Home Blog Page 1144

Caliway’s Fat Reduction Drug Candidate CBL-514 Completes U.S. FDA IND Submission for Phase 2 Clinical Study in Weight Management, Expanding Development Combined with GLP-1RA-Based Weight-Loss Therapies

  • Caliway has completed submission of an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a Phase 2 clinical study of CBL-514 for weight management (CBL-0201WR Phase 2).
  • The study will evaluate CBL-514 in combination with Zepbound® (Eli Lilly) in subjects with obesity or overweight.
  • Efficacy endpoints include changes in abdominal subcutaneous fat volume (measured by MRI) and changes in body weight.
  • The study design incorporates a long-term follow-up period after discontinuation of tirzepatide, focusing on key parameters relevant to long-term weight management.

NEW TAIPEI CITY, Dec. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Caliway Biopharmaceuticals (TWSE: 6919) today announced that it has completed the submission of an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the U.S. FDA for a Phase 2 clinical study of its world’s first large-area localized fat reduction drug candidate, CBL-514, for the weight management indication. This submission accelerates the clinical development of CBL-514 in combination with GLP-1R agonist (GLP-1RA) therapies and expands the Company’s R&D footprint in the global weight management field.

CBL-0201WR is a randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 2 study to be conducted at multiple centers in the United States. The study is expected to enroll approximately 120 subjects with obesity (BMI > 30) or overweight (BMI > 27) with comorbidities.

The study will evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of CBL-514 in combination with Zepbound® (tirzepatide, a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, Eli Lilly). Following discontinuation of both tirzepatide and CBL-514, subjects will undergo longitudinal follow-up to assess abdominal subcutaneous fat changes, body weight changes, fat mass and body composition–related parameters.

Efficacy endpoints include changes in abdominal subcutaneous fat volume measured by MRI and changes in body weight. The study will also collect body composition data using DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), including body fat percentage, visceral fat, and muscle mass. To reduce bias, MRI and DEXA data will be read and analyzed in a blinded and independent manner by a third-party CRO before subsequent statistical analyses are performed.

In recent years, GLP-1RA weight-loss drugs have seen rapid adoption, driving significant growth in the global weight management market. International focus is shifting from achieving large-magnitude weight reduction toward greater fat reduction, post-discontinuation weight maintenance, body composition improvement, and long-term, healthy weight management outcomes.

Current GLP-1RA therapies primarily achieve weight loss through appetite suppression. Clinical evidence indicates that, while these therapies can substantially reduce body weight, they mainly shrink adipocyte size and do not reduce adipocyte number. Their effects on abdominal subcutaneous fat reduction also remain limited. Moreover, during treatment, profound appetite suppression induces a prolonged negative energy balance, triggering compensatory mechanisms and the intrinsic “memory” of adipocytes to restore their size. Once appetite returns after treatment discontinuation, these shrunken adipocytes may preferentially re-accumulate energy, undergo rapid enlargement and expansion, and be accompanied by increased visceral fat accumulation and deterioration of metabolic indicators, including insulin resistance.

Consequently, after discontinuing treatment, patients may experience weight regain alongside worsening metabolic parameters and adverse changes in body composition. This creates a dual challenge of weight rebound and body composition deterioration, which may offset the health benefits achieved during the weight loss period and has emerged as a key unresolved challenge in weight management.

CBL-0201WR is designed to address these unmet needs. In the study, CBL-514 will be added after 8 weeks of tirzepatide monotherapy, with six combination administrations. After the treatment period ends, subjects will be assessed at multiple time points during follow-up. The study will evaluate abdominal subcutaneous fat, body weight changes, fat mass (including total subcutaneous fat and visceral fat), and body composition–related parameters, providing important reference data for subsequent clinical and product development.

For the weight management application, CBL-514 acts not only through selective induction of adipocyte apoptosis, directly targeting adipocytes, but also, based on completed studies, has been shown to inhibit adipogenesis and promote fat metabolism. Distinct from GLP-1RA therapies that primarily regulate appetite and energy intake, CBL-514 may offer a novel mechanism of action and potential complementarity when studied in combination. 

