Rege Nephro Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Representative Director and CEO: Dr. Akifumi Morinaka, hereinafter referred to as “Rege Nephro”) announces a joint research agreement with Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University (Headquarters: Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Director: Jun Takahashi, hereinafter “CiRA”), Toyo Seikan Group Holdings, Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, President and Representative Director: Ichio Otsuka, hereinafter “Toyo Seikan Group Holdings”) and Shimadzu Corporation (Headquarters: Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, President and CEO: Yasunori Yamamoto, hereinafter “Shimadzu”) to develop cell therapy for liver cirrhosis using iPS cells.

In this joint research, we will establish a method for producing hepatocyte mass for transplantation combining two-dimensional and three-dimensional culture from non-self-derived iPS cells that can be used in clinical trials, using liver cirrhosis models such as rats, evaluate the efficacy and safety of cell therapy, identify therapeutically effective substances produced by hepatocytes, and elucidate their mechanisms.

Rege Nephro is a start-up company established in September 2019 based on the research results of Professor Kenji Osafune of the CiRA Proliferation and Differentiation Mechanism Research Division. Professor Osafune has succeeded in establishing a technology for highly efficient production of nephron progenitor cells(1) from iPS cells, starting with the world’s first discovery of the existence of nephron progenitor cells, which are a type of renal progenitor cells during the embryonic period. Rege Nephro is working on the practical application of cell medicine using these cells and aims to obtain regulatory approval for chronic kidney disease as an indication.

In addition to the kidney, Professor Osafune has also been working on the development of cell medicines by inducing differentiation from iPS cells and the creation of disease models in the liver area. In addition to developing treatments for chronic kidney disease, Rege Nephro will also develop treatments for liver cirrhosis and other conditions in the liver field.

With this joint research agreement with CiRA, Toyo Seikan Group Holdings and Shimadzu, Rege Nephro will accelerate its business under the mission of improving the quality of life (QOL) of patients suffering from liver disease and contributing to society.

Note (1) Nephron progenitor cells
Cells in the developing kidney that produce tissues called nephrons (glomeruli and tubules) that produce urine in the kidneys. There are separate cells that are the source of the collecting ducts, lower urinary system, which is the drainage channel for urine, and interstitial progenitor cells that fill the gaps in the kidney tissue.

<Rege Nephro Overview>
Rege Nephro Co., Ltd.
Representative Director: Akifumi Morinaka
Address: Med-Pharm Collaboration bldg. 409s, Kyoto University, 46-29 YoshidaShimoadachi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501 JAPAN
Business Description: Research and development, production and sales of renal disease treatment technology
Establishment: September 2019
URL: https://regenephro.co.jp

<CiRA Overview>
Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University
Director: Jun Takahashi
Address: 53 ShogoinKawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507 JAPAN
Department in charge: Osafune Laboratory, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University
Established: April 2010
URL: https://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/ja

<Toyo Seikan Group Holdings Overview>
Toyo Seikan Group Holdings, Ltd.
President and Representative Director: Ichio Otsuka
Address: Osaki Forest Building, 2-18-1 Higashi-Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 　141-8627, Japan
Business Description: Management of group companies
Established: June 1917
URL： https://www.tskg-hd.com/

<Shimadzu Overview>
Shimadzu Corporation
President and CEO: Yasunori Yamamoto
Address: 1, NishinokyoKuwabara-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, 604-8511 Japan
Business Description: Manufacture and sale of measuring instruments, medical equipment, industrial equipment, aviation equipment, etc.
Established: September 1917
URL： https://www.shimadzu.co.jp/

«Inquiries regarding this matter»
Katsuhisa Yamaguchi
CFO, a member of Board of Directors
Rege Nephro Co., Ltd.
TEL: +81-75-744-6858
E-mail: info@regenephro.co.jp