On May 29, 2020 Rakuten Medical, Inc. (Rakuten Medical), a global biotechnology company developing precision, cell-targeting investigational therapies on its Illuminox technology platform, reported that established a strategic cancer research alliance network, the Illuminox Alliance Institutes (IAI), in order to advance the development of new cancer therapies (Press release, Rakuten Medical, MAY 29, 2020, View Source [SID1234558737]). The National Cancer Center Japan (NCC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to become the first institution to join the IAI network. Rakuten Medical will expand the IAI network to include premier cancer centers from around the world.

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NCC is currently conducting clinical trials with ASP-1929, Rakuten Medical’s first investigational drug developed on the Illuminox platform. Under the signed MOU, NCC and Rakuten Medical will pursue multiple avenues to advance Illuminox-based cancer therapies. NCC will designate a lead principal who will act as an Illuminox Advisor. The Illuminox Advisor will, based on their expertise, actively participate in various research plans and Advisory board meetings, support identification of additional investigators from the IAI and assist with education and training related to the use of Illuminox platform therapies.

Hiroshi Mikitani, Chairman and CEO of Rakuten Medical, remarked, "There are no international borders in the mission to conquer cancer. Through the Illuminox Alliance, we attempt to advance novel cancer therapies with speed and agility to provide options to patients in need."