KII Invests in Surv BioPharma for Revolutionary Cancer Treatment
In a significant move towards advancing cancer treatment, the Keio Innovation Initiative (KII) has provided funding to Surv BioPharma, a startup emerging from Kagoshima University. This investment is part of a larger capital increase initiative that amounts to a total of 1.5 billion yen ($10 million), aimed at accelerating Surv BioPharma's clinical trials and expanding their overseas presence.
Investment Details
Headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, KII focuses on supporting startups that leverage research outputs from Keio University. The investment in Surv BioPharma, which is headquartered in Kagoshima City, was facilitated through a third-party allotment. This funding round has allowed Surv BioPharma to secure a significant amount, which will be utilized for their first and second pipeline clinical trials while increasing their global outreach.
Innovative Cancer Treatment Options
Surv BioPharma is at the forefront of developing the Surv.m-CRA series, a unique oncolytic virus designed specifically for targeting cancer cells while sparing healthy cells. This technology holds promise as a highly effective cancer treatment, distinguishing itself due to its ability to selectively destroy malignant cells with minimal side effects.
Currently, there is a significant unmet medical need for effective treatments for difficult-to-treat cancers, including primary bone tumors. Surv BioPharma's first pipeline is already gearing up to enter Phase III clinical trials, having received promising results from Phase I and II trials focusing on primary bone tumors. Additionally, the company is actively progressing toward non-clinical development for its second pipeline aimed at addressing other resistant cancers, with plans to commence human clinical trials by 2027.
These advances could potentially revolutionize cancer treatment and offer new hope to patients battling previously untreatable forms of the disease. Surv BioPharma is committed to making a substantial social impact by providing innovative options for those suffering from tough-to-treat cancers.
Company Background
Founded in August 2022, Surv BioPharma is making strides in the pharmaceutical industry focusing on research, development, and commercialization of innovative medicines. Under the leadership of CEO Masaki Yamada, the company operates out of the Medical and Dental School Research Center at Kagoshima University.
Company Name: Surv BioPharma Inc.
Location: 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan
CEO: Masaki Yamada
Website: Surv BioPharma
About Keio Innovation Initiative (KII)
Established in December 2015, KII supports startups mainly emerging from Keio University. In January 2020, KII launched its mission to lead investments focusing on digital technology and healthcare start-ups, striving to promote the social implementation of research and contribute to resolving societal challenges.
Furthering its mission, KII launched the KII3 Impact Fund in October 2023, which aims to create a society where everyone can achieve a healthy and fulfilling life. This initiative targets impact investments in academia-originated startups to generate measurable social and environmental impacts alongside financial returns.
Company Name: Keio Innovation Initiative, Inc.
Funding Focus: Nurturing university-origin technology ventures and operating venture capital funds
Capital: 100 million yen (including 50 million yen as capital reserve)
CEO: Kotaro Yamagishi
Website: KII