iHeart Japan, founded in 2013 and based in Kyoto, develops regenerative therapies aiming to reduce the need for heart transplants. Its lead product, IHJ-301, is a human iPS cell–derived cardiovascular multilayer construct that combines layers of cardiac and vascular cells with gelatin hydrogel particles to improve engraftment. Animal studies cited in the release indicate the gelatin hydrogel particles increase retention and therapeutic effect compared with cells alone. The company holds broad, business-relevant patent coverage in major countries and was selected for Japan’s J‑Startup program in 2021. iHeart Japan is conducting a Phase I/II single-arm, non-blinded, non-controlled clinical trial of IHJ-301 in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (initial 3 patients for safety, then 7 additional for a total of 10). The company says the technology may be applicable to multiple diseases and organs, and it plans to use the recently raised funds to complete the current clinical trial and advance toward domestic commercialization and global expansion.

Total raised

$5M

Funding rounds

1

Latest round

Series D

Latest activity

Sep 2025