Approach
A Drug Discovery Approach Based on Physiological Regulation
We view salivary secretion and other biological functions as components of finely regulated physiological systems. Based on this perspective, our drug discovery approach does not rely on excessive stimulation or uniform pharmacological effects, but instead leverages the body’s intrinsic signaling mechanisms to achieve more precise and physiologically aligned modulation.
Why
Physiological
Control Matters
Many biological functions are maintained through finely tuned regulation within defined physiological ranges, thereby preserving homeostasis.Salivary secretion is no exception; it is not a function that can be optimized simply by stronger stimulation, but rather one that is expressed under physiological control that incorporates factors such as circadian timing and individual variability.We believe that respecting these physiological regulatory mechanisms is essential to rational therapeutic design.
Mechanism
of Action
In our drug discovery approach, we assume physiological signal transduction mediated by endogenous ligands and adopt a strategy focused on modulating and enhancing these signals.Through this design, we aim to leverage the body’s intrinsic regulatory mechanisms to elicit receptor functions involved in salivary secretion in a more natural and physiologically aligned manner.
Implications
for Drug Design
We believe that an approach focused on enhancing physiological signaling is particularly meaningful in compensating for biological functions that have been attenuated by aging or disease.Designing therapies to act only when physiologically required may facilitate a more favorable balance between therapeutic efficacy and safety, while allowing for treatment strategies that take individual variability and residual functional capacity into account.We further believe that this concept represents an approach with the potential to contribute to addressing clinical challenges in an increasingly aging society.
Current Program
The company is currently focused on one lead development program for xerostomia.
The aim is to create new treatment options based on a drug discovery approach based on physiological control.
Development Stage
This program is moving to the next stage of development based on the findings obtained so far from preclinical and early clinical trials.
Currently, we are positioning clinical Proof of Concept (PoC) trials aimed at verifying efficacy as an important milestone.
Strategic Significance
The purpose of this program is to explore the potential of new treatments to address unmet medical needs that have not been adequately met.
We also believe that the knowledge gained through this development will serve as an important foundation for future expansion of indications and consideration of new drug discovery themes.
A design that acts only when physiologically necessary makes it easier to balance therapeutic effects and side effects, and may lead to treatments that take into account individual differences and differences in residual function.
We believe that this approach can also contribute to solving problems in the medical field in an aging society.