#Japan #Tokyo #Alzheimer's #KII #Neusignal

KII Boosts Investment in Neusignal Therapeutics for Alzheimer’s Treatment

In a significant strategic move, the Keio Innovation Initiative (KII) has opted to increase its investment in Neusignal Therapeutics, a company dedicated to developing treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. This funding round raised a total of 5.32 billion yen, facilitating the progression of Phase 1b clinical trials for Alzheimer’s patients in the US.

The realignment of capital from KII, which is headquartered in the Minato Ward of Tokyo, underlines its commitment to supporting startups that harness research from Keio University. Led by CEO Hirotaro Yamagishi, KII has focused on funding ventures that aim to bring impactful solutions to social challenges, particularly through healthcare innovations.

Neusignal Therapeutics, under the leadership of CEO Tatsu Arimoto, is also established in Tokyo, and is emerging as a frontrunner in addressing the pressing needs posed by Alzheimer’s disease. With this latest funding, Neusignal plans to intensify its efforts in developing treatments that show promise across a broad spectrum of disease stages.

The Implications of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive condition that stems from aberrations in brain nerve cells, leading to cognitive decline and eventually necessitating complete care for daily living activities. Although several new pharmaceuticals aimed at slowing disease progression have been introduced in recent years, discussions surrounding treatment management, healthcare costs, and the risk-benefit balance remain ongoing.

Neusignal's innovative drug, which is expected to be an oral low-molecular-weight medication, offers the potential for at-home treatment, differing from conventional therapeutic regimens. Early trials conducted on healthy adults demonstrated promising results regarding the drug’s safety, tolerability, and advantageous pharmacokinetic profile.

With such encouraging findings, Neusignal is preparing to execute its Phase 1b clinical trial in the United States this summer, aimed specifically at Alzheimer’s patients. Their overarching goal includes enhancing patient satisfaction in treatment, alleviating caregiver burdens, and promoting longer health spans. Importantly, the initiative also seeks to moderate healthcare expenses and facilitate caregiver societal engagement, thus reducing economic losses.

About Neusignal Therapeutics

• - Company Name: Neusignal Therapeutics, Inc.
• - Location: Nihonbashi Honcho, Chuo Ward, Tokyo
• - CEO: Tatsu Arimoto
• - Established: April 2022
• - Business Focus: Research and development of drugs for dementia and mental disorders, exploration of drug discovery seeds related to brain diseases
• - Website: Neusignal Website

KII Overview

KII was established in December 2015 with a mission primarily focused on supporting startups leveraging research outcomes from Keio University. Starting in January 2020, it adopted a broader mission statement emphasizing the transformative potential of research and innovations on societal issues. Focusing on lead investments geared towards digital technology and healthcare, KII has provided consistent support for academic ventures.

In October 2023, KII celebrated the launch of Japan’s first impact investment fund by a university venture capital, the KII3 Impact Fund. This fund aims to realize a society where everyone can achieve a happy and healthy life, all while creating measurable social and environmental impacts alongside financial returns.

KII Summary:

• - Company Name: Keio Innovation Initiative, Inc.
• - Activities: Development of university-origin technology ventures, management of venture capital funds
• - Capital: 100 million yen (including 50 million yen in capital reserves)
• - CEO: Hirotaro Yamagishi
• - Website: KII Website