ENGNews - 株式会社A-SEEDS | 信州大学発ベンチャー

A-SEEDS and Cell Therapies Announce Manufacturing Partnership to Advance Clinical Trials of Novel CAR-T Cell Therapy

ghweb — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 03:00:20 +0000

A-SEEDS Co., Ltd., a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing next-generation CAR-T cell therapies using non-viral engineering platforms, has engaged Cell Therapies Pty Ltd (Cell Therapies), Australia’s leading contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) for cell and gene therapies, for process transfer and GMP manufacture of A-SEEDS’ lead CAR-T cell candidate for clinical trials in Australia.

About the Collaboration
Under the terms of the agreement, Cell Therapies are providing technology transfer, GMP production, and quality release services to manufacture A-SEEDS’ clinical-grade CAR-T batches. These will be used in the upcoming clinical trial CARTiEr E312. This trial assesses safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic and preliminary efficacy of A-SEEDS’ innovative CAR-T cell therapy for cancers.
“We believe our non-viral CAR-T platform represents a new generation of cell therapy — one that can be scaled more efficiently while delivering greater durability for patients,” said Dr. Yagyu, CEO of A-SEEDS. “Working with Cell Therapies gives us a world-class GMP partner to accelerate our project and ultimately to expand globally.”
“Partnering with A-SEEDS aligns perfectly with our mission to bring the most advanced cell therapies to patients quickly and safely,” said Dr Bev Menner, CEO of Cell Therapies. “Their innovative approach to non-viral CAR-T cell engineering is at the forefront of the field, and we are proud to help translate this into high-quality clinical products in our state-of-the art GMP facility in Melbourne, Australia.”

About A-SEEDS
A-SEEDS is founded in 2020 as a spin-out from Shinshu University in Nagano, Japan specialized for CAR-T therapy development. The company’s mission is to swiftly and effectively address the needs of patients through genetically engineered immune cell therapy for cancers with limited treatment options, including pediatric cancers and solid tumors.
A-SEEDS’ platform uses the piggyBac transposon system, a non-viral gene delivery method that avoids many of the limitations of viral vectors, such as long-term efficacy. The company has two products in its pipeline, ACS2015 (also known as AP8901) and AS116, both of which are in the clinical phase

ACS2015: CAR-T therapy targeting EPHB4, a highly expressed receptor in patients with various types of cancer. A Phase 1 clinical trial, CARTiEr E312 with ACS2015 is under preparation. In addition, another phase 1 clinical trial, CARTiEr E211 with AP8901 equivalent to ACS2015, is currently ongoing to evaluate safety, persistence, and early signals of efficacy in patients with Ewing sarcoma and other solid tumors.
AS116: CAR-T therapy targeting GMR highly expressed in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). A Phase 1 clinical trial, CARTiEr G111, is currently ongoing to evaluate safety and tolerability, persistence, and early signs of clinical activity in patients with AML.

A-SEEDS has also raised significant funding to support its clinical and manufacturing programs, including a ¥2.38 billion (~USD 15M) Series A financing in July 2025 led by venture capital firms Delight Ventures and Mizuho Capital Co., Ltd., and multiple non-dilutive governmental grants under Japan’s Deep Tech Startup Support Program.
To learn more about A-SEEDS, please click here: https://www.a-seeds.co.jp/eng/

