According to Astellas Pharma, Mucorice was developed by Professor Hiroshi Kiyono of the Institute of Medical Science, the University of Tokyo, and a specially appointed researcher, Yoshikazu Yuki, who expressed the toxin of Vibrio cholerae in the protein of rice by genetic recombination.We are conducting clinical trials at the Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, and are compiling data.For clinical trials conducted under the joint research agreement, the Institute of Medical Science will provide samples and data, and Astellas Pharma will be in charge of clinical development.

　In developing countries, diarrhea caused by Vibrio cholerae and toxinogenic Escherichia coli is a major cause of infant mortality.The cholera vaccine currently used in developing countries requires a cold chain (* 2) and cannot be expected to be effective against toxinogenic Escherichia coli.Mucorice, on the other hand, is stable at room temperature and easy to manufacture, overcoming the problems of current vaccines.

　Through this joint research, the Institute of Medical Sciences and Astellas Pharma will work to develop vaccines for infectious diseases that affect developing countries, aiming to solve the problems of developing countries.

* 1 Toxinogenic Escherichia coli Escherichia coli that produces toxins that cause abdominal pain and diarrhea in humans.
* 2 A mechanism for storing and transporting vaccines while maintaining them at low temperatures in order to maintain the effectiveness of cold chain vaccines.