Data from multiple animal studies have demonstrated that CBL-514, whether used alone or in combination with GLP-1RA therapies, has the potential to improve fat composition and support weight maintenance. The latest animal study results were presented on December 14 at the 25th Annual Congress of the Taiwan Medical Association for the Study of Obesity (TMASO 2025), held jointly with the 9th Japan–Korea–Taiwan Symposium on Obesity. The study, titled “Combination CBL-514 and Tirzepatide Synergistically Enhances Adiposity Reduction and Maintains Weight Loss After Tirzepatide Withdrawal,” was delivered as an oral presentation by Dr. Tzu-Jung Chou of National Taiwan University Hospital Hsinchu Branch, and was highlighted as one of the featured presentations at this year’s TMASO meeting, attracting attention from both academic and industry communities.

According to market data, cumulative sales of tirzepatide reached approximately USD 24.8 billion in the first three quarters of 2025. Morgan Stanley Research projects that the global weight-loss drug market could reach approximately USD 150 billion by 2035, representing a compound annual growth rate of around 25 percent. These projections highlight the significant market opportunity for differentiated weight management therapies with innovative mechanisms and long-term management capabilities.

About CBL-514

CBL-514, a 505(b)(1) and first-in-class small-molecule drug developed by Caliway, is the world’s first injectable lipolysis drug that induces adipocyte apoptosis to reduce subcutaneous fat in targeted areas with no systematic safety risks identified and well tolerated. 

To date, 10 clinical trials with a total of 544 subjects have been completed with all efficacy and safety endpoints met.

CBL-514 is being developed across multiple indications, including reduction of subcutaneous fat (non-surgical localized fat reduction), moderate-to-severe cellulite, and weight management. CBL-514D, the same active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) but under different formulation, is being studied for additional indications such as Dercum’s disease and more.

About Caliway Biopharmaceuticals

Caliway Biopharmaceuticals (Caliway) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company driven to breakthrough drug discovery of novel small-molecule therapeutics. Listed on the Taiwan Exchange (TWSE-6919), Caliway aims to become an innovative pharmaceutical leader in aesthetic medicine and other diseases. For more information, please visit: https://www.caliwaybiopharma.com/en/

Media Contact
ir@caliwaybiopharma.com

Disclaimer

This article and related information on this site contain forward-looking statements. The forward-looking information requires the Company to make numerous assumptions and is subject to inherent risks, uncertainties, and other factors that are beyond the control of the Company which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to timely inform, update, or revise the information on this site if circumstances should change.

Caliway’s Fat Reduction Drug Candidate CBL-514 Completes U.S. FDA IND Submission for Phase 2 Clinical Study in Weight Management, Expanding Development Combined with GLP-1RA-Based Weight-Loss Therapies

  • Caliway has completed submission of an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a Phase 2 clinical study of CBL-514 for weight management (CBL-0201WR Phase 2).
  • The study will evaluate CBL-514 in combination with Zepbound® (Eli Lilly) in subjects with obesity or overweight.
  • Efficacy endpoints include changes in abdominal subcutaneous fat volume (measured by MRI) and changes in body weight.
  • The study design incorporates a long-term follow-up period after discontinuation of tirzepatide, focusing on key parameters relevant to long-term weight management.

NEW TAIPEI CITY, Dec. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Caliway Biopharmaceuticals (TWSE: 6919) today announced that it has completed the submission of an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the U.S. FDA for a Phase 2 clinical study of its world’s first large-area localized fat reduction drug candidate, CBL-514, for the weight management indication. This submission accelerates the clinical development of CBL-514 in combination with GLP-1R agonist (GLP-1RA) therapies and expands the Company’s R&D footprint in the global weight management field.

