Company

Dr. Slingsby is Founder & Managing Partner at Catalys Pacific. He served as founding CEO during the creation and incubation of Aculys Pharma. Previous to Catalys Pacific, he founded the GHIT Fund – the world’s first public-private fund focused on the development of new medicines for low- and middle-income countries. Dr. Slingsby graduated from Brown University with honors, earned his MPH and PhD from Kyoto University and the University of Tokyo, and received his MD with honors from the George Washington University; he has authored over 50 peer-reviewed articles and currently serves as Invited Professor at the Graduate School of Medicine of Kyoto University and University of Osaka.

Mr. Takahashi is Managing Partner at Catalys Pacific. Prior to Catalys Pacific, he was an investment banker with Morgan Stanley for 12 years and played a significant role in over 30 distinguished transactions with an enterprise value of over US$15.0 billion. Prior to working for Morgan Stanley, Takeshi worked at Merrill Lynch’s asset management division.Takeshi graduated from Waseda University with a degree in Political Science and Economics, and holds an M.B.A. from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Proficiently bilingual and bicultural.

Nobuo currently serves as Industry Advisor to Catalys Pacific. Prior to joining Catalys, he was Representative Director, President and CEO at Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd. from 2012 to 2018. Thereafter, he served as Representative Director, Chairman and CEO in 2018 and as Director and Chairman in 2019.

As CEO of Kyowa Kirin, he led the development and launch of numerous innovative drugs including mogamulizumab (Potelligent™) and benralizumab (Fasenra™). Nobuo also successfully realized multiple partnerships with Japanese and global pharmaceutical companies along with several M&A transactions of biotech companies outside Japan.

After joining Kyowa Hakko Kogyo in 1976, he led R&D activities of its antibodies. In 2003, he founded BioWa, Inc. in the US in order to license technology related to antibodies, where he served as President and Chief Executive Officer and managed the company. After the inauguration of Kyowa Hakko Kirin, he led the development of various innovative compounds as a global head of R&D.

He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Tokyo and a doctorate degree from Yamaguchi University.

Jay brings 35 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical/biotech and drug delivery industries with his extensive corporate leadership and multiple product successes to his role as Operating Partner. In addition to working for Catalys Pacific, he currently serves as Chairman of The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation and is on the board of directors of Esperion Therapeutics, Inovio Pharmaceuticals, and Craig Hospital.

Prior to his current positions, he joined Versartis as President and CEO in May 2015. In 2018 when Versartis merged with Aravive, he became CEO of the newly formed company until January of 2020 when he retired. He was an Executive Partner at Sofinnova Ventures until May 2015. Previously, he served as President and CEO of NextWave Pharmaceuticals (acquired by Pfizer), Ilypsa (acquired by Amgen), and interim CEO of Relypsa (Ilypsa’s spin-out company, which was acquired by Galencia). He has participated in or led over 16 product launches by preparing markets and establishing sales and marketing operations, having served as Vice President of Commercial Operations at Telik and Alza Pharmaceuticals (acquired by Johnson & Johnson).

He holds a B.S. in business administration from the University of Arizona.

Ken Haas has spent 30 years in the management of both early-stage and public high technology and biotechnology companies. He has been with Abingworth since 2004 and currently serves as Partner.

He was part of the founding management team at IntelliGenetics, one of the world’s first bioinformatics companies and, from 1992 to 2001, was CEO of IntelliCorp, a publicly-traded enterprise software company.

At the beginning of his career he practised as an attorney in the business and technology group of Heller, Ehrman, White & McAuliffe, and has been Co-Chair of the Advisory Council to the Neuroscience Institute at Stanford.

He received his BA from Harvard College, an MA from the University of Sussex, a JD from Harvard Law School and attended the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.

Mark has spent over 35 years in the pharmaceutical industry in various roles. He has broad experience across many therapeutic categories including cardiovascular, diabetes, infectious diseases, oncology and CNS.

