Shiro Akinaga, PhD

President and CEO at NANO MRNA, Co., Ltd.

Speaker

Dr. Shiro Akinaga serves as President and CEO of NANO MRNA Co., Ltd. (formerly NanoCarrier), bringing over 30 years of extensive experience in industrial pharmaceutical research and development with specialized expertise in oncology therapeutics.

Prior to his current role, Dr. Akinaga served as President and CEO of AccuRna Inc., a biotechnology company specializing in nucleic acid medicines. Before that, he held senior leadership positions at Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd., including Fellow, Managing Officer of Global Development, and Director of Oncology Clinical Development, where he was instrumental in the domestic and global clinical development of both small molecule and antibody therapeutics.

CURRENT RESEARCH AND BUSINESS FOCUS:

Dr. Akinaga leads NANO MRNA's innovative approach to addressing one of the most significant challenges in mRNA therapeutics: advanced drug delivery systems. NANO MRNA leverages extensive experience and expertise in mRNA delivery platforms, including both lipid nanoparticles and polymer-based systems.

Under his leadership, NANO MRNA has pioneered a unique "IP Generator" business model for mRNA therapeutics, wherein the company develops intellectual property and licenses it to pharmaceutical partners prior to Phase I clinical studies. This innovative approach accelerates the translation of mRNA technologies into clinical applications.