U-Factor Co., Ltd., a Drug Discovery Venture Focused on Developing Therapeutics Using Stem Cell Culture Supernatant, Signs Joint Research Agreement with AIST Solutions, a Subsidiary Fully Funded by Japan’s Largest National Research Institute

– Accelerating Research Towards Drug Development –

U-Factor Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Hidehiro Ijima, hereinafter referred to as “U-Factor”), a drug discovery venture aiming to formulate therapeutics targeting intractable diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease using Deciduous Tooth Pulp Stem Cell Culture Supernatant, has announced the signing of a joint research agreement with AIST Solutions Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Seiji Ohsaka), a subsidiary wholly owned by the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST, Tokyo Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, President: Kazuhiko Ishimura, hereinafter referred to as “AIST”). The joint research began in September 2023.
https://u-factor.com/

1. Background

The human body is composed of approximately 37 trillion cells, which are constantly being renewed or lost due to aging and other factors. Stem cells, a special type of cell, play a critical role in repairing damaged cells. These cells have the unique ability to differentiate into various cell types and possess significant regenerative potential. The supernatant secreted during the cultivation of these stem cells contains thousands of growth factors and proteins. Recent studies have shown that these substances can promote the regeneration of tissue cells in the body, offering a wide range of therapeutic benefits.

2. Overview of the Joint Research

This joint research builds upon the results of a two-year collaborative study that began in August 2021 with Senior Principal Researcher Yuji Teramura from the Cell Molecular Engineering Group at AIST. The newly established joint research agreement extends this collaboration for another two years. The supernatant developed by U-Factor has been found to contain various cytokines, proteins, and extracellular vehicles such as exosomes. The research will focus on elucidating the mechanisms of action of these substances against target diseases, using the technology for which a patent was filed in July 2023 (Patent Application No. 2023-086930), with the goal of advancing towards drug formulation.

3. Future Outlook

U-Factor, in collaboration with AIST, will continue to work on the development of new drugs that address various unmet medical needs* such as Alzheimer’s disease, post-stroke complications, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). There are many diseases worldwide for which effective treatments have not yet been established. U-Factor aims to validate and demonstrate the safety and efficacy of its supernatant for such conditions.

What is Deciduous Tooth Pulp Stem Cell Culture Supernatant?
This supernatant is obtained during the cultivation process of stem cells and contains a large number of cytokines (proteins with physiological effects) secreted by the stem cells. Its effectiveness was first discovered by U-Factor’s Director and Professor Emeritus Minoru Ueda of Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine and his colleagues (M Ueda, et al. J. Craniofac. Surg. 2010, K Matsubara, M Ueda, et al. J. Neurosci 2015). While traditional regenerative medicine has relied on direct stem cell transplantation into the body, the safety of such procedures has remained a challenge. The discovery of the stem cell culture supernatant has shown that it can offer therapeutic effects similar to stem cell transplantation, but with greater safety.

*Unmet medical needs refer to the strong demand for medical treatments and drugs for diseases that currently have no established effective treatment methods.

About U-Factor Co., Ltd.
Established: March 2020
CEO: Hidehiro Ijima
Headquarters: 4-8-1 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
URL: https://u-factor.com
Business: U-Factor is focused on developing therapeutics for Alzheimer’s disease using Deciduous Tooth Pulp Stem Cell Culture Supernatant, with the mission of realizing a world free of Alzheimer’s disease. The company is engaged in the fundamental research and formulation of this supernatant, originally developed by Professor Emeritus Minoru Ueda.

About AIST Solutions Co., Ltd.
Established: April 2023
CEO: Seiji Ohsaka
Headquarters: WeWork Hibiya FORT TOWER, 1-1-1 Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
URL: http://www.aist-solutions.co.jp
Business: AIST Solutions incorporates technologies developed by AIST to provide solutions in six key areas: Energy Solutions, AI & Semiconductors, Circular Economy, Material DX, Bio & Well-being, and Digital Platforms. The company focuses on offering technological assets, coordinating joint research, implementing demonstration projects for social implementation, building value chains, and creating startups.

Contact Us
U-Factor Co., Ltd.
Phone: +81-3-5357-1580
Email: info@u-factor.com