From Hamamatsu to the World: Building an Innovative Drug Discovery Ecosystem for the Future of Healthcare

TOKYO, Japan — On Friday, November 21, 2025 — National University Corporation Hamamatsu University School of Medicine (Location: Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture; President: Hiroshi Watanabe; hereinafter “HUSM”) and CMIC Holdings Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Kazuo Nakamura; hereinafter “CMIC”) signed a comprehensive partnership agreement to build a globally competitive drug discovery ecosystem.

This collaboration leverages the strengths of both parties to establish an internationally recognized research and development framework based in Hamamatsu City, addressing critical global healthcare challenges.

 

Photo (left): Hiroshi Watanabe, President, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine
Photo (right): Kazuo Nakamura, CEO, CMIC Holdings Co., Ltd.

Background and Purpose of the Agreement

HUSM offers world-class research infrastructure in optical technology and imaging diagnostics, a non-clinical system capable of handling primates, a GMP-compliant medical system, and a strong network with regional healthcare providers. Meanwhile, CMIC Group has extensive experience in pharmaceutical development support, expertise in rare primate disease models, and a proven track record of collaboration with international and domestic pharmaceutical companies.

Through this partnership, the two organizations will aim to establish an innovative drug discovery hub from Japan (Hamamatsu) to the world. By Leveraging this new ecosystem, they will accelerate the development of promising research seeds—primarily from overseas pharmaceutical companies, biotech ventures, and academia—into practical applications, thereby contributing to the practical use of new treatments and solving global healthcare issues as quickly as possible.

In recent years, Japan’s pharmaceutical environment  has fallen behind global clinical trial trends, facing challenges such as “drug loss” and “Japan passing.” By establishing this new drug discovery hub, CMIC and HUSM aim to create new value that advances global healthcare.

 

Key Areas of Collaboration

  1. Building innovative Translational Research
    We aim to dramatically accelerate development speed by integrating non-clinical and clinical trials, combining primate disease models with advanced imaging analysis.
  2. Establishing a Clinical Trial Site Network
    Our goal is to enhance Japan’s attractiveness as a global clinical trial site by creating a flexible collaboration framework tailored to trial characteristics and participant needs.
  3. Utilizing Medical Data
    We will deliver innovative medical solutions efficiently and at an early stage by leveraging medical data accumulated through regional healthcare partnerships.
  4. Open Innovation in Drug Discovery
    To drive continuous innovation in drug discovery, we will promote talent development and facilitate exchange between both parties.

 

■ About Hamamatsu University School of Medicine

Founded in 1974 as the only national medical university in Shizuoka Prefecture, HUSM has produced graduates who have produced as highly skilled physicians, nurses, and healthcare professionals in medical institutions, research organizations, and government agencies worldwide. The university emphasizes humanity and ethics while reforming curricula to deepen professionalism and team-based care, aiming to develop personnel who respect patient autonomy and deliver optimal healthcare. HUSM’s research focuses on addressing unmet medical needs through disease mechanism elucidation and the creation of new diagnostic and therapeutic methods, centered around the Institute for Photomedicine. The hospital plays a core role in regional healthcare, practicing patient-first medicine and providing advanced, safe treatments such as robotic-assisted surgery and hybrid operating rooms, while promoting medical DX. For more information, please visit our website: https://www.hama-med.ac.jp/uni-e/index.html

 

■ About the CMIC Group

CMIC launched Japan’s first CRO (contract research organization) business in 1992, and now provides comprehensive pharmaceutical-related support services, covering the entire process from drug development and manufacturing to sales and marketing. CMIC also assists overseas companies in entering the Japanese market in fields such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical devices, and supports the implementation of clinical trials in Asia as well as drug development and manufacturing in both Japan and the United States. In addition, CMIC offers new healthcare solutions that support individuals and local governments. Building on its extensive experience and track record in providing comprehensive support for the entire pharmaceutical value chain, CMIC aims to expand its PHVC (Personal Health Value Creator) business model, which seeks to “maximize the health value of each individual.” The CMIC Group comprises more than 7,800 employees and 27 group companies worldwide. For more information, please visit our website: https://en.cmicgroup.com/?cl=navi

 

Media Contact

Corporate Communications

CMIC Holdings Co., Ltd.

E-mail: pr@cmic.co.jp