Kaken’s drug discovery research focuses on such areas of strength as inflammation, immunity and allergies, in addition to its core competence of fungal infection disease. We invest substantial financial and human resources into such research activities with the aim of developing new drugs that are both effective and safe. To create new drugs that can compete in the world market, we maintain an active program of drug discovery research, spearheaded by outstanding research professionals and techniques refined over many years of experience in pharmaceutical development.
| Code | Indication | Stage |
|---|---|---|
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| KP-103 (IDP-108) |
Onychomycosis | Filed |
| KCB-1D | Periodontitis | PIII |
| KCB-1B | Bone fractures | PII Finished |
| TRK-100STP | Lumbar spinal canal stenosis | PII |
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Fiblast® (recombinant human basic fibroblast growth factor, rh bFGF) Fiblast® Spray, a medicinal product of regenerative medicine, is the world's first product that commercializes recombinant human basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF), a member of the fibroblast growth factor family. bFGF exists in almost all tissues in the human body. Once a tissue is damaged by trauma, ischemia, etc., bFGF is released from the extracellular matrix and then acts on various cells and tissues to stimulate tissue regeneration. As bFGF has diverse functions, bFGF is characterized by its powerful abilities to stimulate both cellular proliferation and neovascularization. After obtaining exclusive licensing rights for recombinant human bFGF in Asia from Scios Inc. (U.S.) in 1988, Kaken continued its R&D efforts toward acquisition of marketing approval for the bFGF product with indications for pressure ulcers and other skin ulcers (burn ulcers and leg ulcers) and successfully introduced it under the trade name of Fiblast® Spray on the Japanese market in June 2001, marking the world's first commercialization of recombinant human bFGF. Having completed reexamination by the Japanese regulatory authorities in 2010, Fiblast® Spray has again confirmed its presence as a highly reliable drug.In addition to its effectiveness in skin tissues, bFGF has also demonstrated the ability to stimulate the proliferation and regeneration of periodontal and bone tissues. In the field of dentistry, it has been confirmed that bFGF promotes proliferation of periodontal ligament cells and regeneration of cementum and alveolar bone. We have conducted three clinical trials in patients with periodontitis and found that bFGF is effective in regeneration of alveolar bone destroyed by periodontitis. In regard to bone tissue, bFGF has demonstrated its effectiveness in treating bone fractures by accelerating bone metabolism through both the direct effect of stimulating proliferation of osteoblast and the indirect effect of enhancing osteoclast function. Having completed two clinical trials, we are currently preparing for the next phase of development. In addition to the fields in which we have conducted clinical trials, we are collaborating with universities and research institutions in Japan to further explore the possibilities of bFGF as a regenerative medicine in other fields. In March 2005, Kaken acquired the worldwide rights to develop, manufacture and market bFGF. In December 2005, a license agreement was concluded with a Chinese pharmaceutical company for the development and marketing of Fiblast® Spray. In June 2007, a license agreement was reached with SUNSTAR INC. regarding the development and marketing of bFGF for dental applications in Europe and North America. In November 2009, a license agreement was concluded with OLYMPUS CORPORATION for the development and marketing of bFGF for wound healing in Europe and North America. In collaboration with our overseas business partners, we will strive to increase the presence of bFGF on the global medical market by fully utilizing the wealth of technologies and expertise we have accumulated with regard to bFGF through our R&D efforts. |
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KP-103 (efinaconazole) KP-103 (efinaconazole), a drug candidate discovered and developed by Kaken, is a novel triazole compound under development as the world's first topical antifungal agent for onychomycosis. Compared to existing drugs, its activity decreases only slightly in the presence of keratin, suggesting that it will maintain its therapeutic effect even within thick cornified layers of nails. KP-103 has also shown an antifungal activity in various animal models for fungal infections. In particular, it was more effective than existing agents in a guinea pig model for onychomycosis. While oral formulation is the mainstream therapy for refractory onychomycosis, KP-103 may open a new treatment approach as a topical formulation.In 2006, we concluded a license agreement with Dow Pharmaceutical Sciences, Inc. (DPS; U.S.) for the development and marketing of KP-103 products in Europe and North America. After completing the acquisition of DPS in 2009, Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. (Canada) has continued the development of this compound. Two multinational pivotal study (Phase III) in patients with mild to moderate onychomycosis (of toenails) revealed that the topical investigational drug (US development code: IDP-108) was significantly superior (p<0.001) to a placebo for all primary and secondary endpoints. In collaboration with our overseas business partners, we will continue our efforts to submit NDA and to acquire approval of this drug as a treatment for onychomycosis in global market. |
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