CBL-0201WR is a randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 2 study to be conducted at multiple centers in the United States. The study is expected to enroll approximately 120 subjects with obesity (BMI > 30) or overweight (BMI > 27) with comorbidities.

The study will evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of CBL-514 in combination with Zepbound® (tirzepatide, a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, Eli Lilly). Following discontinuation of both tirzepatide and CBL-514, subjects will undergo longitudinal follow-up to assess abdominal subcutaneous fat changes, body weight changes, fat mass and body composition–related parameters.

Efficacy endpoints include changes in abdominal subcutaneous fat volume measured by MRI and changes in body weight. The study will also collect body composition data using DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), including body fat percentage, visceral fat, and muscle mass. To reduce bias, MRI and DEXA data will be read and analyzed in a blinded and independent manner by a third-party CRO before subsequent statistical analyses are performed.

In recent years, GLP-1RA weight-loss drugs have seen rapid adoption, driving significant growth in the global weight management market. International focus is shifting from achieving large-magnitude weight reduction toward greater fat reduction, post-discontinuation weight maintenance, body composition improvement, and long-term, healthy weight management outcomes.

Current GLP-1RA therapies primarily achieve weight loss through appetite suppression. Clinical evidence indicates that, while these therapies can substantially reduce body weight, they mainly shrink adipocyte size and do not reduce adipocyte number. Their effects on abdominal subcutaneous fat reduction also remain limited. Moreover, during treatment, profound appetite suppression induces a prolonged negative energy balance, triggering compensatory mechanisms and the intrinsic “memory” of adipocytes to restore their size. Once appetite returns after treatment discontinuation, these shrunken adipocytes may preferentially re-accumulate energy, undergo rapid enlargement and expansion, and be accompanied by increased visceral fat accumulation and deterioration of metabolic indicators, including insulin resistance.

Consequently, after discontinuing treatment, patients may experience weight regain alongside worsening metabolic parameters and adverse changes in body composition. This creates a dual challenge of weight rebound and body composition deterioration, which may offset the health benefits achieved during the weight loss period and has emerged as a key unresolved challenge in weight management.

CBL-0201WR is designed to address these unmet needs. In the study, CBL-514 will be added after 8 weeks of tirzepatide monotherapy, with six combination administrations. After the treatment period ends, subjects will be assessed at multiple time points during follow-up. The study will evaluate abdominal subcutaneous fat, body weight changes, fat mass (including total subcutaneous fat and visceral fat), and body composition–related parameters, providing important reference data for subsequent clinical and product development.

For the weight management application, CBL-514 acts not only through selective induction of adipocyte apoptosis, directly targeting adipocytes, but also, based on completed studies, has been shown to inhibit adipogenesis and promote fat metabolism. Distinct from GLP-1RA therapies that primarily regulate appetite and energy intake, CBL-514 may offer a novel mechanism of action and potential complementarity when studied in combination. 

Data from multiple animal studies have demonstrated that CBL-514, whether used alone or in combination with GLP-1RA therapies, has the potential to improve fat composition and support weight maintenance. The latest animal study results were presented on December 14 at the 25th Annual Congress of the Taiwan Medical Association for the Study of Obesity (TMASO 2025), held jointly with the 9th Japan–Korea–Taiwan Symposium on Obesity. The study, titled “Combination CBL-514 and Tirzepatide Synergistically Enhances Adiposity Reduction and Maintains Weight Loss After Tirzepatide Withdrawal,” was delivered as an oral presentation by Dr. Tzu-Jung Chou of National Taiwan University Hospital Hsinchu Branch, and was highlighted as one of the featured presentations at this year’s TMASO meeting, attracting attention from both academic and industry communities.

According to market data, cumulative sales of tirzepatide reached approximately USD 24.8 billion in the first three quarters of 2025. Morgan Stanley Research projects that the global weight-loss drug market could reach approximately USD 150 billion by 2035, representing a compound annual growth rate of around 25 percent. These projections highlight the significant market opportunity for differentiated weight management therapies with innovative mechanisms and long-term management capabilities.

