Ajinomoto Co., Inc. has been conducting joint research* with RIBOMIC Inc. (President: Yoshikazu Nakamura, Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, hereinafter referred to as "RIBOMIC"), a drug discovery startup focused on the development and production of aptamer pharmaceuticals, on the development of technology for controlling the pharmacokinetics of nucleic acid aptamers using the antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) manufacturing technology "AJICAP®" (hereinafter referred to as "AJICAP®"). As a result of this research, RIBOMIC has successfully extended the half-life of a conjugate of nucleic acid aptamers and the Fc region of immunoglobulins in the bloodstream.

As part of our efforts to demonstrate the applicability of AJICAP®, we have been advancing joint research with RIBOMIC (disclosed on December 27, 2023) aimed at realizing next-generation aptamer pharmaceuticals. In this research, RIBOMIC has focused on the retention of immunoglobulins in the bloodstream and aims to develop technology to extend the half-life in the bloodstream by fusing nucleic acid aptamers with immunoglobulins. By combining RIBOMIC's compound creation and measurement technology for nucleic acid aptamers with our AJICAP®, we have worked on creating a conjugate in which nucleic acid aptamers are covalently bonded to the Fc region, a partial protein of immunoglobulins. Through this effort, we have examined the binding ratio and linker structure of the Fc region and nucleic acid aptamers, and the results suggest that adjusting the binding ratio to 1:1 can significantly extend the half-life of nucleic acid aptamers in the bloodstream

As demonstrated in this joint research, AJICAP® can be applied to the creation of conjugates of various bioactive molecules and antibodies. The resulting antibody-bioactive substance conjugates are expected to contribute to overcoming challenges such as improving the efficacy, stability, and safety of antibody drugs that have been apparent until now. Furthermore, the results of this joint research demonstrate the potential for AJICAP® to be applied not only to ADCs but also to various modalities. We will continue to provide unique value through antibody modification using AJICAP®.

*This does not grant RIBOMIC exclusive rights to the AJICAP® technology.