Rege Nephro has raised approximately $10.6 million to advance its kidney disease programs, including lead candidate RN-014 and regenerative medicine program RN-032. The clinical-stage biotechnology company completed the financing through the issuance of Japan-Keep It Simple Security share acquisition rights, commonly known as J-KISS securities.
J-KISS is a Japanese startup financing structure that generally gives investors the right to receive shares during a future equity financing or other specified event. Rege Nephro intends for the latest capital to support its growth through an anticipated Series C round and beyond.
The financing will support commercialization preparations and global licensing activities for RN-014, a small-molecule candidate being developed for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, or ADPKD. The inherited disorder causes fluid-filled cysts to develop in the kidneys and can progressively reduce kidney function.
RN-014 was identified through screening conducted with an induced pluripotent stem cell-derived disease model of ADPKD. Induced pluripotent stem cells, commonly called iPS cells, are adult cells that have been reprogrammed into a state that allows them to develop into other cell types.
The company recently completed the last patient’s final visit in a Phase 2a clinical trial of RN-014. Rege Nephro is analyzing the study data and plans to use the findings to guide further development and evaluate the program’s therapeutic potential.
Rege Nephro also intends to pursue global licensing and partnership opportunities for RN-014. These activities could provide access to additional clinical development, regulatory and commercialization capabilities in markets outside Japan.
A portion of the financing will support RN-032, an iPS cell-derived regenerative medicine program based on renal nephron progenitor cells. These progenitor cells can develop into components of nephrons, the microscopic structures responsible for filtering blood and producing urine.
Rege Nephro has completed process development for RN-032 in preparation for nonclinical studies. The next stage will focus on generating the safety, manufacturing and biological data needed to establish a foundation for potential human clinical trials.
The company will also invest in discovery and translational research involving next-generation kidney regeneration technologies and additional pipeline candidates. Its long-term objective is to develop treatments that improve patient outcomes while slowing or preventing progression to kidney failure.
Rege Nephro plans to strengthen its organization by recruiting professionals with scientific, clinical development and business development expertise. Expanding the team is expected to support program execution, external partnerships and future growth.
The financing included Arcus South East Asia, BA7 Venture Capital, Chushin Venture Capital, DCI Partners, JAFCO Group and JIC Venture Growth Investments. Other participants included Kyoshin Social Capital, Kyoto University Innovation Capital, Mitsubishi UFJ Capital, RAP-HI, SPARX Asset Management, TaiAn Technologies and TOHO Holdings.
Rege Nephro’s technology is based partly on research originating from Professor Kenji Osafune at Kyoto University’s Center for iPS Cell Research and Application. The company is applying those discoveries to drug development and regenerative medicine programs targeting serious kidney diseases with limited treatment options.
KEY QUOTE:
“This funding round marks an important milestone as we advance RN-014 toward commercialization and accelerate development of RN-032. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our investors for their support and confidence in our vision and progress.”
“With RN-014 having completed its Phase 2a clinical trial and RN-032 advancing toward its next stage of development, we believe the company is well positioned for continued growth. We remain committed to addressing unmet medical needs in kidney disease through innovative medicines and regenerative therapies based on iPS cell technology.”
Akifumi Morinaka, Representative Director and CEO of Rege Nephro