About CBL-514

CBL-514, a 505(b)(1) and first-in-class small-molecule drug developed by Caliway, is the world’s first injectable lipolysis drug that induces adipocyte apoptosis to reduce subcutaneous fat in targeted areas with no systematic safety risks identified and well tolerated. 

To date, 10 clinical trials with a total of 544 subjects have been completed with all efficacy and safety endpoints met.

CBL-514 is being developed across multiple indications, including reduction of subcutaneous fat (non-surgical localized fat reduction), moderate-to-severe cellulite, and weight management. CBL-514D, the same active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) but under different formulation, is being studied for additional indications such as Dercum’s disease and more.

About Caliway Biopharmaceuticals

Caliway Biopharmaceuticals (Caliway) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company driven to breakthrough drug discovery of novel small-molecule therapeutics. Listed on the Taiwan Exchange (TWSE-6919), Caliway aims to become an innovative pharmaceutical leader in aesthetic medicine and other diseases. For more information, please visit: https://www.caliwaybiopharma.com/en/

Media Contact
ir@caliwaybiopharma.com

Disclaimer

This article and related information on this site contain forward-looking statements. The forward-looking information requires the Company to make numerous assumptions and is subject to inherent risks, uncertainties, and other factors that are beyond the control of the Company which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to timely inform, update, or revise the information on this site if circumstances should change.

iQIYI Expands Genre-Diverse C-Drama Slate in Korea; 20+ Series Set for Four Major Platforms

SINGAPORE, Dec. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — iQIYI has announced a coordinated, slate-based release of genre-diverse C-Drama content for the Korean market, spanning suspense, urban and historical dramas — expanding beyond a distribution pattern previously led by costume romance. The slate will be made available across four major Korean platforms, including DramaCube and Cinef, with more than 20 premium titles scheduled for phased release. Twelve titles already have confirmed programming slots and are set to reach Korean audiences in the near term.


In suspense, iQIYI Suspense Theater will introduce four titles — “TELL NO ONE”, “Justifiable defense”, “Breaking the Shadows”, and “Let Wind Goes By” — featuring distinctive storytelling that builds intricate puzzles of human nature and fate, offering Korean viewers multiple facets of premium C-Drama suspense.

In the urban genre, “The Storm of Roses” and “City of the City” spotlight office politics, workplace power plays, and career progression amid rapid urban growth, while “Born to Run” and “For The Young Ones” explore life choices and the spirit of the rule of law.

In modern-era historical drama, “In the Name of the Brother”, “Lost Identity”, and “A Lonely Hero’s Journey” draw on weighty historical backdrops to portray national sentiment and individual destiny within specific eras.

From a single-genre distribution pattern to a more complete “suspense + urban +  historical drama” lineup, iQIYI aims to showcase the genre richness of C-Drama to Korean audiences and help build a broader pathway for premium Chinese-language storytelling to reach wider audiences.

LG TO UNVEIL HOME ROBOT AT CES 2026, SHARING VISION FOR THE “ZERO LABOR HOME”

LG CLOiD Redefines Home Living by Making Daily Chores Effortless, Giving Customers More Time for What Matters Most

SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — LG Electronics (LG) will be showcasing its new home robot, LG CLOiD, for the first time at CES 2026, held in Las Vegas from January 6-9. Representing LG’s continued progress in home robotics, LG CLOiD is designed to perform a wide range of indoor household tasks, enhancing everyday convenience and improving quality of life by making home management more efficient and intuitive.

LG will showcase its new home robot, LG CLOiD, for the first time at CES 2026, sharing its vision for a “Zero Labor Home.”
LG will showcase its new home robot, LG CLOiD, for the first time at CES 2026, sharing its vision for a “Zero Labor Home.”

