Catalys Pacific Strengthens Company Creation Team with New Partner
Catalys Pacific announced that Mr. Ryutaro Shimazaki has joined the team as a Partner. Ryutaro will contribute to our inbound strategy to create new biotech companies in Japan and to eliminate the drug lag between Japan and other countries through new drug development.
Previous to Catalys Pacific, he led R&D at Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd. (previously known as Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co., Ltd.) as Executive Officer. During his tenure at the company as Global Head of Nephrology R&D, he led the development and regulatory filings of top-selling medicines including Darbepoetin alfa, Evocalcet, Pegfilgrastim, and Burosumab. Ryutaro has led over 10 product launches in Japan and East Asia. He brings deep experience with PMDA on regulatory strategy and the submission and approval of multiple pharmaceutical products.
Ryutaro graduated from Tokyo University of Science and is a Qualified Pharmacist.
“We are delighted to welcome Ryutaro to our team. We have had the opportunity to work with Ryutaro in prior programs and deeply appreciate his leadership style and professionalism. His expertise in clinical development and regulatory fillings are world-class and essential to our company creation efforts in Japan.” said BT Slingsby, Founder & Managing Director of Catalys Pacific.
“Today Japanese patients face a ‘drug lag’ – lacking access to the most recent innovations available in the US and Europe despite being the world’s third largest pharmaceutical market. Based on the knowledge and experience I have cultivated, I am looking forward to working with Catalys Pacific to contribute to helping patients suffering from disease through bringing and developing new innovative medicines to Japan,” said Ryutaro.
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.