Asahi Kasei Pharma has expanded its drug discovery pipeline through an exclusive global licensing agreement with Alchemedicine for novel lead compounds targeting a single, undisclosed mechanism. The agreement, executed on February 3, 2026, builds on the companies’ ongoing collaboration and follows the recent advancement of AK1960 into a Phase I clinical study.

Under the terms of the deal, Asahi Kasei Pharma has secured exclusive worldwide rights to research, develop, manufacture and commercialize the preclinical compounds. The molecules were identified using Alchemedicine’s proprietary HiSAP drug discovery platform and are believed to hold therapeutic potential across multiple autoimmune diseases. Final target indications will be determined by Asahi Kasei Pharma as development progresses.

This marks the second licensing agreement between the two companies, following their initial partnership in June 2022. The newly announced programme is independent of the earlier agreement, signalling a strengthened strategic alignment and continued confidence in the collaboration model.

Company leadership highlighted the role of open innovation in driving pipeline expansion. Senior research executives noted that combining Alchemedicine’s differentiated discovery technologies with Asahi Kasei Pharma’s development capabilities aims to generate high-potential therapeutic candidates addressing unmet medical needs.

The agreement also aligns with Asahi Kasei Pharma’s broader corporate ambition to achieve USD 3 billion in pharmaceutical sales by 2030. Pharmaceuticals are positioned as a First Priority business within the group’s medium-term management strategy, with a focus on global research expansion and value creation through strategic partnerships.

Founded in 1922, Asahi Kasei has evolved from its origins in ammonia and cellulose fiber manufacturing into a diversified global enterprise through continuous portfolio transformation, adapting to changing societal and healthcare needs.