Research Achievement Related to Chugai-Originated Nemolizumab Receives the 11th JBDA Award for Drug Discovery

• Research achievements related to nemolizumab, a humanized anti-human interleukin-31 receptor A (IL-31RA) monoclonal antibody originated by Chugai, have been selected to receive the 11th JBDA Award for Drug Discovery
• 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
• 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

TOKYO, September 7, 2026 -- Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (TOKYO: 4519) announced today that research achievements related to nemolizumab, a humanized anti-human interleukin-31 receptor A (IL-31RA) monoclonal antibody originated by Chugai, have been selected to receive the 11th JBDA Award for Drug Discovery.

The JBDA Award for Drug Discovery 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.

“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 and prurigo nodularis, a symptom that can significantly impair patients’ quality of life. We consider this award recognition of our integrated drug discovery research efforts, from target identification to development, as well as our contributions to advancing the understanding of the pathogenesis of pruritus. 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 and Galderma that have enabled us to bring value to patients around the world. Guided by our unique science and technological capabilities, we remain committed to creating innovative medicines that make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients,” said Chugai's President and CEO, Dr. Osamu Okuda.

Award Overview

About Nemolizumab

Nemolizumab is a humanized anti-human interleukin-31 receptor A (IL-31RA) monoclonal antibody originated by Chugai. By competitively binding to IL-31RA, nemolizumab inhibits the binding of IL-31 to its receptor and subsequent intracellular signaling, thereby suppressing pruritus.¹ 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.

In Japan, Maruho markets nemolizumab under the brand name Mitchga^® for pruritus associated with atopic dermatitis and prurigo nodularis. ^*1

Outside Japan, Galderma markets nemolizumab under the brand name NEMLUVIO^® in the United States, Europe and other regions for prurigo nodularis and atopic dermatitis, with approved indications varying by region. ^*2

*1: In both indications, use is limited to cases where existing treatments have provided an inadequate response.

*2: 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.

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Source:

1. Oyama S., et al. Cynomolgus monkey model of interleukin-31-induced scratching depicts blockade of human interleukin-31 receptor A by a humanized monoclonal antibody. Exp. Dermatol. 2018; 27(1): 14-21.