medilabo RFP

THE NEXT GENERATION OF NASAL DRUG DELIVERY

Medilabo brings the right molecules to the brain—pioneering new treatment paths for dementia.

INNOVATION IN TARGETING

Breaking barriers: delivering drugs where scent molecules naturally go.

Where Molecules Meet the Brain
Some molecules in vapor form—such as those in perfumes—are known to reach the brain via the olfactory nerve. However, delivering drugs in liquid or solid form to the upper nasal cavity, where this nerve is located, has been extremely challenging. Overcoming this barrier is essential for effective nose-to-brain drug delivery.

TACKLING THE BRAIN’S TOUGHEST BARRIER

Reaching the brain—without dilution, delay, or detour

The Breakthrough: Targeting the Olfactory Zone
By optimizing the formulation, over 50% of the dose reaches the olfactory region—allowing direct brain access while avoiding the liver and bloodstream.

Key Benefits
・Bypasses first-pass metabolism for better brain delivery
Reduces systemic exposure and side effect risk
Enables CNS use of drugs unsuitable for oral delivery

Repurposing with Precision
We analyzed compounds with strong in vitro and in vivo effects that failed in clinical trials—often due to poor pharmacokinetics, not biology. From this, two standout candidates emerged: rifampicin and resveratrol. Both hold high potential for CNS treatment when delivered via our optimized intranasal platform.

OUR PIPELINE

Rapidly Advancing Toward Clinical Proof

PROGRAMINDICATIONDESCRIPTIONSTAGE
ML1707•Alzheimer’s Disease
•Frontotemporal Dementia
Nasal rifampicin, tau oligomer inhibitor
Orphan Drug Designation )
Preclinical
ML2404•Maternal depression
•Major depression
Nasal resveratrol,restore
mitochondrial function
Preclinical
ML 1808•Alzheimer’s Disease
•Frontotemporal Dementia
•Parkinson’s Disease
Nasal combination, rifampicin
+ resveratrol,higher efficacy and safety
Preclinical

OUR TEAM

T. Kumagai PhD, MBA

CEO
Co-Founder

Dr. Kumagai brings over two decades of experience in drug development and commercialization. At Astellas Pharma, he led programs across multiple therapeutic areas, contributing to four successful drug launches. He also spearheaded the market introduction of a novel gait assessment system at GE Healthcare. Holding a PhD in pharmaceutical sciences and an MBA from Globis University, his award-winning strategic vision focuses on de-risking CNS drug development through translational innovation.

T. Kuerner MD,PhD

CMO

Dr. Kuerner brings over 25 years of experience in clinical development and regulatory strategy across Japan, the U.S., and Europe. At Boehringer-Ingelheim Japan, he led new drug development and post-marketing programs throughout Asia. With a medical background in internal medicine and molecular biology, he has managed large multinational teams and driven cross-border collaboration, combining scientific expertise with strong leadership in global pharmaceutical development.

T. Tomiyama PhD

CSO
Co-Founder

Dr. Tomiyama is a leading neuroscientist known for discovering the Osaka mutation in familial Alzheimer’s disease and for his influential research on tau and amyloid-β oligomers. His work has advanced therapeutic strategies using rifampicin and deepened understanding of dementia pathogenesis. He specializes in translational research and currently leads the Translational Neuroscience Research division at Osaka Metropolitan University, bridging basic science and clinical application in neurodegenerative diseases.

NEWS

Adopted for AMED’s Clinical Research and Trial Promotion Research Program

Medilabo RFP has been awarded a ¥260 million (approx. $1.7 million) grant from the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) under its Clinical Research and Trial Promotion Program (Step 1). The funding will support IND-enabling studies for ML1707, an intranasal tau oligomer inhibitor for Alzheimer’s and FTD, and preparation for a Phase 1 IND application in Japan.

Kyoto Prefecture Awards ¥30 Million Subsidy to Medilabo RFP for Nasal Drug Development

Medilabo RFP has been awarded a ¥30 million subsidy from Kyoto Prefecture under the Kyoto Economic Gardening Support Enhancement Project. The program supports innovation in product and business development. The funding will be used for the development and manufacturing of Medilabo’s nasal formulation targeting neurodegenerative diseases. more information. more information(External Link)→