Pharmaceutical company Astellas Pharma Inc (TSE: 4503) and Osaka University have entered a research collaboration to develop a pluripotent stem cell-derived cartilage organoid cell therapy for intervertebral disc degenerative disease, Astellas Pharma revealed on Monday.

This partnership involves Astellas Institute for Regenerative Medicine (AIRM), Universal Cells (a subsidiary of Astellas), and Osaka University's Graduate School of Medicine.

Universal Cells' Universal Donor Cell (UDC) technology, which reduces immune rejection risks through gene editing of Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA), will be a cornerstone of the project. The collaboration aims to combine the cartilage tissue creation protocol from Professor Noriyuki Tsumaki at Osaka University, UDC technology and AIRM's R&D expertise to create an innovative treatment for disc degeneration.

Astellas Pharma operates in over 70 countries, focusing on developing new drugs for diseases with high unmet medical needs and creating Rx+ healthcare solutions by integrating their expertise with advanced technology.