Currently he serves as Chairperson of the Board at Calluna Pharma and AM-Pharma, and is also on the boards of Novaremed, Merz Therapeutics, Aculys, and Alector. Mark was formerly the Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer at Arvelle Therapeutics where he guided the company through its development and eventual acquisition by Angelini. He also held the role of Executive Director on Arvelle’s Board of Directors. Mark was previously President and CEO of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Company in North America and Senior Vice President of Global Commercialization: Oncology and Neuroscience of Bristol-Myers Squibb.

Mark holds an MBA from the Harvard Graduate School of Business and a BA in economics from Middlebury College.

SB Investment Advisers (Vision Fund) Vice President. Started the career at Goldman Sachs Asia Special Situations Group and Principal Strategic Investments, experiencing multi asset class investments. Led a corporate turnaround at SBI Japannext as Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director. Became a founding partner of YCP Holdings Ltd (listed on TSE Mothers in 2021), a strategic consulting company, and led the start up of the company and overseas expansion. Afterwards became Director CEO of ABC Cooking Studio Worldwide Ltd, a retail store chain operator, expanded in 8 countries in Asia. Joined Softbank Group in 2019, making investments in US, India and Japan at Principal Investment Department, then moved to Softbank Investment Advisers (Vision Fund) in 2021.

Shinsuke obtained BA at Hitotsubashi University in 1980. Cultivated management skills in a wide range of fields from large companies to venture business; strong in business management, planning and strategy.

He worked at JCOM, a CATV and media management company, for 14 years where he was involved in planning and developing telecommunication services, served as president of a CATV operating company, and later, from 2018 to 2022, was the statutory auditor of 8 media and entertainment subsidiaries under JCOM.

Prior to that, he was the CFO of a venture company developing software for mobile phones, working on building management system and fundraising.

He started his career in 1980 at NEC, a telecommunication and computer manufacturer. He was consistently involved in international business, including more than 6 years in management of a sales company in Spain.

Obtained BA at Loyola College in USA in 1971 and MBA at Sophia University in Japan in 1975. Also attended Advanced Management Program of Harvard Business School in 1992.

Masao Torii started his career in Nippon Roche K. K., a Japanese affiliate of Swiss pharmaceutical company in 1971 where he assumed increasing responsibilities up to Managing Director.

From 1993 till 2020, he had been President of Japanese affiliates of 4 global pharmaceutical companies, i.e., Rhone-Poulenc Roller, Inc.(French), Schering-Plough K. K.(American), Boehringer Ingelheim Japan (German) and Novartis Holding Japan K. K. (Swiss). He retired from Chairman of Novartis Pharma K.K. in 2021.

Obtained LL.B. in 2002 and LL.M. in 2005 at Keio University in Japan, LL.M. in 2012 at University of California, Los Angeles, School of Law in the United States. Qualified lawyer in Japan (admitted in 2006) and in the New York, United States (admitted in 2013). With Rajah & Tann LLP, Singapore (2012-2013) and seconded to Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. (2013-2014).　Made partner at Mori Hamada & Matsumoto in 2018. Joined GAIEN PARTNERS in 2023.

Yuko is a partner from GAIEN PARTNERS. She is well-versed in advising and representing clients in a wide range of domestic and international disputes, including litigation, arbitration and labor tribunal proceedings. She also regularly advises clients on a range of corporate matters, such as formulation and implementation of internal rules, regulations and systems, and also product liability and personal information matters. Based on her experience at a top Japanese manufacturing company, she communicates and works very closely with clients to find and realize the best solutions for them.

Hidemasa has an outstanding track record and has been a leader in the pharmaceutical sector for over the last 30 years. Hidemasa began his journey with Takeda Pharmaceutical Company in 1992 and held numerous key positions throughout his tenure with the company. After starting his career as a medical rep, he was later involved the successful launch of multiple products. From 2015, he was global lead in Boston for the oncology business strategy. Upon his return to Japan, he served as Sales Director for Specialty Pharma and the Head of Rare Hematology, before assuming the role of President and Representative Director of Nihon Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. in 2021. He then led the Gastrointestinal Disease Business Unit at Takeda. Hidemasa joined Aculys in April 2024 as CEO.

