Addressing unmet medical needs.
Bringing Regenerative MedicineCloser to You.
Delivering $1 Stem Cell Supernatant Worldwide.
Bringing Regenerative Medicine Closer to People.
U-Factor Co., Ltd. is a drug discovery bio-venture company dedicated to developing new therapeutics with U-Factor® solution, a stem cell supernatant, to meet the needs of those who have been left without effective medications.
"Stem cell culture supernatant" can vary greatly in cytokine and exosome levels depending on the culturing method. We are continuously researching ways to maximize these levels, and the stem cell culture supernatant produced from our efforts is called "U-Factor®."
The so-called "regenerative medicine," including iPS cells, remains distant to many people due to its high treatment costs and the limited reports of diseases being cured.
With U-Factor® solution, we promise to create a world where we can address diseases that currently lack effective treatments, such as ALS, post-stroke sequelae, and Alzheimer's disease, and deliver these treatments affordably through mass production with automated culturing systems.
Hidehiro Ijima
Chief Executive OfficerBorn in Hokkaido in 1979. After working for two private companies, he served as a public secretary to a member of the National Diet starting in 2007, and then as a policy secretary for a member of the National Diet in 2013, where he was involved in the Regenerative Medicine Safety Assurance Act. Founded U-Factor Co., Ltd. in 2020.
Biography
- 1995
- Graduated from Naie Junior High School, Naie, Sorachi District, Hokkaido
- 1998
- Graduated from Hokkaido Takikawa High School
- 2003
- Graduated from Shizuoka University
- 2003
- Worked for Two Private Companies
- 2007
- Diet Secretary
- 2013
- Involved in the Regenerative Medicine Safety Assurance Act as a Policy Secretary
- 2020
- Founded U-Factor Co., Ltd.
It has been scientifically proven that bioactive substances produced by stem cells have therapeutic effects on many intractable diseases. In particular, the protein factors produced by stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth show high efficacy against neurodegenerative diseases. The research phase is over, and it is time for everyone to benefit from these advancements. We are committed to developing treatments for unmet medical needs and are striving to deliver these therapies to patients as soon as possible.
Minoru Ueda
Director,MD-PhD Professor Emeritus at Nagoya UniversityBorn in Osaka Prefecture in 1949. He completed the Graduate School of Medicine at Nagoya University in 1984. In 2000, he became a professor at the Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University. In 2003, he served as a visiting professor at the Institute of Medical Science, the University of Tokyo. In 2011, he discovered, for the first time in the world, that the liquid secreted by stem cells plays a key role in cellular regeneration.
Biography
- 1984
- Completed the Graduate School of Medicine at Nagoya University, MD-PhD
- 1990
- Associate Professor at the Nagoya University School of Medicine
- 1990
- Visiting Researcher at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden
- 1991
- Visiting Researcher at the University of Zurich, Switzerland
- 1994
- Professor of Oral Surgery at Nagoya University School of Medicine
- 2000
- Professor of Head and Neck Sensory Organ Surgery at the Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University
- 2001
- Board Member of the Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine
- 2003
- Visiting Professor at the Institute of Medical Science, the University of Tokyo
- 2011
- Visiting Professor at the University of Bergen, Norway
- 2015
- Professor Emeritus at the Nagoya University School of Medicine
- 2016
- Evaluation Committee Member of the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)
After working at various business companies, I encountered "culture supernatant." I am committed to dedicating all my efforts to commercializing it by leveraging the experience and knowledge I've gained from different industries. Our mission is "to address unmet medical needs." Guided by this belief, we will provide new value to society with innovative ideas that only our team can achieve, unbound by industry stereotypes.
By walking alongside patients and challenging uncharted territories, we aim to contribute to creating a better future.
Keigo Hori
Director, COOBorn in Hokkaido in 1979. After graduating from the University of Arizona in 2003, he joined Taiyo Yuden Co., Ltd. After serving as Head of New Business Development at Amazon Japan G.K. in 2015, he became a founding member of U-Factor Co., Ltd. in 2020.
Biography
- 1995
- Graduated from Naie Junior High School, Naie, Sorachi District, Hokkaido
- 1998
- Graduated from Hokkaido Takikawa High School
- 2003
- Graduated from The University of Arizona
- 2003
- Joined Taiyo Yuden Co., Ltd.
- 2006
- Corporate Division Director for Group Operations at Hoshino Resorts Inc.
- 2015
- Head of New Business Development at Amazon Japan G.K.
By utilizing bioactive substances produced by stem cells, we have discovered that they can become effective treatments for many diseases. In the case of cell and organ transplants, donor shortages are a serious issue. However, using bioactive substances derived from stem cells allows for a stable supply. We are committed to the challenge of creating treatments that reach many patients.
Yuji Teramura
Scientific and Technical AdvisorPh.D. in Engineering Senior Researcher, Cell and Molecular Engineering Division, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)Professor, Graduate School of Global Education, University of TsukubaVisiting Professor, Uppsala University, SwedenChief Senior Researcher, at National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)
Professor, Master's/Doctoral Program in Life Science Innovation, University of Tsukuba
Guest Professor, Uppsala University,
He is a Chief Senior Researcher, in Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute (CMB) at AIST, and Professor in Unviersity of Tsukuba and guest Professor in Uppsala University in Sweden. His research interest is biomedical engineering and biomaterials, with a focus on polymer synthesis and cell surface engineering. He has numerous academic publications and awards, which are recognized internationally.
