Hikaru Saito

Partner

2023 - Current

Reponsible for a variery of duties related to Japan strategy and integration into the local ecosystem by connecting with potential partners, investors, and governmental initiatives

Member Board of Directors

2023

Member Board of Directors

2023

Member Board of Directors

2023

Senior Manager, Transaction, Business Development

2022 - 2022

Astellas Pharma Inc., the ultimate parent company of AVM, headquartered in Tokyo, was created on April 1, 2005 through the merger of two Japanese pharmaceutical companies. Astellas is actively engaged in business as an R&D-driven global pharmaceutical company with the business philosophy to “Contribute toward improving the health of people around the world through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products.” With this philosophy, Astellas focuses on highly specialized therapeutic areas (categories) where there is a high degree of unmet medical needs. Triage in-coming opportunities that are brought into Astellas (Research collaboration, Licensing, M&A, out-licensing), negotiate deals, divestiture R&D assets etc

Board Observer

2020 - 2022

Catamaran Bio is developing novel, off-the-shelf CAR-NK cell therapies designed to treat a broad range of cancers, including solid tumors. The company's proprietary capabilities enable it to harness the natural cancer-fighting properties of NK cells and enhance and tailor their effectiveness with the power of synthetic biology and innovative non-viral cell engineering. Catamaran is using its TAILWINDTM Platform, an integrated suite of technologies, to specifically address the end-to-end methods of engineering, processing and manufacturing NK cells and rapidly advance a pipeline of CAR-NK cell therapy programs. The Catamaran team combines experienced biopharmaceutical leadership with founding scientists who are pioneers in NK cell biology, engineering, manufacturing and clinical application. For more information, please visit www.catamaranbio.com.

Board Observer

2020 - 2022

Senior Investment Manager

2017 - 2022

Astellas Venture Management LLC (AVM) is the corporate venture capital organization dedicated to helping Astellas Pharma Inc. to achieve its strategic goals. The venture capital activity of AVM can be traced back to the year 1999. Through its strategic investments in private early-stage companies, the funds aim to forge relationships with Astellas Pharma which may lead to larger collaborations in the future. AVM is able to provide portfolio companies with invaluable advice and assistance.

Board Observer

2019 - 2021

Board Observer

2019 - 2021