NEWS News Release
Start of Joint Research with The Jikei University School of Medicine
U-Factor Inc. Enters into Second Joint Research Agreement with The Jikei University School of Medicine
~Research on Organ Ischemic Diseases to Commence~
U-Factor Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Hidehiro Ijima; hereafter “the Company”), which aims to develop therapeutic medications using its proprietary “U-Factor® Solution” derived from deciduous tooth pulp stem cells for treating intractable diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Alzheimer-type dementia, has concluded a second joint research agreement with The Jikei University School of Medicine (Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Dr. Senya Matsufuji; Researcher: Professor James Y. Okano, Department of Regenerative Medicine). The agreement, focused on organ ischemic diseases (including cerebral infarction), was finalized in December 2024, and the collaborative research will begin in February 2025.
1. Background
Since March 2020, our Company has been conducting various joint research projects with external research institutions using “U-Factor® Solution,” a proprietary culture supernatant that we developed. Starting in 2021 with the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), we proceeded with Keio University School of Medicine in 2022, and in 2024 with Tokyo Women’s Medical University. Now, we have decided to initiate new joint research with The Jikei University School of Medicine on the efficacy of “U-Factor® Solution” in treating organ ischemic diseases such as cerebral infarction, renal failure, lower limb ischemia, and crush syndrome.
2. What is Cerebral Infarction?
Cerebral infarction is a condition in which a blockage in a blood vessel within the brain cuts off blood flow, causing brain cells to die. It affects roughly 200 people per 100,000 population, predominantly among older individuals. Common initial symptoms include sudden onset of one-sided paralysis, speech disorders, and vision problems. Early detection and treatment are crucial; therapies include clot-dissolving medication and catheter interventions. However, many patients experience lasting aftereffects, and no fundamental treatment currently exists to address these sequelae.
3. What is Kidney Failure?
Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste products and excess fluids from the body. Its prevalence is on the rise, with roughly 2,500 patients per million population receiving dialysis, the final treatment option for end-stage chronic kidney disease. Early stages often present no noticeable symptoms, but progression can lead to fatigue, edema, loss of appetite, and changes in urine output. Therapeutic approaches include lifestyle modifications, medication, dialysis, and kidney transplantation; however, the shortage of transplant donors highlights the high level of unmet medical needs in this area.
4. What is Lower Limb Ischemia?
Lower limb ischemia is caused by reduced blood flow in the legs due to atherosclerosis or blood clots, leading to oxygen deprivation in the tissues. The condition becomes more common with age, and severe cases affect around 100 out of every one million people. Early-stage symptoms include pain during walking (intermittent claudication), progressing to pain at rest and, in some cases, gangrene. While current treatments, such as medications to improve blood flow, angioplasty, and bypass surgery, can be effective, no definitive cure has been established.
5. What is Crush Syndrome?
Crush syndrome occurs when muscle tissue is destroyed by trauma or prolonged compression, releasing large amounts of cellular contents into the bloodstream. This can lead to kidney failure and systemic complications. Often observed in large-scale disasters such as earthquakes, it requires urgent diagnosis and treatment. Major symptoms include severe swelling in the affected area, intense pain, and reduced urine output. In severe cases, the condition may progress to multiple organ failure. Although treatments like dialysis and fluid therapy are employed, no fundamental cure is currently available.
The upcoming joint research aims to test the organ-protective effects of the Company’s “U-Factor® Solution” on organ ischemic diseases.
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: Senya 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