Chugai Pharmaceutical Opens a North American Hub in New Jersey

On Nov. 20, 2015, Chugai Pharma USA Inc. (CPUSA), a subsidiary of Chugai Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd. (Chugai), announced the opening of its new office, dedicated to translational clinical research, in Berkeley Heights, NJ. The new facility serves as the North American hub for Chugai, a research-based pharmaceutical company headquartered in Tokyo, according to a press release.

CPUSA is focused on early development and, in spring of 2015, established Chugai's Translational Clinical Research Division (TCRD). TCRD is Chugai's first global organization composed of functions in Japan, Europe, and the United States.

Chugai focuses on advancing treatment in oncology, bone and joint diseases, renal diseases, and autoimmune diseases. The company also maintains an alliance with Roche, leveraging its resources to pursue biopharmaceutical, antibody, and molecular-targeted research technologies as well as chemical synthesis technology.

CPUSA currently has the following three ongoing development programs:

• SA237, anti-IL-6 receptor humanized monoclonal antibody applied with recycling antibody technology (Chugai's proprietary antibody engineering technology) for neuromyelitis optica (Phase III)

• CIM331, anti-IL-31 receptor humanized monoclonal antibody for atopic dermatitis (Phase II) 

• PCO371, PTH1 receptor agonist for hypoparathyroidism (Phase I).

Source: Chugai Pharmaceuticals