Mitsubishi Tanabe had been developing an aldosterone synthase inhibitor for many years for the treatment of cardiovascular disease such as hypertension. The inhibition of aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) can result in a reduction of plasma aldosterone. MT-4129 (Mineralys code: MLS-101), our licensed compound to Mineralys, has extremely high selectivity for aldosterone inhibition, and its selectivity is approximately 400-fold between aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) and cortisol synthase (CYP11B1). This allows us to significantly reduce aldosterone levels in plasma without affecting other hormones such as cortisol. Phase 1 clinical trials in healthy subjects were completed, and aldosterone-lowering effects were demonstrated in human with a safe and tolerable clinical profile.

The value proposition by Catalys Pacific of creating a dedicated new company in the US to develop MLS-101 was extremely attractive. The US is the world’s largest pharmaceutical market and, vis-à-vis Mineralys, we are able to maximize this value directly. Although Mineralys is newly formed company, Catalyst Pacific has pulled together a world class team specifically designed to develop MLS-101 and it has already shown its benefits in terms of quality and speed. Mineralys has designed a remarkable clinical development plan, which allows us to maximize the value of this drug. The team is led by global specialists with decades of experience in the area of hypertension and endocrinology. As a result, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted their Investigational New Drug Application (IND) for Phase II trial. Also, in March 2021, Mineralys closed a $40M Series A financing. These achievements are great benefits derived from this collaboration.

Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation has recently formulated a new MISSION, “Creating hope for all facing illness.” It is an important mission for Japanese life science companies to deliver drugs developed in Japan to patients not only in Japan but around the world, and we believe that our strategic partnership with Mineralys is one exemplification of this.

Catalys Pacific is a venture capital that has a broad network in the life sciences industry as well as in the sector of venture capital both in Japan and the United States, and can realize the transpacific company creation. We hope that drugs developed by Japanese companies will continue to be a desirable option for patients around the world through various partnerships.