Press Releases / Notices

Kyoto, Japan, April 10, 2026 - Nippon Shinyaku Co., Ltd. (Nippon Shinyaku; Headquarters, Kyoto; President, Toru Nakai) announced that it has entered into a collaboration agreement with xFOREST Therapeutics Co., Ltd. (xFOREST; Headquarters, Kyoto; President and Chief Executive Officer, Shunichi Kashida) with the aim to create novel pharmaceuticals targeting RNA structures.

xFOREST possesses “FOREST technologies”, a proprietary interaction analysis suite for RNA targets based on a unique "RNA Library vs Small Molecule Library" approach. By utilising this technology, it becomes possible to conduct the discovery and research and development of drugs targeting RNA structures more efficiently and rapidly than with conventional methods.

Under this agreement, Nippon Shinyaku will receive the “FOREST technologies” from xFOREST and will systematically advance the discovery and evaluation of small-molecule compounds targeting RNA structures. Furthermore, Nippon Shinyaku will hold exclusive rights to the research, development and commercialisation of any small-molecule compounds targeting RNA structures identified through this research.

Based on Nippon Shinyaku’s business philosophy, “Helping people lead healthier, happier lives,” we aim to be an organization trusted by the community through creating unique medicines that will bring hope to patients and families suffering from illness. Please visit our website (https://www.nippon-shinyaku.co.jp/english/) for products or detailed information.

 

Driven by the mission “We Make any RNA Druggable,” xFOREST Therapeutics is a small molecule drug discovery company tackling "undruggable" diseases through its proprietary "RNA Library vs Small molecule Library" analyses technologies. The company operates two distinct systems: MatrixFOREST, which provides comprehensive analysis of binding interactions with RNA structures, and SpliceVerse, a newly realized universal cell-free system that enables the analysis of any splicing modulation. Both systems represent the world’s only HTS platforms capable of simultaneous, quantitative analysis of target selectivity across RNA library. With unparalleled discovery efficiency and precision, xFOREST accelerates the development of innovative small molecule medicines for targets that were previously considered undruggable. 

For more information, please visit https://www.xforestx.com/

Public Relations & Investor Relations Dept., Nippon Shinyaku Co., Ltd.