J-Pharma Raises 500 Million JPY from Eights Roads Ventures & F-Prime Capital Partners

January 7, 2021
J-Pharma Co., Ltd.

Yokohama, Japan, January 7, 2021 – J-Pharma Co., Ltd. (“J-Pharma”) has announced that they have successfully raised 500 million JPY (4.81 million US dollars) from Eight Roads Venture Japan (Eight Roads) and F-Prime Capital Partners (F-Prime) in the Series D round. Both Eight Roads and F-Prime are global investment firms with proven track records of successfully creating and investing in healthcare companies. Combining this and previous fundraising in the Series D round, J-Pharma raised a total amount of 2.246 billion JPY (21.60 million US dollars).

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 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.

By taking full advantage of the broad networks and deep expertise possessed by Eights Roads and F-Prime, J-Pharma is endeavoring to conduct a pivotal registry clinical study of JPH203 to treat refractory advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC) in Japan. Additionally, J-Pharma will initiate preparation of a global registry study of JPH203 for the same indication through discussions with the US FDA.

Concurrently, J-Pharma is 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 needs in collaboration with leading research institutions worldwide and prove the clinical usefulness of these medicines through strictly controlled clinical studies.

About J-Pharma
Name : J-Pharma Co., Ltd.
Location : 75-1 Onocho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
Representative Director : MaxYoshitake, President & CEO
Business Activities : Pharmaceutical Research & Development
Capital : 50 million JPY (as of May 31, 2020)
Establishment : 26ᵗʰ December 2005
Company Website: http://www.j-pharma.com

About JPH203 and OKY-034
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 a 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.

OKY-034 is a novel small molecule allosterically binding the LAT1 and holding the amino acid uptake 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 Eight Roads Ventures Japan
Eight Roads Ventures is a global investment firm backed by Fidelity. Eight Roads Ventures invests in high-quality, high-growth companies in Asia, Europe, Israel, and the US, focusing on healthcare, technology, and consumers. Eight Roads is committed to making the companies it invests in leaders in their industries through access to patient capital, a robust network of resources, and a team of investment professionals with a proven track record of success. www.eightroads.com

About F-Prime Capital Partners
F-Prime Capital is a global venture capital firm investing in healthcare and technology. For the past 50 years, our independent venture capital group has had the privilege of backing great entrepreneurs building groundbreaking companies. With over two billion dollars under management and a global portfolio of more than 200 companies, we champion those dedicated to creating positive change in the world. F-Prime is headquartered in Cambridge, MA, with offices in London, UK and San Francisco, CA.
www.fprimecapital.com