Entrepreneurial Support Program(Explore Course)
- Principal Investigator
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Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
Ryutaro Asano
- Adopted Theme
Generation of Next-Generation Prodrug Antibody for Cancer Therapeutics
- Subject of Research
- Generation of Next-Generation Prodrug Antibody for Cancer Therapeutics
- Overview
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In recent years, the development of novel antibody-based modalities, such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapies, and CD3 bispecific antibodies, has become increasingly active in the field of cancer therapeutics. However, the success of these new therapeutic modalities has been limited to specific indications. One of the reasons for this is that many of the tumor-associated antigens are also expressed in normal tissues, leading to challenges in toxicity due to the expression of target antigens in normal tissues. To mitigate the off-target effects of antibody drugs, a recent development trend has been the "prodrug" approach, where the drug remains inactive in normal tissues and become active upon reaching the target site. This application aims to establish a next-generation prodrug antibody platform, enabling the generation of cancer therapeutics that achieve both high efficacy and safety.
- Business Models（when applying）
Since this technology can be applied to multiple programs by changing cancer associated antigen, the startup envisioned in this project will aim to establish multiple pipelines focused on solid tumors and pursue partnerships leveraging the platform.
Through these partnerships, the startup has the potential for continuous revenue generation from upfront payments, joint development funding, and milestone payments, enabling sustainable growth. Given this nature, an IPO is considered a viable goal. Additionally, both the pipeline and platform are expected to possess high novelty and competitive advantages, making an M&A exit a potential strategy as well.
- Activity Planning（when applying）
The following research and development plan, as well as the business development plan, will be carried out:
• Optimization of the 1st Pipeline and Platform:
We will optimize the 1st pipeline and platform in terms of pharmacological activity, safety, and physicochemical properties. Antibody evaluation will be conducted using in vitro assay systems and animal models to demonstrate competitive superiority over existing technologies in terms of high efficacy and safety.
• Refinement of Market Strategy and Target Product Profile (TPP):
Based on the obtained results, we will refine the market strategy and TPP for the development of the 1st pipeline. Additionally, we will identify partner candidates whose portfolio-needs align with our platform and pipeline, and who possess strong development and commercialization capabilities to maximize the value of our research outcomes. This information will be used to formulate business and capital plans.
• Identification of CEO/CTO candidate for Startup Establishment:
We will identify CEO/CT candidates with high expertise and passion in this research and development field and engage them in discussions on business planning for the establishment of a startup.