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Osaka University and Otsuka Agree Comprehensive Collaboration:
Joint Research Project with Immunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC)
Osaka University and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Otsuka) today announce the signing of acomprehensive collaboration agreement for advanced research in immunology between the Osaka
University Immunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC) and Otsuka. This agreement allows researchers
at IFReC to focus on original basic research areas and, with Otsuka, to develop innovative new treatments
therefore contributing back to society with the results of their advanced immunology research.
IFReC was selected for the World Premier International Research Center (WPI) Initiative Program initiatedby the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) in 2007 and launched at
Osaka University in October of the same year as a research center in immunology. Led by Director Shizuo
Akira, an eminent immunologist, IFReC brings together around 170 of the world’s leading investigators inthe fields of immunology, live imaging and bioinformatics from Japan and across the world to conduct
innovative immunological research. The center provides an international environment coupled withexcellent research facilities, making it possible to pursue leading-edge research. IFReC researchers publish
in internationally renowned academic journals to high acclaim including the award of several prestigious
international prizes.
Guided by our corporate philosophy, Otsuka-people creating
new products for better health worldwide, Otsuka iscommitted to improving the health and well-being of patientsand consumers through "treating diseases" and "promoting
daily health". As a total healthcare company, Otsuka
continues to focus on creating creative and innovative
products. In order to address unmet needs in medicine, wefocus our research on central nervous system disorders andoncology, and also develop treatments in cardiovascular,
infectious, ophthalmological, and dermatological disease fields.

< Osaka University IFReC >According to the agreement, Otsuka will have access to information regarding results of independent basic
research projects at IFReC. Although Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., which signed a prior agreement has
the right of first refusal on joint research projects and intellectual property. Otsuka can discuss future joint
research with IFReC, and receive disclosure about future patent rights in immunology from Osaka
University. As part of this agreement, Otsuka will contribute to the research activity expenses of IFReC fora period of 10 years.

【Outline of the comprehensive collaboration agreement】
Period: April 2017 to March 2027
Purpose: To benefit society through the further advancement of the basic immunology research at IFReC
as well as contributing through the creation of innovative novel drugs with the cooperation of Otsuka
Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

【Collaboration scheme】
1. IFReC researchers will continue their academic research without restriction.
2. Research outcomes of independent research projects that IFReC is engaged in will be regularly
disclosed to Otsuka.
3. Otsuka will select research projects for joint research on the basis of these reports.
4. IFReC researchers will engage in joint research with Otsuka.

Inquiries
Osaka University
University-Industry Collaboration Division
Office for University-Industry Collaboration
Tel: +81-6-6879-4200, Fax: +81-6-6879-4204
URL：http://www.osaka-u.ac.jp/en/index.htmlImmunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC)
Tel: +81-6-6879-4929, Fax: +81-6-6879-4272
URL：http://www.ifrec.osaka-u.ac.jp/en/Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Tel: +81-3-6361-7379, Fax: +81-3-6717-1479
e-mail:pr-pharma@otsuka.jp
URL：http://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/index.php