- Yuji Otsuki leads FerroptoCure in developing new anticancer drugs using ferroptosis, a novel approach targeting serious illnesses.
- FerroptoCure’s breakthroughs include advanced drugs in clinical trials and the use of technologies like next-generation sequencing and silico analysis.
- Yuji is eager to expand FerroptoCure’s drug pipeline and explore new therapies, focusing on innovation and better patient outcomes.
“Hope is the foundation of the human spirit, and it’s what drives us to fight even the most daunting battles.”
These words capture the drive of Yuji Otsuki, CEO of FerroptoCure Inc. As cancer and neurodegenerative diseases become more common, especially in the Asia-Pacific region among those over 50, the need for new treatments has never been more urgent.
FerroptoCure actively develops next-generation anticancer and therapeutic drugs, focusing on ferroptosis, a cutting-edge approach to targeting cancer and other serious illnesses. Under Yuji’s leadership, the company continues to push the boundaries of medical research and patient care.
Yuji’s journey started with a medical degree from Hokkaido University, followed by doctoral studies at Keio University, with a focus on oncology. His experience managing a clinic gave him unique insights into patient care, directly informing how he leads FerroptoCure today.
In a recent conversation, Yuji shared his thoughts on the challenges and breakthroughs in cancer treatment. His commitment to advancing medical science and improving patient outcomes drives FerroptoCure’s mission forward.
GHM: FerroptoCure Inc. was established with a powerful mission in mind. Could you elaborate on how the company’s values and goals shape your approach to drug discovery?
Yuji: FerroptoCure Inc. was founded with a clear mission: “Treating disease by ferroptosis drug discovery.” Our core values—integrity, urgency, and a commitment to improving patient lives—guide everything we do. Many of our team members have firsthand experience with the challenges of treating diseases in clinical settings. This drives our desire to find cures for patients who currently have limited or no treatment options.
Our goal is to develop innovative therapies that leverage the ferroptosis mechanism, which has shown promise in addressing various diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
GHM: Could you explain the significance of ferroptosis and how FerroptoCure Inc. is utilizing this mechanism in drug development?
Yuji: Ferroptosis is a natural form of cell death that relies on iron and is triggered by oxidative stress. It plays a key role in the development and progression of various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and liver conditions such as NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis).
Recent research has highlighted the importance of controlling ferroptosis, particularly in its connection to cancer occurrence, proliferation, and the development of resistance to certain anticancer drugs.
At FerroptoCure, we aim to harness this mechanism to develop new anticancer therapies with the potential for unprecedented efficacy across a wide range of cancer types. Our approach involves advanced technologies like next-generation sequencing, data informatics, and in silico analysis.
In addition, we collaborate with leading research institutions and universities at the forefront of ferroptosis research to accelerate the discovery and development of these groundbreaking treatments.
GHM: Can you tell us more about your most impactful products and how they’re shaping the future of cancer therapy?
Yuji: Our most significant products are next-generation anticancer drugs that trigger ferroptosis in cancer cells. This process helps stop cancer from progressing, especially in cases where conventional treatments have failed. We focus on disrupting the antioxidant mechanisms of cancer cells, particularly those involving the cystine/glutamate transporter (xCT) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), which are critical for their survival.
To develop these therapies, we rely on advanced technologies like next-generation sequencing and data informatics. These tools give us deeper insights into the genetic and molecular roots of diseases, which allows us to create more precise and effective treatments.
In addition, we use in silico analysis, where computer simulations help us predict how our drugs will work in biological systems. This accelerates the drug development process and helps identify potential challenges early on.
We have also seen promising results in clinical trials using xCT inhibitors. When combined with chemotherapy, these inhibitors have shown potential in prolonging progression-free survival in patients with advanced lung cancer. To stay at the forefront of scientific advancements, we collaborate with leading research institutes.
Interestingly, we are extending the application of our anticancer technologies to companion animals, aiming to create effective treatments for pets suffering from cancer. Currently, our primary targets are triple-negative breast cancer and renal cancer.
GHM: Can you share more about your key responsibilities as CEO and how you foster collaboration within your team?
Yuji: As CEO, I focus on several key areas—fundraising, strategic planning, day-to-day operations, and guiding our research efforts. I work closely with a dedicated team of researchers and professionals to ensure all projects stay aligned with our mission and values. Creating a collaborative and innovative work environment is essential, and I focus on blending the diverse skills, knowledge, and experiences of our team members, each of whom brings unique expertise from particular regions.
GHM: In your journey leading FerroptoCure, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
Yuji: Throughout my career, I’ve faced significant challenges, such as securing funding for our research and navigating complex regulatory hurdles. To tackle these, I focused on building strong networks—not just within the scientific community but also with financial and business development professionals. Forming strategic partnerships has been crucial in supporting our initiatives and pushing our mission forward.
GHM: Can you highlight some of your key research achievements and share what excites you about the future?
Yuji: One of our key accomplishments is the successful development of our lead drug candidate, which has entered Phase 1 clinical trials. This marks the first clinical trial in our region focused on ferroptosis-inducing cancer therapy. Beyond that, our research has significantly advanced the understanding of ferroptosis in cancer biology, leading to innovative therapeutic approaches.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about our upcoming projects. We are expanding our drug pipeline and exploring new therapeutic areas. Our goal is to advance our research in ferroptosis to develop treatments for other diseases beyond cancer.
GHM: As someone deeply involved in cutting-edge cancer research, what message would you like to share with those affected by cancer and other serious illnesses?
Yuji: I want to encourage readers to stay hopeful in the fight against cancer and other debilitating diseases. At FerroptoCure, we are deeply committed to innovation and patient care. Our ongoing research and collaborative efforts drive us forward, and we firmly believe that, together, we can make significant strides in improving health outcomes for everyone.
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“We’re not just developing treatments for cancer; we’re also applying our technologies to improve health outcomes for companion animals, which we call ONE CURE.”
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