After joining Yamanouchi Pharmaceutical, Makoto Takeuchi spent approximately 20 years in drug discovery research as a medicinal chemist, contributing to the discovery of treatments including minodronate for osteoporosis and solifenacin for overactive bladder (OAB). After studying at the University of Pennsylvania with Professor Amos B. Smith III, he became Head of the Second Chemistry Laboratory in the Drug Discovery Research Laboratories of the Research Division at Astellas Pharma, which was formed through the merger with Fujisawa Pharmaceutical in 2005. He subsequently served as Head of the Chemistry Research Laboratories, Corporate Executive and Head of Research Promotion in the Research Division, and Head of Research Administration. As Senior Corporate Executive and Head of External Relations, he was responsible for external relations, including research-related activities. He was also broadly involved in industry activities, serving as Chairman of the R&D Committee and Chairman of the Industrial Policy Committee at the Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (JPMA), and as Vice Chairman of the Forum for Innovative Regenerative Medicine (FIRM).

He has served as a part-time lecturer at the Faculties of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Tokyo and the University of Toyama, a seminar lecturer in the Advanced Drug Discovery Science course organized by the Foundation for the Promotion of Pharmaceutical Sciences, a member of the Drug Discovery Support Network Advisory Board, and a member of a self-evaluation verification committee at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST). He currently also serves as a Program Officer for the Program for Creating Innovative Platforms for Medical Research and Development at the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED).

His awards include the 14th Chemistry and Bio Tsukuba Award and the Grand Prize of the 39th Japan Chemical Industry Association Technology Awards.

Makoto completed graduate studies in Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University (now the University of Toyama).