Research & Development

Drug candidate

Our primary asset for drug development is recombinant human HGF (“HGF protein”), and we are conducting clinical trials on HGF protein with several diseases.
HGF was initially discovered in Japan as a growth factor for hepatocytes. Growth factors are endogenous proteins that transmit signals to the nuclei (genetic material) of cells by binding to receptors on the cell surface, thereby turning on the switch that initiates cell proliferation. Because HGF is a naturally occurring substance that functions in the human body, the ability to artificially manufacture it in the form of recombinant human HGF protein will likely open the door to a new range of safe and effective pharmaceuticals.

Mechanism of action of HGF （Hepatocyte Growth Factor)

Subsequent studies have shown that HGF has multiple biological activities other than cell proliferation, and that it is effective not only for hepatocytes but also for cells in the kidneys, lungs, skin, and other organs. In particular, since its action of releasing fibrosis or sclerosis, in which cell functions are impaired due to the accumulation of fibrous components, and its biological activities on nervous cells such as neurons and glial cells were demonstrated, various research results have been reported for HGF as a potential therapeutic agent for several intractable diseases.

Development pipelines

• Clinical trials of HGF protein underway for multiple target indications
• Late-stage pipeline (Phase III: two studies, Phase II: one study)
• Resources devoted to development in acute phase spinal cord injury, vocal fold scar and ALS

We have four pipelines that have progressed to clinical trials, acute phase spinal cord injury, vocal fold scar, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and acute kidney injury, while our partner, Claris Biotherapeutics, is conducting one clinical trial for an ophthalmic disease. Several other programs are in the basic research stage. Currently, our focus is on the acute phase spinal cord injury program, the most advanced pipeline, and we are concentrating our resources to obtain regulatory approval in Japan.

* LPO : Last Patient Out
** FPI : First Patient In

As of Nov 2023

Kringle Pharma’s growth strategy

We have two strategic pillars of business growth. The first is to have our own products. Our basic policy is to develop drugs for rare diseases and secure marketing approvals on our own, aiming to maximize value in the mid to long term. Spinal cord injury and vocal fold scar pipelines fall into the first pillar. The second is to expand globally. We develop innovative drugs for intractable diseases for which there are significant unmet medical needs. They should serve patients suffering from those intractable diseases not only in Japan but also around the world. We will be able to accelerate our growth by gaining overseas partners and reaching out to global markets as soon as possible.

* This is an overall plan, and there is no guarantee that the development will progress as shown in this graph.

Joint research with academia:
Pioneering new markets for novel regenerative treatments

In order to become a full-fledged biopharmaceutical company and achieve sustainable growth, while we promote our pipeline development, we actively engage in joint research with academia (universities, etc.) to pursue further potential of HGF proteins. Japanese academia has a broad range of excellent seeds and technologies related to regenerative medicine. By combining these with HGF protein, we aim to identify innovative drug candidates for regenerative medicine that will pave the way for the future new market.

List of research and development