イノベーション研究者メッセージー専門性を掛け算して、未来をつくるー（英語記事）
現代の創薬は、異なる知識や技術、視点を組み合わせる“掛け算”が、新しい解を生み出します。初期探索研究を担うイノベーションセンターでは様々な専門性や経験をもつ研究員が1つのチームとして活動し、さらにチームを超えた連携も盛んです。リーダーとして多様な専門性を束ねるPrincipal Investigatorたちが語ります。
目次
Uniting experts to drive drug discoveries│平田勇樹
Given the complex nature of rare diseases research and development, we at Kyowa Kirin understand firsthand the challenges around drug discovery in this field. This is why Yuuki Hirata, Ph. D, believes that delving deeply into each research area and uniting experts from diverse fields is key to delivering life-changing value.
Yuuki’s team focuses on research in drug discovery, which begins with deep scientific understanding of disease and the identification of seed compounds that serve as the starting points for the new drug. However, these seeds are often imperfect in efficacy or safety, and therefore require advanced chemical synthesis technologies to shape into drug candidates.
To do this, the team designs molecules based on hypotheses and iteratively synthesizes and evaluates them to discover optimal candidates. Close collaboration with biologists and computer scientists is crucial. For complex diseases that are difficult to treat with conventional methods, the team actively pursues the development of innovative technologies and incorporates cutting-edge solutions. Additionally, daily communication with overseas Contract Research Organizations (CROs) and researchers worldwide enriches their collaborative network.
Yuuki’s team is composed of synthetic chemists with expertise capable of handling a wide range of modalities. Furthermore, the team’s strength lies in its synthetic capabilities and well-equipped facilities, enabling them to handle any modality – from antibody conjugates, nucleic acids, peptides, small molecules, to nanoparticles. Experts from various disciplines work together closely, actively collaborating with analytical specialists and in silico design teams. This multidisciplinary synergy drives more innovative drug discovery research.
The team motto is: “Everyone is a star. We respect bold ideas and embrace failure as a path to innovation.” They foster an environment where even young researchers are encouraged to share bold ideas and take on challenges without fear of failure. Additionally, the team aims to uphold Kyowa Kirin’s core values centered on “Commitment to Life,” including Integrity, Innovation, and Teamwork/Wa, as they strive to lead at the forefront of science.
In their daily research activities, specialists in synthesis, analysis, and pharmacology – though often physically separated – overcome barriers through direct communication, resolving complex challenges together. This approach also exemplifies our ‘KABEGOE principles’. Yuuki reflects that after gaining experience as a synthetic chemist and later leading projects, he truly appreciates the joy of collaborative drug discovery.
Yuuki shares: “Drug discovery research is an extremely complex but rewarding field at the cutting edge of science. For me, continuing this work is to remain true to my original ambition of saving patients who are suffering from diseases and supporting their families.”
Yuuki’s journey from synthetic chemist to project leader reflects how varied expertise, collaborative spirit and staying true to the mission of improving patient lives can drive transformative drug discovery. Keep following our LinkedIn page as we introduce more of our outstanding Principal Investigators.
This article was originally published on Kyowa Kirin’s official LinkedIn account on March 10, 2026.
Uniting experts to drive drug discoveries | LinkedIn
Opening new avenues in hematology and stem cell research│高柳晋一郎
Collaboration with colleagues and external partners, as well as bringing together diverse backgrounds and expertise, is key to delivering life-changing value. As Principal Investigator at the Kyowa Kirin Innovation Center, Shin-ichiro Takayanagi embeds this collaborative spirit in both his everyday work and how he leads his team. He leads studies on novel treatments for hematology using modified hematopoietic stem cells or antibody-drug conjugates. He also heads up the Gene & Cell Therapy (GCT) Group at the Bio-pharmaceutical Center, working to strengthen the research infrastructure for cell therapies. With over 20 years of research experience in hematology and stem cell research, Shin-ichiro aims to develop globally competitive pipelines and foster outstanding talent.
