As part of a strategic move to expand in major Asian markets, Amgen has formed a strategic alliance with Astellas Pharma that will enable it to re-establish a direct presence in Japan. The two companies will collaborate in the development and commercialisation in Japan of five drugs from Amgen’s pipeline, which range from early to late stages of development. The two companies have also agreed to establish a Tokyo-based joint venture. Amgen exited the Japanese market in 2008 by out-licensing up to 13 pipeline products to Takeda Pharmaceutical.