About Cell Therapies
Cell Therapies Pty Ltd (Cell Therapies) is a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that manufactures and deploys advanced cell-based therapies to the global market.
Established in 2003, Cell Therapies is one of the most experienced GMP compliant manufacturers for cell therapies, gene therapies, cellular immunotherapies, and regenerative medicine products globally. Working closely with its clinical and research collaborators at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre (http://petermac.org), Cell Therapies provides its clients with solutions for process development, GMP manufacturing, analytical development, cryopreservation, quality management, regulatory submission, and clinical trial support.
Cell Therapies has a thirteen (13)-clean room GMP facility located in Melbourne, Australia at the heart of the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct with access to hospitals, research institutes and universities to support development, translation, and patient access. This facility includes three (3) commercial-scale high throughput manufacturing suites with a production capacity of up to 2,000 patient doses per year, and ten (10) small-scale clean rooms suitable for early phase clinical trials. Cell Therapies holds both clinical trial and commercial supply manufacturing licenses from the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), along with GMP manufacturing accreditation from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare, ensuring the products from our facility meet global regulatory standards.
With a proven track record of delivering cell-based therapies to patients, Cell Therapies supports early phase clinical trials through to commercial supply according to the requirements of local and international regulators. Cell Therapies’ collaborative networks support product delivery all over the world and have an enviable track record for efficient and successful tech transfer for our collaborators and clients.
To learn more about Cell Therapies, please click here: https://celltherapies.com/

Media Contacts
A-SEEDS Co., Ltd.
Name: Kiyohito Tani, Chief Operating Officer
Email: kiyohito.tani@a-seeds.co.jp
Phone: +81 263 31 5882
Cell Therapies Pty Ltd
Name: Dr Shrinidh Joshi, Director of Business Development
Email: ShrinidhJoshi@celltherapies.com
Phone: +61 3 9492 4777

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A-SEEDS Closes ¥2.38 Billion (≈ USD 15 Million) Series A Financing to Accelerate Australian Clinical Trial of Its CAR-T Cell Therapy

ghweb — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 02:00:42 +0000

A-SEEDS Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Matsumoto, Nagano; CEO: Shigeki Yagyu) announces that it has completed a total of 2.38 billion yen (approx. USD 15 million) in Series A financing, led by Delight Ventures Inc. and Mizuho Capital Co., Ltd., and joined by Tokyo Wellness Impact Fund, Osaka University Venture Capital Co., Ltd., KSP Inc., SMBC Venture Capital Co., Ltd., ITOCHU Corporation, and Nippon Venture Capital Co., Ltd. The financing also includes a matching grant from NEDO (*1).
Since our founding in April 2020, we have been committed to the vision of “delivering effective treatments to patients suffering from diseases for which no cure exists, and creating a society in which all people can live with hope.” Based on this vision, we have advanced non-viral gene-modified CAR-T cell therapy research and development, focusing particularly on solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. In Japan, we are currently conducting clinical trials in collaboration with Shinshu University Hospital and the National Cancer Center Hospital East.
With the proceeds from this financing, we are making steady progress in preparing for our company-sponsored clinical trial in Australia, the CARTiEr E312 study (*2). The technology transfer of our manufacturing process to a CDMO is now in its final stages, and discussions with major oncology hospitals in Australia regarding clinical execution are nearing completion. As a result, we are establishing a robust framework for manufacturing and clinical operations that will enable us to demonstrate the true value of our technology, developed in Japan, on the global stage.
Going forward, we will vigorously advance our clinical trial in Australia, ensure its successful completion, and further accelerate our global expansion. Through these efforts, we aim to realize a society in which more patients can live with renewed hope.

■ Comments from Investors
Delight Ventures Inc.
Shintaro Asako, Managing Partner
Naoya Shibahara, Principal We are delighted to participate as lead investor in A-SEEDS’ Series A round. The application of CAR-T cell therapy to solid tumors has long been eagerly anticipated, and although numerous studies have advanced in recent years, we believe A-SEEDS’ program represents one of the most fundamental approaches. Under CEO Yagyu’s passionate leadership, outstanding talent from across multiple sectors of the bio-industry has converged, creating an unparalleled team for global clinical development—another aspect that makes the company so compelling. We are truly honored to accompany A-SEEDS in its challenge to realize this important vision.

Mizuho Capital Co., Ltd.
Kaita Sasaki, Investment Manager, Investment Department III The non-viral gene-modified CAR-T cell product being developed by A-SEEDS, produced with its proprietary piggyBac (PB) technology, is a next-generation cancer immunotherapy offering innovation in efficacy, safety, and manufacturing efficiency. In particular, its potential applicability to solid tumors and substantial reduction in production costs will provide strong competitiveness in the global market. Together with the outstanding team led by CEO Yagyu and Professor Nakazawa, who have been researching CAR-T since the field’s earliest days, the Mizuho Group will exert every effort to help deliver new treatment options to patients worldwide.

