We are working to develop new breakthrough drugs to combat diseases for which currently there are no appropriate therapeutic drugs. To this end, we are conducting venture-like drug discovery research, through which we license out compounds—discovered through internal exploratory research—to highly specialized domestic and overseas companies at early stages of development. To expand our pipeline and incorporate AI and other rapidly evolving digital technologies in our drug discovery methods, we have been pursuing alliances with companies and research institutions that are conducting cutting-edge research in their respective fields.
NC-2800, a δ Opioid Receptor Agonist for depression, anxiety
NC-2800 is a chemical compound with strong potential as an anti-depression and anti-anxiety treatment that the Company discovered through collaborative study with the University of Tsukuba, Kitasato University, and the National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry.
The Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) selected this compound for inclusion under its industry–academia collaboration program in 2015 and, with the agency’s support, we conducted preclinical trials. As a result, the compound received high acclaim for its potential as a therapeutic drug candidate.
In 2018, AMED’s CiCLE project* selected it for public funding and support, which helped facilitate the launch of a phase 1 trial in July 2021.
In June 2021, we concluded a collaborative research and development agreement and an option agreement for NC-2800 with Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd. Thus, Sumitomo Pharma is participating in the CiCLE project as a collaborating institution.
While each year sees more patients with mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety, only about 40% of the patients are satisfied with the treatment they receive using drugs. NC-2800 is expected to be a first-in-class drug with an excellent balance between safety and efficacy, and minimal impact in terms of side effects.
* Development of innovative mood regulators with a mechanism of action based on activating opioid δ receptors; AMED is providing support from March 30, 2018, until March 31, 2028.
NC-2600, a P2X4 Receptor Antagonist for neuropathic pain and chronic cough
In joint research with Kyushu University, we have developed a new drug candidate to treat neuropathic pain. Since FY2012, the Company has been carrying out research and development with the support of the Japan Science and Technology Agency, taken over by AMED in FY2015. With the support of AMED, we completed phase 1 trials in FY2017.
In FY2020, we added chronic cough to the primary indications of the compound. While moving to enhance its value by collaborative research for various indications, we have been conducting out-licensing activities of the compound to domestic and overseas companies.
NC-2500, an XOR Inhibitor for gout, hyperuricemia
It should be noted that current drug therapies for lowering uric acid pose a risk of causing an acute attack of gout, due to the sharp decrease in uric acid levels. However, in NC-2500 phase 1 trials, we confirmed its unique property to lowers blood uric acid levels gradually, suggesting it may rectify this issue. In February this year, we signed a licensing agreement with a Chinese company, which is working to develop the drug in China. (See box below).
In addition, preliminary data indicates that NC-2500 is effective against neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. So we are exploring the possibility of expanding the application of NC-2500 to include such disorders.
NC-2700, a URAT 1 Inhibitor for gout, hyperuricemia
This is a new chemical compound that, unlike NC-2500, promotes the excretion of uric acid from the body by inhibiting the transporter URAT 1, which is responsible for the re-absorption of uric acid by the kidneys.
Non-clinical studies have shown that NC-2700 facilitates the excretion of uric acid and improves aciduria, thereby helping to prevent kidney damage and kidney stones, which are concerns when uric acid is excreted. We seek to out-license the compound to domestic and
overseas companies.
DFP-17729, a Cancer Microenvironment Improving Agent for pancreatic cancer
In March 2020, we concluded a licensing agreement for DFP-17729, with Delta-Fly Pharma.
DFP-17729 is expected to generate groundbreaking therapeutic effects for refractory cancer by alkalizing the acidic environment around tumors, that facilitates cancer growth.
Delta-Fly Pharma is developing this for end-stage pancreatic cancer and completed phase 2 trials in FY2022.
In this study, DFP-17729 was administered together with chemotherapies, and was compared with the use of chemotherapies alone in over-all survival. Data analysis for efficacy and safety is underway to prepare for the next phase of trials.
DFP-14323, an antineoplastic drug for non-small cell lung cancer
Lung cancer is the fourth-most common cancer by site both in men and women.
A National Cancer Center Research Institute survey* shows that, in 2019, some 120,000 cases were diagnosed as lung cancer in Japan. In 2022, lung cancer caused 76,000 deaths in Japan, which is the highest number by site.
In March 2022, we concluded a licensing agreement with Delta-Fly Pharma for DFP-14323. The substance targets epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutationpositive non-small cell lung cancer.
Previous studies have suggested that DFP-14323 strengthens the immune response of cancer patients by binding to aminopeptidase N, which is found on the surface of cancer immunocompetent cells. In this way, the substance reduces the dose required of standard anticancer drugs, and enhances their efficacy without increasing the side effects. That makes DFP-14323 a promising therapeutic agent, especially for late-stage and elderly cancer patients.
Phase 2 trials for EGFR mutation-positive non-small cell lung cancer at stages 3 and 4 have been completed. The results were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting held in June 2022. Preparation to start phase 3 trials is currently underway.
* National Cancer Center Research Institute, Cancer Statistics in Japan 2023.<br /><br />
| Business Development We are interested in any opportunities of collaboration, partnering or licensing of our pipeline products and welcome any proposal on them. If you have any interest in any of our pipeline products, please contact our business development team: bd@chemiphar.co.jp. |