Positioned as a home assistant, LG CLOiD embodies LG’s vision of the “Zero Labor Home, Makes Quality Time” – a future where technology meaningfully reduces the burden of daily chores, allowing customers to focus more on the people and moments that matter most. The robot marks a significant milestone toward the company’s long-term goal of freeing customers from the time-consuming demands of housework.

Featuring a suitable form factor optimized for today’s living environments, LG CLOiD is built to perform a wide variety of tasks within the home. Its two articulated arms are powered by motors delivering seven degrees of freedom each, providing versatile motion similar to natural movements. Five individually actuated fingers on each hand provide advanced dexterity, allowing CLOiD to perform delicate and precise tasks that require fine motor control.

Positioned as a home assistant, LG CLOiD is designed to perform a wide range of indoor household tasks, enhancing everyday convenience and improving quality of life.
Positioned as a home assistant, LG CLOiD is designed to perform a wide range of indoor household tasks, enhancing everyday convenience and improving quality of life.

At the core of LG CLOiD is a chipset integrated into the head, functioning as the robot’s “brain.” This is complemented by a display, speaker, camera and an array of sensors that enable expressive communication, natural voice interaction and intelligent navigation. Powered by LG’s Affectionate Intelligence technology, CLOiD is designed to sense its surroundings, interact in a natural and user-friendly way and refine its responses over time through repeated interactions – aiming to provide more personalized support for everyday tasks.

LG views robotics as a key future growth engine and is accelerating innovation in this strategically important sector. As part of this effort, the company has established HS Robotics Lab within its Home Appliance Solution Company to secure differentiated technologies and further strengthen its core robotics capabilities and product competitiveness. In parallel, LG is actively pursuing joint research initiatives and strategic partnerships with leading robotics companies in Korea and around the globe.

Visitors to CES 2026 can experience LG CLOiD and a variety of real-life “Zero Labor Home” scenarios at LG’s booth (#15004, Las Vegas Convention Center).

About LG Electronics Home Appliance Solution Company 

The LG Home Appliance Solution Company (HS) is a global leader in home appliances and AI home solutions. By leveraging industry-leading core technologies, the HS Company is committed to enhancing consumers’ quality of life and promoting sustainability. The company develops thoughtfully designed kitchen and living appliance solutions and has recently integrated LG’s Robot Business Division to incorporate advanced robot technologies into its home solutions. Together, these products offer enhanced convenience, exceptional performance, efficient operation and sustainable lifestyle solutions. For more news on LG, visit www.LGnewsroom.com.

iQIYI Expands Genre-Diverse C-Drama Slate in Korea; 20+ Series Set for Four Major Platforms

SINGAPORE, Dec. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — iQIYI has announced a coordinated, slate-based release of genre-diverse C-Drama content for the Korean market, spanning suspense, urban and historical dramas — expanding beyond a distribution pattern previously led by costume romance. The slate will be made available across four major Korean platforms, including DramaCube and Cinef, with more than 20 premium titles scheduled for phased release. Twelve titles already have confirmed programming slots and are set to reach Korean audiences in the near term.


In suspense, iQIYI Suspense Theater will introduce four titles — “TELL NO ONE”, “Justifiable defense”, “Breaking the Shadows”, and “Let Wind Goes By” — featuring distinctive storytelling that builds intricate puzzles of human nature and fate, offering Korean viewers multiple facets of premium C-Drama suspense.

In the urban genre, “The Storm of Roses” and “City of the City” spotlight office politics, workplace power plays, and career progression amid rapid urban growth, while “Born to Run” and “For The Young Ones” explore life choices and the spirit of the rule of law.

In modern-era historical drama, “In the Name of the Brother”, “Lost Identity”, and “A Lonely Hero’s Journey” draw on weighty historical backdrops to portray national sentiment and individual destiny within specific eras.

From a single-genre distribution pattern to a more complete “suspense + urban +  historical drama” lineup, iQIYI aims to showcase the genre richness of C-Drama to Korean audiences and help build a broader pathway for premium Chinese-language storytelling to reach wider audiences.