■ Comment from CEO Shigeki Yagyu
We are pleased to announce that we have completed a total of 2.38 billion yen in Series A financing, led by Delight Ventures Inc. and Mizuho Capital Co., Ltd., with participation from Tokyo Wellness Impact Fund, Osaka University Venture Capital Co., Ltd., KSP Inc., SMBC Venture Capital Co., Ltd., ITOCHU Corporation, and Nippon Venture Capital Co., Ltd. In addition, we received a matching grant from NEDO, and together with funds raised through our Series A round, we have successfully completed this financing.
In addition to the continued support from investors since our seed round, we welcomed new investors such as Greencore Co., Ltd. and Hachijuni Investment Co., Ltd., further enhancing our investor base. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all our investors, both new and existing, for their deep understanding and strong commitment to our vision and mission.
This financing will be used to accelerate the development of our unique non-viral, gene-modified CAR-T cell therapies. Based on our founding vision of “delivering effective treatments to patients suffering from diseases with no available cure and creating a society where everyone can live with hope,” we are advancing our efforts to deliver new treatment options to patients as early as possible. We will continue to work toward achieving this mission and sincerely ask for your continued support and guidance.

Note:
(*1) NEDO Matching Grant: A grant scheme that subsidizes up to 2/3 of external funding raised, supporting R&D activities. Our company was selected in March 2025 under the “Deep Tech Startup Support Program (DTSU)” by a Japanese government, NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization).
(*2) CARTiEr E312 Trial: A company-sponsored clinical trial in Australia targeting our CAR-T product “ACS2015” (a CAR-T cell therapy targeting EPHB4).
[CARTiEr]: non-viral gene-modified CAR-T cell therapy for malignant solid tumors with expression of EPHB4 receptor

■ A-SEEDS Co., Ltd.
A-SEEDS, an innovative biotech company sprouted from Shinshu University, is dedicated to pioneering advanced treatments for life-threatening cancers. Harnessing the potential of non-viral genetic engineering, our cutting-edge immune cell therapy opens up new horizons of hope for patients seeking effective and transformative solutions.

Company name	A-SEEDS Co., Ltd.
Location	3-1-1 CSMIT, Asahi, Matsumoto, Nagano
Representative	Shigeki Yagyu
Establishment	April 2020
Capital	59,999,983 yen
Home page URL	https://www.a-seeds.co.jp/en-home

■ Contact Info.
A-SEEDS Co., Ltd.
Kiyohito Tani
Tel: 0263-31-5882
E-mail: kiyohito.tani@a-seeds.co.jp

The post A-SEEDS Closes ¥2.38 Billion (≈ USD 15 Million) Series A Financing to Accelerate Australian Clinical Trial of Its CAR-T Cell Therapy first appeared on 株式会社A-SEEDS | 信州大学発ベンチャー.

First-in-Human Dosing Completed for A-SEEDS’ EPHB4-Targeted CAR-T Cell Product (Product Code: AP8901)

ghweb — Mon, 12 May 2025 05:00:01 +0000

A-SEEDS Co., Ltd. is pleased to announce that the first human dosing (First-in-Human) of its investigational genetically engineered T cell therapy, AP8901, has been successfully completed in an investigator-initiated clinical trial.

The Phase 1 clinical trial is being conducted by a research team led by Dr. Shigeki Yagyu of Shinshu University and Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, in collaboration with the National Cancer Center Hospital East. The trial is designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of AP8901 in patients with Ewing sarcoma and other malignant solid tumors expressing the EPHB4 antigen.

In this trial, A-SEEDS is responsible for the development of the manufacturing process, manufacturing support, and quality control of the investigational CAR-T cell product.

