Lotte Holdings' Strategic Investment in Elixiron Immunotherapeutics
In an exciting development in the healthcare sector, Lotte Holdings Co., Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo and led by President Motokazu Tamazuka, has announced a significant investment in Elixiron Immunotherapeutics. This investment is made through its dedicated Health & Bio-CVC (HB-CVC) and is part of Lotte's broader strategy to spearhead advancements in healthcare and biotechnology.
About Elixiron Immunotherapeutics
Founded in 2017, Elixiron is a clinical-stage biotechnology company that focuses on the development of precision immunotherapies targeting autoimmune disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. The company operates from offices in Taipei and Boston, employing a unique platform to create innovative biopharmaceuticals and small molecules designed to meet unmet medical needs.
Elixiron's major development candidates include
Indemakitug and
Enrupatinib, both of which are currently in clinical trials aimed at addressing pressing disease areas.
Indemakitug: A Revolutionary Antibody Treatment
Indemakitug is a groundbreaking anti-IFN-γ monoclonal antibody that aims to treat vitiligo and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Notably, it is the first treatment of its kind globally and is expected to enter phase II proof-of-concept trials in late 2025. Vitiligo affects approximately 70 million people worldwide, and currently, there are no FDA-approved systemic treatment options available for this chronic autoimmune skin disorder. Indemakitug has shown promising pharmacokinetic and safety profiles in early phase I trials, targeting clinically validated mechanisms for vitiligo therapy.
Enrupatinib: A Novel Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease
On the other hand, Enrupatinib is a CSF-1R inhibitor that penetrates the brain. It is currently undergoing phase II clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease, with topline data expected by late 2026. Enrupatinib aims to modify disease progression by reducing neuroinflammation and improving cognitive functions. By targeting specific types of immune cells in the brain, this innovative approach holds the potential to transform future treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
Lotte Holdings' Commitment to Healthcare Innovation
Lotte Holdings has set ambitious goals to enhance well-being and contributor to a healthier society through advanced healthcare solutions. By investing in Elixiron’s innovative therapies targeting vitiligo and Alzheimer’s disease, the company aims to address significant unmet medical needs. The establishment of its HB-CVC in August 2024 marks Lotte's dedication to supporting innovative startups in biotechnology and next-generation antibody medicines.
Overview of Lotte Holdings Co., Ltd.
Lotte Holdings has a robust portfolio beyond healthcare, encompassing confectionery, ice cream, professional sports, real estate, finance, hospitality, and entertainment. Since its inception in 1948 with chewing gum production in Tokyo, Lotte has expanded its global operations across approximately 30 countries, maintaining headquarters in Japan and South Korea. Inspired by the vision of being a 'Lifetime Value Creator', Lotte is committed to providing value throughout all phases of the consumer lifecycle.
Their aspiration to fuse business opportunities in Japan and South Korea exemplifies their proactive approach towards continuous innovation in the food sector and beyond.
For more information about Elixiron, visit their website at
Elixiron.com. For Lotte Holdings, visit their official site
Lotte-hd.com.