#Japan #Kurume #Keio Innovation #Feliqs #FLQ-101

KII's Additional Investment in Feliqs

In a significant move to propel innovative healthcare solutions, the Keio Innovation Initiative (KII) has announced its additional investment in Feliqs Corporation, a startup originating from Kyushu University. This investment, which falls under a third-party allocation increase, totals approximately 1.25 billion yen. This funding will facilitate crucial advancements in the development of Feliqs' lead pipeline, FLQ-101, which is set to enter Phase Ib and II clinical trials in the United States.

Overview of the Investment

KII, headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, aims to support startups that leverage research outcomes from Keio University. The leadership of KII is under President Hirotaro Yamagishi, who emphasized the crucial role of this investment in fostering groundbreaking research and development efforts in the healthcare sector. Alongside KII’s participation, this funding round includes contributions from other investors, cumulatively landing Feliqs at a significant financial milestone.

Feliqs’ headquarters is located in Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture, led by Kenichiro Kuninobu. This infusion of capital allows Feliqs to accelerate the clinical development of FLQ-101, a novel treatment targeting retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The drug is anticipated to address a substantial unmet medical need in neonatal care.

Accelerating Clinical Trials and Global Expansion

FLQ-101, Feliqs' flagship drug, is positioned to prevent ROP, a disease that can lead to severe vision impairment in infants. The drug has already received Fast Track and Orphan Drug designations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), indicating its potential importance in the medical field. As the company plans to initiate its clinical trials by the summer of 2025, it is fully committed to reaching its key milestones within the trial phases swiftly.

Moreover, the new funding will further strengthen Feliqs' operations, enabling them to enhance their clinical development team and expand business within the United States. Feliqs also has ambitious plans for its next-generation pipeline candidate, FLQ-105, which targets age-related macular degeneration, showcasing the company's commitment to tackling critical challenges in healthcare.

Company Profile

Feliqs Corporation

• - Name: Feliqs Corporation
• - CEO: Kenichiro Kuninobu
• - Headquarters: 1-1 Hyakunenchou Park, Kurume City, Fukuoka
• - U.S. Office: JLABS@NYC, 101 6th Ave, New York, NY 10013, USA
• - Website: Feliqs Official Website

About Keio Innovation Initiative (KII)

Founded in December 2015, KII aims to facilitate the growth of startups utilizing research from Keio University. Since January 2020, KII has broadened its investment scope to include technologies addressing societal issues through digital innovations and startups in the medical and health sectors. KII strives to propel Japan’s technological advancements by nurturing excellent research outcomes from universities into practical applications, thereby ensuring sustainable returns as a venture capital fund and contributing to a thriving innovation ecosystem.

KII Overview

• - Company Name: Keio Innovation Initiative, Inc.
• - Business Focus: Nurturing university-based ventures and managing a venture capital fund
• - Capital: 100 million yen (includes 50 million yen in capital reserve)
• - CEO: Hirotaro Yamagishi
• - Website: KII Official Website

The information mentioned in this release is accurate as of the announcement date.