■Website of Shinshu University (in Japanese)
https://www.shinshu-u.ac.jp/topics/2025/05/ephb4.html

■About AP8901:
AP8901 is equivalent to ACS2015, the investigational product planned for use in A-SEEDS’ upcoming clinical trial in Australia. Both are CAR-T cells engineered to target EPHB4 using the piggyBac (PB) transposon system—a non-viral gene modification method. This approach helps preserve T cell memory and minimize immune exhaustion by avoiding viral vectors, which can often compromise long-term cell function. Additionally, ACS2015 incorporates optimized manufacturing processes, further enhancing its suitability for clinical application.

■ A-SEEDS Co., Ltd.
A-SEEDS, an innovative biotech company sprouted from Shinshu University, is dedicated to pioneering advanced treatments for life-threatening cancers. Harnessing the potential of non-viral genetic engineering, our cutting-edge immune cell therapy opens up new horizons of hope for patients seeking effective and transformative solutions.

Company name	A-SEEDS Co., Ltd.
Location	3-1-1 CSMIT, Asahi, Matsumoto, Nagano
Representative	Shigeki Yagyu
Establishment	April 2020
Capital	59,999,983 yen
Home page URL	https://www.a-seeds.co.jp/en-home

The post First-in-Human Dosing Completed for A-SEEDS’ EPHB4-Targeted CAR-T Cell Product (Product Code: AP8901) first appeared on 株式会社A-SEEDS | 信州大学発ベンチャー.

A-SEEDS Passes Stage-gate Review of NEDO Deep Tech Startups Support Program (DTSU) and Accelerates Global Clinical Trials of CAR-T Cell Products

ghweb — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 06:21:12 +0000

A-SEEDS Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture; CEO: Shigeki Yagyu, hereinafter referred to as “the Company”) is pleased to pass the stage-gate review and to continue the project in the PCA Phase (Late-Stage Commercialization Research) under the sixth call for applications of the 2024 Deep Tech Startup Support Project (DTSU), administered by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). With this selection, the Company will receive up to 1 billion yen (6.1 million dollars) in funding to accelerate its global expansion. This funding is equivalent to twice the amount raised in the most recent financing round and will serve as a powerful driver for further growth.

Project Name:
Development of Mass-Production Technology for the Clinical Implementation of Innovative CAR-T Cell Therapy

Project Overview:
The objective of this project is to establish a scalable mass-production technology for CAR-T cell therapy using the PiggyBac transposon (PB) method, a non-viral gene editing technology, with the ultimate goal of obtaining global regulatory approvals. To achieve this, we will undertake the following key initiatives:

①Technology Transfer and Validation of Automated Manufacturing to Overseas CDMOs
②Establishment of a Manufacturing System for Clinical Trial Products in Compliance with Global Regulatory Standards
③Execution of Overseas Clinical Trials and Out-Licensing to Global Pharmaceutical Companies

This grant is a non-dilutive type of funding that does not involve equity dilution.

Since its founding in April 2020, A-SEEDS has been committed to addressing the challenges of clinical implementation for CAR-T cell therapy, driven by our vision:
“To deliver effective treatments to cancer patients with limited therapeutic options and create a society where more people can find hope in life.”

To date, we have successfully established a clinical-grade manufacturing process and are conducting two separate Phase 1 investigator-initiated clinical trials in collaboration with Shinshu University and the National Cancer Center Hospital East.

Furthermore, preparations are underway for a Phase 1/2a company-sponsored clinical trial in Australia. Through this project, we will transfer our automated manufacturing technology to an Australian CDMO, establish a clinical trial product manufacturing system compliant with U.S. and European regulatory standards, and conduct overseas clinical trials to validate our technology.

Shigeki Yagyu, CEO of A-SEEDS Co., Ltd., commented:
*”The selection of A-SEEDS for NEDO’s DTSU is a strong endorsement of our technology and vision. To achieve global clinical implementation, it is essential to establish a robust manufacturing system, conduct successful overseas clinical trials, and obtain regulatory approvals. In March 2024, we were selected for NEDO’s DTSU, where we successfully developed an automated culture technology for our PB-based CAR-T cell therapy one year ahead of schedule. This achievement enabled us to pass the stage-gate review and continue PCA phase of DTSU.

