June 4, 2015 To those concerned R-Tech Ueno, Ltd. (JASDAQ・Code4573) Head Office: 1-1-7 Uchisaiwai-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Representative: Yukihiko Mashima,Representative Director & President Contact: Koji Nakamura, Business Management Department TEL: 03-(3596) 8011 Announcement on Development and Sales Launch of Research Reagent "Human Soluble Form VAP-1 Measurement Kit" utilizing our Monoclonal Antibody R-Tech Ueno, Ltd. (RTU) has been developing a novel VAP-1 inhibitor (Note 1) for medical use that aims to treat inflammatory diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema. With the development of this inhibitor, we have also proceeded to develop useful research tools in the basic researches of VAP-1 and innovative drug development. RTU hereby announces that the sales of the research reagent "Human Soluble VAP-1 ELISA (Note 2) Kit" starts in June 2015. The kit enables measurement of free VAP-1 protein concentration within biological samples such as serum. The kit was developed by CycLex Co., Ltd. (CycLex) on the basis of the license concerning the anti-human VAP-1 monoclonal antibody granted from RTU. The kit will be distributed through Medical & Biological Laboratories Co., Ltd. (MBL), which is the parent company and general distributor of CycLex. <Product Information> Product number: CY-8104 Product Name: CircuLexTM Human Soluble VAP-1 ELISA Kit ※ CircuLexTM is the product brand name of CycLex. For further details, please visit the websites of CycLex and MBL as follows. Website of CycLex: http://www.cyclex.co.jp/ Research reagents related website of MBL: http://ruo.mbl.co.jp/ Yukihiko Mashima, MD, PhD, President of the company, has stated as follows: “We are carrying development of VAP-1 inhibitor forward as a pharmaceutical product. It is reported that VAP-1 protein concentration in the blood is higher among the patients suffering from diseases including diabetes, arteriosclerosis, acute inflammatory diseases, obesity, and psoriasis. Therefore, we believe the measurement of protein concentration in each related tissue is important for understanding the condition of the organ associated with these diseases. This kit will be available around the world taking the powerful sales channel of the distributor, MBL. Prior to the sale launch of this kit, RTU filed patent applications for human VAP-1 monoclonal antibody and a kit utilizing such antibody. In addition, we continue to develop "human VAP-1 enzyme activity measurement kit", which is the research reagent to specifically measure VAP-1 activity within biological samples utilizing human VAP-1 monoclonal antibodies as well as "antibody for immunohistochmistry" which is the research reagent to detect expression and localization of VAP-1 protein within human tissue.” The above venture will have a slight influence on the financial results to the earnings forecasts of the second cumulative quarter and the full year previously announced on May 14, 2015. (Note 1) VAP-1 Inhibitor VAP-1 (vascular adhesion protein-1) is also known as semicarbazide sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO). There are two forms of this protein: one exists in vascular endothelium as a membrane-binding molecule (VAP-1) and the other exists in serum as a free molecule (SSAO), sometimes described as VAP-1/SSAO. The former has an adhesive function with leukocytes (granulocyte related to inflammation, lymphocytes and monocytes related to inflammation and immunity) and mainly associated with inflammation. The latter detoxifies amines inside a living body by amine oxidase activity. VAP-1/SSAO is a glycoprotein. VAP-1/SSAO activity becomes increased in various tissues and in the serum of patients with Diabetes, atopic dermatitis, obesity, arterial sclerosis, heart diseases, etc. Therefore, the inhibitor is expected to control such excess VAP1/SSAO and normalize its functions. (Note 2) ELISA ELISA stands for Enzyme Linked Immunosolvent Assay. It is a method to measure concentrations of protein, etc. within a biological sample utilizing the antigen-antibody reaction. This method is widely used in the fields of biotechnology and clinical examination. ・About CycLex Co., Ltd. CycLex was established in 1998 as a subsidiary of Medical & Biological Laboratories Co., Ltd. (MBL). CycLex researches, develops and manufactures proprietary research reagents targeting drug screening in the innovative drug development field and disease-related marker measurement in the clinical field. ・About Medical & Biological Laboratories Co., Ltd. MBL was established in 1969 as the first antibody manufacturer in Japan. MBL conducts research and development/ manufacturing/ distribution of clinical reagents for autoimmune disorder and cancer as well as a variety of research reagents with a focus on antibody. ・About R-Tech Ueno, Ltd. R-Tech Ueno is a bio venture company established in September 1989 for the purpose of R&D and marketing of drugs. Under the leadership of the CEO, also a medical doctor, the company is developing new drugs on the theme “Physician-Oriented New Drug Innovation”, targeting ophthalmologic and dermatologic diseases that previously had no effective therapeutic agent. We aim to become a “global pharmaceutical company specializing in specific fields (ophthalmology and dermatology) and developing and selling pharmaceutical products through the eyes of doctors.” We are promoting the development of new drugs for unmet medical needs for which the government provides recommendations and assistance such as orphan drugs and the drugs in the field of anti-aging (lifestyle drugs). END
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