Harima, in collaboration with Kinjo Gakuin University and Kitasato University, Japan, has identified compounds of pine-derived rosin that exhibit promising weight-reduction effects.
A patent application for said compounds has been jointly submitted, and ongoing research is being conducted to strengthen the scientific evidence supporting their efficacy.

In recent years, the prevalence of high-fat dietary patterns and increasingly sedentary lifestyles have led to a rise in metabolic and cardiovascular disorders, such as diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia etc. The Japan Society for the Study of Obesity's "Guidelines for the Management of Obesity Disease 2022" recommend the use of pharmacological interventions when improvements in diet and lifestyle alone are insufficient to address obesity-related health issues. This has led to an increased demand for weight-management medications, prompting the development of more effective drugs and a growing number of treatments being approved and covered by health insurance.

Leveraging our long-established expertise in pine chemicals, particularly in the development of rosin-based products, Harima has identified rosin-derived compounds that demonstrate weight-reduction effects. Laboratory studies in mice have confirmed their efficacy in reducing weight gain associated with high-fat diets. In collaboration with our esteemed research partners, we will continue to investigate the potential applications of these innovative compounds in medicine, dietary supplements and functional food ingredients. Additionally, we plan to explore partnerships with pharmaceutical companies for the development and production of drugs utilizing these compounds.

The details of this research will also be presented at the "42nd Medicinal Chemistry Symposium" organized by the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan in Tokushima city, Japan,
Nov 18-20. Click here for details.

Harima has long been involved in the development of rosin-based products, and our extensive knowhow has made possible the identification of these compounds, opening exciting possibilities for our pine chemicals business. Aligned with our Mid-term Plan
"NEW HARIMA 2026", we will continue to "Strengthen business fundamentals and expand business scope" and "Conduct R&D that propels the company into new businesses and growth fields", actively contributing to improving people's lives.

■Reference Data

■Contact
Public Relations, Harima Chemicals Group, Inc.
URL:https://www.harima.co.jp/en/inquiry.php