With this grant, we will maximize our efforts to accelerate overseas clinical trials and global expansion, ensuring that our CAR-T cell therapy reaches as many cancer patients as possible.”*

A-SEEDS’ proprietary PB-based CAR-T cell therapy offers a safer and more efficient gene-editing approach compared to conventional viral vector-based methods. This technology not only reduces manufacturing costs but also ensures high-quality and stable production, paving the way for global clinical application.

A-SEEDS is committed to developing innovative CAR-T cell therapies originating from Japan and providing new treatment options to cancer patients worldwide. By leveraging this NEDO grant, we will advance overseas clinical trials and secure global regulatory approvals, working towards a future where more people can find hope through cutting-edge therapies.

■ A-SEEDS Co., Ltd.

Company name	A-SEEDS Co., Ltd.
Location	3-1-1 CSMIT, Asahi, Matsumoto, Nagano
Representative	Shigeki Yagyu
Establishment	April 2020
Capital	10 million yen
Home page URL	https://www.a-seeds.co.jp/en-home

■ Contact Info.
A-SEEDS Co., Ltd.
Kiyohito Tani
Tel: 0263-31-5882
E-mail: kiyohito.tani@a-seeds.co.jp

The post A-SEEDS Passes Stage-gate Review of NEDO Deep Tech Startups Support Program (DTSU) and Accelerates Global Clinical Trials of CAR-T Cell Products first appeared on 株式会社A-SEEDS | 信州大学発ベンチャー.

A-SEEDS Co., Ltd. Receives Award from the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) for the Competitive Funding Program to Conduct All-Japan R&D and International Expansion of CAR-T Cell Therapy Commercialization (non-dilutive funding)

ghweb — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 08:21:06 +0000

A-SEEDS Co., Ltd. (located in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture; CEO: Shigeki Yagyu, hereinafter referred to as “the Company”), is delighted to announce our selection as a research and development collaborator for “the Project for Fundamental Technology Development for the Industrialization of Regenerative Medicine and Gene Therapy”, the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) with Professor Yozo Nakazawa of Shinshu University serving as the principal investigator. This award supports our continued efforts to advance the clinical application of CAR-T cell therapy, with the goal of offering this innovative treatment to cancer patients who currently have limited therapeutic options.

Project Name:
Streamlining CAR T cell therapy logistics with Japanese innovations from academic clinical trials to global commercialization through optimized production and a practical trial framework

Project Overview:
In this project, academia and 14 domestic companies including the company form a consortium to advance research and development and clinical trials for the CAR-T cell therapy. This initiative aims to establish an ecosystem to produce internationally competitive domestic CAR-T therapies and facilitate their global expansion. We also aim to transfer the manufacturing to CDMOs and QC CROs and establish a clinical trial manufacturing system aimed at conducting overseas trials and obtaining regulatory approval. This grant is non-dilutive funding, meaning it does not cause any stock dilution.

Since its establishment in April 2020, A-SEEDS Co., Ltd. has been committed to addressing the challenges of clinical application for CAR-T cell therapy. Our mission is to provide effective treatments for cancer patients with few alternatives, striving to offer new hope to as many patients as possible. We have developed a manufacturing process for clinical-grade CAR-T cell therapy utilizing the PiggyBac transposon system (PB method) and have initiated Phase 1 trials in partnership with Shinshu University and the National Cancer Center Hospital East. We are currently making preparations for the clinical trial scheduled to commence in Australia next year.

