PeptiStar

PeptiStar is a Japanese Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) specializing in peptide and oligonucleotide Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). It was established on September 1, 2017, as a joint venture by PeptiDream, Inc., Shionogi & Co., Ltd., and Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd. to address the growing demand for middle-molecule drugs like non-standard peptides. The company's current President & CEO is Shinichiro Fujiie, who succeeded Kiichi Kubota and Yutaka Kameyama.

The company operates as a CDMO, providing research, development, and manufacturing services for pharmaceutical clients in Japan and internationally. Its business model focuses on offering comprehensive support throughout a drug's lifecycle, from discovery and process development to supplying materials for clinical trials and commercial launch. PeptiStar serves pharmaceutical companies, startups, and academic institutions engaged in developing new drugs. The company has expanded its initial focus from peptide APIs to include oligonucleotide APIs and Peptide-Drug Conjugates (PDCs).

A key part of PeptiStar's strategy is leveraging open innovation by collaborating with various Japanese companies to integrate advanced technologies into its manufacturing processes. This includes innovations in synthesis, purification, concentration, and drying to enhance production efficiency, reduce costs, and shorten delivery times. The company operates state-of-the-art cGMP manufacturing facilities in Settsu, Osaka, which feature some of the world's largest microwave-based peptide synthesizers and lyophilizers for large-scale production. PeptiStar has received significant funding from various corporate and institutional investors, including a JPY 2.6 billion fundraising round in November 2024 and additional capital from the Development Bank of Japan in April 2025.

Keywords: peptide API manufacturing, oligonucleotide CDMO, contract development manufacturing, non-standard peptides, active pharmaceutical ingredients, cGMP manufacturing, peptide synthesis, drug development services, pharmaceutical supply chain, middle-molecule drugs, Peptide-Drug Conjugates, nucleic acid medicine, clinical trial materials, process development, analytical services, lyophilization, solid-phase peptide synthesis, liquid-phase peptide synthesis, joint venture, PeptiDream