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