Astellas has identified neuroscience as a key focus for research and development because of the high unmet needs and tremendous research potential in this therapeutic area. We are committed to neuroscience so that we can continue to make a significant and positive difference in the lives of patients. Our efforts in neuroscience straddle both central nervous system disorders and pain therapeutics.

The Central Nervous System Therapeutic Area focuses on treatments in neurology and psychiatry. These diseases and disorders include a wide variety of unrelated conditions with differing origins, such as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. All of these diseases have serious consequences for the quality of life of millions of patients and their families.

As a global company committed to improving the lives of people around the world with innovative and effective medicines, Astellas is joining the global effort to ease the burden of Alzheimer's disease. "Alzheimer's disease is a devastating condition," notes Dr. Mark Weinberg, global head of Astellas' Central Nervous System Therapeutic Area. "Astellas is working to change tomorrow for the patients and families that suffer with Alzheimer's disease. We are developing some treatments that will improve the symptoms of patients and others that will slow the course or delay the onset of the disease."

Schizophrenia is a similarly destructive condition for patients and their loved ones. Astellas is exploring ways to treat the symptoms of psychosis and cognitive impairment that burden schizophrenic patients. In addition, we are trying to understand more fully the genetic basis of schizophrenia and other psychiatric conditions, which will ultimately lead to new targets and treatments.

The Pain Therapeutic Area is exploring treatments that affect peripheral sensitization, central sensitization and central disinhibition. These therapies will treat many chronic pain conditions, including neuropathic pain, osteoarthritis, chronic back pain, and fibromyalgia. As in other therapeutic areas, we will apply our precision medicine approach to differentiate our products and enhance the likelihood of their success.

Precision Medicine

In all of the key therapeutic areas in which we focus, Astellas aspires to become a leading company in the development of precision medicine. We are moving away from the traditional approach of "one size fits all" (mass medicine) toward "the right drug for the right patient" (precision medicine). Precision medicine means to offer highly effective therapeutic options for precisely defined patient populations based on molecular targeting and precise diagnostics.

To learn more about the progress of Astellas' clinical development projects, visit the "Overview of R&D Pipeline" on the Astellas Pharma Inc. Web site.