work Style and
Employee Health to Improve Overall
Organizational Health
Fostering Employee Health and a Sound Corporate Culture
Putting into practice work styles that allow every employee to demonstrate high productivity and creativity and
realize their own potential will energize us as an organization and lead to corporate growth as One Astellas. The
realization of such work styles is predicated on employee health and the creation of a sound corporate culture.
A sound corporate culture requires a psychologically safe environment in which all employees respect each
other and can actively communicate with peace of mind.
Astellas is committed to pursuing organizational health through the support of diverse work styles and the
promotion of employee health, ensuring all employees enjoy physical and mental wellbeing, thus enabling them
to strive for even greater productivity.
Priority Initiatives for Health Management (Japan)
Work style reform
(1) Preventing long working hours
Astellas strictly complies with the legal working hours laws and prevents long working hours by establishing
company standards for “Healthcare Management Hours*” to manage appropriate working hours.
(2) Encouraging employees to take annual paid leave
We ensure employees with an annual leave entitlement of 10 days or more to take at least five days of annual
138
paid leave, and additionally, we encourage them to take at least 70% of their annual paid leave.
*Healthcare Management Hours: Astellas defines the time to manage employee health as Healthcare Management Hours. Astellas’ standards
calculate employee daily working hours by using data such as entering and exiting the office and business travel.
Creating comfortable workplaces
(1) Open communication
We value psychological safety of each employee so they can respect each other and communicate openly. We
also aim to create a work environment where employees can speak and share without hesitation to prevent and
resolve any problems. In fiscal 2020, we held workshops to improve psychological safety on a companywide
basis.
(2) Improvement of mental health literacy
We endeavor to educate and raise awareness about mental health. Each year, we conduct a survey of our
employees on their current situation and implement measures to resolve issues.
Health management
In cooperation with the health insurance association (“collaboration health”), Astellas is promoting employee health
improvement and disease prevention.
(1) Promoting health examinations
We maintain a regular health examination attendance rate of 100% and also work to ensure employees receive
secondary health examinations. In cooperation with the health insurance association, we also endeavor to
encourage additional health examinations where necessary.
(2) Supporting specific health guidance
We actively provide support for special health guidance which the health insurance association is required to
provide to individual employees by law to prevent and improve lifestyle diseases.
(3) Measures to tackle health issues
We conduct employee health surveys, and based on the results, we are implementing measures to improve
presenteeism, or sickness presence, from fiscal 2021.
139
Sustainability / Employees / Respect for Human Rights
Groupwide Approach to Emphasize
Human Rights
Clear Commitment to Internationally Recognized Standards
The Astellas Charter of Corporate Conduct and the Astellas Group Code of Conduct clearly states that members
of the Astellas Group shall respect human rights and the personality and individuality of all its employees,
observe all applicable international rules and local regulations, and embrace all cultures and customs. The
recognition of the importance of respecting human rights is shared by Group companies worldwide.
Astellas has disclosed its Position on Human Rights since April 2017. Wherever we operate, Astellas complies
with applicable local labor and employment laws and respects internationally recognized basic human rights and
labor standards, such as the International Bill of Human Rights, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and
Human Rights (UNGPs) and the International Labour Organization's (ILO's) Declaration on Fundamental
Principles and Rights at Work.
Focusing on Five Human Rights Issues
Astellas conducted a human rights impact assessment and has identified five human rights issues to which we
pay particular attention as human rights in clinical trials and other research and development activities, product
safety and counterfeit drugs, Access to Health, human rights in the workplace and human rights in the
community and environment.
Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
Moreover, under the U.K. Modern Slavery Act 2015, we publish a Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement for
each fiscal year, describing what steps we have taken to address this risk in our own operations or our supply
chains.
System for Swiftly Responding to Issues
We have established a system for swiftly responding to human rights issues that includes the setting up of
external and internal hotlines, as well as conducting training sessions for employees. In June and July 2019,
Astellas conducted the Global Ethics & Compliance 2019 Employee Survey to better understand the Astellas
140
culture and behaviors covering a speak up culture which includes human rights and fair labor matters and
identify potential areas for enhancement concerning operational excellence and potential compliance risks. In
the year ended March 2021, there were no critical human rights issues or other issues of common, worldwide
concern reported in the survey.
141
Sustainability / Social Contribution Activities
Contributing to the Sustainability of Society
through Social Contributions
Enhancing Our Sustainability by Earning the Trust from Society
Astellas’ raison d'être is to contribute toward improving the health of people around the world through the
provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products. Our company Charter of Corporate Conduct further
states that as good corporate citizens, we shall actively engage in charitable and other activities that benefit
society. Astellas believes that we need to enhance our sustainability through earning trust from society for both
Astellas and our products.
142
Focusing Our Resources on Three Areas
Astellas aims to conduct all of our activities strategically to ensure they create sustainable, long-term benefit for
our patients and communities around the world. Astellas will utilize our resources (e.g., people, skills, expertise)
to implement our social contributions effectively.
