Institute for Rheumatic Diseases

Institute for Rheumatic Diseases Co., Ltd. (IRD) is a Japanese biotechnology company dedicated to the discovery and development of novel therapeutics for autoimmune and rheumatic conditions, with a primary focus on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Founded in 2003 by Professor Shunichi Shiozawa, the company's research is grounded in the "self-organized criticality theory" of autoimmunity, which identifies the overstimulation of the immune system as the root cause of pathogenic T-cell generation. IRD's most prominent development program is an anti-DOCK8 antibody that targets DOCK8-expressing T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, a specific cell population identified by the company as a key driver of SLE. Additionally, the company has pioneered research into c-Fos inhibitors, such as T-5224, for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Headquartered in Ashiya, Japan, IRD operates as a private research-intensive entity collaborating with academic institutions and hospitals to translate its immunological findings into clinical applications.