Fast Track Initiative Completes 20 Billion Yen Healthcare Fund

Fast Track Initiative's New Horizon in Healthcare Investment

Fast Track Initiative (FTI) has reached a significant milestone with the establishment of its fourth investment fund, specifically designed to bolster the healthcare sector, with capital amounting to an impressive 20 billion yen. This new fund positions FTI as one of the largest healthcare-oriented investment entities in Japan, leveraging its extensive networks both domestically and globally to pursue its mission encapsulated in the motto "Capital For Life."

Since its inception in 2004, FTI's cumulative assets under management have reached approximately 43.5 billion yen, with the new fund seeing over 90% of investments coming from qualified institutional investors. This robust interest underscores a growing trend among institutional backers, who are increasingly shifting their focus from general investment funds to specialized healthcare funds like FTI's.

The fourth fund is set to embark on groundbreaking investments targeting startups that are pioneering new medical solutions. Key among these is Regcell, which focuses on innovative drug development for intractable immune diseases based on research from the promising Regulatory T cells cultivated by Professor Shimon Sakaguchi, a distinguished candidate for the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Moreover, the fund also aims to support Ichiro, a startup responding to the escalating caregiving demands of an aging population.

Japan's Rising Role in Global Healthcare Innovation

Japan has established itself as a powerhouse of healthcare innovation, contributing significantly to global medical advancements through the development of cutting-edge technologies and therapies. The government has reinforced this momentum with supportive policies that encourage startups to thrive in the global pharmaceutical landscape. This supportive framework is rapidly equipping Japanese startups with the necessary infrastructure to compete on the world stage.

The focus on healthcare investment has drawn increased attention from institutional investors, who previously favored general funds. There is a shift toward focus funds specializing in healthcare, with FTI leading the charge as a pioneer in this arena.

Nurturing Medical Solutions with a Social Impact

FTI's purpose dive deep into promoting health and enhancing the quality of life through essential medical solutions. With over 21 years of experience supporting healthcare ventures, FTI maintains strong collaborations with academia and entrepreneurs to promote groundbreaking startups that deliver meaningful medical advancements.

To date, FTI's portfolio includes an extensive pipeline showcasing significant medical value. This encompasses 70 products in non-clinical stages, 19 in clinical stages, and one product that has already received regulatory approval. The organization has conducted 24 clinical trials, bringing innovative treatment options to 445 patients.

Achievements of Notable Portfolio Companies

1. Celsius Therapeutics: FTI's inaugural overseas investment, achieving an M&A deal with AbbVie Inc. within two and a half years following initial investment.
2. AIRNA: Successful in securing a significant $155 million in Series B funding from leading crossover investors.
3. Sonia Therapeutics: Received FDA approval for its device aimed at treating pancreatic cancer through the IDE application process.
4. Metagen Therapeutics: Actively developing a stool microbiota transplantation therapy, recently establishing a facility to recruit stool donors.

Expanding Global Collaboration and Expertise

The new fund is bolstered by the involvement of highly specialized advisors proficient in both science and business, enhancing FTI's capacity for global outreach. The fund has welcomed multiple prominent institutional investors, including pension funds and impact investors, who resonate with FTI's focused investment strategy.

FTI is poised to amplify its collaborative efforts, leveraging its network to expand the realm of possibilities within the healthcare sector. New additions to the advisory board include prominent figures such as Keith Crandell, Evan Rachlin, MD, and several others, enhancing the depth of expertise available to drive healthcare innovations successfully.

As FTI continues to foster collaborations with startups, academia, and pharmaceutical companies around the world, its commitment to delivering valuable healthcare solutions from Japan to a global audience remains steadfast.

For inquiries, please contact:
Fast Track Initiative,
4-1-4 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Design Place α 8F
TEL: 03-5842-3325
Contact: Anzai, Harada