Healios K.K.

Healios K.K. is a pioneering biotechnology company based in Japan, focusing on the development and commercialization of regenerative medicine products utilizing stem cell technologies. Established in 2011, Healios has been at the forefront of regenerative medicine, aiming to provide innovative therapies for patients with unmet medical needs. The company has developed proprietary gene-edited induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines, enabling the creation of next-generation treatments in various medical fields, including immuno-oncology, ophthalmology, and liver diseases. Healios' lead iPSC-derived cell therapy candidate, HLCN061, is a next-generation natural killer (NK) cell treatment for solid tumors that has been functionally enhanced through gene editing. Additionally, the company is advancing HLCM051 (MultiStem®), a somatic stem cell product currently being evaluated in Japan in Phase 2/3 and Phase 2 clinical trials for ischemic stroke and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), respectively.

In January 2021, Healios established Saisei Bioventures, L.P., a venture capital fund focused on investing in and building next-generation companies in the regenerative medicine industry. The fund aims to generate attractive returns by supporting innovative ventures in the field. Healios' strategic partnerships further strengthen its position in the regenerative medicine sector. In 2017, the company entered into a business and capital alliance agreement with Nikon Corporation to advance the development of practical applications for regenerative medicine. This collaboration leverages Nikon's expertise in image analysis technology and Healios' regenerative medicine capabilities to enhance the quality evaluation and production of living cells for therapeutic purposes.

Healios' commitment to advancing regenerative medicine is also evident in its acquisition of substantially all assets of Athersys, Inc. in April 2024, including the MultiStem® technology. This acquisition positions Healios as a global leader in regenerative medicine, with a comprehensive portfolio of cell therapy products targeting a wide range of diseases. The company's dedication to innovation and patient-centric solutions continues to drive its growth and impact in the healthcare industry.