LG TO UNVEIL HOME ROBOT AT CES 2026, SHARING VISION FOR THE “ZERO LABOR HOME”

LG CLOiD Redefines Home Living by Making Daily Chores Effortless, Giving Customers More Time for What Matters Most

SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — LG Electronics (LG) will be showcasing its new home robot, LG CLOiD, for the first time at CES 2026, held in Las Vegas from January 6-9. Representing LG’s continued progress in home robotics, LG CLOiD is designed to perform a wide range of indoor household tasks, enhancing everyday convenience and improving quality of life by making home management more efficient and intuitive.

LG will showcase its new home robot, LG CLOiD, for the first time at CES 2026, sharing its vision for a “Zero Labor Home.”
LG will showcase its new home robot, LG CLOiD, for the first time at CES 2026, sharing its vision for a “Zero Labor Home.”

Positioned as a home assistant, LG CLOiD embodies LG’s vision of the “Zero Labor Home, Makes Quality Time” – a future where technology meaningfully reduces the burden of daily chores, allowing customers to focus more on the people and moments that matter most. The robot marks a significant milestone toward the company’s long-term goal of freeing customers from the time-consuming demands of housework.

Featuring a suitable form factor optimized for today’s living environments, LG CLOiD is built to perform a wide variety of tasks within the home. Its two articulated arms are powered by motors delivering seven degrees of freedom each, providing versatile motion similar to natural movements. Five individually actuated fingers on each hand provide advanced dexterity, allowing CLOiD to perform delicate and precise tasks that require fine motor control.

Positioned as a home assistant, LG CLOiD is designed to perform a wide range of indoor household tasks, enhancing everyday convenience and improving quality of life.
Positioned as a home assistant, LG CLOiD is designed to perform a wide range of indoor household tasks, enhancing everyday convenience and improving quality of life.

At the core of LG CLOiD is a chipset integrated into the head, functioning as the robot’s “brain.” This is complemented by a display, speaker, camera and an array of sensors that enable expressive communication, natural voice interaction and intelligent navigation. Powered by LG’s Affectionate Intelligence technology, CLOiD is designed to sense its surroundings, interact in a natural and user-friendly way and refine its responses over time through repeated interactions – aiming to provide more personalized support for everyday tasks.

LG views robotics as a key future growth engine and is accelerating innovation in this strategically important sector. As part of this effort, the company has established HS Robotics Lab within its Home Appliance Solution Company to secure differentiated technologies and further strengthen its core robotics capabilities and product competitiveness. In parallel, LG is actively pursuing joint research initiatives and strategic partnerships with leading robotics companies in Korea and around the globe.

Visitors to CES 2026 can experience LG CLOiD and a variety of real-life “Zero Labor Home” scenarios at LG’s booth (#15004, Las Vegas Convention Center).

About LG Electronics Home Appliance Solution Company 

The LG Home Appliance Solution Company (HS) is a global leader in home appliances and AI home solutions. By leveraging industry-leading core technologies, the HS Company is committed to enhancing consumers’ quality of life and promoting sustainability. The company develops thoughtfully designed kitchen and living appliance solutions and has recently integrated LG’s Robot Business Division to incorporate advanced robot technologies into its home solutions. Together, these products offer enhanced convenience, exceptional performance, efficient operation and sustainable lifestyle solutions. For more news on LG, visit www.LGnewsroom.com.

Leveraging Enamel Technology for Entry into Space Industry Space Project Launched

OSAKA, Japan, Dec. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Takara Standard Inc. (Headquarters: Joto-ku, Osaka; President and CEO: Dai Komori), a manufacturer of residential equipment centered on system kitchens and baths, has launched its “Space Project.” This initiative aims to leverage the enamel technology refined over more than 110 years to enter the space-related business.

