Daiichi wants to go it alone in search for targeted cancer drugs

Japanese pharmaceutical giant Daiichi Sankyo is setting its sights on advancing the next generation of targeted cancer therapies, and this time, the company may not require a partner to achieve its goals. Daiichi Sankyo, known for its cutting-edge developments in oncology, is rapidly expanding its in-house capabilities, positioning itself to drive future drug innovations independently.

Ken Keller, CEO of Daiichi’s U.S. subsidiary, highlighted the company's growing confidence during an interview at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO). He noted that Daiichi Sankyo now possesses many of the resources and expertise that were lacking just five years ago. This newfound strength raises the threshold for the company to consider bringing in external partners for drug development. "We’re in a place now where we’ve got a lot of the capabilities that we didn’t have five years ago," Keller explained, adding that the need for partnerships is becoming less pressing as the company continues to evolve.

Daiichi Sankyo's success is exemplified by its collaboration with AstraZeneca, particularly in the development of Enhertu, a breast cancer drug that utilizes Daiichi's proprietary antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology platform, DXd. Enhertu has become a breakthrough in cancer treatment, offering a more precise approach by delivering chemotherapy directly to cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. Enhertu’s performance in the global market has been impressive, making it the top-selling ADC globally in 2023.

The DXd platform is at the core of Daiichi's targeted oncology strategy, and the company is working to develop a new wave of ADCs that could potentially revolutionize cancer treatment. These advancements are not only critical for breast cancer but also hold promise for treating other types of cancer.

As Daiichi Sankyo looks to the future, it is clear that the company is becoming increasingly self-sufficient in its quest for innovation. While its collaborations with AstraZeneca have proven fruitful, Daiichi's bolstered internal capabilities signal a shift towards greater independence in drug development. This shift may lead to faster timelines and more direct control over its projects, potentially solidifying its position as a leader in the oncology space.

With the success of Enhertu and its growing expertise, Daiichi Sankyo is well-positioned to push the boundaries of cancer treatment and continue leading the charge in developing the next generation of targeted therapies.