#Japan #Tokyo #KII #Metagen Therapeutics #FMT Pharmaceuticals

KII’s Strategic Investment in Metagen Therapeutics

Keio Innovation Initiative (KII), headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, has taken a significant step in the evolution of microbiome medicine by increasing its investment in Metagen Therapeutics. This startup aims to implement Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) technologies for therapeutic use, an area in which they are showing promising growth.

Raising Funds for Advanced Microbiome Science

In this initiative, Metagen Therapeutics has successfully raised a total of 2.32 billion yen through third-party allocations. This substantial funding will allow them to accelerate the development of oral FMT pharmaceuticals, which hold great potential for treating various conditions linked to gut health.

Background of Metagen Therapeutics

Founded as a collaboration between Juntendo University, Keio University, and Tokyo University of Science, Metagen Therapeutics focuses on practical applications of FMT to bring microbiome-based medical treatments to Japanese and global patients. The startup's efforts have already led to several clinical studies, initially targeting ulcerative colitis, and now extending to clinical trials for esophageal and gastric cancers, and even Parkinson's disease.

Commitment to Clinical Trials

With this new funding, Metagen Therapeutics plans to enhance their clinical trials in both Japan and the United States for their oral FMT pharmaceuticals. They are also committed to strengthening their supply chain for donor stool acquisition and investigational drug manufacturing,
ensuring effective delivery of their products to patient populations.

Company Overview

• - Name: Metagen Therapeutics, Inc.
• - Location: 246-2 Mizu no Ue, Kakkoginji, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture
• - CEO: Taku Nakahara
• - Established: January 2020
• - Business Focus: Drug development and healthcare utilizing microbiome science
• - Website: metagentx.com

About Keio Innovation Initiative (KII)

Established in December 2015, KII supports startups leveraging research from Keio University. Starting in January 2020, KII evolved its mission, focusing on innovations in social systems through digital technology, primarily targeting healthcare and wellness sectors. Their latest initiative, the KII 3rd Impact Fund, aims to drive positive social and environmental impacts alongside financial returns.

KII Overview

• - Name: Keio Innovation Initiative, Inc.
• - Business Focus: Nurturing university-based tech ventures and managing venture capital funds
• - Capital: 100 million yen (including 50 million yen in capital reserves)
• - CEO: Hirotaro Yamagishi
• - Website: keio-innovation.co.jp

The details provided here reflect the status of the involved parties as of the announcement date. This investment marks a pivotal moment, as KII and Metagen Therapeutics work together to address pressing health challenges with innovative microbiome solutions.