TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--R-Tech Ueno (JASDAQ:4573) and Novozymes Biopharma DK A/S (hereinafter referred to as Novozymes) reached a basic agreement today on the supply of recombinant human serum albumin as described below:
(1) Background
R-Tech Ueno has been developing an ophthalmic
solution for the treatment of dry eye that contains recombinant human
serum albumin (R-Tech Ueno development code: RU-10) supplied by
Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation (hereinafter referred to as
Mitsubishi Tanabe) as the active ingredient; however, its development
was discontinued due to dissolution of the license contract with
Mitsubishi Tanabe concerning the development and commercialization in
Japan (see press
release dated August 12, 2010 Japanese Version).
We have been searching a new raw material supplier so that we can restart development of the ophthalmic solution for the treatment of dry eye, and have now reached a basic agreement with Novozymes to supply recombinant human serum albumin (R-Tech Ueno development code: RU-101) to us.
Ophthalmology is one of our major research fields. This basic agreement enables us to restart development of the therapeutic agent, and we plan to actively prepare for the conduct of clinical trials in the United States.
* The R-Tech Ueno development code is changed from RU-10 to RU-101 due to the change in the raw material supplier.
(2) Contract summary
According to the basic agreement, Novozymes
will supply recombinant human serum albumin to R-Tech Ueno.
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(3) Profile of partner |
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| Name | Novozymes Biopharma DK A/S | |
| Address | Krogshoejvej 36, 2880 Bagsvaerd, Denmark | |
| Name of representative | PETER ROSHOLM, Vice President | |
| Parent company |
Novozymes A/S (100%) |
|
| Description of business | Develops and manufactures biological ingredients and technologies for pharmaceutical and medical device organizations | |
| Sales (2010) | DKK9,724 million | |
| Number of employees | Approximately 5,500 | |
(4) Impact on business performance
The contract does not require
amendment of the earnings forecast for the first two quarters
(accumulated and full-year) released on May 13, 2011.
The President of R-Tech Ueno, Yukihiko Mashima, M.D., PhD, said, "I am very pleased about this basic agreement on the supply of recombinant human serum albumin with Novozymes, which is famous for bioinnovation. The market size of dry eye, which is our target, is said to be worth 150 billion yen all over the world, and is one of our major development pipelines. We will promote the development and commercialization of RU-101 eye drops as a therapeutic agent for moderate to severe dry eye, preparing to start clinical trials in the United States as soon as possible, focusing on speedy marketing approval for dry eye patients."
About RU-101
RU-101 is a project that is aimed at the
development of ophthalmic solutions for the treatment of corneal
epithelial diseases including dry eye, focusing on serum component
albumin. Dry eye is a chronic and multifactor ophthalmic disease
characterized by disorders of the lacrimal layer and the eye surface.
R-Tech Ueno has confirmed that serum albumin enhances the production of
mucin, one of the components of tears, in an experiment in conjunctival
epithelial cells, and also has intellectual property rights concerning
the treatment of dry eye with albumin.
About R-Tech
Ueno, Ltd.
R-Tech Ueno, Ltd. is a drug discovery venture
company. It was established in September 1989 for the purpose of R&D,
manufacturing and selling of drugs and offering R&D assistance services.
Under
the leadership of the President, Yukihiko Mashima, who is also a medical
doctor, the company aims at "becoming a global pharmaceutical company
specializing in specific fields and developing and selling
pharmaceutical products through the eyes of doctors" under the theme of
"Physician-Oriented New Drug Innovation."
Targeting
ophthalmologic and dermatologic diseases for which there has been no
effective therapeutic agent, R-Tech Ueno is promoting development of new
drugs in the fields of unmet medical needs, orphan drugs and anti-aging
drugs (lifestyle drugs), which the government recommends and supports.
About Novozymes
Novozymes Biopharma DK A/S is a 100%
subsidiary of Novozymes A/S, which is one of the leading companies in
the world in the field of bioinnovation. Together with customers across
a broad array of industries, we create tomorrow's industrial
biosolutions, improving our customers' business and the use of our
planet's resources.
With over 700 products used in 130 countries,
Novozymes' bioinnovations improve industrial performance and safeguard
the world's resources by offering superior and sustainable solutions for
tomorrow's ever-changing marketplace.