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xFOREST Therapeutics Announces Drug Discovery Collaboration with Astellas for Targeting RNA Splicing in Multiple Diseases

xFOREST Therapeutics (Headquartered in Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto, Japan; CEO: Shunichi Kashida; CTO: Kaoru Richard Komatsu, hereinafter, xFOREST) has begun a collaborative research project with Astellas Pharma Inc. (Headquartered in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan; CEO: Naoki Okamura, hereinafter "Astellas ") to develop multiple RNA-targeted pharmaceuticals.

Under this agreement, xFOREST will provide “SpliceVerse,” its new technology specialized in RNA splicing-targeted drug discovery, to create small molecule compounds that can potentially control RNA splicing related to diseases. Astellas will have the exclusive right to research, develop and commercialize any small molecule compounds identified through this joint research. xFOREST is entitled to receive research funding, and, if the drug discovery efforts are successful, milestone payments based on certain developmental achievements and royalties on sales.

Kaoru Richard Komatsu, Ph.D., Representative Director and CTO of xFOREST commented, "We are honored to initiate the first joint research project with Astellas using our technology ‘SpliceVerse’, which has been developed in stealth mode and is specialized in RNA splicing drug discovery. This technology has the potential to deliver novel therapeutics for diseases that have been difficult to treat with conventional drug discovery approaches. Through this collaboration, we are committed to working tirelessly to deliver innovative therapeutics to patients.”

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