Tokyo-based Daiichi Sankyo has decided to close its Martinsried, Germany-based research subsidiary, U3 Pharma.

Daiichi Sankyo intends to strengthen its global research and development capabilities by increasing efficiency and streamlining processes. Based on that objective, the global R&D capacities have been reviewed and the company has decided to concentrate core research functions of Daiichi Sankyo Group in the future.

U3, which has about 40 employees and is engaged in R&D work on antibody targeting for cancer treatments, will transfer its current research and development tasks to the Biologics Function in Tokyo. Daiichi Sankyo will provide a more detailed update on the impact of the reorganization on its FY2015 business results at a later date.