Mediar Therapeutics Enters into a Collaboration and Option Agreement with Ono Pharma to Develop Novel Treatments for Fibro-inflammatory Diseases

Mediar Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering first-in-class therapies to halt and reverse fibrosis, has entered into a collaboration and option agreement with Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. for novel treatments targeting fibro-inflammatory diseases. These diseases are characterized by myofibroblast activation, scarring, inflammation and tissue remodeling, which can lead to organ failure and complications.

Under the terms of the agreement, Ono will partner with Mediar, leveraging the company's fibrosis-focused discovery platform, myofibroblast expertise, and understanding of key fibrosis pathways. Ono will have an exclusive option to license worldwide rights to develop and commercialize the programs, making an upfront payment to Mediar, and supporting R&D costs.

"This strategic collaboration with Ono is an important milestone for Mediar and reflects the growing recognition that directly targeting the myofibroblast can unlock new therapeutic possibilities in fibrotic diseases," said Rahul Ballal, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Mediar Therapeutics. "By using our expertise in fibrosis discovery, we are positioned to advance new potential therapies across a broad range of diseases. We are excited to start work with Ono Pharma after longstanding support from Ono Venture Investment, Inc. (OVI), who have been investors in the company since 2021."

"Fibro-inflammatory diseases remain areas of significant unmet medical need, and we believe biologics innovation is essential to provide meaningful therapeutic advances," said Seishi Katsumata, Corporate Officer / Executive Vice President, Discovery & Research of Ono. "Mediar has established deep scientific expertise in fibrosis and antibody discovery. By combining Mediar's capabilities with Ono's experience in immunology and inflammation research area, we aim to create novel antibody therapeutics that may offer new treatment options for patients."