Cellusion is developing CLS001, an iPS cell-derived corneal endothelial cell substitute produced via a proprietary technique to efficiently generate corneal endothelial-like cells. The lead program, CLS001, targets bullous keratopathy and aims to address global corneal donor shortages that leave an estimated 13 million patients waiting for transplants. The company has reinforced its R&D organization and in September 2022 executed a license agreement with Celregen (a Fosun Pharma subsidiary) for operations in Greater China. In March 2023 a First In Human transplant of CLS001 was announced by joint research partner Dr. Shigeto Shimmura, and Cellusion is advancing preparations for company-sponsored clinical trials in Japan and for global trials. Proceeds from the recent fundraise will be used to advance those clinical-trial preparations and to support R&D of subsequent pipelines following CLS001. Cellusion is led by CEO Shin Hatou, is headquartered in Tokyo, was founded in January 2015, and has raised ¥4.5 billion (approximately US$33 million) in total to date. Cellusion develops CLS001, a corneal endothelial cell substitute (CECSi cells) differentiated from iPS cells, intended to treat bullous keratopathy and address the global shortage of donor corneas. The company highlights a simple injection delivery procedure designed to reduce reliance on donor tissue and specialized surgical expertise. Cellusion plans company-sponsored phase 1/2 clinical trials of CLS001 in Japan and overseas and has already obtained approval for an investigator-initiated first-in-human study at Keio University Hospital. The new funding will also be used to expand its Tokyo-based research and business teams and to advance R&D on other pipeline programs. Cellusion is pursuing supply-chain partnerships with Toho Holdings and Toyo Seikan Group Holdings to support CLS001 manufacturing and distribution. Founded in January 2015 and headquartered in Tokyo, the company aims to scale clinical development and global access to its cell therapy.

Total raised

$30M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Series C

Latest activity

Jun 2023