The company established a new “Business Development Division” in January 2025. It aims to create new businesses beyond its residential equipment operations by leveraging its unique technological assets. One candidate is the space-related business. The global space industry market is expanding rapidly. In Japan, the Cabinet Office’s “Basic Space Plan” sets a goal to double the market size from ¥4 trillion in 2020 to ¥8 trillion by the early 2030s. While Japan’s space industry has historically developed under government leadership, it is now transitioning from public to private sector involvement. Private companies’ technological development and business expansion are being supported, making this a market expected to grow significantly in the future. Leveraging our enamel technology cultivated over more than 100 years since our founding, we aim to enter space-related businesses.

Our enamel, highly regarded in the field of residential equipment, excels in durability, corrosion resistance, and cleanability, maintaining its performance even under harsh conditions. Indeed, results from “thermal vacuum testing” simulating the vacuum and extreme temperatures of space, and “vibration testing” evaluating damage, durability, and reliability from rocket launch vibrations, indicate our enamel is highly likely to be usable in space environments without issues. Furthermore, it is known that “regolith” (lunar sand), which can be locally sourced on the moon, is primarily composed of glassy micro-particles. This suggests it could potentially serve as an alternative material for glass frit (the enamel used in enamelware). By applying these findings, we aim to realize comfortable living environments in space. This includes utilizing enamel’s heat resistance and durability for lunar base construction materials, and leveraging its hygienic properties and ease of cleaning for interior finishes and plumbing in lunar habitats and space modules.

Moving forward, we will pursue new possibilities for enamel while considering collaboration with domestic and international research institutions and related companies. To further advance this effort, we have launched the “Space Project” led by the Business Development Division and the Research and Development Division. This project plans to conduct additional environmental tests, including radiation testing, to confirm that current enamel possesses the performance required for application in the space environment. We will also explore new raw materials and manufacturing methods, such as producing enamel using regolith (lunar sand) and utilizing solar heat in space—instead of the high-temperature kilns typically used for enamel firing—to simulate space conditions. Aiming for commercialization starting in fiscal year 2035, we will develop enamel applications for space by 2030. We then target space implementation and further value enhancement for enamel beyond 2030, when the space market is expected to mature.

Takara Standard will continue to respond to the needs of the times and contribute to building a sustainable future society.

  • Takara standard’s HORO material:

“HORO” is a material that combines the strength of iron with the beauty of glass. Takara standard developed this proprietary HORO material, which overcomes the breakage of glass, over many years. Takara standard’s “High-Quality HORO” showcases the robustness of iron, providing resilience against impacts, while the glass layer acts as a barrier against dirt and moisture. The durability of the enamel surface makes it distinctly different from ordinary enamel pots or other materials.

Until recently, HORO’s surface had a glossy look, however, new products combine enamel with a matt finish. This means Takara can provide a variety of surface design products.

  • 10 points that demonstrate the strength of Takara standard’s HORO:

1. Can quickly wipe up water, easy to clean

2. Resistant to moisture and mold

3. Conveniently magnetic and can be used as a family message board

4. Very shock and crack resistant

5. Thanks to the ink jet printing tech, it is available in a wide range of colors and designs

6. The material allows permanent maker pen to be wiped off with water, meaning family can leave temporary messages

7. Scratch resistant

8. Heat resistant, giving peace of mind

9. Environmentally friendly (easily recyclable material; no adhesive used in assembly)

10. Odor resistant

About Takara Standard>

Founded in 1912. With the brand message “Because water spaces matter,” we manufacture and sell residential equipment centered on system kitchens and baths, leveraging our unique “high-grade enamel” technology. As a leading company in enamel technology meeting increasingly sophisticated, diverse, and complex customer needs, and as a top manufacturer of residential equipment, we pursue new possibilities for enamel to support the next generation and aim to create comfortable living.

Leveraging Enamel Technology for Entry into Space Industry Space Project Launched

OSAKA, Japan, Dec. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Takara Standard Inc. (Headquarters: Joto-ku, Osaka; President and CEO: Dai Komori), a manufacturer of residential equipment centered on system kitchens and baths, has launched its “Space Project.” This initiative aims to leverage the enamel technology refined over more than 110 years to enter the space-related business.

