Abrax Japan Inc. visited the Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences at Kyushu University, led by Prof. Mieko Arisawa, to review progress in the joint research program for the company’s novel vitamin D analog series, the AJ compounds.
The visit was attended by Jo Narita, CEO of Abrax Japan; Prof. Taku Kambayashi, Co-founder of Abrax Japan; and Dr. Noritake Maeda, Venture Partner at Axil Capital and Director of Abrax Japan. Together with Prof. Arisawa and members of the Arisawa Laboratory, the team reviewed the latest research results and discussed the next phase of development.
Since the start of the collaboration, the AJ series has continued to make steady progress, with promising new compounds generated through the joint research effort. During the visit, the teams aligned on the selection of next-generation lead candidates and confirmed a clearer research roadmap for future development.
Abrax Japan and Kyushu University will continue to accelerate their collaboration toward the development of innovative therapies for obesity and metabolic diseases.
Special Seminar at the Arisawa Laboratory
Prof. Taku Kambayashi, Co-founder of Abrax Japan, delivered a special seminar for students and researchers at the Arisawa Laboratory. The seminar covered the global landscape of obesity treatment, Abrax Japan’s drug discovery strategy, the development of the AJ series, and the challenges of building a biotech startup with global ambitions. The session was followed by an active discussion on drug discovery, intellectual property, commercialization, and international development.
Inside the Laboratory Where the AJ Series Was Created
The Abrax Japan team visited the laboratory where the AJ series is being created and discussed the synthesis, evaluation, and optimization of novel compounds with Prof. Arisawa. A key outcome of the visit was the confirmation of the next research steps for the AJ program. Going forward, the teams will continue lead optimization, mechanistic studies, and further efficacy evaluation as the collaboration moves into its next phase.
Exchange with Students and Researchers
Following the seminar, the Abrax Japan team met with students and researchers from the Arisawa Laboratory. The exchange highlighted the importance of industry-academia collaboration and provided an opportunity to engage with the next generation of scientists working at the intersection of chemistry, biology, and drug discovery.
Comment from Jo Narita, CEO of Abrax Japan
“The collaboration with Kyushu University has led to the creation of highly promising new AJ compounds. During this visit, we were able to align as one research team on the development roadmap and clarify the next research steps.
I was also deeply inspired by the enthusiasm and ambition of the students in the laboratory. Bringing outstanding university research to patients around the world is a core mission of Abrax Japan.
We will continue to deepen our partnership with Kyushu University as we work toward realizing a first-in-class, skin-mediated metabolic regulation platform and delivering innovative therapies to the world.”
Looking Ahead
Abrax Japan and Kyushu University will further accelerate the development of the AJ series, with the goal of establishing a first-in-class therapeutic platform that regulates systemic metabolism through the skin. This visit served not only as a review of research progress, but also as an important opportunity to define the next stage of development and strengthen the collaboration between industry and academia.
About Abrax Japan
Abrax Japan Inc. is a drug discovery startup developing innovative therapies based on its proprietary approach to skin-mediated metabolic regulation. Through collaborations with universities and research institutions, Abrax Japan aims to translate world-class scientific discoveries into new treatment options for patients worldwide.
