TMS Japan

About TMS Japan

TMS Co., Ltd. is a clinical-stage biotechnology firm focused on the research and development of novel pharmaceuticals. The company was established in February 2005 to commercialize the scientific discoveries of Dr. Keiji Hasumi and his colleagues at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, which centered on the coagulation and fibrinolysis system. Dr. Hasumi, who currently serves as the Chief Scientific Officer, is credited with discovering a family of small molecule compounds known as SMTP (Stachybotrys Microspora Triprenyl Phenols), which includes the company's leading drug candidates. His work is associated with a research environment that previously included Dr. Akira Endo, the celebrated inventor of statins.

The company's business model revolves around advancing drug candidates from the discovery phase through early-stage clinical trials, often in collaboration with research institutions. For late-stage development and commercialization, TMS partners with larger pharmaceutical companies, granting development, manufacturing, and marketing rights in exchange for upfront payments, milestone fees, and royalties. A significant milestone was achieved in June 2018 through an option agreement with Biogen for TMS-007, its lead program for acute ischemic stroke, a deal valued at up to $357 million in milestone payments. The company successfully listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market in November 2022.

TMS's primary product pipeline is built upon its SMTP compounds. The lead candidate, TMS-007, exhibits both pro-thrombolytic (clot-dissolving) and anti-inflammatory properties and has completed Phase 2a clinical trials for treating acute ischemic stroke. Following this, TMS-008 is a next-generation compound being developed for various inflammatory diseases and is currently in the pre-clinical study phase. The company serves the global pharmaceutical market, targeting major unmet medical needs through strategic partnerships with global entities like Biogen and JIXING Pharmaceuticals to bring its discoveries to patients worldwide.