The company established a new “Business Development Division” in January 2025. It aims to create new businesses beyond its residential equipment operations by leveraging its unique technological assets. One candidate is the space-related business. The global space industry market is expanding rapidly. In Japan, the Cabinet Office’s “Basic Space Plan” sets a goal to double the market size from ¥4 trillion in 2020 to ¥8 trillion by the early 2030s. While Japan’s space industry has historically developed under government leadership, it is now transitioning from public to private sector involvement. Private companies’ technological development and business expansion are being supported, making this a market expected to grow significantly in the future. Leveraging our enamel technology cultivated over more than 100 years since our founding, we aim to enter space-related businesses.

Our enamel, highly regarded in the field of residential equipment, excels in durability, corrosion resistance, and cleanability, maintaining its performance even under harsh conditions. Indeed, results from “thermal vacuum testing” simulating the vacuum and extreme temperatures of space, and “vibration testing” evaluating damage, durability, and reliability from rocket launch vibrations, indicate our enamel is highly likely to be usable in space environments without issues. Furthermore, it is known that “regolith” (lunar sand), which can be locally sourced on the moon, is primarily composed of glassy micro-particles. This suggests it could potentially serve as an alternative material for glass frit (the enamel used in enamelware). By applying these findings, we aim to realize comfortable living environments in space. This includes utilizing enamel’s heat resistance and durability for lunar base construction materials, and leveraging its hygienic properties and ease of cleaning for interior finishes and plumbing in lunar habitats and space modules.

Moving forward, we will pursue new possibilities for enamel while considering collaboration with domestic and international research institutions and related companies. To further advance this effort, we have launched the “Space Project” led by the Business Development Division and the Research and Development Division. This project plans to conduct additional environmental tests, including radiation testing, to confirm that current enamel possesses the performance required for application in the space environment. We will also explore new raw materials and manufacturing methods, such as producing enamel using regolith (lunar sand) and utilizing solar heat in space—instead of the high-temperature kilns typically used for enamel firing—to simulate space conditions. Aiming for commercialization starting in fiscal year 2035, we will develop enamel applications for space by 2030. We then target space implementation and further value enhancement for enamel beyond 2030, when the space market is expected to mature.

Takara Standard will continue to respond to the needs of the times and contribute to building a sustainable future society.

  • Takara standard’s HORO material:

“HORO” is a material that combines the strength of iron with the beauty of glass. Takara standard developed this proprietary HORO material, which overcomes the breakage of glass, over many years. Takara standard’s “High-Quality HORO” showcases the robustness of iron, providing resilience against impacts, while the glass layer acts as a barrier against dirt and moisture. The durability of the enamel surface makes it distinctly different from ordinary enamel pots or other materials.

Until recently, HORO’s surface had a glossy look, however, new products combine enamel with a matt finish. This means Takara can provide a variety of surface design products.

  • 10 points that demonstrate the strength of Takara standard’s HORO:

1. Can quickly wipe up water, easy to clean

2. Resistant to moisture and mold

3. Conveniently magnetic and can be used as a family message board

4. Very shock and crack resistant

5. Thanks to the ink jet printing tech, it is available in a wide range of colors and designs

6. The material allows permanent maker pen to be wiped off with water, meaning family can leave temporary messages

7. Scratch resistant

8. Heat resistant, giving peace of mind

9. Environmentally friendly (easily recyclable material; no adhesive used in assembly)

10. Odor resistant

About Takara Standard>

Founded in 1912. With the brand message “Because water spaces matter,” we manufacture and sell residential equipment centered on system kitchens and baths, leveraging our unique “high-grade enamel” technology. As a leading company in enamel technology meeting increasingly sophisticated, diverse, and complex customer needs, and as a top manufacturer of residential equipment, we pursue new possibilities for enamel to support the next generation and aim to create comfortable living.