— Accelerating Optimization of the Novel Compound AJ04 —
November 26, 2025
Abrax Japan Inc.
Kyushu University
Joint Research Overview
Abrax Japan Inc. (hereinafter “Abrax Japan”) has renewed its joint research agreement with Professor Mieko Arisawa of the Laboratory of Agrochemical Chemistry, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, for the continued development of novel compounds.
This renewal further strengthens the collaboration between Abrax Japan and Kyushu University to accelerate the optimization and practical application of the next-generation lead compound series, AJ04.
The joint research builds upon the achievements of the project launched in 2023, leveraging the Arisawa Laboratory’s expertise in organic synthesis and molecular design technologies (*1) to create new vitamin D-derived molecules with enhanced dermal affinity and safety profiles.
AJ04 is a newly designed topical compound based on a vitamin D analog scaffold that aims to establish a new therapeutic approach for obesity and dyslipidemia through cutaneous metabolic modulation.
During this phase, the collaboration will focus on:
– Structural optimization of AJ04 (SAR refinement)
– Evaluation of safety and efficacy (in vitro / ex vivo studies)
– Formulation compatibility assessment with F275
– Data generation for preclinical and regulatory strategy preparation
(*1) This research builds upon findings from the JST SPRING Project (“Creation of Bio-Affinitive Molecules for Stress-Responsive Medicinal and Agrochemical Development”) initiated by the Arisawa Lab in FY 2021.
Future Outlook
To advance the development of AJ04 and F275 to the next stage, Abrax Japan plans to raise an additional JPY 200 million in the first half of 2026.
The funds will be allocated to preclinical studies on optimized compounds from the Kyushu University collaboration, formulation development of F275, regulatory preparation for a first-in-human clinical trial in Australia scheduled for 2028, and strengthening of intellectual property rights.
As the GLP-1 receptor agonist market continues its rapid expansion, AJ04 offers a differentiated topical approach that may expand therapeutic options for obesity treatment. Through this financing, Abrax Japan aims to establish a robust development framework toward its key milestone of initiating clinical trials in 2028.
Comments
Jo Narita, CEO of Abrax Japan
“Since the launch of our joint research in 2023, the collaboration with Professor Arisawa’s laboratory has been extremely fruitful for Abrax Japan. With this renewal, we are confident that our work will lead to more precise compound optimization and bring us closer to realizing a new metabolic therapy through the skin. AJ04 has the potential to offer a safe and sustainable treatment option for obesity and dyslipidemia.”
Professor Mieko Arisawa, Kyushu University
“Through our joint research with Abrax Japan, we aim to translate our expertise in organic synthesis and molecular design into social implementation. By advancing molecular design strategies, we seek to develop innovative small molecules that modulate systemic metabolism through the skin.”
About Abrax Japan
Abrax Japan Inc. was founded in Tokyo in 2020 by Dr. Taku Kambayashi of the University of Pennsylvania and Jo Narita to develop and commercialize novel therapeutics based on Dr. Kambayashi’s research.
The company focuses on developing treatments for obesity, dyslipidemia, skin diseases, and nephritis through a new drug discovery approach that regards the skin as an endocrine organ.
To date, Abrax Japan has raised USD 3.7 million (approx. JPY 550 million) in seed funding from individual investors and venture capital firms and is advancing its lead programs AJ04 and F275.
The company aims to initiate its first-in-human clinical trial for obesity in Australia by 2028.
About Kyushu University
Kyushu University, a national university corporation in Japan, aspires to be a “university that drives social innovation through integrated knowledge” by 2030. The university actively leverages its academic resources and expertise to address global challenges and create a sustainable society that fosters diverse well-being.
Through research initiatives in fields such as decarbonization, health and medicine, and environment and food, Kyushu University is promoting social implementation of its discoveries via demonstration projects and university-initiated ventures.
Media and Investor Inquiries
Abrax Japan Inc.
Please contact us through the inquiry form on our official website:
https://en.abrax-japan.com/contact/
