Evopoint and Kaken also ring in the new year with multiple deals. Biocytogen licenses antibodies against a specified target derived from its RenMice platform technology to Hansoh Pharma.

The latest batch of new drug approvals in Japan includes several products receiving their first marketing clearances globally, notably a new oral competitor to a blockbuster ulcerative colitis drug and a high-need therapy for the rare disease ASMD.

Takeda pursues RNA-targeting R&D with Evotec and Anima, looks into liver disease with Genevant. Plus deals involving Kyowa Kirin/Twist, Bright Peak/Ajinimoto & Torii/Verrica.