#Japan #Tsuruoka #Microbiome Research #Metagen Therapeutics #MEDIPAL Innovation

MEDIPAL Innovation Fund's Strategic Investment in Metagen Therapeutics

In a significant move to advance healthcare innovation, MEDIPAL Holdings Corporation has announced an investment through its venture capital fund, MEDIPAL Innovation Fund, into Metagen Therapeutics, a pioneering company focused on microbiome research and medical solutions based in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture. Led by CEO Taku Nakahara, Metagen Therapeutics aims to implement fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) therapies to improve patient outcomes both in Japan and globally.

Founded in January 2020, Metagen Therapeutics seeks to provide groundbreaking medical solutions by developing FMT therapies. This treatment involves transplanting microbiota from healthy donors into patients suffering from specific diseases, with the goal of re-establishing a balanced gut microbiome. As research indicates, the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in health, and disruptions can lead to various ailments. Metagen aims to bridge this gap by offering its FMT protocols as a viable treatment option.

The company is diligently working on building a robust system for the collection of stool donations from microbiota donors and enhancing its supply chain for clinical trial applications. These efforts are critical for ensuring the safe and steady provision of FMT therapies. Currently, clinical studies utilizing FMT are being conducted at several healthcare facilities, targeting conditions such as ulcerative colitis and showcasing promising results on safety and efficacy. Moreover, ongoing research includes the combined use of immune checkpoint inhibitors and FMT for esophageal and gastric cancers, as well as studies focused on Parkinson's disease. Metagen Therapeutics is also working on the development of an oral FMT drug, paving the way for future expansion of its offerings.

Through this investment, MEDIPAL Holdings seeks to support Metagen Therapeutics in advancing the development of FMT therapies and strengthening its logistical and sales frameworks. By collaborating closely, the two companies aim to expedite the delivery of innovative treatment options to patients in need, thus fulfilling a commitment to improving healthcare outcomes.

The investment was executed through a third-party allocation of shares in Metagen Therapeutics, which MEDIPAL Innovation Fund subscribed to. While this investment represents a strategic alignment with healthcare objectives, its impact on MEDIPAL Holdings’ financial performance is expected to be minimal.

About Metagen Therapeutics:
Metagen Therapeutics is grounded in its mission to continue realizing patient aspirations through microbiome science. The startup arises from prestigious educational institutions including Juntendo University, Keio University, and Tokyo University of Science, and focuses on generating social impact through medical advancements and drug development reliant on gut microbiome research. The company operates with a keen focus on immune-related diseases, cancer, and central nervous system disorders, utilizing a well-established basis in developing FMT as part of its medical service and drug development venture.

Company Information:

• - Headquarters: 246-2, Mizukami, Kakkanshi, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan
• - Tokyo Office: 6F Otemachi Building, 1-6 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
• - CEO: Taku Nakahara
• - Website: Metagen Therapeutics

About MEDIPAL Innovation Fund:
The MEDIPAL organization is a prominent player in the field of healthcare, particularly in wholesaling pharmaceutical products and medical equipment. One of its key segments contributes to the development of pharmaceuticals and medical devices, actively engaging with startups from the initial development stages through to post-release distribution. In March 2021, MEDIPAL established the Innovation Fund in collaboration with SBI Investment, a subsidiary of SBI Holdings, to explore funding opportunities in diverse healthcare ventures. This partnership aims to leverage various sourcing capabilities to enhance the development of healthcare solutions.