J-Pharma raises 500 Million JPY from Ohara Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

March 4th, 2021
J-Pharma Co., Ltd.

Yokohama, Japan, March 4th, 2021 – J-Pharma Co., Ltd. (“J-Pharma”) has announced that they have successfully raised 500 million JPY from Ohara Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Ohara Pharmaceutical) in the Series D round. J-Pharma raised a total amount of 2.746 billion JPY.

Since its establishment in 2005, J-Pharma, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical with a special focus on Solute Carrier (SLC) transporters, has been conducting an array of unique drug developments led by Hitoshi Endou MD., Ph.D., formerly a professor of Kyorin University Faculty of Medicine. Recently, J-Pharma has placed the highest priority on the clinical development of its original inhibitors (JPH203 and OKY-034) of L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1/SLC7A5) for the treatment of advanced cancer patients who are refractory or intolerant to standard chemotherapy.

J-Pharma is endeavoring to conduct a pivotal registry clinical study of JPH203 to treat refractory advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC) in Japan. J-Pharma is also developing OKY-034 to treat refractory advanced pancreatic cancer and LAT1 inhibitors to treat autoimmune diseases. J-Pharma will continue to focus on the research and development of its proprietary, innovative medicines in areas with high unmet medical need in collaboration with leading research institutions worldwide and prove the clinical usefulness of these medicines through strictly controlled clinical studies.

About JPH203
JPH203 is J-Pharma’s original small molecule that competitively inhibits the amino acid binding pocket of LAT1 by expressing on the cell membrane when a cell needs huge amounts of energy due to rapid proliferation and/or activation. JPH203 is the first LAT1-targeted compound undergoing clinical studies and will become the first-in-class medicine when approved by competent authorities.
J-Pharma confirmed its tolerability and preliminary efficacy in advanced solid cancer patients through a Phase 1 study. They also discovered a biomarker capable of distinguishing a patient sub-population that will have fewer adverse events and be more susceptible to JPH203. Using this biomarker as a companion diagnostic, JPH203 is now undergoing a Phase 2 clinical study to treat advanced biliary tract cancer patients who are refractory or intolerant to standard chemotherapy.

About OKY-034
OKY-034 is a novel small molecule allosterically binding the LAT1 and holding the amino acid up-taking movements of LAT1. J-Pharma executed a worldwide, exclusive license (with sub- license) agreement with Osaka University and KNC Laboratories Co., Ltd., both of which possess the composition patent for OKY-034. At Osaka University, a physician-sponsored Phase 1/2a clinical study of OKY-034 is underway to treat advanced, unresectable pancreatic cancer patients who are refractory or intolerant to standard chemotherapy.

About Ohara Pharmaceutical
Ohara Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., is a pharmaceutical company involved in the development and creative marketing of orphan drugs and generic drugs. The company focuses on the development and marketing of orphan drugs mainly in the field of pediatric oncology, and on the development, manufacturing, and marketing of generic drugs that give extra consideration to the prevention of medical accidents. Considering the significant advancement of treatment outcomes and medical environment’s drastic changes, Ohara is aiming for a company that can provide its customers with not only medicines but also innovative “Total Healthcare Solutions” consisting of prevention, diagnostics, and the aftercares of patients.

Contact: Tomohiro Yuzawa, Director, Corporate Management Dept.
Tel: 045-506-1155
info@j-pharma.com