July 2, 2018

Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma and Osaka University
co-found the “Department of Neuro-Medical Science”- Toward the Innovative Drug Discovery for refractory
Neurological Diseases Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation (President & Representative Director, CEO:
Masayuki Mitsuka; Head Office: Chuo-ku, Osaka; hereinafter “Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma”)
and Osaka University (President: Shojiro Nishio; Location: Suita, Osaka) announce that,on July 1, 2018, co-founded the “Department of Neuro-Medical Science” in the Graduate
School of Medicine, Osaka University, to conduct translational research*1 concerning theinnovative drug discovery for refractory neurological diseases.
Neurological disease is one of the therapeutic field looking for disease modifying therapy
urgently although the root causes of diseases are remaining unknown. The newly
established department will research as follows: the pathological evaluation of various
neurological diseases, exploring the target discovery based on above evaluation, evaluationof drug candidates by animal disease models, and search of biomarkers*2 for appropriate
and rapid evaluation of the efficacy of compounds at clinical trials.
The Department will integrate the knowledge and technologies developed by researchersat the Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University as academia, and Mitsubishi Tanabe
Pharma as pharmaceutical industry, and utilize the cutting-edge imaging systems owned
by Osaka University. By so doing, the department will promote research and pursue thenew value creation and innovative drug discovery.
[Department Overview]
Name: Department of Neuro-Medical Science
Location: Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University (Suita, Osaka)
Period of Operation: July 1, 2018 - March 31, 2023
Research Supervisor: Toshihide Yamashita, Professor, Department of Molecular
Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University
We will work hard to ensure that our department’s research will substantiallycontribute to delivering the best possible drugs as quickly as possible to many
patients fighting against neurological diseases.

1/1 Contact Information
Corporate Communications Department, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma
For representatives of the press

TEL: 06-6205-5119

For stock market-related inquiries

TEL: 06-6205-5110

Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University
About research: Professor Toshihide Yamashita, Department of Molecular
Neuroscience

TEL: 06-6879-3661

About press coverage: Public Relations Office

TEL: 06-6879-3388

 Terminology* 1 Translational research
Translational research is an effort to convert academic research findings into
practical applications and apply the results of research using animals to clinicalpatient treatment in a more direct and accurate manner.
* 2 Biomarker
Biomarker refers to the indicators used in the processes of diagnosis, observation,
or treatment for an objective measurement and evaluation of the patient’s physicalcondition. In addition to blood and other biochemical measurements, this term also
includes diagnostic imaging data.
◆Overview of Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma
Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, which was founded in 1678, has its headquarters inDoshomachi, Osaka, which is the birthplace of Japan’s pharmaceutical industry.
With business centered on ethical pharmaceuticals, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma is awell-established company and has the longest history of any listed company inJapan. In accordance with the corporate philosophy of “contributing to the healthierlives of people around the world through the creation of pharmaceuticals,” theCompany formulated the key concept of Open Up the Future under the MediumTerm Management Plan 16-20. Through the discovery of drugs that address unmet
medical needs, centered on its priority disease areas — autoimmune diseases,
diabetes and kidney diseases, central nervous system diseases, and vaccines —Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma will strive to contribute to the health of patients aroundthe world.
For more information, go to https://www.mt-pharma.co.jp/2/3

 About Osaka University
Originating from Kaitokudo and Tekijuku, two places of learning established inOsaka during the Edo period, Osaka University was founded in 1931 as Japan’s sixth
imperial university through strong demand from Osaka citizens and the governmentand business sectors of Osaka.
Currently comprising 11 faculties, 16 graduate schools, and 6 research institutes,
Osaka University continues to develop as a leading comprehensive researchuniversity.
In line with its key concept, “Co-creation” with society, Osaka University conducts
creative activities in cooperation with society with the goal of becoming a “WorldLeading Innovative University Contributing to Social Change” by 2031, when it is tocelebrate the 100th anniversary of its founding.
For more information, go to http://www.osaka-u.ac.jp/en/

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