List of Small Molecule Pharmaceuticals Companies in Japan - 52

Aculys - Beyond the development and commercialization of new medicines, Aculys is committed to the patient experience including the awareness, screening, diagnosis, treatment of disease and the resolution of surrounding social issues for patients and their families confronted with neurological and psychiatric disease. The company looks to form comprehensive solutions through cross-sectional partnerships using new technologies to enhance the patient experience.

Pharmaceuticals, diagnostic reagents, medical devices

Alivexis, Inc. (formerly Modulus Discovery, Inc) is a technology-driven drug discovery enterprise with operational foundations in both Japan and the US. By merging state-of-the-art drug discovery platforms with profound knowledge of disease biology and a dynamic global business approach, we are propelling forward our distinct portfolio of small molecule drugs along with a variety of research and development collaborations.

AnGes was founded In December 1999, with the aim of developing hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) gene therapy drugs which can help regenerate blood vessels. Originating from the word angiogenesis meaning the formation of new blood vessels in English, our corporate name AnGes encapsulates our desire to be an angel (ange in French) offering new drugs for patients with hard-to-treat and rare diseases. Both our founder and our employees are still motivated by this desire.

ASKA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. is a leading company in the field of Thyroid disease by through supplying a variety of medicines. Furthermore, we utilize our hormonal technology, aim to contribute all patients for obstetrics and gynecology area.

Axcelead Drug Discovery Partners, Inc. will combine scientific excellence, world-class IP protection and state-of-the art GLP accredited facilities and capabilities to deliver integrated end-to-end early discovery.

Providing high-sensitivity quantification services for ultra-trace proteins, we will support research and development of pharmaceuticals, quasi-drugs, reagents, etc.

Cellusion is committed to pursuing a patient-centric approach at our cutting-edge research and development (R&D) for diseases where regenerative medicine technologies can create a unique value proposition. We expand the possibilities of people around the world both physically and mentally.

ちとせグループは、世界のバイオエコノミーをリードするバイオ企業群です。 千年先まで人類が豊かに暮らせる環境を残すべく国や多くの企業と協力し、経済合理性を成立させながら技術を社会に展開しています。 *English follows Japanese. ○ちとせグループ全体を統括する企業 [CHITOSE BIO EVOLUTION PTE. LTD.] ・設立 ：2011年10月 ・本社 ：シンガポール ・代表者 ：CEO 藤田朋宏 Ph.D. ○ちとせグループの中核法人として、技術開発・事業開発を行う企業 [株式会社ちとせ研究所] ・設立 ：2002年11月 ・本社 ：神奈川県川崎市 ・代表者 ：代表取締役 CEO 藤田朋宏 Ph.D.／代表取締役 COO 釘宮理恵 ○プロジェクト例 ・化石資源依存からの脱却！藻類産業を構築するプロジェクト 日: https://matsuri.chitose-bio.com/ 英: https://matsuri.chitose-bio.com/en ・バイオ薬品製造プロセスのスピードアップと低コスト化を実現するプロジェクト 英：https://chitose-bio.com/cld-service 日：https://chitose-bio.com/jp/cld-service ・千年先まで美味しい農作物を提供！健全な土壌環境を重視した農業を普及するプロジェクト 英：https://agriculture.chitose-bio.com/en 日：https://agriculture.chitose-bio.com/ja CHITOSE Group is a family of biotechnology companies leading the global bioeconomy. To live in abundance beyond the next millennium using the ability of living things, CHITOSE pursues the possibilities of biotechnology through technological and business development collaborating with its business partners all over the world. About CHITOSE BIO EVOLUTION PTE. LTD. (head office that oversees entire Group) Established in October, 2011 Head Office located in Singapore CEO: Tomohiro FUJITA, Ph. D. About CHITOSE Laboratory Corp. (responsible for the project) Established in November, 2002 Head Office located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan CEO: Tomohiro FUJITA, Ph. D. COO: Rie KUGIMIYA Our Projects, ▼Breaking away from dependence on fossil resources! Project to build an algae industry JP: https://matsuri.chitose-bio.com/ EN: https://matsuri.chitose-bio.com/en ▼Project to speed up and to implement lower the cost of the biopharmaceutical manufacturing process JP: https://chitose-bio.com/cld-service EN: https://chitose-bio.com/jp/cld-service ▼Providing tasty crops for a thousand years to come! Project to promote agriculture that emphasizes a healthy soil environment JP: https://agriculture.chitose-bio.com/en EN：https://agriculture.chitose-bio.com/ja

Chordia Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotech company engaged in the research and development of novel therapies for cancers with high unmet medical needs. The Company was spun out from Takeda Pharmaceutical in November 2017.

