◆Selected for the "FY2024 Bridge Research Program (preF)" by the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)
Release Date:
～ Aiming to secure the world’s first approval for a nucleic acid-based therapeutic in the field of oncology～
Associate Professor Keisuke Tanuchi of the Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kochi University, and Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd. have collaborated on an industry-academia partnership to submit an application through Okayama University, a bridge research support institution, for the “FY2024 Bridge Research Program (preF)” solicited by the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED).The project titled “Finalization of the Implementation Plan and Establishment of a Framework for Conducting Non-clinical Safety Tests of Nucleic Acid Preparations for Pancreatic Cancer” (Principal Investigator: Associate Professor Keisuke Tanai) has been selected.
Associate Professor Taniuchi is conducting research to identify novel drug targets involved in the invasion and metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells. He has obtained results from mouse experiments showing that short interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting a newly identified ribonucleic acid (RNA) improves prognosis by suppressing direct invasion into the peritoneum and distant metastasis.
Through this project, we will further strengthen our collaboration with Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd. and, with the support of Okayama University, finalize a plan for establishing the infrastructure required for drug manufacturing and conducting non-clinical safety studies to verify safety, with the goal of securing the world’s first approval for a nucleic acid-based therapeutic in the field of oncology. By advancing this project, we aim to be the first in the world to commercialize a groundbreaking nucleic acid-based therapeutic for pancreatic cancer and will further accelerate our research and development efforts to ensure its widespread adoption not only domestically but also internationally.
[What Is the Bridge Research Program?]
The Bridge Research Program utilizes bridge research support organizations to provide funding and other forms of support aimed at efficiently translating outstanding basic research outcomes from academia and other sources into clinical research and practical applications, with the goal of creating innovative pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and other products.Furthermore, by fostering smooth collaboration with core clinical research hospitals and providing support, we will further promote the discovery and support of numerous untapped research leads—including those outside the medical, dental, and pharmaceutical fields—both within and outside these hubs, thereby efficiently advancing translational research on an all-Japan scale.
For more details, please visit the AMED website.
[Contact Information]
Department of Gastroenterology, Kochi University School of Medicine
Phone: 088-880-2338 Email: ktaniuchi@kochi-u.ac.jp
Tanawaki, Public Relations Section, General Affairs and Planning Division, Administrative Office, Faculty of Medicine and Hospital, Kochi University
Phone: 088-880-2723 Email: is09@kochi-u.ac.jp
Okayama University Hospital, New Medical Research and Development Center, Translational Research Support Office
Phone: 086-235-7019 E-mail: :kenkyuu-seeds-hyouka@adm.okayama-u.ac.jp