Libra-Medicina
Improving the Efficiency of Development Outsourcing

Libra-Medicina (LMed) pioneers the development of innovative drugs and medical devices by providing comprehensive development support services and facilitating licensing activities. The company is driven by the mission of enhancing individuals’ health and elevating their overall quality of life.

The sales and marketing team of LMed has extensive experience in R&D and manufacturing divisions in the life-science-related industry, with 80 percent of them holding PhD degrees. They have been helping clients outsource their projects to CRO/CDMO/OEM (mostly overseas companies) for more than ten years. In particular, regarding R&D/manufacturing of bio-pharmaceuticals like protein drugs, cell therapy products, and gene therapy products, LMed, as an exclusive agent of Mycenax Biotech Inc. in Taiwan, successfully achieved intermediary service of various outsourcing projects.

The company recognizes the pivotal role of early-stage support from CRO/CDMO for bio-venture firms. However, securing such support often poses a considerable challenge. Lmed is proactively collaborating with CRO/CDMO to overcome this hurdle and offer vital support to bio-ventures.

Simultaneously, in the realm of pharmaceuticals, functional foods, and chemical manufacturing via microbial fermentation, clients often encounter challenges in pinpointing the ideal CDMO that aligns with their specific product requirements. LMed addresses this complexity by collaborating with a diverse network of fermentation CDMOs across Taiwan, Korea, the EU, and other regions. This enables it to tailor and match the most fitting CDMO to each client’s unique demands.

LMed’s services in the pharmaceutical realm encompass a wide spectrum, ranging from small-molecule drugs to medium- and macro-molecule drugs. Its offerings extend beyond process development and manufacturing, including a diverse array of analyses such as ADME studies, safety assessments, and clinical studies.

“Our strength particularly lies in bio-pharmaceuticals. In the area, we cover the development of protein drugs, cell therapy drugs, and gene therapy drugs,” says Dr. Kiyofumi Ishikawa, Chief Executive Officer & President, LMed and Ph.D. from The University of Tokyo. “For synthetic drugs, recently, we especially focus on the fields of middle-molecule substances such as peptides and oligonucleotides in addition to payloads of ADCs.”

In the domain of fermentative production, the company accommodates a broad spectrum of requests, ranging from strain improvement initiatives to executing large-scale production, leveraging tanks capable of handling volumes up to 66 tons. Collaborating with trusted partners equipped with certifications like HACCP and HALAL enhances its capabilities. Additionally, certain facilities allow LMed to harness genetically modified microorganisms (GMM) when necessary. Notably, some of its partners are actively engaged in advancing the frontier of precision fermentation techniques, exemplifying the company’s commitment to robust methodologies.

Our strength particularly lies in bio-pharmaceuticals. In the area, we cover the development of protein drugs, cell therapy drugs, and gene therapy drugs

LMed occasionally extends consulting services to clients at no additional cost as part of its outsourcing business. However, it also offers specialized consulting services on a fee basis. “Recently, we provided this service to specific clients engaged in developing ophthalmic instruments or screening systems for anti-cancer drugs at cellular and tissue levels,” says Dr. Keizo Hanada, co-CEO of LMed and Ph.D. from Kitasato University.

“In order to ensure reliability and appropriateness, we always try hard to obtain exact and detailed information on partner companies, especially information on equipment, operation management systems, and audit results of their facilities. This is done not only by checking documents they provide but through on-site verification by our staff,” says Dr. Ishikawa. “We always encourage partner CROs/CDMOs to introduce cutting-edge technologies.”

LMed’s comprehensive capabilities have made it a trusted partner of clients. Its strength lies in the rich knowledge and firsthand experiences of its staff engaged in a variety of projects and, above all, their enthusiasm for the outsourcing and licensing business.