Chugai’s strength in R&D and antibody technologies continues on in global efforts for products and services for the benefit of patients. Chugai Pharma USA, Inc. (CPUSA), located in Berkeley Heights, NJ, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Chugai). CPUSA supports the planning and execution of global and U.S. clinical programs for Chugai-originated, innovative new drug candidates. Chugai is one of Japan’s leading research-based pharmaceutical companies with strengths in biotechnology products. Chugai, based in Tokyo, specializes in prescription pharmaceuticals and is listed on the 1st section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. As an important member of the Roche Group, Chugai is actively involved in R&D activities in Japan and abroad. Specifically, Chugai is working to develop innovative products which may satisfy the unmet medical needs in Chugai’s strategic fields of oncology, bone and joint diseases, and renal diseases as well as other therapeutic areas with serious unmet needs. Chugai develops its products independently from Roche until early Proof-of-Concept (PoC) for worldwide market, including U.S. For late stage clinical development and marketing outside of Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, Chugai seeks for partnership with Roche, which has the first refusal rights to develop/sell Chugai products, or other third parties.

Bio Information is energy! COGNANO, Inc. is a venture to aim for computer-supported drug discovery. The big VHH data obtained from our own alpacas will lead us to a new drug discovery platform. Our goal is to optimize drug designing/development.

Delta-Fly Pharma - We focus not only on cancer itself but on the whole conditions of cancer patients, and aim to deliver medicines that are recommendable for cancer patients and their families. We develop medicines with an original concept called Module Drug Development. Module Drug Development is the assembly of various active ingredients into novel anticancer agents. With this approach and application of drug delivery technologies and knowledge about dosage and administration, drugs with a good balance of safety and efficacy can be developed in a short period of tim

EA Pharma Co., Ltd. is a pharmaceutical company that promotes drug discovery and clinical development targeting gastrointestinal diseases, particularly Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The company is focused on creating new innovation through the combined knowledge of its parent companies, Eisai Co., Ltd. and Ajinomoto Co., Inc.

Eisai’s Corporate Concept is “to give first thought to patients and people in the daily living domain, and to increase the benefits that health care provides.” Under this Concept (also known as human health care (hhc) Concept), we aim to effectively achieve social good in the form of relieving anxiety over health and reducing health disparities. With a global network of R&D facilities, manufacturing sites and marketing subsidiaries, we strive to create and deliver innovative products to target diseases with high unmet medical needs, with a particular focus in our strategic areas of Neurology and Oncology. In addition, we demonstrate our commitment to the elimination of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), which is a target (3.3) of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with working on various activities together with global partners.

With twin platform technologies, Interprotein provides highly active modulators for protein-protein interaction (PPI) targets. Our proprietary technology (INTENDD®) is built upon a different conceptual foundation from MD-based docking simulation methods, generating highly active compounds with unique scaffolds. On the other hand, our newly constructed libraries of helix-loop-helix peptide achieved a near 100% success rate in identifying strong binders with KD values in low nanomolar range. INTENDD® With INTENDD®, we aim to develop and provide an in silico drug design platform specialized for producing small molecule PPI modulators, and extend this technology to establish an AI-based drug discovery program. Helix-loop-helix peptide Alternatively, we have developed extremely diverse libraries of helix-loop-helix peptides for phage-display screening. Phage-displayed random peptide screening enables us to achieve a near 100% success rate in identifying active peptides with high affinity and high specificity to PPI targets. In addition, we can easily modulate pharmacokinetic profiles via multiple approaches. Our promise Through collaborative R&D efforts, we will fully exploit our twin technologies for small molecules and peptides to identify highly active modulators against previously intractable PPI interfaces. We commit to turning current biologics (antibodies and soluble receptors)-based PPI inhibitions into more patient-friendly therapies with small molecule and/or peptide PPI modulators to change patients' lives.

