NANO MRNA <4571> announced its consolidated financial results for the second quarter of the fiscal year ending March 2025 (April-September 24), with a revenue decrease of 91.5% year-on-year to 0.007 billion yen, an operating loss of 0.373 billion yen (loss of 0.518 billion yen in the same period), an ordinary loss of 0.382 billion yen (loss of 0.471 billion yen in the same period), and an interim net loss attributable to the parent company's shareholders of 0.518 billion yen (loss of 0.477 billion yen in the same period).

Regarding the mRNA pharmaceutical pipeline, preparations are underway to start a physician-led clinical trial of RUNX1 mRNA targeting osteoarthritis. Additionally, collaborative research and development projects with Kao Corporation are progressing, with multiple projects focusing on immune tolerance vaccines for allergy diseases. Furthermore, an agreement has been reached to start a new initiative in the dermatology field in October 2024 and explore potential new business opportunities. In the field of regenerative medicine, in August 2024, collaborative research commenced with Senshu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. in the ophthalmology field for identifying therapeutic targets and diseases for mRNA pharmaceutical development. Also, progress has been made in identifying mRNA development candidates for anti-aging in the skin from in-house research, initiating the optimization of candidate products.

Regarding pipelines other than mRNA pharmaceuticals, the company is advancing the development of an anticancer drug pipeline using its proprietary oligonucleotide DDS technology YBC polymer. TUG1 ASO (antisense oligonucleotide) targeting highly malignant glioblastomas among brain tumors, had a physician-led clinical trial starting in February 2024 and has seen more patient registrations than expected.

On the other hand, as a new engine for business promotion, the company has launched a contract research-based business for creating mRNA pharmaceuticals to meet customer needs, initiating research and development support for mRNA pharmaceutical candidates held by customers and has already succeeded in one order. Additionally, work is being done on infectious disease prevention vaccines through the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) project and commissioned trials.

Moving forward, activities will focus on advancing derivation around TUG1 ASO, which has progressing physician-led trials, and preparing for clinical trials of RUNX1 mRNA. The company also aims to expand the mRNA drug discovery pipeline.

Regarding the consolidated performance forecast for the fiscal year ending March 2025, the company announced a revision of its performance forecast on the same day. Sales are expected to decrease by 19.9% compared to the previous period (compared to the previous forecast of a 111.1% increase) to 0.108 billion yen, with an operating loss of 0.893 billion yen (previously forecasted loss of 1.242 billion yen), an ordinary loss of 0.856 billion yen (previous loss of 1.192 billion yen), and a net loss attributable to the parent company's shareholders of 0.994 billion yen (compared to the previous loss of 1.206 billion yen).