Associate Professor Makoto Yamagishi of the Graduate School of Frontier Sciences at the University of Tokyo has received the Prime Minister’s Award at the 8th Japan Medical Research and Development Grand Prize. The award recognizes his pioneering research on cancer therapies targeting EZH1/2 epigenetic regulation, conducted in collaboration with Daiichi Sankyo (TSE: 4568).

Established in fiscal 2017, the Japan Medical Research and Development Grand Prize honors achievements that greatly advance medical research and development and aims to foster public understanding and interest in the medical field while motivating researchers. The Prime Minister’s Award, the highest accolade, is presented to a single project demonstrating exceptionally significant contributions.

This year’s award acknowledges Associate Professor Yamagishi’s groundbreaking research demonstrating that epigenetic abnormalities—specifically excessive methylation of histones by the histone methyltransferases EZH1 and EZH2—play a critical role in the onset and progression of T-cell lymphomas. The award also recognizes the successful industry–government–academia collaboration that led to Daiichi Sankyo’s development of valemetostat, the world’s first dual EZH1/2 inhibitor (marketed in Japan as EZHARMIA®). Valemetostat has received early approvals in Japan for the treatment of relapsed or refractory adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma and peripheral T-cell lymphoma, contributing to improved patient care. Ongoing research into its application in other cancers and in combination therapies is expected to further expand treatment options.

The award ceremony took place at the Prime Minister’s Office on January 16, 2026, where Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi presented the award.
　　

Comment from Associate Professor Makoto Yamagishi

I am deeply honored to receive this prestigious award together with Daiichi Sankyo. This body of work is the culmination of sustained, meticulous basic research that enabled us to elucidate key aspects of disease mechanisms and translate those insights into the development of a new therapeutic approach. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the patients and study participants and their families who have supported our research and clinical trials over many years; to the mentors who have guided us; to our domestic and international collaborators and clinicians; to the members of my laboratory and the students who have advanced this work day by day; and to the many partners across academia, industry, and government whose continued support made this achievement possible. I also wish to take this opportunity to thank my family for their unwavering support. Encouraged by this recognition, I remain committed to advancing basic research toward overcoming refractory cancers and related diseases.

          

Prime Minister of Japan and His Cabinet Website ＞ Japan Medical Research and Development Grand Prize
https://www.kantei.go.jp/jp/singi/kenkouiryou/suisin/amed/dai8/index.html