Based on the relevance to Astellas’ core business and societal expectation of Astellas, we will focus our
resources for social contribution in three areas listed below in order of priority.
1st priority: Addressing Access to Health issues*
2nd priority: Advancement of Medical Sciences
3rd priority: Philanthropy/Community Development
*Access to Health issues: In the global healthcare environment, there still remain barriers for many people who have difficulty accessing the
healthcare they need due to the lack of available treatments, poverty, healthcare system challenges and insufficient healthcare information. Astellas
refers to these problems as Access to Health issues.
The following key activities are conducted in fiscal 2020.
• Research Activities on Tuberculosis and Malaria
• Research Activities on NTDs
• Development of Pediatric Formulation for Schistosomiasis
•
Patient Support called Star Light Partner
• Changing Tomorrow Day
•
•
AECEP Overseas Volunteer Program
Astellas Foundation
Related Links
AECEP Overseas Volunteer Program
Supporting Patients and Their Families
Astellas Foundation
Changing Tomorrow Day
143
Sustainability / Social Contribution Activities / AECEP Overseas Volunteer Program
Working with Local Enterprises and
NGOs to Address Social Issues in
Emerging Countries
A Program Drawing on Employees’ Expertise, Skills and Experience
Astellas has run a social contribution program called the Astellas Emerging Countries Empowerment Program
(AECEP) since fiscal 2016.
The AECEP is a program that allows Astellas employees to utilize individual specialist expertise, skills and
experience to help address societal issues in emerging countries in partnership with local enterprises and non-
governmental organizations (NGO). After completing a 1.5-month preparation period, employees volunteering as
AECEP participants are assigned for a limited period of 3.5 months to work at a partner enterprise or NGO
engaged in projects to develop solutions benefiting society in emerging countries.
Partners are selected from among local enterprises and NGOs involved in addressing medical, health and safety
issues or environmental problems. Gaining a valuable learning experience through the cooperation of committed
leaders and community members when addressing local social issues, participants can also contribute to
building and improving partners’ systems by leveraging their personal experience and abilities to help maximize
the effectiveness of their activities. The reciprocal and equal nature of this relationship is the key characteristic of
the AECEP in terms of contributing to society.
Supporting Emerging Countries Even amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
In the fiscal year ended March 31,2021, the fifth year of AECEP, we had selected two participants and were
preparing to deliver the program. However, the COVID-19 pandemic made it impossible to send employees to
emerging countries in person. Astellas considered the support it could provide to emerging countries despite the
pandemic and began providing an organization with support remotely, keeping employees in Japan.
The organization we supported rents buffalos from local farmers in Laos to produce and sell dairy products such
144
as cheese. The organization not only alleviates poverty among the local farmers by paying them rent but also
uses the profit generated from sales to employ local staff and improve nutrition in rural villages. However, the
COVID19-pandemic caused a dramatic decline in the number of visitors to their farm and dealt a severe blow to
sales of dairy products. Given the difficulty of continuing to operate under these circumstances, the organization
was developing new sales channels and was considering exporting the buffalo cheese to Japan. The two
participants held online meetings with the organization and thought about ways they could support the
organization remotely from Japan. They developed sales channels for the buffalo cheese, planned events to
raise the organization’s profile, and supported the organization’s activities.
Conducting AECEP activities remotely, the participants had a lot of discussions with members of various
organizations, exploring their potential and gaining valuable experience in actioning the desire to use their skills
to contribute to society. Activities like these are also tremendously significant in terms of developing human
resources within Astellas.
Developing Human Resources Who “Embrace Change and Challenge”
In its HR Vision, Astellas lists “Embrace Change and Challenge” as a desirable quality in “Our People.” Moving
forward, we will continue working with stakeholders to solve social issues around the world.
Astellas’ employees (bottom left and top right) working with an organization in Laos on events to raise recognition
145
Sustainability / Social Contribution Activities / Supporting Patients and Their Families
Lighting the Path to “Patient Organization
Self-Reliance and Independence” as a
Good Partner
Starlight Partner Activities (Patient Organization Support Activities)
While our raison d'être is to contribute to improving the health of people around the world through the provision
of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products, patient’s lives differ and sometimes, there are many
problems which cannot be solved through healthcare alone. We believe it is important for us to conduct social
contribution activities given that our main purpose is to provide innovative medicines and therapies as a
pharmaceutical company, and we engage in patient association assistance (Starlight Partner) to support patients
and their families. Harnessing the light of Astellas’ flying star*, we aim to be a good partner to patients and their
families, lighting the way to the self-reliance and independent development of patient associations.
* “Astellas” expresses the idea of “aspired stars” and “advanced stars” based on the Latin “stella,” Greek “aster,” and English “stellar,” which all refer
to “stars.” This expression also corresponds to the Japanese expression “Asu wo terasu” (shine a light on tomorrow). This name conveys our
aspiration to bring hope for tomorrow to all people desiring health through the provision of cutting-edge pharmaceutical products and to thrive as a
global pharmaceutical company with a commitment to research and development.
