Goodbye to Diabetes.
A New Hope in the Global Health Crisis
Currently, 10.5% of the global adult population—approximately 537 million people—suffer from diabetes, and this number is expected to rise to 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045. This rapid increase places a significant burden on healthcare systems and negatively impacts patients’ quality of life.
Once diagnosed, diabetes is extremely difficult to cure, requiring lifelong blood sugar management and constant risk of complications.
However, if the development of a curative treatment is successful, these challenges can be overcome, leading to a dramatic improvement in quality of life. Our team is dedicated to advancing this innovative treatment, striving to make a diabetes cure available on the market and covered by insurance in Japan. Through this initiative, we aim to enhance global health and well-being, while also reducing medical costs and alleviating socioeconomic burdens.
Supporters of Biozipcode
Fumihisa Kojima
Challenge: Identifying the Root Cause of Diabetes and Achieving a Complete Cure
Challenge:
Identifying the Root Cause of Diabetes and Achieving a Complete Cure
Our research focuses on targeting specific cells responsible for diabetes. By eliminating these cells from the body, we aim to develop a new drug that completely eradicates diabetes.
Discovery of Diabetes Stem Cells and a New Approach to Treatment
Diabetes is a chronic disease that does not heal naturally, caused by genetic predisposition, lifestyle factors, and autoimmune responses. Our research team has discovered abnormal cells within hematopoietic stem cells that contribute to diabetes and its complications. We have named these cells diabetes stem cells. Even when blood sugar levels return to normal, these cells persist and continue to sustain the disease.
By eliminating these diabetes stem cells, it may be possible to achieve a complete cure for diabetes and its complications. Through this research, we are working toward a fundamental treatment for diabetes.
Development of a Diagnostic Test for Diabetes
Until now, diabetes diagnosis has relied on blood sugar measurements, but there was no definitive test. The discovery of diabetes stem cells now allows for a companion diagnostic test that detects their presence in peripheral blood.
Development of a Cure for Diabetes
Researchers discovered that abnormal hematopoietic stem cells (‘diabetes stem cells’) prevent pancreatic islet regeneration, making diabetes difficult to treat. By combining insulin and an HDAC inhibitor, these diabetes stem cells were eliminated, leading to complete remission in mice.
A Completely Side-Effect-Free Drug
We are developing a revolutionary system that delivers drugs only to specific cells. Using a seven-digit amino acid sequence inspired by the Japanese postal code system, we can precisely target cells, minimizing side effects and maximizing efficacy.
From Clinical Trials to Insurance-Covered Treatment
The journey from initial discovery to clinical trials and regulatory approval involves multiple stages. Our goal is to ensure this treatment is not just available as an expensive private therapy but as an insurance-covered drug accessible worldwide.
*Since the compounds used have already been approved for other indications, we are now working towards conducting physician-led clinical trials in humans.
*How Support Funds Will Be Used: A portion of the funds raised will be allocated to Biozipcode, Inc.’s cell-targeting technology research to develop side-effect-free drugs, including a complete cure for diabetes.
Cause and Solution: Why Diabetes Is Difficult to Cure and the Role of HDAC Inhibitors
Cause and Solution:
Why Diabetes Is Difficult to Cure and the Role of HDAC Inhibitors
Researchers have discovered that diabetes is caused by abnormalities in hematopoietic stem cells. By isolating and eliminating these diabetes stem cells, we aim to develop a treatment that achieves a complete cure for diabetes.
Abnormal Bone Marrow-Derived Cells (BMDCs) That Inhibit β-Cell Regeneration
Diabetes is increasing worldwide, making the development of effective treatments an urgent priority. Our research has identified abnormal bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) as a key factor preventing β-cell regeneration, which is essential for insulin production. These cells are generated in a high blood sugar environment and cannot be removed through insulin therapy alone, making diabetes difficult to cure.
In studies using STZ-induced diabetic mouse models, we found that controlling blood sugar levels while using an HDAC inhibitor corrected the epigenetic abnormalities in BMDCs. As a result, β-cell regeneration and insulin secretion were restored, offering strong potential for complete diabetes remission.
Insulin and Histone Deacetylase (HDAC) Inhibitors
A combination therapy of insulin and the HDAC inhibitor givinostat has demonstrated the potential to induce complete remission of diabetes. Studies on diabetic mice confirmed that diabetes leads to epigenetic changes in bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells. After 8 weeks of combined insulin and givinostat treatment, blood sugar levels remained stable, and even after discontinuing insulin, normal blood glucose levels were sustained. Furthermore, normal blood glucose persisted for 4 weeks after stopping givinostat treatment, reinforcing the effectiveness of this combination therapy.