In order to make CAR-T cell therapy, produced via the PB method, a viable clinical option, it is essential to establish a manufacturing system for clinical trials and a mass production system for CAR-T cell products using the PB method. We aim to transfer the manufacturing previously conducted in the clinical trials to CDMOs and QC CROs. This will address challenges in clinical trial manufacturing, optimize manufacturing processes and quality control methods for commercialization, and establish a clinical trial manufacturing system aimed at conducting overseas trials and obtaining regulatory approval. By improving the efficacy of our CAR-T cell products and leveraging the outcomes of this project as a competitive edge, we aspire to pioneer the world’s first mass-production technology for CAR-T cell therapy using the PB method, thereby positioning our nation at the forefront of CAR-T cell therapy development and obtaining regulatory approvals in Japan and overseas.

■ A-SEEDS Co., Ltd.
A-SEEDS, an innovative biotech company sprouted from Shinshu University, is dedicated to pioneering advanced treatments for life-threatening cancers. Harnessing the potential of non-viral genetic engineering, our cutting-edge immune cell therapy opens up new horizons of hope for patients seeking effective and transformative solutions.

Company name	A-SEEDS Co., Ltd.
Location	3-1-1 CSMIT, Asahi, Matsumoto, Nagano
Representative	Shigeki Yagyu
Establishment	April 2020
Capital	36 million yen
Home page URL	https://www.a-seeds.co.jp/en-home

■ Contact Info.
A-SEEDS Co., Ltd.
Kiyohito Tani
Tel: 0263-31-5882
E-mail: kiyohito.tani@a-seeds.co.jp

The post A-SEEDS Co., Ltd. Receives Award from the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) for the Competitive Funding Program to Conduct All-Japan R&D and International Expansion of CAR-T Cell Therapy Commercialization (non-dilutive funding) first appeared on 株式会社A-SEEDS | 信州大学発ベンチャー.

A-SEEDS Co., Ltd. Receives Award from the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) for the Deep Tech Startup Support Project (DTSU)

ghweb — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 14:22:28 +0000

A-SEEDS Co., Ltd. (located in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture; CEO: Shigeki Yagyu, hereinafter referred to as “the Company”), is delighted to announce our selection in the Practical Application and Commercialization Phase of the third round of the 2023 Deep Tech Startup Support Project (DTSU), administered by the National Research and Development Agency, New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). This award supports our continued efforts to advance the clinical application of CAR-T cell therapy, with the goal of offering this innovative treatment to cancer patients who currently have limited therapeutic options.

Project Name: Development of Mass-Production Technology for the Clinical Implementation of Innovative CAR-T Cell Therapy

Project Overview:

The objective of this project is to develop mass-production technology for CAR-T cell therapy, a novel approach to cancer treatment, utilizing non-viral gene editing methods. Our focus extends to establishing a manufacturing base in collaboration with pharmaceutical formulation development and manufacturing support companies, both domestically and globally. This foundation will support the conduct of international clinical trials and the pursuit of regulatory approvals.

Since its establishment in April 2020, A-SEEDS Co., Ltd. has been committed to addressing the challenges of clinical application for CAR-T cell therapy. Our mission is to provide effective treatments for cancer patients with few alternatives, striving to offer new hope to as many patients as possible. We have developed a manufacturing process for clinical-grade CAR-T cell therapy utilizing the PiggyBac transposon system (PB method) and have initiated Phase 1 trials in partnership with Shinshu University and the National Cancer Center Hospital East.

In order to make CAR-T cell therapy, produced via the PB method, a viable and cost-effective clinical option, it is essential to streamline and automate the production process to minimize labor and equipment expenses. This project will focus on developing automated culture methods with robotic manufacturing equipment to mass-produce CAR-T cells using the PB method. We aim to lay the groundwork for manufacturing CAR-T cell products leveraging this technology, in preparation for international clinical trials and regulatory approvals. By improving the efficacy of our CAR-T cell products and leveraging the outcomes of this project as a competitive edge, we aspire to pioneer the world’s first mass-production technology for CAR-T cell therapy using the PB method, thereby positioning our nation at the forefront of CAR-T cell therapy development.

■ A-SEEDS Co., Ltd.

A-SEEDS, an innovative biotech company sprouted from Shinshu University, is dedicated to pioneering advanced treatments for life-threatening cancers. Harnessing the potential of non-viral genetic engineering, our cutting-edge immune cell therapy opens up new horizons of hope for patients seeking effective and transformative solutions.