- Awards
-
- The Award of Japanese Society for Biomaterials (2024)
- The Award for Young Investigator of the Japan Society for Organ Preservation and Biology (2019)
- The Award for Young Investigator of Japanese Society for Biomaterials (2013)
Biography
- 2000
- School of Science and Engineering, Waseda University
- 2002
- JSPS Research Fellow (DC1)
- 2004
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Waseda University
- 2024
- Ph.D. (Engineering) from Waseda University
- 2024
- JSPS Postdoctoral Researcher, Osaka University
- 2005
- Assistant Professor, Kyoto University
- 2010
- JSPS Overseas Research Fellowships, Uppsala University, Sweden
- 2013
- Associate Professor, Department of Bioengineering, The University of Tokyo
- 2018
- Guest Professor, Uppsala University,
- 2021
- Senior Researcher at National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)
- 2022
- Chief Senior Researcher, AIST
- 2022
- Professor, Master's/Doctoral Program in Life Science Innovation, University of Tsukuba
With over 20 years as an intellectual property strategy expert in the fields of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and regenerative medicine, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the team. Leveraging this expertise, I am committed to accurately supporting the U-Factor team in addressing unmet medical needs by contributing to disease treatment with the U-Factor® solution from an intellectual property perspective.
Tsutomu Uchiyama
Intellectual Property Strategy AdvisorPh.D. in Pharmaceutical SciencesRegistered Patent Attorney Intellectual Property AdvisoryDirector, Tsutomu Uchiyama Intellectual Property Strategy OfficeSince April 2017, as the Director of Tsutomu Uchiyama Intellectual Property Strategy Office, I have supported numerous early-stage life science ventures and academia. My services include intellectual property strategy formulation, alliances related to research and development, patent application and enforcement, IP due diligence, patent evaluation, and strategies for avoiding third-party patent infringement (Freedom to Operate). I prioritize meeting the needs of my clients in all these areas.
Biography
- 1990
- Joined Daiichi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (now Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd.) as a Researcher in the Molecular Biology Laboratory, Drug Discovery Research Division 1 (Final Position)
- 1997
- Joined Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited as a Principal Staff Member in the Intellectual Property Department (Final Position)
- 1997
- Registered as a Patent Attorney
- 2002
- Joined SoftBank Investment Corporation
- 2003
- Joined Eisai Co., Ltd. as Head of the Intellectual Property Department (Final Position)
- 2017
- Established Tsutomu Uchiyama Intellectual Property Strategy Office
With over 20 years of experience in the drug development support industry, I aim to fully explore the potential of "culture supernatant." As a member of the U-Factor team, I am committed to supporting the company's vision and goals, working tirelessly to help address societal challenges.
Makoto Inoue
Regulatory Affairs Strategy AdvisorSince 2003, I have held various roles, including Director, Executive Officer, and Department Head, at a clinical trial support company. I was involved in establishing the Project Management Department, served as Office Manager, and worked as the Executive Officer in charge of the Sales Department. Subsequently, as the Head of the Corporate Planning Department, I was responsible for developing medium-term plans for group companies, managing investment projects, and planning new healthcare business ventures. Additionally, I served as the Sales Director of the PMS Business Headquarters and played a key role as a Senior Supervisor in establishing and overseeing the PRO department. Throughout my 15-year career, I have been deeply engaged in pharmaceutical support-related operations.
Biography
- 1999
- Graduated from Kinki University
- 2003
- Engaged in drug development support activities. Held positions such as Director at leading companies in the industry.
- 2019
- Executive at an IT Pharmaceutical Support Company
- 2024
- Vitalive.inc CEO
The U-factor® stem cell-conditioned medium still has unexplained aspects, but I am confident that it is a promising solution for ALS treatment as well as for other incurable diseases and unmet medical needs.
I hope that this technology will be widely recognized by physicians and many others, becoming a new treatment option for conditions such as rare diseases and post-stroke complications.
Additionally, I am committed to continuing our efforts to bring hope to patients and their families.
Yasuhiro Seta
Medical Advisor Director, Hitonowa MedicalBorn in Iwate, Japan, in 1987, Dr. Yasuhiro Seta graduated from Jikei University School of Medicine. After graduation, he worked at Keio University and affiliated hospitals. With a clinical focus on "Regenerative Medicine x Intractable Diseases," he founded Hitonowa Medical in 2020. Dr. Seta offers innovative treatments using stem cell-conditioned medium for patients suffering from ALS and post-stroke complications. In December 2023, he was certified as a specialist in regenerative medicine. Starting in January 2023, he began a specific clinical research project titled "Safety and Efficacy of Intravenous Administration of SHED-CM for ALS" in collaboration with U-factor Corporation.
Biography
- 2012
- Graduated from The Jikei University School of Medicine
- 2014
- Worked at Keio University Hospital
- 2020
- Director of Hitonowa Medical Clinic
