Optieum: New CAR-T cells Investment
Deal News | Jan 14, 2025 | Keio Innovation Initiative Inc
Keio Innovation Initiative (KII), a venture capital firm associated with Keio University, has announced a significant investment in Optim Biotechnologies, a nascent player in the next-generation CAR-T cell therapy landscape. Founded by researchers at Ehime University, Optim Biotechnologies aims to harness its proprietary Eumbody System to address challenges faced by current CAR-T therapies, especially in treating solid tumors. This investment, facilitated through a third-party allotment of new shares, totals 1.33 billion yen and includes contributions from other investors. The funding will support the development of the company's lead program, OPTF01, and bolster its foundational technology. OPTF01, a FAPaCAR-T cell therapy, is poised to commence manufacturing development and non-clinical trials. KII's investment underscores its commitment to nurturing university-driven innovations that promise significant societal and environmental impacts.
Sectors
- Biotechnology
- Venture Capital
Geography
- Japan – Both Keio Innovation Initiative and Optim Biotechnologies are based in Japan, indicating the geographical focus of the companies involved.
Industry
- Biotechnology – The sector involved in the article is Biotechnology due to the activities of Optim Biotechnologies in developing advanced CAR-T cell therapies.
- Venture Capital – Keio Innovation Initiative, a venture capital firm, is investing in startups with an emphasis on biotechnology, showcasing its role in the venture capital Industry.
Financials
- 1.33 billion yen – The total amount raised by Optim Biotechnologies through the investment led by Keio Innovation Initiative.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keio Innovation Initiative, Inc. | Investor | Company | A venture capital firm supporting university-based startups and investing in technology ventures. |
| Optieum Biotechnologies Inc. | Target | Company | A startup focused on developing advanced CAR-T cell therapies using the Eumbody System. |