He holds a Bachelor's degree from Faculty of Agriculture in Tokyo University of Agriculture

With over 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Wataru has held various roles in corporate functions, including finance and accounting, corporate planning, HR, and overseas assignments. Prior to joining Aculys, he served as Executive Vice President at Kyowa Kirin. After starting his career at Kyowa Hakko Kogyo, he gained experience in finance, HR, and served in the U.S. as President of Kyowa America. He later held several executive roles, including Executive Officer, Head of Development Planning, Director of General Affairs and Public Relations, and Head of Corporate Strategy Planning. In 2019, he became Executive Vice President and Head of HR, where he contributed to initiatives such as the integration with Kirin Pharma, mid-term business planning, and global expansion.

Wataru holds certification as a Master Coach from the Foundation of Global Life Learning Center, an MBA from the University of Wales, and a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Rikkyo University.

Kikuo brings more than 40 years of experience in CNS drug development. From 2016 to 2019, he served as Head of Patient Safety, and from 2013 to 2016, served as Head of Clinical Development at Novartis. Throughout the tenure (2000-2019) at Novartis, Kikuo also served as Head of Clinical Operations as well as Group manager of CNS Clinical Research. Prior to Novartis, Kikuo served as Group Manager of CNS Clinical Research at Bayer. He graduated from Kyushu University with a degree in biology.

Forrest brings over forty years of biotechnology experience including key Business Development and scientific leadership positions at Travere, Organovo, Bionomics, S*BIO, TargeGen, Elitra, Trega, NPS and Scios. He has negotiated and managed multiple external collaborations and M&A transactions including the sale of TargeGen to Sanofi-Aventis (for fetratinib; Inrebic®), the sale of S*BIO assets (including pacritinib; Vonjo®) and the license to Renalys Pharma, Inc. of commercial rights to Filspari™ in Japan and other Asian countries. He has helped launch numerous entrepreneurial companies through his work with such programs as UCSD CONNECT and the Governor’s Advisory Counsel to the Utah Centers of Excellence Program (COEP).

Forrest holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Harvard University), a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry (University of Utah) and a diploma of graduation from the Executive Program for Scientists and Engineers (UCSD). He is a Certified Licensing Professional (CLP™) and a former NATO Postdoctoral Fellow (McGill University).

Madoka joined Sanofi (Aventis at the time) in 2004 and experienced various functions including Oncology Medical Affairs to manage post-marketing clinical studies/publication, Oncology Marketing, Business Intelligence, and Sales Force Effectiveness. Then she launched a new advanced analytics team focusing on commercial-related analytics, later expanding her scope to omni-channel marketing.

After moving to Novartis in 2019, she was responsible for the overall digital team, covering both omnichannel marketing and digital health solutions where she partnered with non-pharma companies to co-develop solutions for patients as well as caregivers. Believing in the potential of intersection of Digital and Healthcare, she joined Aculys in 2022 aspiring to deliver values to patients and the society leveraging data & digital.

She received bachelor’s degree in Environment and Information studies from Keio University.

Shinichiro brings 18 years’ experience in drug development especially as Project Leader and Regulatory Affairs Manager.

He previously served as Asia Pacific Regional Regulatory Leader at Janssen Pharmaceutical, especially responsible for neuroscience diseases such as Major Depressive Disorder and Multiple Sclerosis (2019-2021).

He developed most of his career in Novartis Pharma Japan. From 2016 to 2019, he served as Group Manager in the Regulatory Affairs Function Department and was responsible for maintaining/obtaining Marketing Authorization Holder, regulatory policy and process improvement. He also served as Regulatory Affairs Compound Responsible from 2013 to 2016 and Project Leader from 2008 to 2013. He worked for more than 30 compounds for these 8 years. Shinichiro also served as Project Manager (2007-2008), Portfolio Manager (2006) as well as Clinical Research Associate (2003-2006) in Novartis Pharma Japan.

