ANRis Successfully Raises Approximately 220 Million Yen for Innovative siRNA Drug Development

ANRis Secures Funding for siRNA Drug Development

ANRis, headquartered in Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, has successfully raised approximately 220 million yen through investments from Waseda University Ventures (WUV) and the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST). This funding will be pivotal in advancing their drug discovery research, particularly focusing on treatments for cancers with KRAS mutations by utilizing their proprietary siRNA sequence design technology, SNPD-siRNA.

Background of the Funding

siRNA therapeutics work by leveraging the cell's natural RNA interference mechanisms to suppress the expression of specific genes associated with diseases. This modality allows for precise targeting based on nucleotide sequences, offering new therapeutic approaches for genes that have been difficult to target with traditional small molecule drugs and antibody therapies.

A critical challenge in cancer and genetic disorders arises from single nucleotide variations (SNVs), which can significantly influence disease onset. However, existing siRNA technologies struggle to accurately distinguish between mutated genes responsible for diseases and normal wild-type genes crucial for physiological functions.

The SNPD-siRNA Technology

ANRis's SNPD-siRNA (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism-Distinguishable siRNA) technology can identify the subtle nucleotide differences between wild-type and mutated genes, selectively suppressing the expression of the mutated genes that contribute to diseases. This innovative approach is built on research conducted by Professor Kumiko Hori, who was at the University of Tokyo, and is supported by the JST's University-led New Industry Creation Program, fostering the development of groundbreaking biomedical technologies.

Business Development and Use of Funds

With this funding, ANRis aims to maintain the potential of SNPD-siRNA as a platform technology while ramping up research and development focused on KRAS mutant cancers. Due to the prevalence of KRAS mutations in various cancers—including lung, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers—ANRis targets to utilize SNPD-siRNA to selectively suppress the expression of mutant KRAS. This could ultimately provide new treatment options for cancer patients who currently have limited therapeutic alternatives.

The recently acquired funds are planned to be utilized for several key purposes:

- Development of drug candidates targeting KRAS mutant cancers and non-clinical studies.
- Optimization of delivery technology (DDS) for siRNA to target tissues.
- Recruitment of R&D personnel and strengthening collaborations with external research institutions and CROs.
- Enhancement of intellectual property and promotion of joint research and business partnerships with pharmaceutical companies.

Notably, ANRis has secured foundational patents for this technology not only in Japan but also in the United States, solidifying its international uniqueness and competitive advantages in business development.

Leadership Insights

ANRis CEO Wataru Kawamura expressed enthusiasm over the funding, stating, “Our SNPD-siRNA technology is designed to target diseases that have traditionally been challenging for siRNA therapies. Receiving support from Waseda University Ventures and JST reassures us of the potential of our technology and business.”

He emphasized that this funding marks a critical step in advancing research and development toward addressing KRAS mutant cancers and expanding the applicability of SNPD-siRNA to create new treatment options.

About Waseda University Ventures

Waseda University Ventures is a venture capital firm focused on supporting startup companies that apply academic insights and research outcomes to contribute to societal evolution and sustainability. Their mission is to establish and nurture deep-tech startups that implement knowledge and academic findings for public benefit.

For further information, visit: Waseda Ventures

About JST's SUCCESS Program

The SUPPORT Program of Capital Contribution to Early-Stage Companies (SUCCESS) by JST aims to accelerate the growth of ventures based on research and development outcomes. By providing funding and technical support, JST facilitates the practical application of research成果s for societal contributions.

For further information, visit: JST SUCCESS

About ANRis

Founded in September 2023, ANRis is located in Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, and specializes in the research and development of nucleic acid drugs. Led by CEO Wataru Kawamura, the company has a clear mission to innovate in the pharmaceutical sector. For more details, visit: ANRis

Reference Literature

1. Landrum MJ, et al. ClinVar: improving access to variant interpretations and supporting evidence. Nucleic Acids Res.2018;46:D1062–D1067. doi:10.1093/nar/gkx1153
2. Tate JG, et al. COSMIC: the Catalogue Of Somatic Mutations In Cancer. Nucleic Acids Res.2019;47:D941–D947. doi:10.1093/nar/gky1015
3. Yamada K, Kawamura W, Hori K. “Development of Nucleic Acid Drugs Targeting Genes with Single Nucleotide Variations.” Experimental Medicine Vol.44, No.10 (Supplement), 2026.