Joint Research Findings on the Antitumor Effects of the Biodegradable Polymer PHB
KH Neochem Co., Ltd. (head office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President and Chief Executive Officer: Michio Takahashi) will participate in the SfRBM 2026 North American Redox Symposium*1, to be held in Burlington, Vermont, USA, from Sunday, September 13 through Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
During the symposium, the Company will present findings from joint research conducted with Dr. Masaki Nagane and colleagues at the School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, concerning the antitumor effects of the biodegradable polymer polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB).
The North American Redox Symposium is an international scientific meeting that brings together researchers in free radical and redox biology to discuss the latest findings spanning basic research through clinical application. Under the 2026 theme, “Redox-based processes in chronic disease: From target discovery to clinical application,” a broad range of research will be presented on redox regulation, mitochondrial function, endoplasmic reticulum stress, chromatin regulation, and other processes associated with cancer and other chronic diseases.
Overview of Joint Research
PHB is a biodegradable polymer accumulated by microorganisms within their cells as an energy-storage material. Because it can be degraded by microorganisms in the natural environment, PHB is expected to contribute to reducing environmental impact and to be used in a wide range of applications, including packaging materials, fibers, and molded products.
In addition to its properties as a material, the Company is investigating the potential biological functions of PHB through joint research with the School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University.
In this study, the effects of PHB administration on tumor growth and survival in tumor-bearing mouse models were evaluated, together with its effects on immune responses and redox-related signaling. The results provided findings suggestive of antitumor activity following PHB administration and indicated that PHB may affect immune responses and other biological processes in vivo.
At the symposium, the research team will present these experimental results and discuss the potential mechanisms underlying the antitumor effects of PHB.
By leveraging its proprietary fermentation and polymer technologies, the Company is pursuing new possibilities for PHB not only in material applications but also in the healthcare and animal health fields. Through continued collaboration with universities and other research institutions, the Company will further elucidate the functions of PHB and contribute to human and animal health and the realization of a sustainable society.
*1 Symposium website: SfRBM: 2026 North American Redox Symposium
Symposium Information
| Symposium | SfRBM 2026 North American Redox Symposium |
| Dates | September 13 (Sun.)-September 16 (Wed.), 2026 |
| Venue | Hotel Champlain Burlington 60 Battery Street, Burlington, Vermont 05401, USA |
| Presentation | September 15 (Tue.), 2026 Title: “Biodegradable plastic polyhydroxybutyrate exerts antitumor effects” |
About Azabu University
Azabu University, which celebrated the 135th anniversary of its founding in 2025, is a private university with a strong focus on research in animal sciences. Building on its long-standing achievements in education and research, the University is actively committed to developing the next generation of highly skilled professionals.
The University comprises two schools with six departments: the School of Veterinary Medicine (Department of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Nursing and Health Science, and Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology) and the School of Life and Environmental Science (Department of Medical Technology, Department of Food and Life Science, and Department of Environmental Science). It also has two graduate schools: the Graduate School of Veterinary Science and the Graduate School of Environmental Health. Through this educational framework, Azabu University is committed to developing highly specialized professionals who can contribute to building better relationships between people and animals.
Azabu University website: https://www.azabu-u.ac.jp/about/
About KH Neochem
KH Neochem Co., Ltd. is a Japan-based chemical manufacturer listed on the Prime Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
The Company develops and supplies specialty chemical products in the Performance Materials, Electronic Materials, and Basic Chemicals fields. To realize VISION 2030, the Company aims to expand its existing businesses and create new businesses in the three strategic domains of Environment, Healthcare, and Electronics.
For further information about KH Neochem, please see the PDF version of this release
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Contact Information
KH Neochem Co., Ltd., Innovation Strategy
TEL: +81-3-3510-3600
Media Inquiries
KH Neochem Co., Ltd., Public Relations & IR
TEL: +81-3-3510-3579
FAX: +81-3-3510-3571
2-3-1 Nihonbashi-Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
https://www.khneochem.co.jp/