Enhancing Innovation Reinforcing drug discovery capabilities and boosting R&D productivity are vital issues for us as we aim to  achieve sustainable growth based on creating a continuous stream of innovative and reliable new drugs. We  have taken a proactive approach, deciding in May 2013 to reshape our research framework and introduce a  new structure for R&D enabling allocation of resources to new therapeutic areas and drug discovery technologies.  Research units for each therapeutic area have been del- egated broader authority and responsibility to identify  potential development candidates in an effort to enhance  the autonomy and agility of each unit. In May 2013, we initiated moves to reshape our research  framework and introduce a new system for R&D, seek- ing to optimize the allocation of R&D resources while  reinforcing our drug discovery capabilities to accelerate  the development of new drugs. These reforms involve reshaping drug discovery  research functions with the aim of constructing a global  research network. We also reinforced our research  management to accelerate the drug discovery process.  Our aim is to construct a global network research  framework based on the principles of Best Science,  Best Talent and Best Place—promoting an open innova- tion approach based on cutting-edge science (Best  Reshaping Our Research Framework Reshaping the Research Framework  Creating a Network Research Framework ConSolidAtion And EnHAnCEMEnt of drug diSCovEry funCtionS PurSuit of nEw tHErAPEutiC ArEAS And nEw drug diSCovEry PlAtforM tECHnologiES inCrEASEd utilizAtion of Cutting-EdgE ExtErnAl SCiEnCE  ACCElErAtion of drug diSCovEry • Reorganization of drug discovery research functions • Creation of a network research framework • Alliances with various partners • Expansion of the activities of the Frontier  Disease Research Unit • Establishment of a Regenerative Medicine Unit • Strengthening of the research management framework • Promotion of “Multi-Track” R&D process • Establishment of Astellas Innovation  Management Astellas Pharma Inc.  _ Annual Report 2014 26