Basic Policy for Starlight Partner Activities
1) We promote Starlight Partner activities (patient organization support activities) that align with the «1st
priority of access to health: Addressing Access to Health Issues ~ Support for patients and their family
members » among the «Priority areas of Astellas’ Domestic Social Contribution Activities.»
2) We conduct activities that we can commit to as a pharmaceutical company, in principle, and encourage the
sustainable development of patient organizations by providing them with support that enables them to
demonstrate self-reliance and autonomy.
3) We have established an advisory board comprising of experts to advise on the implementation of these
activities, ensure fairness and transparency, and make sure activities reflect and anticipate the needs of patient
146
organizations, and we will regularly review our activities.
4) We make information about these activities internally and publicly available to ensure transparency.
Support Provided through Starlight Partner Activities in FY2020
Donations to patient organizations
Astellas donated 3,260,000 yen to 16 organizations.
Briefing sessions and exchange meetings
The sessions and meetings (held online) were attended by members of patient organizations, including patients/
family members of patients.
Patient Expert Program
Astellas runs “Patient Expert Program” to help patient organizations develop leaders. In FY2020, Astellas paid
for members of nine organizations to take part in training provided by an outside organization.
Training support for the implementation of online activities
(Available in FY2020 only as a COVID-19 support measure)
Astellas supported members from seven organizations to take part in seminars on using ZOOM provided by an
outside organization.
Provision of event materials
Astellas donated stationary (270 pens, 120 plastic folders, 270 notebooks) for events to five organizations.
147
Sustainability / Social Contribution Activities / Astellas Foundation
Supporting Activities That Make a
Sustainable Impact on the Health of People
Around the World
Astellas Global Health Foundation
The Astellas Global Health Foundation (AGHF) is an international philanthropic organization dedicated on
supporting three key areas, improving access to health, building resilient communities, and providing disaster
preparedness support in underserved global communities in order to make a sustainable impact on the health of
people around the world and build toward “One World, A Healthier Tomorrow.
As improving access to health, the AGHF is focused on providing grants to strengthen health infrastructure as
well as enhance availability and accessibility of healthcare for mental health, neglected tropical and
communicable diseases, and children’s health to help make a positive long-term impact on the world’s most
vulnerable populations.
The AGHF primarily funds initiatives to support the most underserved communities in low- and middle-income
countries where Astellas does not have a business presence.
For responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, in April 2020, the AGHF opened a request for proposal process,
soliciting invited organizations to apply for funding to aid in the fight against COVID-19.
The AGHF has provided a combined $2 million in new and redirected emergency relief focused on improved
healthcare infrastructure, and COVID-19 training and education leading to an improvement of more than
725,000 lives in Kenya, Dominican Republic, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ghana,
Ethiopia and Nigeria. The funding addresses the urgent needs of partners seeking to prevent the immediate
spread and combat the long-term effects of COVID-19 in particularly vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities.
To learn more about the AGHF please visit https://www.astellasglobalhealthfoundation.org/
148
Astellas Foundation for Research on Metabolic Disorders
The Astellas Foundation for Research on Metabolic Disorders (AFRMD), established in 1969, contributes to
public health, medical progress, and development of therapeutic drugs.
The AFRMD contributes to medical and life sciences through the awarding of grants for the research initiatives
which will open up the next generation, as well as the discovery and nurturing of brilliant young talent and
support for researchers by providing training and an opportunity to study abroad.
In fiscal 2020, the Foundation has used it to subsidize COVID-19 related research in the research funding
applications for FY2020. Further, the foundation has awarded funding to researchers who have been
economically affected by COVID-19 participating in studying abroad program supported by the foundation.
To learn more about the AFRMD, please visit https://astellas-swift.secure.force.com/byoutai/
*The AGHF and the AFRMD are independent organizations from Astellas.
149
Sustainability / Social Contribution Activities / Changing Tomorrow Day
Contributing to Society Through
Groupwide Volunteer Activities
Changing Tomorrow Day 2020
Astellas encourages group employees around the world to conduct a diverse range of volunteer activities that
promote healthcare and maintain the environment as part of Changing Tomorrow Day, thereby contributing to
their local communities.
In the year ended March 2021, the world was impacted by COVID-19, but the Company conducted various
activities such as virtual volunteer events or innovative activities in each region focusing on taking care of
employees’ health. More than 3900 Astellas group employees participated in Changing Tomorrow Day 2020.
Changing Tomorrow Day Data for the year ended March 2021
Region
Participants
Volunteering
Number of
Number of
Established Markets*¹
Greater China*²
International Markets*³
Japan
United States
Total
421
165
270
1,688
1,400
3,944
*1 Established Markets: Europe, Canada, Australia.
*2 Greater China: China, Hong Kong, Taiwan.
hours
752
2,081
490
1,244
6,000
10,567
locations
countries
56
5
5
71
1
138
12
1
4
1
1
19
*3 International Markets: Russia, Latin America, Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Korea.
150
Feedback from Volunteers
“Every activity deeply felt the company’s active investment in CSR. In every event, I am proud of being an
employee of Astellas”
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