Drug Discovery
Targeting Cancer with Hairpin Nucleic Acids.
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide.
We are addressing this global challenge with a novel strategy:
two hairpin-structured nucleic acids engineered to target cancer at the molecular level.
Nucleic Acid Technology
miRNA-Triggered Cell Death
Triggered by disease-specific miRNAs (miRNAs),
two hairpin-structured nucleic acids initiate a hybridization chain reaction (HCR), forming diffuse Nucleic Acid Aggregate Complex (NAAC) within the cytoplasm.
These NAAC are recognized by intracellular sensors as aberrant nucleic acids, activating innate immune pathways and inducing programmed cell death.
Pipeline Overview
Cancer Therapeutics
Current stage: Preclinical
Mechanism of Action:
Activated by specific miRNAs, our therapeutic candidate triggers innate immune pathways and promotes the generation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), enhancing targeted immune responses.
Development Goal:
In combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), this therapy aims to offer a new treatment option for patients unresponsive to conventional ICI-based therapies.
We also plan to develop therapeutics for other diseases.
Technology Overview
Academic Publication
A research paper by our founder, Professor Akimitsu Okamoto, and his team has been published in the international journal Journal of the American Chemical Society.
Development Status & Details
For details regarding our drug discovery and development programs, please contact us via the inquiry form.