He graduated from Graduate School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo Institute of Technology with a master degree in bioengineering.

Junichi brings 26 years’ experience in drug development from planning to operation in various therapeutic areas, such as oncology, cardiology, gynecology, ophthalmology, hematology.

Currently he is leading the clinical operations for Accerise, Chinese Bio-tech company. He is leading the establishment of the clinical operation team by setting up ICCC (In country Clinical Care-taker), forming the Operations Division of Accerise.

Prior to shifting his career to Bio-tech, he worked in clinical development department for Bayer for 25 years. He led the Clinical Trial Team and successfully managed Medical Experts, Data Managers, Statisticians CRAs and CROs and successfully negotiated with regulatory agents through, IND submission, PMDA consultations, NDA submission and registration.

He graduated from Toho University with a degree in molecule biology.

After joining Novartis Pharma K.K. as a new grad, Yasutomo worked in the company’s Safety Information Division; Package Insert Management Group, Regulatory Affairs Division; and Reexamination Division, primarily focusing on pharmacovigilance and post-marketing surveillance operations for ten years.
At the Safety Information Division, Yasutomo was in charge of the central nervous system area, an area which relates to his current work. He was also responsible for preparing and amending package inserts for the primary care, specialty medicines, oncology, and regenerative medicine areas at the Regulatory Affairs Divisions and for a broad range of operations including post-marketing surveillance planning to reexamination applications in the oncology area at the Reexamination Division. During the time, he actively participated in industry-wide initiatives and cross-functional taskforce activities and contributed to numerous achievements with internal and external associates, including authorship of a book.

Graduated Department of Biological Engineering, Graduate School of Basic Engineering, Tokyo University of Science.
A fan of hedgehogs.

Takuya brings 17 years’ commercial experience as Medical representative and Brand manager in various therapeutic area, such as Immunology, Allergy and Respiratory, in Novartis Pharma Japan.

Prior to joining Aculys, he served as a Marketing Group manager, leading the launch of new products and the new indications, as well as team management. Also, in order to meet the unmet medical needs of patients and caregivers, he collaborated with external partners to provide services and solutions which go “beyond the pill”, such as patient support and disease awareness program utilizing digital technology.

He graduated from Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture with a master degree in Bioscience.

Shigeyuki Takakura has a 30-year experience in the pharmaceutical industry as MR, sales manager, and MSL group manager, including team management experience in primarily commercial and medical divisions.

He has contributed to delivering not only pharmacological therapies but also various treatment options and comprehensive medical solutions by proposing them to physicians and paramedicals in a broad range of departments and therapeutic areas including infectious diseases, allergic diseases, oncology, immunology, organ transplantation, rare diseases, and skin diseases.

Before joining ACULYS, Shigeyuki experienced diverse corporate business models and cultures at major North American and European pharmaceutical companies as well as Japanese and Indian pharmaceutical companies, including Schering-Plough, Novartis Pharma, Bioverativ, and Sun Pharma (where he was temporarily seconded to Pola Pharma).

Shigeyuki graduated Shinshu University. Enjoys a variety of hobbies including particularly cars, with current interests in mountain climbing and amateur radio.

With over 10 years of experience in supply chain management, product launch projects, and manufacturing technology, he has worked at companies such as AstraZeneca K.K., BioMarin Pharmaceutical Japan, and Amgen K.K. Since October 2023, he has served as the Head of Supply Chain at Aculys.

He has extensive expertise in contract manufacturing for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), formulation, and packaging, particularly in the rare disease field, where he has been responsible for product launches and related activities.

He holds a Master’s degree from the Graduate School of Fisheries at Kagoshima University.

