R-Tech Ueno: Basic Agreement on the Supply of Recombinant Human Serum Albumin

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.

 

(3) Profile of partner

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.



CONTACT:

R-Tech Ueno, Ltd.
Koji Nakamura, +81-3-3596-8011
Director
Business Management Department
[email protected]

KEYWORDS:   Europe  Asia Pacific  Denmark  Japan

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:   Health  Biotechnology  Clinical Trials  Genetics  Medical Devices  Optical  Pharmaceutical  Manufacturing  Other Manufacturing  Research  Science  General Health

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