Azuriris is a drug discovery biotech. In addition to advancing our own drug discovery programs, we also support the creation, growth, and management of biotech startups.

1. Drug Discovery Business

Leveraging the management team’s extensive expertise—including research experience at leading pharmaceutical companies, startup management and exit achievements, and venture capital experience—we identify and develop promising seeds originating from academia.
Once a seed is selected, we conduct drug discovery research from exploratory and optimization stages through early clinical development (Phase I/II).
After achieving proof-of-concept, we promote out-licensing to pharmaceutical partners, creating value through upfront payments, development milestones, and royalties.

2. Consulting Business

Drawing on our management team’s scientific and business expertise, we provide industrialization support for academic research as well as founding, management, and operational support for biotech ventures.
Through these activities, we help translate academic and startup innovations into practical applications that benefit society. When a supported project yields a particularly promising seed, Azuriris may consider in-licensing opportunities the assets and/or technologies and advance its own research and development to bring the innovation closer to patients.

Drug Discovery Process

The journey to create a new medicine typically takes more than ten years.
At Azuriris, we leverage innovative seeds originating from academia and pharma to conduct research and development from discovery through early clinical stages (Phase I/II), driving science-based innovation in drug creation.

The drug discovery process consists of the following key stages:

Basic & Exploratory Research (2–3 years)
Researchers identify potential biological targets, validate new therapeutic concepts, and design, synthesize and evaluate many kinds of compounds to deliver a drug candidate.
Preclinical Studies (1.5–3 years)
Before testing in humans, extensive laboratory and animal studies are conducted to assess the safety and pharmacological properties of the candidate compound.
In parallel, formulation research is pursued to establish suitable manufacturing methods and dosage forms and confirm stability profiles.
Clinical Trials (5–7 years)
Clinical studies are carried out in human subjects to confirm the safety and efficacy of the investigational drug.
- Phase I: Safety evaluation and dose setting in healthy volunteers or small patient groups
- Phase II: Preliminary efficacy and safety evaluation in patients
- Phase III: Large-scale trials to confirm efficacy and overall safety
Regulatory Submission & Commercialization (1–2 years)
Comprehensive clinical data are submitted to regulatory authorities for approval. Once approved, the drug is manufactured, distributed, and made available to patients through medical institutions.

Azuriris focuses on the discovery to early clinical stages, and once proof-of-concept in human is achieved, we out-license our programs to pharmaceutical companies.
Revenue is generated through upfront payments, development milestones, and sales-based milestones and royalties.