Kyoto iCAP has invested 150 million yen in Arktus Therapeutics to support the development of innovative iPS cell-derived cartilage treatments for osteoarthritis.

Target Company Overview

Kyoto iCAP, established in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto and led by President Toshiaki Oiwa, has successfully executed an investment in the seed round of Arktus Therapeutics, a startup focused on the commercialization of regenerative medicine techniques utilizing iPS cell-derived cartilage. Arktus is founded by key researchers Masayuki Iketani from Kyoto University's Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA) and Koichi Nakayama from Saga University’s Medical School Center for Regenerative Medicine.

These researchers have collaborated on pioneering methods to create artificial joint-type implants solely through cell-based approaches. Specifically, Iketani has developed technologies to produce high-quality mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) derived from iPS cells, while Nakayama is responsible for differentiating these iPS cell-derived MSCs into cartilage cells that possess properties similar to natural cartilage, and designing custom-sized cartilage cell implants using 3D printing technologies.

Industry Overview

In Japan, osteoarthritis (OA) poses a significant public health challenge, affecting approximately 8 million individuals. OA results in the degradation of knee cartilage, leading to severe pain a