ReproCELL has commenced operation of “Cell Innovation Partners, L.P.” (hereafter “the Fund”) at the size of about USD 8.0 million, as of September 26, 2014.
Studies in pluripotent cells, including iPS cells, and in regenerative medicine have recently been accelerating in universities and research institutions worldwide; the issue now is financing the funds for development to apply the outcomes from studies in regenerative medicine. The Fund aims to contribute to the early practical application of the next generation of drug discovery and health care businesses by providing growth funds to cellular and regenerative medicine bio-venture companies inside and outside of Japan.
The Fund has the three following characteristics:
The Fund will invest primarily in venture companies which focus on the development of pluripotent cell, including iPS cells, and regenerative medicine technology. The growth potential of investment candidate bio-venture companies which are expected to move into their business phase in five to seven years will be evaluated by ReproCELL, a pioneer in the iPS cell business, based on its understanding of the industry, the business, and the technology.
Investments will actively be made in overseas cellular and regenerative medicine bio-venture companies in the US and the EU, in addition to Japanese bio-venture companies.
Various Support will be provided to the bio-venture companies which have been invested in order to contribute to their growth.
Through the Fund, ReproCELL provides growth funds to venture companies in the iPS cellular and regenerative medicine areas, and secures, develops and works with innovative technological seeds around the world, promoting commercialization of regenerative medicine and its strengthening of competitiveness.