#Japan #Tokyo #Anges #Zokinvy #OptimAIze

AnGes and OptimAIze Collaboration

Background of the Joint Research

The pharmaceutical industry has faced a surge in development costs for new drugs, with an average price exceeding $1.24 billion and a development timeline ranging from 10 to 17 years. In this context, drug repositioning—adapting existing medications for new diseases—has gained significant attention. By utilizing already approved drugs, companies can potentially shorten the development timeline by 3 to 12 years, significantly reducing costs by 50 to 60%.

The global drug repositioning market has been expanding rapidly, with research indicating a dramatic increase in the number of related publications, growing approximately 160 times in the last two decades. This trend highlights an increasing global focus on the subject. Particularly, the market for treatments addressing rare diseases is projected to grow at an annual average rate of about 12%, reaching over $400 billion by 2030. According to Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, rare diseases are defined as those affecting fewer than 50,000 patients, making the economic barriers to new drug development in these areas significant. Thus, expanding the indications of existing drugs plays a critical role in providing treatment options for these patients.

About Zokinvy

Zokinvy is a medication developed by Eiger BioPharmaceuticals, Inc. for the treatment of progeria. The sales rights have been obtained by Sentynl Therapeutics, Inc. It was approved in the U.S. in 2020. AnGes entered into an exclusive sales agreement for Japan and received domestic manufacturing and sales approval in January 2024, subsequently launching sales in May 2024. Zokinvy has already demonstrated safety and efficacy as a rare disease treatment, displaying high potential as a foundation for repositioning research.

Technological Approach of OptimAIze

OptimAIze is a startup established by a team of physicians and AI engineers at the University of Tokyo. They employ a unique AI analysis methodology that combines medical database analysis, literature mining, and molecular simulation to predict novel connections between existing drugs and diseases. In this collaborative research initiative, OptimAIze will apply its technology to the repositioning study of Zokinvy and will jointly validate the eight identified rare disease candidates with AnGes.

Overview of the Joint Research

Research Goals

The primary objective of this joint research is to carry out in-depth data analysis and biological validation for the eight rare disease candidates identified through OptimAIze's AI analysis. Utilizing scientific evidence from AI, AnGes will pursue the exploration of new indications for Zokinvy through further development consideration and clinical evaluation.

Research Structure

• - AnGes: Biological validation, pharmacological evaluation, and exploration of clinical development potential.
• - OptimAIze Consulting: AI analysis and data science.

Expected Outcomes

The joint research aims to provide new treatment options in areas where options are limited, such as rare and intractable diseases. Additionally, it seeks to establish an industry-academia collaboration model where AI plays a practical role from the early stages of the drug discovery process, ensuring efficient drug development and facilitating prompt treatment delivery to a larger patient base.

Comments from Both Companies

Hidetaka Yamada, President and CEO of AnGes, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, "Working with OptimAIze on exploring new indications for Zokinvy using AI technology is a significant step towards providing hope for patients in the rare disease field, where treatment options are scarce. Our mission is to contribute to the future of healthcare through innovative drug development, and we will continue our efforts to accelerate this process and deliver treatment to more patients swiftly."

Takahide Sekido, President and CEO of OptimAIze Consulting, shared his perspective, saying, "We are excited to work on the exploration of new indications for Zokinvy with AnGes. Drug repositioning is an area perfectly suited for AI technology, significantly speeding up the rescue of patients while optimizing limited medical resources. We are determined to implement unparalleled value into society through this collaboration, contributing to people worldwide."

Company Profiles

About AnGes, Inc.

AnGes, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in research and development of gene medicines. The company is dedicated to contributing to the future of healthcare through the creation of innovative treatments.

• - Location: 4-13-3 Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan (Tokyo Branch)
• - Representative: President and CEO Hidetaka Yamada
• - Founded: December 1999
• - Website: Anges

About OptimAIze Consulting, Inc.

OptimAIze Consulting, Inc., based on a team specializing in AI from the University of Tokyo, focuses on AI consulting and algorithm development in the medical and drug discovery sectors. The company offers comprehensive support from conceptualization to practical implementation using deep learning and multi-modal analysis techniques.

• - Location: 2-9-6 Nagata-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan (Shin-kan Building 805)
• - Representative: President and CEO Takahide Sekido
• - Founded: July 2024
• - Website: OptimAIze Consulting

Contact for This Release

• - AnGes Inc. Contact Form: Contact
• - OptimAIze Consulting Contact Form: Contact