Hiroshima University-Spun PURMX Therapeutics Forms Capital Alliance with FRONTEO to Accelerate AI-Driven Target Discovery for Nucleic Acid Drugs in Refractory Cancer

Capital Alliance Between PURMX Therapeutics and FRONTEO

PURMX Therapeutics, Inc. (PURMX) has entered into a capital alliance with FRONTEO, Inc. Under this agreement, FRONTEO will participate in a third-party allotment of shares issued by PURMX. The two companies will launch a joint proof-of-concept (PoC) initiative aimed at identifying target molecules and elucidating the mechanisms of action for PURMX's proprietary natural microRNA-based nucleic acid drugs.

Leveraging AI for Next-Generation Treatment of Refractory Cancers

Based on technology originating from Hiroshima University, PURMX is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical startup dedicated to the research and development of nucleic acid drugs that utilize unmodified natural microRNAs as active ingredients. Its lead pipeline asset, "MIRX002," has successfully completed a Phase I clinical trial for malignant pleural mesothelioma and is currently undergoing Phase I testing for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

While microRNAs hold great promise due to their ability to regulate multiple genes simultaneously, the complexity of their target molecules and mechanisms of action has historically presented significant hurdles for drug development. Through this PoC, the companies will utilize FRONTEO’s proprietary AI drug discovery support service, "Drug Discovery AI Factory (DDAIF)." By integrating PURMX’s non-clinical and clinical trial data and omics analysis with FRONTEO’s AI technology, the partnership aims to enhance the precision of drug discovery research, maximize the value of its pipeline, and increase the probability of successful licensing agreements.