ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (US Headquarters) Release: Exclusive Use And Capital Tie-up Agreed With US Venture Business On Supplamine(TM), Patented Anti-Skin-Aging Agent

ELKINS PARK, Pa., June 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Headquartered in Osaka, President & CEO Kunio Yamada) is delighted to announce its agreement with Dynamis Therapeutics Inc. (Dynamis), a venture company engaged in the R&D of drugs for the treatment of diabetic complications, to be granted the exclusive use rights of Supplamine(TM), patented by Dynamis, and its appertaining technology. In conjunction with the signing of this contract, Rohto will take a capital interest in Dynamis in order to put the partnership on a firmer footing.

Further Information

1. Background to Exclusive Contract

Rohto has been conducting research into skin aging as one of its key skincare product development themes. Consistent efforts had been directed toward the identification of agents effective in preventing skin aging. It has been proven by clinical studies that Supplamine(TM), the subject substance of this contract, is effective against skin aging (wrinkles, slackening) and restores skin elasticity. Its efficacy was presented at the American Academy of Dermatology. After the presentation, Dynamis had been looking to form a strategic partnership that would allow it to diffuse Supplamine(TM) and to acquire funding for its diabetes research. Highly impressed with the growth potential of Rohto in the cosmetics field and its corporate activities imbued with entrepreneurialism, Dynamis agreed to sign the exclusive use contract.

Rohto is eager to begin widely applying Supplamine(TM) and its know-how, from developing cosmetic products that utilize Supplamine(TM) to incorporating it into nutritional supplements.

2. About Supplamine(TM)

Supplamine(TM) is an anti-skin-aging substance that reduces the effect of 3-deoxyglucosone (3DG), a harmful substance that is involved in the skin's aging process. 3DG is found in high levels in patients suffering from diabetes or its complications. Thus, research had been ongoing on 3DG as a diabetes marker. Dynamis, however, recognized that 3DG was found not only in the kidneys but also throughout the skin. It discovered that inhibiting the generation of 3DG was effective against diabetes complications and that this played a part in restoring skin elasticity as well. Supplamine(TM) is a promising substance that reduces the generation of 3DG and inactivates the 3DG that has already been generated, thereby preventing skin aging.

3. Capital Participation

Rohto intends to make capital participation in Dynamis through the purchase of common stocks by means of new stock issue (18.9% of outstanding shares).

Dynamis Therapeutics Inc. Company Profile:

Dynamis Therapeutics Inc. was established as a joint venture between the Fox Chase Cancer Center (FCCC) of Philadelphia University and QED Technologies LP. It is a venture company that researches and develops drugs for the treatment of diabetes complications.

Founded: 1997

Head Office: Elkins Park, PA, USA

Representative: Dr. Annette Tobia, president and CEO

Business Activities: Develop, market, and sell anti-skin-aging, anti- inflammatory cosmetic, OTC, and therapeutic products

Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

CONTACT: Ginny Simon, Project Marketing, Inc., +1-610-889-2036, orgsimon@projectmarketinginc.com, for Dynamis

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