OSAKA, Japan & BOSTON, Mass., August 6, 2026
Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. announced a drug discovery partnership and option agreement with Mediar Therapeutics, Inc. to develop novel antibody therapeutics targeting fibro-inflammatory diseases, an area with significant unmet medical need. The collaboration combines Mediar’s expertise in fibrosis biology and antibody discovery with Ono Pharma’s strengths in immunology and inflammation research to identify innovative biologic therapies for autoimmune and fibro-inflammatory disorders. Under the agreement, Mediar will lead the discovery and early research activities, while Ono receives exclusive worldwide option rights to further develop, manufacture, and commercialize antibody drug candidates generated through the partnership. The alliance supports Ono’s strategy of strengthening its research pipeline with innovative biologics designed to address diseases driven by fibrosis and chronic inflammation.
Partnership Targets Next-Generation Fibrosis and Autoimmune Therapies
The collaboration will focus on discovering antibody drug candidates capable of addressing the underlying biology of fibro-inflammatory diseases, where excessive fibrosis and immune dysfunction contribute to progressive organ damage. Mediar Therapeutics will leverage its proprietary fibrosis-focused research platform, antibody engineering capabilities, and deep understanding of fibrotic biology to identify promising therapeutic targets and candidate molecules. The partnership will also explore immune-mediated mechanisms associated with autoimmune pathology, expanding the potential application of novel antibodies across multiple chronic inflammatory diseases. Upon successful discovery, Ono Pharma will have the exclusive global option to advance selected candidates through clinical development, regulatory approval, manufacturing, and worldwide commercialization, reinforcing its long-term commitment to delivering innovative biologic medicines.
Collaboration Builds on Existing Strategic Relationship
The new agreement builds upon a long-standing relationship between the two companies. Ono Venture Investment, Inc., the corporate venture capital arm of Ono Pharma, participated in Mediar’s seed extension financing round in March 2021, establishing an early strategic connection between the organizations. Since then, both companies have continued exploring opportunities to combine scientific expertise in fibrosis and immunology. Ono executives noted that strengthening its research and development pipeline in immunology and inflammation remains a key corporate objective, particularly in disease areas where current treatment options remain limited. Mediar believes that directly targeting the myofibroblast, the primary pathogenic cell responsible for tissue scarring and fibrosis progression, could unlock entirely new therapeutic opportunities for patients suffering from chronic fibrotic diseases affecting multiple organs.
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Alliance Supports Innovation in High Unmet Medical Need
The collaboration highlights the growing pharmaceutical industry focus on fibrosis-targeted biologics, an area attracting increasing investment due to the limited availability of effective disease-modifying therapies. Mediar’s scientific platform integrates novel fibrosis targets, validated blood biomarkers, and antibody-based therapeutic approaches aimed at improving both clinical success and patient outcomes. By combining these capabilities with Ono Pharma’s global drug development expertise and commercialization infrastructure, both companies aim to accelerate the delivery of innovative treatments for fibro-inflammatory diseases worldwide. The partnership further strengthens Ono’s expanding biologics portfolio while positioning Mediar’s antibody discovery platform for broader clinical and commercial advancement in diseases where fibrosis remains a major driver of disease progression
Source: Ono Pharmaceutical press release
