TOKYO — Asahi Kasei Pharma said it has strengthened its preclinical drug discovery pipeline through an exclusive global license agreement with Alchemedicine covering a new set of lead compounds targeting autoimmune diseases.
The agreement, executed on Feb. 3, 2026, grants Asahi Kasei Pharma exclusive worldwide rights to research, develop, manufacture, and commercialize the compounds, which are currently in the preclinical stage. The compounds were discovered using Alchemedicine’s HiSAP drug discovery platform and are expected to have potential across multiple autoimmune indications, with final target indications to be determined as development progresses.
The licensing deal follows the companies’ recent announcement that AK1960 has advanced into a Phase 1 clinical study and marks the second collaboration between Asahi Kasei Pharma and Alchemedicine. The new program is separate from the initial license agreement signed in June 2022, reflecting a deepening partnership between the two companies.
“By combining Alchemedicine’s differentiated drug discovery technology with our expertise in drug development, we aim to develop a high-potential therapeutic candidate that addresses unmet medical needs through open innovation,” said Kazunobu Konishi, Ph.D., Senior General Manager of the Pharmaceuticals Research Center at Asahi Kasei Pharma.
Yoshikazu Aoki, President of Asahi Kasei Pharma, said strengthening research capabilities through open innovation remains a strategic priority for the company. He added that the partnership supports the broader Asahi Kasei Group goal of reaching $3 billion in pharmaceutical sales by 2030 through the development of innovative medicines and sustainable growth.
Asahi Kasei said pharmaceuticals remain a core focus within its medium-term management plan, with an emphasis on expanding global research and development activities and leveraging external partnerships to create new therapeutic value.