Japan Blood Products Organization is a medical device company that is involved in the collection and supply of blood for use in transfusions. They are also engaged in research and development of blood products.

KAICO is a Japanese biotechnology start-up from Kyushu University, a national university in Japan. We focus on developing and producing recombinant proteins with the core technology, the silkworm-baculovirus expression system. Silkworms are unique insects that can create recombinant proteins within its body. With the silkworm-baculovirus expression system, KAICO uses silkworms as a bioreactor to express diverse recombinant proteins that are hard to extract using other systems, for example, microbes and cells.   Regarding production, distinctive characteristics of the silkworm-baculovirus expression systems are scalability and speediness. It takes less than a week to express target proteins within the body of silkworms. To scale up its production, we increase the number of silkworms. Unlike other expression systems, we do not require bio tanks for scale-up. This makes a speedy transition possible from the research and development phase to mass production.   KAICO’s development programs currently include oral vaccines that are not only for human use but also for animals. An oral vaccine can raise the antibody titer by eating instead of injection. Proteins are decomposed into amino acids when ingested orally. However, KAICO found that even when administered orally, the antibody titer of some proteins expressed in silkworms can be increased.   Through the spread of oral vaccines, we aim to contribute to global public health for human beings and improve the productivity of livestock farmers.   As for human use, compared to injectable vaccines, it has significant merits as follows: 1. No need for syringes and needles. 2. No need for medical personnel for inoculation. 3. No need for cold-chain transportation and storage. By bringing in oral vaccines, KAICO will change the world with silkworms.

KinoPharma - Developing safe topical treatment for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), human papillomavirus (HPV) infection of the cervix that could potentially lead to cervical cancer.

Kissei Pharmaceutical - Approaching R&D with Passion and Creativity “Pharmaceutical company cannot exist without R&D.” These words have been passed down at Kissei ever since the company was founded. They show that R&D is an essential and central part of our work, The phrase also expresses the passion of each and every Kissei Pharmaceutical - Kissei employee for the development of new innovative drugs, in the hope that those drugs will help as many people as possible recover as quickly as possible from disease and live lives full of laughter and joy. We aim to develop and supply innovative pharmaceutical products that contribute to the improvement of medicine and the health of people around the world by aggressive incorporation of leading-edge technology and collaborations with our foreign and domestic partners.

KM Biologics' history of vaccine production started with the smallpox vaccine over a half century ago. Since then, we have produced many vaccines including those for typhoid and typhus, and have contributed to the eradication of infectious diseases in Japan. In recent years, through collaborating with companies and universities in Japan and overseas, we have been working on the development of new vaccines such as cell culture-derived influenza vaccines and DPT-based combined vaccines.

Kubota Pharmaceutical Holdings and its subsidiary Kubota　Vision Inc. are committed to translating innovation into a diverse portfolio of drugs and devices to preserve and restore vision for millions of people worldwide.

Kyorin group is working to realize it corporate philosophy “Kyorin continues to fulfill its mission of cherishing life and benefiting society by contribution to better health.” This content provides the history of KYORIN Group.

Metagen Therapeutics, Inc. is a drug discovery and development company that leverages the power of gut microbiome design cultivated in Metabologenomics, Inc. We are eager for partnerships in pharmaceutical, healthcare, functional food, and academia that envisions creating future businesses with one of the best microbiome scientist teams. For inquiries, please contact contact@metagentx.com

Mochida Pharmaceutical - By aiming to become a comprehensive healthcare company, Mochida Pharmaceutical has made significant contributions in the field of medical care through its pharmaceuticals, healthcare products, and medical equipment businesses. Several years back, to improve the profitability, competitiveness value of all its divisions, Mochida Pharmaceutical split off the Medical Electronics and Equipment Division in 2003, the Healthcare Division in 2004 and the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Division in 2005. Currently, the Group consists of Mochida Pharmaceutical and five consolidated subsidiaries. We at the Mochida Pharmaceutical Group remain committed as ever to contributing to peoples' health and well-being.