With a career spanning over 25 years, Tadashi has dedicated himself to maximizing product value throughout the entire lifecycle of pharmaceuticals focusing on pricing, HEOR*, and market access through the following responsibilities:

Pipeline and in-licensing candidates: Planning pricing strategies and estimating NHI price, generating data, and proposing initiatives to secure optimal pricing and expand access.
New drugs: Price negotiation for newly listed drugs, management of various external stakeholders, developing post-launch price assumption and its pricing strategies, and appropriate implementation of NHI price revisions and negotiation with related parties
LLPs: Management for stable supply issues, NHI price negotiation for unprofitable products, succession and termination of products

Graduated Osaka Prefectural University (current Osaka Metropolitan University) and majored in Drug Delivery Systems.

* HEOR: Health Economics and Outcomes Research, NHI: National Health Insurance, LLP: Long listed product

With over 35 years of experience in quality assurance roles across leading healthcare companies such as Teijin, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Abbott, Biogen, and Teva, Tadakatsu have held key positions including General Marketing Supervisor, Head of Quality Assurance, and Biologics Manufacturing Manager. My expertise centers on ensuring, maintaining, and improving product quality through meticulous process management, meeting both market and regulatory requirements before products reach consumers.

He led initiatives to develop and implement quality assurance and management systems in collaboration with companies, clients, and business partners. This includes managing manufacturing processes and systems to ensure quality for products manufactured internationally, as well as building quality at the developmental stage for clinical trial materials prior to commercial quality assurance and control.

He received a master’s degree from the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Okayama University and is a licensed pharmacist.

Tatsuki has been responsible for Business Development at the Strategy Division and have over 15 years of experience in various roles within the pharmaceutical industry. After completing his graduate studies, he joined Nippon Zoki Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. as a researcher, where he gained experience as a Sales Rep and a researcher. Subsequently, he moved to Novartis Pharma K.K., where he worked in the Medical division, handling a wide range of therapeutic areas such as CNS, Immunology and mature products in both the Medical Information and Medical Franchise. After serving as Strategic Assistant to the Head of the Medical, he gained experience in Strategic Planning, Omnichannel Marketing and Digital in the Commercial Execution department. As a managerial role, he also participated in organizational management and internal transforming projects, gaining diverse pharmaceutical business experience, including hands-on operational and management tasks across multiple departments both inside and outside the company.

M.Sc., Kyoto University Graduate School of Biostudies

After joining Novartis Pharma K.K. as a new graduate, he spent 11 years as a Medical Representative (MR) specializing in therapeutic areas such as autoimmune diseases, organ transplants, allergies, and respiratory disorders. He played a key role in launching various new drugs and received multiple sales awards. Focusing on the field of organ transplants, he collaborated with transplant physicians to promote shared decision-making, empowering patients in their treatment choices.

Subsequently, he joined the Sales & Marketing department at BioMarin Pharmaceutical Japan, where he worked with products in the rare disease area. He was involved in the preparation and launch of a new drug for achondroplasia, contributing to the mission of delivering treatments to “As soon as possible, as many people as possible.” Additionally, he supported back-office operations, helping to establish and expand the business of the Japanese branch of this biotech company.

He graduated from the School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (currently the School of Veterinary Medicine) at Kitasato University.

After joining Novartis Pharma K.K. as a new graduate, Masaru worked as a Medical Representative (MR), Brand Manager, and Medical Science Liaison (MSL) across various therapeutic areas, including rare diseases, autoimmune diseases, respiratory diseases, organ transplantation, and cardiovascular diseases, engaging in sales, marketing, and medical activities.

Before joining Aculys, he led the drug indication expansion as a Brand Manager and managed KOLs and pre-launch activities as an MSL, while also participating in long-term strategic planning . By applying his expertise, he has facilitated projects that take into account the realities of the medical field in pursuit of the best possible outcome for the patients.

He received a master's degree in Pharmacy from Hoshi University Graduate School.