Takeda and the New York Academy of Sciences Announce 2019 Innovators in Science Award Winners

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, (“Takeda”) (TSE:4502) and the New York Academy of Sciences announced today the Winners of the second annual Innovators in Science Award for their commitment to and excellence in regenerative medicine.

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The 2019 Winner of the Senior Scientist Award is Michele De Luca, M.D., Professor of Biochemistry and Director of the Centre for Regenerative Medicine “Stefano Ferrari”, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia in Modena, Italy. Dr. De Luca has dedicated his career in translational medicine to developing stem cell therapies and is a leading authority on human squamous epithelial stem cell biology.

“Breakthroughs in regenerative medicine start with basic science and developmental biology. It’s an honor to be recognized for my research in epithelial stem cells and for my contributions in expanding their therapeutic potential,” said Dr. De Luca. “The award is an urging motivator to continue pursuing this line of research to hopefully turn promising research into real, life-saving therapies.”

The 2019 Winner of the Early-Career Scientist Award is Shruti Naik, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Departments of Pathology, Medicine and Dermatology, NYU School of Medicine in the United States. Dr. Naik studies immune cell, epithelial cell and microbial interactions to inform therapeutic strategies for conditions such as psoriasis, chronic wounds and cancer.

“I’m truly honored to receive this award and to showcase progress in regenerative medicine on a global platform,” said Dr. Naik. “This recognition provides an opportunity to build collaborations with world-leading researchers as we further appreciate the complexities of stem cells and what they mean for regenerative medicine and future therapies.”

The 2019 Winners will be honored at the Innovators in Science Award Ceremony and Symposium in April 2019 in Japan.

“The transformative power of cell therapies will enable a new generation of innovative medicines for patients across a range of diseases, and Takeda is committed to nurturing this advancing area of science both within and outside our four walls,” said Andrew Plump, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical and Scientific Officer for Takeda. “We are proud to honor the work of this year’s Innovators in Science Award Winners, which is driving meaningful advancements in regenerative medicine.”

“Solutions to society’s biggest challenges in medicine will come from those working at the forefront of science,” stated Ellis Rubinstein, President and CEO, the New York Academy of Sciences. “Regenerative medicine offers a new frontier of discovery with unlimited potential to change lives for the better. We’re proud to partner with Takeda for a second year to grant the Innovators in Science Award to early-career and senior scientists, and to recognize pioneers in medical innovation across a variety of fields.”

The Innovators in Science Award, conferred in partnership between Takeda and the New York Academy of Sciences, recognizes and celebrates disruptive and transformative research in areas including: gastroenterology, neuroscience, oncology and regenerative medicine.

About the Innovators in Science Award
The Innovators in Science Award grants two prizes of US $200,000 each year: one to an Early-Career Scientist and the other to a well-established Senior Scientist who have distinguished themselves for the creative thinking and impact of their research. The Innovators in Science Award is a limited submission competition in which research universities, academic institutions, government or non-profit institutions, or equivalent from around the globe with a well-established record of scientific excellence are invited to nominate their most promising Early-Career Scientists and their most outstanding Senior Scientists working in one of four selected therapeutic fields of neuroscience, gastroenterology, oncology, and regenerative medicine. Prize Winners are determined by a panel of judges, independently selected by the New York Academy of Sciences, with expertise in these disciplines. The New York Academy of Sciences administers the Award in partnership with Takeda. For more information please visit the Innovators in Science Award website.

About Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE: 4502) is a global, research and development-driven pharmaceutical company committed to bringing better health and a brighter future to patients by translating science into life-changing medicines. Takeda focuses its R&D efforts on oncology, gastroenterology and neuroscience therapeutic areas plus vaccines. Takeda conducts R&D both internally and with partners to stay at the leading edge of innovation. Innovative products, especially in oncology and gastroenterology, as well as Takeda’s presence in emerging markets, are currently fueling the growth of Takeda. Approximately 30,000 Takeda employees are committed to improving quality of life for patients, working with Takeda’s partners in health care in more than 70 countries.
For more information, visit https://www.takeda.com/newsroom/

About the New York Academy of Sciences
The New York Academy of Sciences is an independent, not-for-profit organization that since 1817 has been committed to advancing science, technology, and society worldwide. With more than 20,000 members in 100 countries around the world, the Academy is creating a global community of science for the benefit of humanity. The Academy's core mission is to advance scientific knowledge, positively impact the major global challenges of society with science-based solutions, and increase the number of scientifically informed individuals in society at large. Please visit us online at www.nyas.org.

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Contact information

The New York Academy of Sciences
Marie Gentile
mgentile@nyas.org

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
Kerry Bryant
kerry.bryant@takeda.com