NBHL is committed to discovering First-In-Class medicines for the unmet medical needs with the sophisticated drug discovery platforms ( Monoclonal Antibody for GPCR and Small compounds ). We are looking for the pharmaceutical partners to develop the following projects. We are available for the project-based Drug discovery alliance, using our drug discovery platforms powered by PerkinElmer, and Biotech companies.

Nichi-Iko Pharmaceutical is a pharmaceutical company that specializes in healthcare products and medicines.

Nippon Shinyaku Co., Ltd. is a company that has always devoted serious efforts to make people's lives better. All these efforts have been made based on their strong belief that they should build a healthier future. The company is involved in the manufacture and sale of pharmaceuticals and foodstuffs, and its functional food products find application in various industries such as meat processing, fish processing, dairy product, prepared food, confectionery and bakery, and beverage. Nippon Shinyaku also has research laboratories and a botanical research institute, as well as production and logistics facilities. The company is committed to ESG management and provides information to shareholders and investors through its IR activities. Nippon Shinyaku Co., Ltd. is headquartered in Japan and has branch offices and group companies in various locations.

Nobelpharma - “Contribute to Society by Providing Critical but Neglected Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices” This has remained Nobelpharma’s company mission since we were founded in 2003. “Critical but neglected pharmaceuticals and medical devices” refers to the drugs and medical devices that are not being actively developed by existing pharmaceutical companies because there are only a few patients that require them and thus less viable as a business. At the time of our founding, there were new pharmaceutical candidates (curative drugs) which were already available or under development overseas with confirmed efficacy. However, the patients in Japan were unable to use them. We wanted to resolve this situation (so-called drug lag) ourselves, and deliver these drugs to patients as soon as possible. Nobelpharma was born with such strong will, taking the initiative in responding the issue of unapproved and off-label drugs with high medical needs.

Nxera Pharma (formerly Sosei Heptares) is a technology powered biopharma company, in pursuit of new specialty medicines to improve the lives of patients with unmet needs in Japan and globally. In addition to several products being commercialized in Japan, we are advancing an extensive pipeline of over 30 active programs from discovery through to late clinical stage internally and in partnership with leading pharma and biotech companies. This pipeline is focused on addressing major unmet needs in some of the fastest-growing areas of medicine across neurology, GI and immunology, metabolic disorders and rare diseases, and leverages the power of our unique and industry leading GPCR-targeted structure-based drug discovery "NxWave" platform to provide a sustainable source of best- or first-in-class candidates. Nxera employs over 350 talented people at key locations in Tokyo and Osaka (Japan), London and Cambridge (UK), Basel (Switzerland) and Seoul (South Korea) and is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (ticker: 4565).

At Ohara, we are aiming to provide not only treatment options for patients, but also aiming to identify and develop innovative tools to improve the quality of diagnosis, prevention and after care in an effort to become a Total Healthcare Solution company for patients.

Oncolys BioPharma Inc. is a Tokyo-based bioventure established in Japan in March 2004. Its mission is to contribute to the advancement of medical science in the world through bringing innovation to the existing treatments for cancer and serious infectious diseases, using its virology-based new drug discovery technologies. The company operates in two business segments. Pharmaceutical Business segment is engaged in the research, development, manufacture and marketing of novel drugs. Its major pipeline Telomelysin (OBP-301), an oncolytic adenovirus immunotherapy is in clinical development targeting various types of solid tumors including melanoma , HCC and esophageal cancer. Along with Telomelysin, an anti-HIV drug OBP-601 (Censavudine) and a novel HDAC inhibitor OBP-801 are also under development in the United States. Diagnostics Business segment is engaged in the research, development, manufacture and marketing of CTC (Circulating Tumor Cell) detection adenovirus TelomeScan, as well as the provision of inspection services. Oncolys was listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Mothers Market in December 2014 and has a clinical laboratory center in Kobe, Japan and a subsidiary in New Jersey, USA.

