Biotech
Nippon Soda hits milestone in MabGenesis deal for feline inflammatory disease treatment
MabGenesis, based in Yokohama, Kanagawa, is focused on developing therapeutic monoclonal antibodies
- By IPP Bureau
| August 27, 2026
Nippon Soda Co has reached a key milestone under its license agreement with Japanese biotech startup MabGenesis, advancing the development of antibody-based treatments for inflammatory diseases in cats.
The milestone triggers a payment from Nippon Soda to MabGenesis under the terms of the agreement. The companies also have provisions for additional milestone payments as development progresses, as well as future sales royalties.
Nippon Soda entered into a collaborative research agreement with MabGenesis in September 2025 to develop novel monoclonal antibody therapeutics for dogs and cats. In March 2026, it signed a license agreement covering therapeutic antibodies for feline inflammatory diseases.
MabGenesis, based in Yokohama, Kanagawa, is focused on developing therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. The company has developed the MOURA phage display antibody library, which Nippon Soda describes as a high-quality platform for producing monoclonal antibodies that can be difficult to obtain through conventional technologies.
The latest milestone comes as Nippon Soda pushes to expand its business beyond its existing portfolio and build new sources of stable earnings.
Under its medium-term business plan, “Brilliance through Chemistry Stage III,” covering the fiscal years ending March 2027 through March 2030, the company has identified new businesses — including Animal Health — as a growth area and established sales targets for the fiscal year ending March 2030.
Nippon Soda said the milestone marks an important step toward those targets and will continue research and development aimed at bringing antibody therapeutics for cats to market.
The company said the effort is intended to help address challenges in animal healthcare while creating new business opportunities in the Animal Health sector.
