Haruta: Second question. I think the primary goal of this first major M&A is to strengthen the
pipeline, but how do you see the chemistry in terms of culture and software? In your earlier explanation, you said that after the acquisition, the business would continue to operate independently for some time. Please tell us how you plan to keep
Deciphera alive with discipline and independence after the merger.
In addition to that, I would appreciate a little explanation of synergies.
Sagara: Deciphera is not a very old company, but I feel that its culture and customs are similar to ours. We are very similar in terms of innovation
and delivering products to niches, and I think we will work well together.
As for synergies, they have a track record of successful development and
testing in the US and Europe and developing sales. Therefore, without integration, the realization of synergies is limited.
So, I dont know when,
but we will integrate them while keeping an eye on the situation. For the time being, as I mentioned earlier, we will proceed without integration, as many of the themes being worked on by each subsidiary have reached their climax. We expect to see
significant synergies when we integrate.
Hashiguchi: I am Hashiguchi from Daiwa Securities. I would like to ask you to explain a little more about
how great the switch control platform is. Perhaps there are companies in the world that are engaged in drug discovery with a similar approach. I would like to know more about the uniqueness of this company.
Also, how many kinases can this technology be applied to? So far, as Mr. Sagara just mentioned, it has been focusing on niche areas, but is there a
possibility for larger markets? Or, even if there is such a possibility, will you continue to target areas where you can easily demonstrate your uniqueness and where not many other companies are doing what you call specialty? I would
like to know about the possibilities for future development.
Tanigawa: We also feel that the switch control platform needs to be examined more
closely. However, on the other hand, they are now producing QINLOCK, Vimseltinib, and three early products on their own, and we feel that they are very productive.
Switch Control is characterized by its high safety and selectivity in that ATP and it does not bind to the substrate-binding moiety. We hope to learn more
about this as we work with Deciphera.
I am sorry, could you please repeat you second question?
Hashiguchi: How many targets are there to which this technology could be applied?
Takino: We will consider that as well. However, as far as the performance of the products or product candidates they have been producing so far, the
expectation is strong that they are a technology platform that can, hypothetically, produce a reasonable output.
Hashiguchi: One more point I
would like to ask about the possibility and timing of cost synergies. Do you mean that since each project is now reaching its climax, you will proceed without integration so as not to reduce the momentum? In other words, in that case, is there a
possibility that once each project has settled down to a certain degree, steps could be taken to develop cost synergies? Or do you not do it until there is an overlap of indications in the pipelines of both companies? How successful do you assume
the future development will be and in which indications? Does this mean that you do not know the time yet? Could you please tell us which is closer to your answer?
Sagara: I have the image that we will see how it goes, integrate, and then synergies will emerge. As for the timing, we would like to make a decision
depending on how the project develops.
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