RegCell Secures $45.8M Investment to Boost Treg Therapy for Autoimmune Diseases
Deal News | Mar 18, 2025 | Fast Track Initiative Inc
Fast Track Initiative (FTI) has co-led a significant $45.8 million investment in RegCell, Inc., a biotechnology firm specializing in regulatory T cell (Treg) therapy for autoimmune diseases. This funding round comprises $8.5 million in equity and $37.3 million in non-dilutive grants from the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development. The renowned immunologist Dr. Shimon Sakaguchi contributed foundational discoveries to RegCell's innovative platform, which reprograms patient-derived T cells. With headquarters moving to the U.S., the company aims to progress human clinical trials, expand global partnerships, and prepare for commercialization. FTI supports RegCell’s growth with strategic guidance across multiple domains, enhancing RegCell's capacity for achieving groundbreaking advancements in Treg therapy.
Sectors
- Biotechnology
- Venture Capital
- Healthcare
Geography
- United States – RegCell is relocating its headquarters to the United States, indicating significant business operations and growth in this geography.
- Japan – Fast Track Initiative and the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development are based in Japan, contributing to the funding and support of RegCell.
Industry
- Biotechnology – The article involves RegCell, a biotechnology firm developing therapies for autoimmune diseases using regulatory T cells.
- Venture Capital – Fast Track Initiative is a venture capital firm involved in the funding of RegCell's development of autoimmune disease therapies.
- Healthcare – The industry focus includes the development and commercialization of therapies to address autoimmune diseases, representing the broader healthcare sector.
Financials
- 45.8 M USD – Total investment amount co-led by FTI for RegCell's funding round.
- 8.5 M USD – Equity investment within the total funding for RegCell.
- 37.3 M USD – Non-dilutive grants from the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Track Initiative Inc. | Co-leading Investor | Company | A life science venture capital firm focusing on early-stage biotech and therapeutics investments. |
| RegCell, Inc. | Target company | Company | A biotechnology company developing Treg therapy to treat autoimmune diseases. |
| Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) | Investor | Government | A Japanese government agency providing grants supporting medical research and development. |
| Koji Yasuda | Board Member | Person | Principal at Fast Track Initiative joining RegCell's Board of Directors. |
| Michael McCullar | CEO | Person | CEO of RegCell, Inc., overseeing the company’s operations and strategic direction. |
| Shimon Sakaguchi | Scientific Founder | Person | World-renowned immunologist whose discoveries form the basis of RegCell's Treg therapy platform. |