OncoTherapy Science, Inc. provides pharmaceutical companies with yielded drug candidates by using outcomes obtained from joint research with universities and companies. These outcomes include oncogene information isolated by comprehensive analysis of genes specifically expressed in cancer cells and functional analysis information of proteins produced by oncogenes and other gene products. We have also been performing research and development business regarding medications.

This company is a spinout from Takeda Pharmaceuticals and Kyoto University, focusing on the development of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology-based regenerative medicine.

PeptiDream Inc. (Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market 4587) is leading the translation of macrocyclic peptides into a whole new class of innovative medicines to address unmet medical needs and improve the quality of life of patients worldwide. Founded in 2006, PeptiDream employs its proprietary Peptide Discovery Platform System (PDPS) technology, a state-of-the-art highly versatile discovery platform which enables the production of highly diverse (trillions) non-standard peptide libraries with high efficiency, for the identification of highly potent and selective macrocyclic peptide candidates, which then can be developed into peptide-based, small molecule-based, peptide-drug conjugate (PDC), and multi-functional peptide conjugates (MPC)-based therapeutics and diagnostics. PeptiDream has an extensive global network of discovery and development partners driving the development and commercialization of a broad and diversified pipeline of investigational therapeutics. PeptiDream also markets and sells a number of radiopharmaceutical and radiodiagnostic products in Japan, through its wholly owned subsidiary, PDRadiopharma.

PRISM BioLab is committed to maximizing the potential of its PepMetics™ Technology, transforming the “undruggable” to “druggable” with the aim of finding cures for the incurable. PRISM BioLab is a biotechnology company with PepMetics Technology, a proprietary drug discovery platform. PepMetics Molecules are designed to mimic α-helix or β-turn peptides using unique, stable scaffolds.

Creation of optimal nucleic acid medicine for disease treatment with proprietary technology PURMX's solution is a drug discovery seed of small RNA nucleic acid drugs that fine-tune many target genes and deliver unprecedented therapeutic effects. PURMX already possesses a large amount of functional RNA screening data, which is being further expanded. The first stage of innovative nucleic acid medicine seeds is MIRX002. MIRX002 is a nucleic acid medicine for malignant pleural mesothelioma. We have completed non-clinical trials and are conducting investigator-initiated clinical trials at Hiroshima University Hospital starting in 2021.

RaQualia Pharma - We are an innovative pharmaceutical company leveraging our expertise in drug discovery research and our collaborations with state-of-the-art academic research institutions.

Rege Nephro is a clinical-stage biotech company developing cell therapy for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and small molecule for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), and founded in 2019. There are 13 million patients with CKD in Japan, of which 340,000 are severe CKD patients forced to undergo artificial dialysis. The healthcare cost of dialysis is $12 billion, 4% of the total healthcare cost of Japan. However, there is still no curative treatment for CKD. Rege Nephro tries to treat patients suffering from CKD with cell therapy using nephron progenitor cells differentiated from iPS cells.

ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd is a multinational company with a history of over 120 years, renowned for its fast-moving consumer goods and OTC drugs. Headquartered in Osaka, Japan, with various domestic and overseas subsidiaries. Although we were initially known for OTC drugs, part of our DNA is to do the unexpected, and for the purpose of people and society’s well-being, we pursue businesses not limited to pharmaceutical operations. Our devotion to meet and exceed customer expectations is the core of Rohto’s business, which has been our main motivator and guidance throughout these years. Recently we announced our comprehensive Management Vision 2030, establishing the core areas we want to strengthen by 2030. With our spirit of "NEVER SAY NEVER" we strive to make every individual and society healthier. To accomplish this, we are seeking people who can support and accelerate the growth of Rohto. The driving force behind Rohto is unquestionably the “people”. A truly diverse workforce is inherently stronger as it is highlighted by people from varying backgrounds with unique experiences, points of view, and knowledge. We believe that this plays an important role in maximizing creativity and accelerating innovation. Our way of working is by embracing the spirit of close cooperation, taking challenges, stir passionate debate and being action oriented. A career at Rohto will help you realize your potential and push yourself to be the better version of you. Are you ready to take part in this journey?

