To accelerate development of innovative pharmaceutical solutions for patients, Daiichi Sankyo has established a structure designed to support rapid research and development activities in the key regions of Japan, the United States, Europe and India. In Tokyo, about 1,500 people are working to expand the company's range of products. In addition, the Daiichi Sankyo Research Institute in Edison, New Jersey, United States, scouts for attractive in-licensing candidates among U.S. biotech companies. In India, the research network has been strengthened by the takeover of Ranbaxy's new drug development facilities.

Global clinical development of new compounds is directed from Edison, New Jersey, United States, where Daiichi Sankyo Pharma Development is located. European clinical development activities are co-ordinated through Daiichi Sankyo Development, located in London. Such important steps in pharmaceutical development as drug metabolism and final medication formulation are carried out in Martinsried and Pfaffenhofen, located near Munich, Germany.

The company also has a key group of scientists in Japan who are continuing clinical development work for the Japanese and Southeast Asian markets. About 560 scientists contribute to the global clinical development projects.

Daiichi Sankyo has established a worldwide research and development network that connects Japan, the United States, Europe and India. The majority of the research and development team is based in Japan at three sites just outside of Tokyo. Members of the team work closely with Daiichi Sankyo Inc. in the United States and Daiichi Sankyo Development Ltd. in Europe. The US-based Daiichi Sankyo Research Institute gathers and assesses information on new therapies and compounds.

The roots of Daiichi Sankyo's European research and development activities run back to 1910, when the pharmaceutical company "Luitpold-Werk" was established in Munich, Germany. More recently, the biotech company U3 Pharma joined Daiichi Sankyo in 2008. The third pillar of European research and development activities at Daiichi Sankyo, clinical development, is located in London, UK.