March 23, 2026
J-Pharma Co., Ltd.
J-Pharma announces that the first participant was dosed on March 22 (U.S. time) in the ongoing Phase I clinical trial of JPH034 (hereinafter referred to as the “Compound”), which is being conducted in the United States for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. The Phase I clinical trial will evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of the Compound.
JPH034 is being advanced as a key pipeline asset following our lead development compound, nanvuranlat. Like nanvuranlat, JPH034 is a LAT1 inhibitor; however, unlike nanvuranlat, nonclinical studies in monkeys have confirmed that JPH034 crosses the blood–brain barrier and is widely distributed in the brain. Based on these findings, the Company plans to advance the clinical development of JPH034 targeting central nervous system diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
Multiple sclerosis is more prevalent in Western countries and is known to occur more frequently in young women. For this reason, the Phase I clinical trial of JPH034 is being conducted in the United States. By generating data on safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics while undergoing review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Company aims to advance the program to Phase II and subsequent clinical trials in Western countries, while also seeking opportunities for licensing agreements with pharmaceutical companies that possess expertise in the central nervous system field.
We will continue to steadily advance our clinical development efforts with the aim of creating new treatment options in the field of neurological diseases.
Background
About Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that most commonly affects young adults and is designated as an intractable disease by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. The average age at diagnosis is approximately 32 years. More than 60,000 people worldwide are newly diagnosed each year,
About JPH034
JPH034 has been supported by its selection for the Fast Forward Research Grant from the U.S. National Multiple Sclerosis Society, which is widely recognized for its highly competitive and rigorous evaluation standards, with funding of USD 600,000. In addition, JPH034 was selected for the Drug Discovery Venture Ecosystem Program of the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) (research project title: “A Novel LAT1 Inhibitor for Multiple Sclerosis”), under which its development has been advanced.
About J-Pharma Co., Ltd.
Our corporate philosophy is “By pursuing new possibilities for SLC transporters and developing innovative new drugs that address unmet medical needs, we will contribute to supporting people around the world to maintain good health and hope.” Based on this philosophy, we will work to create innovative pharmaceuticals to achieve sustainable corporate growth and increase social value.
For more information, please visit: 、https://www.j-pharma.com/en/
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J-Pharma Co., Ltd.
Planning Department
TEL: +81-3-6432-4270
https://www.j-pharma.com/en/contact