Corporate
Profile

[Company strength]
Bonac brings a new viewpoint to our original research aiming to overcome issues in nucleic acid pharmaceutical development. As a result, we discovered Bonac nucleic acid, a new nucleic acid molecule, and established the world’s first stable foundational technologies for Bonac nucleic acid.

[Business description]
Our goal is to serve as a bridge, providing various solutions for the global advancement of nucleic acid medicine, such as the production of pharmaceuticals and the development of diagnostic drugs through nucleic acid chemistry. Our three business fields are:
(1) OEM nucleic acid biosynthesis and production (from reagents to bulk drugs);
(2) Consultation on nucleic acid biosynthesis technology; and
(3) Patent licensing for nucleic acid platforms.


[Industry]
Production of nucleic acid chemistry and development of nucleic acid pharmaceutical products

[Strength of products/technologies]
Bonac nucleic acid is distinctive in that it is a single-stranded long-chain nucleic acid molecule with a unique molecular structure that is different from conventional siRNA. This structure results in improved in vivo stability and the avoidance of innate immune responses via toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3). Since Bonac nucleic acid overcomes these issues affecting conventional siRNA, it is expected to become the basis for new nucleic acid pharmaceuticals. We have applied for original basic patents for the foundational Bonac nucleic acid technologies in countries around the world, and we have already successfully registered patents in Japan, the United States, and Europe.

[Representative's message]
In our role as a corporation, we take a different perspective from that of academia and aim at utilizing our expertise in nucleic acid chemistry and commercializing the field. Our three specific commercialization targets are (1) the development of nucleic acid ingredients and nucleic acid molecules that can withstand nucleic acid pharmaceutical development, (2) the planning and implementation of IP strategies for the developed nucleic acid ingredients and nucleic acid molecules, and (3) the clinical development of nucleic acid pharmaceuticals. All our employees are working toward realizing these targets. Our overriding objective is to provide everyone with new and novel nucleic acid pharmaceuticals as soon as possible in order to assist patients fighting illnesses and to fulfill the needs of the medical practice.

[Company structure for market development/overseas expansion]
To strengthen our sales force, we set up a Tokyo branch to handle inquiries from large companies. Our two-person IP team fields questions related to intellectual property. When needed, researchers will directly respond to technical questions in their respective fields.



[Market share/Ranking]
As this is a next-generation pharmaceutical domain, no statistics are available. However, global competition in nucleic acid pharmaceutical development is intensifying.

[Awards and media coverage]
[Awards]
Chikuho Bank Bio-Venture R&D Award (February 2012)

[Media]
NHK TV (Fukuoka Station) “Ohayo Japan” (July 22, 2014)
NHK TV (Fukuoka Station) “Netsuretsu Haishin! Fukuoka Now” (February 24, 2014)


[Joint research and development]
Patent No. 4968811 for a single-stranded nucleic acid molecule for regulation of gene expression
We have obtained four other patents and filed numerous patent applications.



[Main Clients / Business History (domestic)]
We have completed an agreement granting an exclusive license to Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. for the intellectual property rights to manufacture and sell our proprietary Bonac nucleic acid and other unique nucleic acid ingredients. We have also carried out joint research and similar projects with other domestic companies.

[Main Clients / Business History (overseas)]
We have carried out joint research projects with overseas companies.