By delivering drugs to patients, we contribute to the creation of a happy society!

Senju Pharmaceutical utilized flexible thinking and a curious mindset to continuously develop new drugs primarily for the global field of ophthalmology. But the true "product" we strive for is happiness - the feeling that can be found with better eyesight.

The purpose of the Shionogi Group's corporate activities is, as expressed in the opening of its Company Policy, to "supply the best possible medicine to protect the health and wellbeing of the patients we serve."​ This eternal and unwavering corporate philosophy is a statement of our vision and value to society. To achieve and live by the Company Policy, we have formulated Action Guidelines, which all Shionogi employees share and embrace as norms for daily activities. Through activities based on the Company Policy and the Action Guidelines, Shionogi will continue to contribute to patients, physicians and other healthcare providers, shareholders and investors, and furthermore to society as a whole.

Solasia Pharma - ‘Sol’ means the Sun and ‘Asia’ the Asian counties in Spanish. We desire to be the Sun brightening the future of various people facing many challenges of cancers in Japan and other Asian countries.

Sosei Heptares is a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company focused on bringing life-changing medicines based on world-class science to patients globally. Our vision is to become one of Japan’s global biopharmaceutical champions. Our global business combines our world-leading GPCR-targeted StaR® technology, structure-based drug design and early development capabilities in the UK with a highly experienced clinical development capability and a commercial operation in Japan. We are leveraging these capabilities to generate and advance a broad and deep pipeline of novel medicines across multiple therapeutic areas, including neurology, immunology, gastroenterology and inflammatory diseases. We intend to develop these opportunities for patients in Japan and globally both internally and through our partnerships with global biopharmaceutical companies and emerging technology companies. Sosei Heptares operates from key locations in Tokyo and Osaka (Japan), London and Cambridge (UK) and Seoul (South Korea). “Sosei Heptares” is the corporate brand and trademark of Sosei Group Corporation, which is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (ticker: 4565). Sosei, Heptares, the logo and StaR® are trademarks of Sosei Group companies.

Taiho Pharmaceutical, a subsidiary of Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd., is an R&D-driven specialty pharma focusing on the three fields of oncology, allergy and immunology, and urology. Its corporate philosophy takes the form of a pledge: “We strive to improve human health and contribute to a society enriched by smiles.” In the field of oncology in particular, Taiho Pharmaceutical is known as a leading company in Japan for developing innovative medicines for the treatment of cancer, a reputation that is rapidly expanding through their extensive global R&D efforts. In areas other than oncology, as well, the company creates and markets quality products that effectively treat medical conditions and can help improve people's quality of life. Always putting customers first, Taiho Pharmaceutical also aims to offer consumer healthcare products that support people's efforts to lead fulfilling and rewarding lives.

We strive to transform lives. While the science we advance is constantly evolving, our core purpose is enduring. For more than two centuries, our values have guided us to do what’s right for patients and for society. We know that changing lives requires us to do things differently. We start by listening to and addressing what really matters to patients, the people who love them, and those in the healthcare system who provide care. And that’s what inspires us all to be bold, push boundaries and set new standards that open up greater opportunities. Read our community guidelines: https://takeda.info/communityguidelines

Teijin is a technology-driven global group with two core businesses: high-performance materials and healthcare solutions. Established in 1918 as Japan's first rayon manufacturer, Teijin today comprises some 170 companies employing 20,000 people in 20 countries. Through our purpose of "Pioneering Solutions Togeher for a Healthy Planet". Teijin relentlessly strives to aims to be a company that supports the society of the future by protecting the global environment and addressing the needs of people and communities. Teijin posted consolidated sales of JPY 1,032.8 billion (USD 6.6 billion) and total assets of JPY 1,251.0 billion (USD 8.0 billion) in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024.

We will create immunotherapy using nanotechnology as a new treatment option for intractable cancers and viral infections.Uniting Immunity and Nanotechnology for Fighting Cancer and Infectious Diseases

At Zeria,our business is based on a set of guiding principles we call the Z・E・R・I・A　Five Corporate Spirits. Zoom in on healthcare Excel in quality at every level Reach out to the world Inspire confidence in management Achieve our potential