FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2026.02.05

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HIROTSU Bio Science Announces Referral of Former Employee to Prosecutors for Violation of the Unfair Competition Prevention Act, Demonstrating a Steadfast Commitment to Corporate Governance, Compliance, and the Protection of Intellectual Property

TOKYO, JAPAN – February 5, 2026 – HIROTSU Bio Science Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and CEO: Takaaki Hirotsu) announced today that the Chiba Prefectural Police Headquarters has formally referred a former employee of the company to the Public Prosecutors’ Office. The individual is suspected of violating Japan’s Unfair Competition Prevention Act by illegally acquiring confidential corporate information during their employment.

Overview of the Incident In this case, a former employee in our research division is suspected of having acquired, manipulated, and disclosed confidential information obtained during their tenure.

Following an exhaustive internal investigation conducted in collaboration with external legal counsel, HIROTSU Bio Science filed a formal criminal complaint with law enforcement authorities. Based on this complaint, law enforcement executed compulsory investigative measures, including search and seizure operations, culminating in the recent referral of the case to the prosecutors.

Furthermore, in a civil lawsuit initiated prior to this referral, the former employee has already admitted to the unauthorized removal and subsequent disclosure of our information to third parties.

Clarification on Information Leaked There have been some inaccurate media reports based on erroneous information regarding the products we have commercialized. We wish to clarify that the confidential information illicitly removed by the former employee included data still in the preliminary consideration stage, which is not directly related to our currently commercialized products.

Commitment to Governance and Compliance For a research-and-development-driven biotechnology venture, intellectual property is a paramount asset. We view the compulsory investigation and subsequent referral of the case to prosecutors with the utmost seriousness.

HIROTSU Bio Science will continue to conduct any necessary internal investigations and maintain a resolute, zero-tolerance stance against any suspected legal violations. We remain fully committed to further strengthening our information management protocols and overall compliance framework to protect our stakeholders, partners, and investors.

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当社元従業員による不正競争防止法違反の書類送検の経緯について（PDF）