Nippon Roche Research Center

Nippon Roche Research Center (NRRC) was the primary drug discovery hub for Roche in Japan, located in Kamakura. The center focused on high-throughput screening and lead optimization for various therapeutic areas, including oncology and infectious diseases. In 2002, Roche executed a landmark merger of its Japanese subsidiary, Nippon Roche, with Chugai Pharmaceutical. This transaction resulted in NRRC being integrated into Chugai's research division, where it was renamed the Chugai Kamakura Research Center. The facility is renowned for its contributions to antibody engineering technologies, such as recycling and sweeping antibodies. Today, the legacy of NRRC continues through Chugai's robust pipeline of innovative biologics and small molecules.