Cellusion

Cellusion Inc., a regenerative medicine startup originating from Keio University, was established in January 2015 by Dr. Shigeto Shimmura, Dr. Shin Hatou, and Dr. Takayuki Otori. The company is focused on addressing the global issue of corneal blindness through the development of novel cell therapies. Its core mission is to create a cornea transplant alternative by mass-producing corneal endothelial substitute cells from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). This approach aims to overcome the significant shortage of donor corneas worldwide, which currently leaves millions of people without a viable treatment option.

The company's lead product candidate is a therapy for bullous keratopathy, a condition that is a leading cause of blindness. Cellusion's proprietary technique involves differentiating iPSCs into Clinical-grade Corneal Endothelial Cell Substitute (CECSi), which can then be injected into the patient's eye. This minimally invasive procedure is designed to be more accessible and less complex than traditional corneal transplants, such as Descemet's Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK) and Descemet's Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK).

Cellusion's business model revolves around the research, development, and eventual commercialization of its iPSC-derived cell therapies. The company collaborates with various institutions, including a joint research project with the Department of Ophthalmology at Keio University School of Medicine. It has secured significant funding to advance its clinical trials and manufacturing capabilities. In 2021, Cellusion raised approximately $22 million in a Series C financing round, with investors like SPARX Group, Itochu Corporation, and DCI Partners participating. This capital is intended to accelerate the preparation for the first-in-human clinical trials of their lead program and to strengthen their overseas business development.

The founding team's background is deeply rooted in ophthalmology and regenerative medicine. Dr. Shigeto Shimmura, a board member, is a professor at Keio University School of Medicine. CEO Dr. Shin Hatou and CSO Dr. Takayuki Otori also bring extensive expertise from their work at Keio University, directly aligning their academic and clinical experience with Cellusion's mission. This strong foundation provides the company with a distinct advantage in navigating the complex scientific and regulatory landscape of regenerative medicine. Keywords: regenerative medicine, ophthalmology, corneal blindness, iPSC, cell therapy, bullous keratopathy, Keio University, clinical trials, healthcare biotechnology, vision loss