AnnJi Pharmaceutical (AnnJi) was awarded the Boehringer Ingelheim “Grass Roots”Support Program for its new drug development project, AJ303.  There are six 6 awardees chosen from 169 applicants, and AnnJi and AJ303 stands out as the only new drug development companies (Source: Boehringer Ingelheim_Taiwan ; News Report: Taipei Times).

“Grass Roots” Support Program is a worldwide initiative of Boehringer Ingelheim; recognizing innovative biomedical drug discovery and development technology. Taiwan is the eighth country in the world to launch this prestigious “Grass Roots” Support Program after Germany, the US, Canada, the UK, France, Japan, and Austria.  “Grass Roots” Support Program aims to investing in the next generation of life science innovators and entrepreneurs.  BioMed Commercialization Center (BMCC) and the Development Center for Biotechnology (DCB) are the co-organizers.

AJ303 is a novel selective histone deacetylase 6 inhibitor (HDAC6i) under development for the prevention and/or treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) by AnnJi.

With the features of anti-fibrosis and anti-inflammation, AJ303 has shown a great potential, and is poised to be the first-in-class treatment, for an effective drug for IPF. The first trial in human is anticipated in the second half of 2022.

AnnJi appreciates the recognition by “Grass Roots”, and looks forward to potential opportunity to leverage Boehringer Ingelheim’s expertise in the field of fibrotic diseases to strengthen and advance the development of AJ303 to bring a safe and effective treatments to IPF patients.