U-Factor Co., Ltd. Signs Joint Research Agreement with Tokyo Jikei University School of Medicine to Develop Therapeutics Using U-Factor solution

～Research to be Conducted on ALS and Parkinson’s Disease～

U-Factor Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Hidehiro Ijima, hereinafter referred to as “U-Factor”) has signed a joint research agreement with Tokyo Jikei University School of Medicine (Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Chiya Matsufuji; Researcher: Professor James Okano, Department of Regenerative Medicine) on July 22, 2024, to conduct research on ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) and Parkinson’s disease using U-Factor solution, a deciduous tooth pulp stem cell culture supernatant.

1. Background
Since March 2020, U-Factor has been conducting various joint research projects with external research institutions using its proprietary culture supernatant, U-Factor solution. Since 2021, U-Factor has collaborated with the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Keio University School of Medicine from 2022, and Tokyo Women’s Medical University from 2024. The latest collaboration with Tokyo Jikei University School of Medicine aims to evaluate the efficacy of U-Factor solution in treating ALS and Parkinson’s disease.

2. What is ALS?
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that selectively affects motor neurons, with an estimated prevalence of approximately 6 per 100,000 people. ALS leads to the gradual decline of muscle strength, eventually resulting in paralysis of all muscles, including those required for breathing. Currently, there is no established cure, and only a few medications are available that can slow the disease’s progression, highlighting the urgent need for the development of a curative treatment.

3. What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by the gradual loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra of the midbrain. It affects approximately 1% of the population over the age of 65. Symptoms include tremors, muscle stiffness, and slowness of movement. While it is difficult to completely halt the progression of symptoms, there is a strong demand for improved treatments and the development of new therapies.

This research will use U-Factor solution to evaluate its efficacy in treating and slowing the progression of ALS and Parkinson’s disease.

What is U-Factor solution?
U-Factor solution is a highly purified culture supernatant obtained through U-Factor’s proprietary technology during the cultivation of stem cells. It contains a large quantity of cytokines (proteins with physiological effects) secreted by the stem cells. The efficacy of this solution was first discovered by U-Factor’s Director and Professor Emeritus Minoru Ueda of Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine and colleagues (M Ueda, et al. Neurosci 2015). U-Factor solution, further refined and purified through advanced methods, holds significant potential in terms of safety and efficacy.

About U-Factor Co., Ltd.
Established: March 2020
CEO: Hidehiro Ijima
Headquarters: 1st Floor, ESCALIER Rokubancho, 7-11 Rokubancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
URL: https://u-factor.com
Business: U-Factor aims to develop therapeutics for intractable diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease using U-Factor solution. The company is committed to addressing unmet medical needs by developing new drugs for diseases for which no effective treatments currently exist.

About Tokyo Jikei University School of Medicine
Established: 1881
President: Chiya Matsufuji
Headquarters: 3-25-8 Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
URL：https://www.jikei.ac.jp/university/

For Inquiries Regarding This Press Release
U-Factor Co., Ltd. Public Relations Department
TEL: +81-3-5357-1580
Email: info@u-factor.com

For Research Inquiries
Department of Regenerative Medicine, Tokyo Jikei University School of Medicine
Professor James Okano
TEL: +81-3-3433-1111 (Main Line)