Toray identifies ferroptosis‑inhibiting lead compound, partners with Kyushu University
- Toray discovered a novel lead compound that inhibits ferroptosis and meets its internal preclinical criteria.
- The compound demonstrated pharmacological activity in animal models of ischemia‑reperfusion acute kidney injury.
- Toray has begun a collaboration with Professor Kenichi Yamada’s group at Kyushu University to identify biomarkers, focusing on oxidized lipids.
- Toray will pursue joint research and out‑licensing with biotech and pharmaceutical partners under its early partnership strategy.
Lead compound discovery
Toray reported identification of a novel lead compound with ferroptosis‑inhibiting activity developed through its proprietary drug discovery. The compound met Toray’s internal preclinical criteria and showed pharmacological activity in animal models of ischemia‑reperfusion acute kidney injury, a condition where ferroptosis may be important.
Biomarker collaboration
Toray has launched a collaboration with Professor Kenichi Yamada’s research group at Kyushu University to discover biomarkers that can evaluate the compound’s effects in renal disease models. Yamada’s team is focusing on oxidized lipids and is developing analytical methods to detect and analyze lipid‑peroxidation‑related molecules.
Research plan and next steps
The partners will administer the lead compound to ischemia‑reperfusion kidney injury models and analyze molecular changes tied to lipid peroxidation to identify biomarkers for assessing ferroptosis inhibition. Based on findings, Toray intends to advance joint research and seek out‑licensing or partnerships with biotech and pharmaceutical companies to progress development under its early partnership strategy.
Source: Toray