Shin-ichiro obtained his Ph. D. degree in genetic marking of hematopoietic stem cells. As a scientist at Kyowa Kirin, he works in drug discovery for immunotherapies targeting leukemic stem cells in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. Acting as a project leader from the exploratory research phase, he has collaborated closely with physician scientists in Kyushu University. Shin-ichiro has enhanced their expertise through overseas research stays in Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, gaining invaluable experience by integrating advanced scientific expertise with frontline clinical insights to tackle challenging diseases. Furthermore, his new research collaboration with Center for iPS Cell Research and Application in Kyoto University enabled him to contribute to pipeline development and technology advancement in cell therapy. Now, he is creating new development pipelines by integrating emerging modalities with disease biology, collaborating with a wide network of internal and external partners. He finds great fulfillment in working alongside young researchers to advance these pipelines toward clinical application.
The research team led by Shin-ichiro excels in investigating disease-related genes using unique technologies. By combining various tools including AI and stem cell technologies, they explore novel therapeutic concepts by targeting the right proteins with right modalities to fulfill the unmet medical needs. Cell therapy, distinct from conventional treatment modalities, has been driven primarily by academia. They place great importance on partnering with physicians who truly understand the diseases, ensuring that innovative therapies reach patients directly. Additionally, by leveraging longstanding relationships within the hematology community, they actively promote industry-academia collaboration and global partnerships, fostering mutually beneficial alliances.
Shin-ichiro states: “My career has been supported by diverse research environments. Reflecting on my journey – through studying diseases and generating candidates, publishing papers, trying to create new business ventures and licensing technologies, I have gained profound insight into the roles and possibilities of pharmaceutical companies in society. Embracing the principle of ‘Patient Centricity’ – a simple yet essential guide for us at Kyowa Kirin – I am dedicated to opening new avenues in hematology and stem cell research and realizing innovative therapies that truly benefit patients.”
Shin-ichiro's leadership ethos and approach to embracing innovative technologies embodies everything we do here at Kyowa Kirin. Stay tuned as we continue our Principal Investigators series.
This article was originally published on Kyowa Kirin’s official LinkedIn account on February 3, 2026.
Opening new avenues in hematology and stem cell research | LinkedIn
Unlocking Drug Discovery through the Power of Digital Technology│藪内隼人
Digital transformation and cross-disciplinary collaboration have increasingly become integral to spearheading innovation in drug discovery. By combining digital capabilities with strengths in focus disease area research and diverse therapeutic modalities, AI and advanced technologies are accelerating the creation of life-changing value in new ways.
Hayato Yabuuchi, Ph.D., Principal Investigator at the Kyowa Kirin Innovation Center and his team are actively engaged in applying and leveraging AI and digital technologies in drug discovery research. Hayato believes that embracing challenges in different specialized fields and respecting and learning from partners with diverse expertise are the key to empowering the team and delivering innovation.
Hayato has been involved in nucleic acid drug research at our company and has taken on challenges in the AI-driven drug discovery field since around 2019. As both fields were relatively new and unexplored at the time, he initially found it challenging to learn new skills and knowledge. However, he now believes that working in unknown and challenging fields has become a great asset to his career.
Within his team, they value the concept of “double majors”- acquiring and developing both experimental technical know-how and digital analytical skills. They also share a strong will to be the best in science. The team values ‘bottom-up' culture, an environment that encourages taking on new challenges, and diverse skillsets – with foundational and technical expertise in multiple modalities, including antibody technology. Importantly, the team has a deep passion for science and biology and a commitment to being first-in-class.
The team actively pursues global collaboration, especially with leading overseas venture companies over many years. They have built strong relationships not only through online meetings, but also face-to-face discussions and specialized on-the-job training. This has enabled them to establish a solid foundation for AI-driven drug discovery research within the company. Learning from the flexible and agile mindset of venture companies has brought significant technological and cultural growth.
Hayato shares: “After earning my Ph.D., I have continued research in the pharmaceutical industry driven by the desire to contribute to society through the power of science. Kyowa Kirin has a corporate culture that values research guided by the philosophy: ‘The Kyowa Kirin Group companies strive to contribute to the health and well-being of people around the world by creating new value through the pursuit of advances in life sciences and technologies.’ The great appeal of Kyowa Kirin lies in the ability to challenge cutting-edge fields and create new value that can change patients’ lives.”
Hayoto’s professional journey and leadership mentality is a great example of how embracing the unknown and respecting diverse perspectives can unlock new possibilities in drug discovery and innovative technologies that can help change patients’ lives.
This article was originally published on Kyowa Kirin’s official LinkedIn account on March 17, 2026.
Unlocking Drug Discovery through the Power of Digital Technology | LinkedIn
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