A Japanese national and executive at the Chinese division of Tokyo-based Astellas Pharma Inc. (TYO: 4503) has been arrested by China’s state security bureau on suspicion of espionage. The specific details of the alleged charges have not been disclosed to the public. The arrest was initially reported by Japanese media outlet NHK World-Japan and subsequently confirmed by representatives from Astellas’ China unit.
Background on Astellas Pharma
Astellas Pharma, one of Japan’s top-five pharmaceutical companies and the largest Japanese pharmaceutical operation in the China market, was established in April 2005 through the merger of Yamanouchi Pharmaceutical Co Ltd and Fujisawa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. The company has a significant global presence, with its China unit playing a crucial role in its international expansion.
Astellas’ China Operations and Recent Leadership Changes
The China unit of Astellas, established in Beijing in 1994, operates a manufacturing plant in Shenyang and has branches in several major Chinese cities, including Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Shanghai. On March 23, Astellas’ China unit underwent a significant leadership reshuffle, with former chairman Hamaguchi Hiroshi being replaced by Yoshiyuki Harada. This change in leadership was accompanied by other supervisory and directorial shifts within the unit.-Fineline Info & Tech