■ Contact Info.

A-SEEDS Co., Ltd.

Kiyohito Tani

Tel: 0263-31-5882

E-mail: kiyohito.tani@a-seeds.co.jp

The post A-SEEDS Co., Ltd. Receives Award from the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) for the Deep Tech Startup Support Project (DTSU) first appeared on 株式会社A-SEEDS | 信州大学発ベンチャー.

A-SEEDS Co., Ltd. Secured 440 M JPY in Seed Round Funding for Pioneering Global Trials of CAR-T Cell Therapy

ghweb — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 02:02:49 +0000

A-SEEDS Co., Ltd. has achieved a significant milestone by raising 440 million yen in seed funding, contributed by Hachijuni Investment Co., Ltd. and Greencore Co., Ltd. This capital injection is pivotal in underpinning the preparatory phase for clinical trials in the United States, slated for initiation in 2024. The funds will enable technology transfers in CAR-T cell production and bolster our organizational structure and research and development capabilities. This crucial phase of funding is instrumental as we advance toward an ambitious capital mobilization to reinforce our clinical trial endeavors in the U.S.

A-SEEDS Co., Ltd. (Matsumoto, Nagano, CEO: Shigeki Yagyu), is pleased to announce the acquisition of 440 million yen in seed funding from Hachijuni Investment Co., Ltd. (Nagano, Nagano, CEO: Takehiko Maeda) and Greencore Co., Ltd. (Shibuya, Tokyo, CEO: Ryusuke Honjo).

A-SEEDS Co., Ltd. has been dedicated to the progression of fundamental research and preclinical development aimed at providing CAR-T cell therapy for cancer patients in urgent need of novel therapeutic options. Our cutting-edge CAR-T cell products, innovated through the utilization of piggyBac transposon technology, has been shown to deliver enhanced and prolonged therapeutic outcomes when juxtaposed with existing CAR-T therapies. This advancement is achieved alongside significant cost efficiencies in production, establishing our product as a paradigm shift in therapeutic and economic viability within the medical sphere. Having completed preclinical trials for two distinct CAR-T cell products and progressing with phase 1 clinical trials in collaboration with Shinshu University, A-SEEDS Co., Ltd. is also committed to the ongoing development of a diverse range of CAR-T cell therapeutic pipelines.

With this round of funding, our company can now prepare for clinical trials planned in the United States after 2024 and strengthen our organizational and research and development systems for globalization. Furthermore, we are strategizing for an extensive capital raise to support these U.S. clinical trials. Originating from Nagano Prefecture, our mission to globally disseminate CAR-T cell therapy in clinical practice stands as a testament to our commitment to addressing the unmet medical needs of cancer patients.

■ Hachijuni Investment Co., Ltd.

Company name: Hachijuni Investment Co., Ltd. （HP：https://www.82hic.co.jp/）

Location: 1282-11 Minami-Nagano Minamiishido-cho, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture

Representative: Takehiko Maeda

Establishment: October 2021

Capital: 30 million yen

■ Greencore Co., Ltd.

Company name: Greencore Co., Ltd.

Location: 1-14-9 Tomigaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Representative: Ryusuke Honjo

Establishment: May 1974

Capital: 30 million yen

■ A-SEEDS Co., Ltd.

Company name: A-SEEDS Co., Ltd.

Location: 3-1-1 CSMIT, Asahi, Matsumoto, Nagano,

Representative: Shigeki Yagyu

Establishment: April 2020

Capital: 36 million yen

■ Contact Info.

A-SEEDS Co., Ltd.

Kiyohito Tani

Tel: 0263-31-5882

E-mail: kiyohito.tani@a-seeds.co.jp

The post A-SEEDS Co., Ltd. Secured 440 M JPY in Seed Round Funding for Pioneering Global Trials of CAR-T Cell Therapy first appeared on 株式会社A-SEEDS | 信州大学発ベンチャー.