Catalys Pacific Adds Experienced Pharmaceutical Executive as Advisor
Catalys Pacific announced that Mr. Masato Iwasaki has joined the team as Advisor. He will contribute to creating new biotechnology companies and advising portfolio companies toward further growth and development.
Masato has extensive experience in pharmaceuticals ranging from the launch and growth of multiple pharmaceutical products in Japan to the strategic globalization of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company. Prior to joining Catalys Pacific, he was a Representative Director of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company since 2021. He also served as Board Member and President of the Japan Pharmaceutical Business Unit from 2012 to 2021, and Corporate Officer of Strategic Product Planning from 2010 to 2012.
Masato has played significant roles in the growth and global expansion of Takeda through a series of strategic acquisitions, including Syrrx, Millennium, Nycomed, and Shire since his appointment in Strategic Product Planning in 2004. In addition to his involvement in acquisitions, Masato led strategic alliances, driving organic growth and successfully launching multiple blockbuster products. During 2011, his tenure as a Head of Chief Medical & Scientific Officer (CMSO) Office which he established, he also played an instrumental role in transforming Takeda’s R&D organization and organizing its pipeline. Masato has obtained profound insights into the complexities of the Japanese local landscape through his previous roles as Project Leader of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Franchise and Vice Chairman of the Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association from 2018 to 2022.
Since 2022, Masato has been an External Board Member of JSR Corporation, a company specialized in semiconductor and digital solutions. Additionally, he serves as Senior Executive Fellow of Industrial Growth Platform, Inc. and Executive Advisor of Institute for New Era Strategy, engaging in discussions on future healthcare strategies.
Masato received his M.S. in Pharmaceutical Science from Tokyo University of Pharmacy and a Life Science and PhD in Medical Science from Juntendo University.
“We are delighted to welcome Masato to our team. Masato’s broad and depth expertise in Japanese global pharmaceutical companies will significantly contribute to realizing our vision, improving patient lives worldwide and contributing to advancements in life sciences through supporting creation of new biotech companies.” said BT Slingsby, Founder & Managing Director of Catalys Pacific.
“I believe transpacific partnership between pharmaceutical companies, biotechs and venture capital firms such as Catalys Pacific is crucial to fostering life science innovation for worldwide patients suffering from disease with unmet medical needs. I am looking forward to working with Catalys Pacific to contribute my experience toward improving patient lives through supporting the creation of new biotechs and empowering them for further growth.” said Masato.
About Catalys Pacific
Catalys Pacific is an independent venture capital firm focusing on early-stage investments in life sciences. The firm’s mission is improving patient lives worldwide by driving impact and innovation in healthcare and contributing to advancements in life sciences. Founded in 2019, the firm acts as a trusted regional partner, building companies and catalyzing transpacific partnerships to fulfill its mission. The Catalys Pacific team is based in Tokyo, Japan and San Francisco, California.
Learn more at CatalysPacific.com.