Veritas In Silico Inc. (hereinafter referred to as “VIS”) has started joint research (hereinafter referred to as “Joint Research”) aimed at developing a novel drug that utilizes Antisense Oligonucleotides (ASO) to preserve transplanted lung function and suppress Primary Graft Dysfunction*¹ after lung transplantation.

● Purpose and Role Division of the Joint Research
Primary Graft Dysfunction (PGD) is graft dysfunction occurring in the early post-lung transplant phase and is considered a major cause of early mortality following transplantation. Professor YAMANE of Shimane University has already identified Key factors involved in PGD. The Joint Research aims to develop a novel drug to suppress PGD through creating an ASO that inhibits the action of Key factors involved in PGD.
In the Joint Research, VIS will be responsible for designing ASO utilizing its drug discovery platform ibVIS^Ⓡ*², establishing an in vitro evaluation system*³ for the novel molecule, and optimizing ASO through confirmation of its efficacy in the in vitro evaluation system. Concurrently, Shimane University is going to develop a rat model of lung injury and will be responsible for confirming the efficacy of the optimized ASO in this rat model.

● Research Representatives
Masaomi YAMANE, MD, PhD: Professor, Department of Surgery, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine
Ryohei TAKATA, PhD: Principal Investigator, Niigata Research Institute of VIS

● Term for the Joint Research
Three years from October 14, 2025 to October 13, 2028

● Comments from Masaomi YAMANE, MD, PhD, Professor, Department of Surgery, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine
I am delighted to announce that we can propose a novel pharmaceutical agent that targets Key factors related to PGD, which I have personally discovered. Through the Joint Research, we will strive to develpoe new treatment options and contribute to society.

● Comments from Tatsuya SASAKAWA, PhD, Executive Officer and General Manager of Research Strategy Division of VIS
We are pleased to announce our collaboration with Shimane University to conduct the Joint Research. This initiative will utilize our drug discovery platform, ibVIS^Ⓡ, which has the potential to be applicable to mRNA-targeted small molecule drug discovery and nucleic acid-based drug discovery.
While there are few lung transplant surgeries in Japan, the global demand for these procedures is significant. We are conducting the Joint Research with the hope that its outcomes will enable patients who have undergone challenging lung transplantation to lead happier lives.
The Joint Research represents a significant step in developing our proprietary pipeline and a practical application of truly functional nucleic acid therapeutics incorporating QbD*⁴.
We are committed to collaborating with members from Shimane University and our company to develop pharmaceuticals that contribute to patient health.

● Impact on Future Business Performance of VIS
The research expenses associated with the Joint Research will be respectively covered by Shimane University and VIS, with no financial transactions planned between the parties. Therefore, VIS anticipates that the impact on VIS’s performance for the fiscal year ending December 2025 and beyond will be minimal.
In case any matters requiring disclosure arise in the future, they will be promptly disclosed.

● Glossary for Reference
*¹ Graft Dysfunction: In the field of transplant surgery, a “Graft” refers to healthy tissue or an organ (or part thereof) that is used in a transplant procedure. Graft Dysfunction refers to the condition where, after transplant surgery, the transplanted organ (graft) fails to adequately perform its intended function.
*² drug discovery platform ibVIS^Ⓡ: VIS’s proprietary drug discovery platform integrates all the digital technologies and drug discovery technologies necessary for mRNA-targeted drug discovery. Leveraging VIS’s digital technologies for in silico*⁵ mRNA structural analysis enables the rapid and highly accurate exploration of multiple target structures from any selected mRNA.
*³ in vitro evaluation system: This evaluation method utilizes cells or tissues derived from living organisms in artificial environments, such as culture dishes or test tubes. It serves as an alternative to in vivo testing (testing within an animal’s body). This approach is employed from an animal welfare perspective and to elucidate specific mechanisms of action or screen candidate compounds in a short timeframe and at low cost.
*⁴ QbD: Abbreviation for Quality by Design. A concept that incorporates considerations for ensuring product quality from the design stage through to manufacturing.
*⁵ in silico: Meaning “using computers.” VIS utilizes advanced computing resources such as super computer “Fugaku” and artificial intelligence (AI) to develop sophisticated numerical models of structures like genomes (the genetic blueprints of organisms) and other biomolecules, integrating physiological conditions into its research framework. This approach aims to advance scientific knowledge in this field.