Building a Next-Generation Drug Delivery System
Building a Next-Generation Drug Delivery System
We are developing a completely new treatment for curing diabetes and its complications using Biozipcode technology. This breakthrough approach ensures that no side effects occur, offering a revolutionary solution in diabetes treatment.
Biozipcode: Targeted Drug Delivery System
Current oral and injectable drugs affect all cells, not just the target cells. Biozipcode solves this by assigning a unique seven-digit amino acid sequence to target cells, similar to a postal code.
With 20 amino acids, 1.3 billion unique codes can be created. A specific code recognized only by the target cell is attached to the drug delivery carrier, ensuring the drug reaches only the intended cells via blood vessels or cerebrospinal fluid.
This system minimizes side effects and enhances treatment effectiveness, aiming for widespread medical use in the future.
5-ALA: The Essence of Life
5-ALA:
The Essence of Life
5-ALA (5-Aminolevulinic Acid) is a naturally occurring amino acid that has existed for approximately 3.6 billion years. It plays a crucial role in energy production within mitochondria in both humans and plants.
5-ALA and Blood Sugar Levels
A study examined whether consuming 5-ALA with iron could help lower blood sugar levels. Over a 12-week trial, participants with elevated blood sugar showed improvements in blood glucose levels after taking 5-ALA and iron. Those who consumed higher amounts experienced even better blood sugar control. These findings suggest that 5-ALA has potential as a new approach to diabetes prevention.
Clinical Trials in Palau
Clinical Trials in Palau
Palau has a population of only 20,000, yet it has an extremely high rate of diabetes. To establish Palau as a model country for diabetes recovery, we plan to conduct small-scale clinical trials separately from those in Japan and the United States.
Understanding Palau’s History
Palau first became known to Europe in the 16th century through Spanish explorers. It later experienced European colonial rule before undergoing economic development under Japanese administration. During World War II, it became a fierce battleground, and after the war, it was placed under U.S. trusteeship until gaining independence in 1994.
Today, Palau is focused on tourism and environmental conservation, striving to build a sustainable society. Its history has greatly influenced its cultural diversity and strong commitment to protecting the environment.
Fighting Diabetes in Palau: A Unique Opportunity for Groundbreaking Research
Diabetes is a growing global crisis, affecting millions of people worldwide. Palau, a beautiful island nation in the Pacific, has an alarmingly high rate of diabetes. However, many people there do not take strong blood sugar-controlling medications. This makes Palau an ideal place to study new treatments that could help people with diabetes everywhere.
Our research aims to find better ways to treat diabetes, not just control blood sugar. We are testing an innovative approach that targets the root causes of the disease, potentially leading to long-term improvements without harmful side effects. Because many people in Palau have not been heavily treated with existing diabetes drugs, we can conduct a clear and unbiased study of how well our treatment works.
Team: A Collective Effort, Not an Individual One
Team:
A Collective Effort, Not an Individual One
Science and Passion—Turning Diabetes into a Disease of the Past
Crowdfunding: Supporters of Biozipcode
This project team consists of doctors, pharmacists, researchers, engineers, influencers, and volunteers. Through cutting-edge science and media outreach, we are dedicated to safeguarding the health of humans and pets from diabetes and its complications. Our vision is global, extending beyond Japan to the United States and other countries, with the ultimate goal of eliminating diabetes worldwide.
Biozipcode, Inc.
A startup from Shiga University of Medical Science, Biozipcode, Inc. is conducting research on diabetes treatments. Focusing on abnormal hematopoietic stem cells, the company is developing new diagnostic and therapeutic solutions for diabetes. It also provides academic guidance, pharmacological testing, and contract research services in regenerative medicine and biotechnology.
KIYAN MEDICAL Co., Ltd.
KIYAN MEDICAL Co., Ltd. was founded in October 2023 to integrate drug discovery research and clinical applications into a single organization.
KIYAN PHARMA Co., Ltd.
KIYAN PHARMA Co., Ltd. specializes in the contract manufacturing of pharmaceutical intermediates and active ingredients, including 5-ALA supplements.
About Shiga University of Medical Science, Department of Regenerative Medicine
Led by Professor Hideto Kojima, this department focuses on developing regenerative medicine treatments for diabetes, cancer, autoimmune diseases, and organ failure.
Studio Makyu Co., Ltd.
Studio Makyu Co., Ltd. specializes in web design, software development, and digital marketing across multiple fields, including bioinformatics and fintech.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to common questions about the crowdfunding campaign for diabetes cure research and development.
If you have any questions that are not covered in this FAQ, please feel free to contact us through the inquiry form.