Chugai's Nemolizumab Research Honored with 11th JBDA Award for Drug Discovery
核心洞察
Chugai Pharmaceutical's research on nemolizumab, a humanized anti-IL-31 receptor A monoclonal antibody, has been selected for the 11th JBDA Award for Drug Discovery.
The award recognizes the integrated drug discovery effort spanning target identification, disease biology elucidation, antibody generation, and clinical development for pruritus.
Nemolizumab addresses pruritus associated with atopic dermatitis (搜索) and prurigo nodularis (搜索), symptoms that can significantly impair patients' quality of life.
Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (TOKYO: 4519) announced on September 7, 2026, that research achievements related to nemolizumab, a humanized anti-human interleukin-31 receptor A (IL-31RA (搜索)) monoclonal antibody originated by the company, have been selected to receive the 11th JBDA Award for Drug Discovery. The award is presented by the Japan Bio-Venture Development Association (JBDA), a non-profit organization, to researchers whose innovative achievements have contributed to the creation of breakthrough medicines and significantly advanced medicine and healthcare.
Nemolizumab was created based on an in-house target identified through Chugai's comprehensive cytokine receptor research and a focus on the importance of IL-31 signaling in pruritus. By competitively binding to IL-31RA (搜索), nemolizumab inhibits the binding of IL-31 to its receptor and subsequent intracellular signaling, thereby suppressing pruritus.
"We are greatly honored that research achievements related to nemolizumab, originated by Chugai, have been selected to receive the 11th JBDA Award for Drug Discovery. Nemolizumab has delivered new therapeutic value by addressing pruritus associated with atopic dermatitis (搜索) and prurigo nodularis (搜索), a symptom that can significantly impair patients' quality of life," said Chugai's President and CEO, Dr. Osamu Okuda.
Dr. Okuda further emphasized the collaborative nature of the achievement: "This achievement was also made possible through collaborations with many researchers and healthcare professionals, including those at Kyoto University, as well as through partnerships with Maruho (搜索) and Galderma that have enabled us to bring value to patients around the world."
Award Recognition
The award theme is "Contributions to the Creation and Development of Nemolizumab, a Humanized Anti-Human Interleukin-31 Receptor A Monoclonal Antibody." The recipients include Sohei Oyama and Taichi Kuramochi of Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., as well as Kenji Kabashima, Professor at the Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University.
The recognized achievement highlights the contribution to creating a novel therapeutic approach targeting pruritus associated with skin diseases and to the clinical development and practical application in Japan and globally of nemolizumab. The award ceremony is scheduled for December 9, 2026, at Nakajima Toichiro Memorial Hall, Yayoi Campus, The University of Tokyo.
Mechanism and Clinical Positioning
Nemolizumab is a humanized anti-human IL-31RA (搜索) monoclonal antibody originated by Chugai. IL-31RA is an in-house target identified through Chugai's comprehensive cytokine receptor research. This drug discovery concept, which leveraged Chugai's proprietary target and insights into disease biology, led to the creation of nemolizumab.
The award recognizes Chugai's unique, integrated drug discovery research spanning target identification, disease biology elucidation, antibody generation, and development, as well as its contributions to understanding the pathogenesis of pruritus and creating a new therapeutic option.
Commercial Availability
In Japan, Maruho (搜索) markets nemolizumab under the brand name Mitchga for pruritus associated with atopic dermatitis (搜索) and prurigo nodularis (搜索). In both indications, use is limited to cases where existing treatments have provided an inadequate response.
Outside Japan, Galderma markets nemolizumab under the brand name NEMLUVIO in the United States, Europe, and other regions for prurigo nodularis (搜索) and atopic dermatitis (搜索), with approved indications varying by region. In the United States, NEMLUVIO is indicated for the treatment of adults with prurigo nodularis and adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis whose disease is not adequately controlled with topical prescription therapies. In Europe, NEMLUVIO is indicated for the treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe prurigo nodularis who are candidates for systemic therapy and adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis who are candidates for systemic therapy.