Who we are
Turning complexity into possibility
We are a specialty biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing treatments for complex healthcare challenges. By decoding the science behind rare disease, we create global solutions that have the potential to unlock broader possibilities.
Our process
Our focus on understanding even the most intricate science means we continue to redefine the boundaries of healthcare, delivering innovative therapies to those who need them most. Because we believe that the hope of a better future should include everyone.
Company snapshot
Founded in Japan in 1975, we take pride in doing things differently. Our unique approach has led us to create numerous breakthrough therapies, including the world’s first approved fusion protein that can pass through the blood-brain barrier.
3 worldwide subsidiaries
the USA, Europe and Brazil
First global approval
for a CNS treatment using JCR’s proprietary J-Brain Cargo® blood-brain barrier-penetrating technology
60% of employees
engage in research, development, or biomanufacturing
3 key global partnerships
Alexion, Angelini Pharma and Modalis
Vision and
values
Committed to excellence
We deliver the highest standards for partners, patients and employees.
Forging our own path
Unshackled from convention, we create new solutions no one else can.
Always advancing
We don’t stand still. Our research continuously pushes boundaries to deliver for patients and families.
Putting people first
Our community is our priority. Patients, families and physicians are at the heart of what we do.
Leadership
Senior Executive Directors
Shin Ashida
Representative Director
Chairman, President and CEO
Toru Ashida
Director, Senior Managing Executive Officer, Sales
Executive Director, Sales Division
Hiroyuki Sonoda, Ph.D.
Director, Senior Managing Executive Officer, Research
Executive Director, Research Division
Yoshio Hiyama, Ph.D.
Director, Managing Executive Officer, Quality Assurance
Executive Director, Quality Assurance Division
Andrea Spezzi, M.D., FFPM
Director, Managing Executive Officer,
Development Division
Corporate Officers
Toshihiro Ishikiriyama
Senior Managing Executive Officer, Executive Director, Business Development Division
Junichi Ando
Managing Executive Officer,
Executive Director, Production Division
Yoh Ito
Senior Executive Officer,
Corporate Strategy, Executive Director, Corporate Strategy Division
Yutaka Honda
Senior Executive Officer,
Administration, Executive Director, Administration Division and Director, Human Resources Planning Department
Takayo Egawa
Senior Executive Officer,
Director, International Affairs
Anne Bechet
Senior Executive Officer,
Executive Director, Development Division
JCR Europe B.V. General Manager, JCR Luxembourg S.A. Director, JCR USA Inc. General Manager
Makoto Ashida
Senior Director of Production Division and Director of Production Management Unit
Internal Board Members
Shin Ashida
Representative Director
Chairman, President and CEO
Toru Ashida
Director, Senior Managing Executive Officer, Sales
Executive Director, Sales Division
Hiroyuki Sonoda, Ph.D.
Director, Senior Managing Executive Officer, Research
Executive Director, Research Division
Yoshio Hiyama, Ph.D.
Director, Managing Executive Officer, Quality Assurance
Executive Director, Quality Assurance Division
Andrea Spezzi, M.D., FFPM
Director, Managing Executive Officer,
Development Division
External Board Members
Takashi Suetsuna
Director (Independent/Outside)
Toshihide Yoda
Director (Outside)
Yuko Hayashi, Ph.D.
Director (Independent/Outside)
Yutaka Atomi, M.D., Ph.D.
Director (Independent/Outside)
Philippe Fauchet, OBE
Director (Independent/Outside)
Marc Dunoyer
Director (Outside)
Audit & Supervisory Board Members
Kazumasa Oizumi
Audit & Supervisory Board Member (Active)
Kazuhiko Yamada
Audit & Supervisory Board Member
Kenjiro Miyatake
Audit & Supervisory Board Member
Takeshi Komura
Audit & Supervisory Board Member
Shuichi Tani
Audit & Supervisory Board Member
The big leap
“JCR is making a leap forward to a new stage as a research-oriented specialty pharmaceutical company with global exposure utilizing proprietary biotechnologies, as well as cell therapy, gene therapy and regenerative medicine technologies.”
Shin Ashida
Representative Director Chairman, President and CEO
History
1975
SeptemberThe company was founded in Kobe, Japan
OctoberMikage Plant established in Higashinada-ku, Kobe
1977
AprilResearch Laboratories established in Higashinada-ku, Kobe
1986
JuneSeishin Plant established in northwest Kobe
1993
AprilManufacture of recombinant hGH product, Growject® Inj. 4IU, approved
2000
MayKobe Plant established in northwest Kobe
2003
AugustAlliance established with Osiris Therapeutics, Inc. (USA) for its technology on the use and manufacture of human mesenchymal stem cells
2008
AprilMurotani Plant established in northwest Kobe
2010
JanuaryMarketing approval of “Epoetin Alfa BS Injection [JCR]” obtained in Japan for treatment of renal anemia
2013
MayKobe API Plant established in northwest Kobe
2014
JanuaryCorporate name changed to "JCR Pharmaceuticals"
2015
SeptemberMarketing approval of TEMCELL® HS Inj., the first Allogeneic Regenerative Medicine in Japan
2017
JanuaryGROWJECTOR®L (a motorized digital injector for Growject® injection) launched
SeptemberBusiness and Capital Alliance agreement conducted with MEDIPAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION
2018
JanuaryJCR USA, Inc. established
SeptemberMarketing approval of Agalsidase Beta BS I.V. Infusion JCR for Fabry disease
2019
SeptemberMarketing Approval of “Darbepoetin Alfa BS Injection Syringe [JCR]”, a Long-Acting Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agent
2020
SeptemberJCR DO BRASIL FARMACÊUTICOS IMPORTAÇÃO E EXPORTAÇÃO LTDA. began business activities
2021
JanuaryBioresearch Center has initiated operation in northwest Kobe
MarchMarketing Approval of “IZCARGO®” for mucopolysaccharidosis type II in Japan
2022
SeptemberJCR Europe B.V. began business activities
NovemberKobe Science Park Center established in northwest Kobe
2023
JuneReceived the 48th Inoue Harushige Prize for Therapeutics for lysosomal storage disorders with an original BBB Penetrating Technology, together with William M. Pardridge, M.D., Distinguished Professor Emeritus at UCLA
2023
OctoberJCR announces research collaboration, option and license agreement with Alexion on the discovery of oligonucleotide therapeutics using J-Brain Cargo® technology