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## ExplOriNG ThE CSr aCTiviTiES ExpECTEd Of aSTEllaS 

## From your perspectives as external stakeholders, what are your expectations for CSR activities as Astellas pursues CSR-based management? 

dr. aikawa:  More than half of Astellas’ shares are held by foreign shareholders, and the ratio of sales from regions out- side Japan is nearly 50%. These attributes make Astellas a global corporation. Therefore, I believe that Astellas should consider its CSR activities from a global perspective. 

Mr. Goto:  Discussions on global development goals beyond 2015 (Post-2015 Development Goals) are now gathering pace, as 2015 is the final year for achieving the current United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)* 1 . I believe that this new framework will help to shape major global trends over 15 years from 2016. In the course of exploring the direc- tion for CSR at Astellas, the Company should focus on trends surrounding the Post-2015 Development Goals. 

Ms. kuroda:  Even among the themes of the MDGs, it has been quite difficult to achieve goals, specifically in the areas of reducing the child mortality rate and improving maternal health. In the Post-2015 Development Goals, private-sector companies will be expected to fulfill a much larger role. Notably, there will be high hopes for pharmaceutical companies to step in and play a bigger role. 

dr. aikawa:  Looking at this issue from a consumer perspective, the fact is that while consumer feedback about drug problems and side effects is often heard, consumers seldom say that they could not have recovered from an illness without a par- ticular drug because of access to a particular drug. Based on an understanding of the existence of such “silent consumers,” we should give thought to how to go about gathering opinions 

from consumers in a well-balanced manner that considers both the health risks and benefits. Mr. Goto:  Recently, companies have been called upon to step up stakeholder engagement* 2  in their CSR activities. In the course of exploring a com- pany’s long-term strategic direction, companies are expected to reflect the opinions of stakehold- ers in this process. 

Ms. kuroda:  To solve social issues, it will become increasingly crucial for companies to engage and collaborate with various stakeholders, instead of trying to solve social issues on their own. 

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in the course of exploring a company’s long-term strategic direction, companies are expected to reflect the opinions of stakeholders in this process. (Mr. Goto) 

## addrESSiNG uNMET MEdiCal NEEdS 

## How should Astellas work to address unmet medical needs? 

dr. aikawa:  In the case of pharmaceutical companies, the act of supplying drugs to fulfill unmet medical needs is seen in itself as a CSR activity, and will become more closely tied to the viability, sustainability and development of pharmaceutical companies. I believe that pharmaceutical companies are expected to fulfill their social responsibilities by harnessing their strengths and driving innovation. Meanwhile, pharmaceutical companies can also implement CSR initiatives in developing countries, harnessing their strengths through means other than innovation. For example, pharmaceutical companies could expand the indications of existing drugs to treat diseases unique to a developing country. This approach can, in fact, save many lives and could eradicate widespread diseases. I believe that a flexible approach is necessary. Furthermore, I believe that it is crucial for employees to directly participate in CSR activities over the long term on a face-to-face basis, as this will also go a long way toward developing an understanding of local social issues. 

Mr. Goto: I also believe that employee participation is extremely important. Even if a project does not generate profits in the short term, it could help to strengthen the operating base of a company over the long term through the formation of human networks with the local country and its government, and by facilitating monitoring and understanding of market conditions. Companies should implement CSR activities from this type of strategic viewpoint. In the process, the key point will be how much experience and knowledge employees can amass locally on the ground. For example, companies could position 

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