#Japan #Drug Discovery #UBE #Minato #Zeurica

Significant Milestone Reached in Cancer Research

In an exciting development in the field of cancer research, Zeurica Corporation and UBE Corporation have successfully reached a crucial milestone in their collaborative effort aimed at small molecule drug discovery targeting cancer. Launched in December 2025, this joint research initiative highlights the innovative combination of cutting-edge computation and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The two companies have announced that they successfully met the lead recognition milestone stipulated in their collaborative research agreement.

Zeurica, based in Minato City, Tokyo, utilizes its advanced drug discovery technologies including the Free Energy Perturbation (FEP) program known as "Xeureka FEP" alongside its unique molecular generation tool, "XE-Generator." These tools were applied to design novel low molecular compounds aimed at targeting specific molecular entities identified by UBE, also located in Minato City, but under the leadership of president Yuki Nishida.

Remarkably, the milestone was achieved within a span of just five months, during which multiple compounds were identified that met the agreed-upon lead recognition criteria established by both companies. This accomplishment not only demonstrates Zeurica's efficacy in applying computational drug discovery technologies in real drug development projects but also underscores the beneficial integration of AI and computational science in the drug discovery landscape.

As part of achieving this milestone, Zeurica is set to receive the designated milestone fee from UBE according to their research agreement. UBE has taken a practical approach in verifying the effectiveness of the compounds designed so far by synthesizing the compounds and conducting screening tests. However, with the introduction of computational drug discovery technologies, UBE can now predict the effectiveness of compounds beforehand, leading to the identification of lead compounds more efficiently with a reduced number of synthesized compounds. This promising result paves the way for greater efficiency in drug research, offering a significant innovation for UBE's drug development processes. UBE plans to continue its committed use of computational techniques, aspiring for further innovation in drug discovery.

Going forward, both Zeurica and UBE intend to persist with their collaborative research, focusing on optimizing lead compounds to discover potential new pharmaceutical candidates. This joint venture is poised to contribute significantly not only to the companies but to the broader field of cancer treatment.

About Zeurica Corporation

Founded in November 2021, Zeurica Corporation offers support services for drug discovery powered by advanced computational technologies, leveraging their large-scale supercomputer capabilities. Their diverse computational methods incorporate AI and extensive molecular dynamics simulations to cater to a wide range of needs, facilitating increased efficiency and success rates in drug research.

• - Location: 3-2-2 Toranomon, Minato City, Tokyo
• - CEO: Taisei Nagoe
• - Shareholding: 100% owned by Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
• - Website: Zeurica

About UBE Corporation

Established in March 1942, UBE aims to position its pharmaceutical sector at the core of its life sciences business by pioneering high-value-added drug development. The company's engagement in both low molecular drugs and Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) exemplifies its commitment to industry advancement. UBE also expands its existing low molecular drug sectors via CDMO operations while leveraging new modalities in producing therapeutic nucleic acids to safeguard human health and well-being.

• - Location: Shibura 1-2-1, Minato City, Tokyo
• - CEO: Yuki Nishida
• - Website: UBE

For media inquiries, please contact:

• - Zeurica Corporation, Management Department, Email: [email protected]
• - UBE Corporation, Corporate Communications Group, Phone: 03-5419-6110, Email: [email protected]