Eisai Co., Ltd., as part of a strategic investment, began construction of a new injection/research building "Eisai Medicine Innovation Technology Solutions" (EMITS) at the Kawashima Industrial Park in Gifu Prefecture, Japan.

The current research building at Kawashima has served as a base for formulation research since its completion in 1980. In recent years, Eisai's drug discovery targets have expanded to include new modalities such as antibodies, antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), and nucleic acid drugs, in addition to conventional small molecule compounds. Most of these new modality formulations are injectable; and greater use of enhanced injection formulation technologies and drug delivery systems (DDSs) is essential.

Eisai will transfer its formulation research function from the current research building, along with enhancing its manufacturing process development function for injection formulations. In addition, Eisai will install a GMP injection manufacturing facility, and is aiming for the in-house manufacturing of investigational injection drugs.

The company also plans to install systems for development of state-of-the-art formulation technology such as liposome and lipid nanoparticle preparations, as well as space for collaborative research with external partners. The completion of the building is scheduled for 2Q FY22.