July 31, 2026
July 31, 2026
Taisho Pharmaceutical Enters into Exclusive License Agreement
for FcRn Inhibitor “KG006” in Japan
Taisho Pharmaceutical Enters into Exclusive License Agreement for FcRn Inhibitor “KG006” in Japan
Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. ("Taisho"; headquarters: Toshima-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Shigeru Uehara) announced today that it has entered into an exclusive license agreement (the "Agreement") with Kaigene, Inc. ("Kaigene"; headquarters: Maryland, USA; CEO: Minjae Shin) on July 30, 2026, for the exclusive development and commercialization of the human neonatal Fc receptor (hFcRn) inhibitor, KG006, in Japan.
FcRn is a receptor that binds to immunoglobulin G (IgG) and protects IgG from degradation in the body. Inhibition of FcRn accelerates the degradation of IgG, thereby reducing circulating levels of pathogenic IgG autoantibodies involved in disease and suppressing autoimmune responses. As a result, FcRn inhibitors have emerged as a therapeutic option for autoimmune diseases. KG006 is a FcRn inhibitor with unique antibody structure distinct from existing therapies. KG006 has demonstrated a favorable profile in non-clinical studies, and Taisho plans to initiate clinical development in Japan following completion of the necessary preparations.
In addition to its portfolio of small-molecule medicines, including Lusefi® for type 2 diabetes, LOQOA® for osteoarthritis, and Vorzzz® for insomnia, Taisho also has extensive experience in antibody therapeutics through the development and commercialization of Nanozora® for rheumatoid arthritis. Taisho is actively pursuing partnerships and licensing opportunities, regardless of development stage, to bring innovative treatment options to patients. Through this Agreement, Taisho will add KG006 to its pipeline while continuing to be involved with the research and development of its proprietary antibody therapeutics.
Taisho is committed to develop KG006 in Japan and to providing new treatment options for patients with autoimmune diseases.
About Kaigene, Inc.
Kaigene, Inc. is a biotechnology company headquartered in Maryland, USA. Kaigene has focused on the research and development of antibody therapeutics for autoimmune diseases and possesses a next-generation biologics pipeline based on its proprietary PDEG™ (Pathogenic Antibody Degrader) platform. Through the development of innovative therapies, Kaigene aims to expand treatment options for patients.
Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. ("Taisho"; headquarters: Toshima-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Shigeru Uehara) announced today that it has entered into an exclusive license agreement (the "Agreement") with Kaigene, Inc. ("Kaigene"; headquarters: Maryland, USA; CEO: Minjae Shin) on July 30, 2026, for the exclusive development and commercialization of the human neonatal Fc receptor (hFcRn) inhibitor, KG006, in Japan.
FcRn is a receptor that binds to immunoglobulin G (IgG) and protects IgG from degradation in the body. Inhibition of FcRn accelerates the degradation of IgG, thereby reducing circulating levels of pathogenic IgG autoantibodies involved in disease and suppressing autoimmune responses. As a result, FcRn inhibitors have emerged as a therapeutic option for autoimmune diseases. KG006 is a FcRn inhibitor with unique antibody structure distinct from existing therapies. KG006 has demonstrated a favorable profile in non-clinical studies, and Taisho plans to initiate clinical development in Japan following completion of the necessary preparations.
In addition to its portfolio of small-molecule medicines, including Lusefi® for type 2 diabetes, LOQOA® for osteoarthritis, and Vorzzz® for insomnia, Taisho also has extensive experience in antibody therapeutics through the development and commercialization of Nanozora® for rheumatoid arthritis. Taisho is actively pursuing partnerships and licensing opportunities, regardless of development stage, to bring innovative treatment options to patients. Through this Agreement, Taisho will add KG006 to its pipeline while continuing to be involved with the research and development of its proprietary antibody therapeutics.
Taisho is committed to develop KG006 in Japan and to providing new treatment options for patients with autoimmune diseases.
About Kaigene, Inc.
Kaigene, Inc. is a biotechnology company headquartered in Maryland, USA. Kaigene has focused on the research and development of antibody therapeutics for autoimmune diseases and possesses a next-generation biologics pipeline based on its proprietary PDEG™ (Pathogenic Antibody Degrader) platform. Through the development of innovative therapies, Kaigene aims to expand treatment options for patients.
