Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Overview

Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. is a Japanese specialty pharmaceutical company specializing in oncology, allergy and immunology, and urology. The company is committed to improving human health and contributing to a society enriched by smiles. In 2016, Taiho Pharmaceutical established Taiho Ventures, LLC, a corporate venture capital arm based in California, USA, with an initial investment pool of $50 million. This initiative aims to invest globally in start-up companies that discover and develop innovative therapeutic products and drug-enabling platform technologies, primarily in the oncology field. Since its inception, Taiho Ventures has expanded its investment pool to $400 million and has built a portfolio of over 25 companies, including Arcus Biosciences, Cullinan Pearl, Dren Bio, Orna Therapeutics, and Werewolf Therapeutics. In 2019, Taiho Pharmaceutical also established Taiho Innovations, LLC, a corporate venture capital firm based in Tokyo, Japan, focusing on investments in healthcare start-ups in the fields of therapeutics and consumer healthcare. Taiho Innovations aims to foster co-creation from the early stages, including those prior to the establishment of new biotech start-ups. Through these corporate venture capital firms, Taiho Pharmaceutical actively invests in and supports biotech start-ups and academic entrepreneurs developing unique seeds and innovative drug discovery technologies worldwide. The company's investment strategy includes gaining early access to cutting-edge drug discovery technologies and assets, driving drug discovery through business alliances and open innovation via investments, and supporting the establishment of biotech start-ups based on basic research at universities. Taiho Pharmaceutical's commitment to open innovation is further demonstrated by its selection as a certified venture capital firm under the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development's Strengthening Program for Pharmaceutical Startup Ecosystem in April 2024. This program supports pharmaceutical start-ups for development and commercialization, provided they secure funding from venture capital firms specializing in drug development and offering hands-on business management and commercialization support. Through these initiatives, Taiho Pharmaceutical continues to enhance its drug discovery capabilities and contribute to the development of innovative therapies for patients worldwide.

Investment Focus

• Innovative therapeutic products
• Drug-enabling platform technologies
• Oncology focus
• Early-stage companies
• Global reach

Portfolio Companies