iXgene, Inc.
Aiming to overcome intractable diseases using genome-edited iPS cells
Glioblastoma is a form of brain tumor that has an extremely high level of malignancy, and there is no effective treatment for recurrent cases. iXgene, Inc. is developing a new treatment method that utilizes the properties of iPS cell-derived neural stem cells (tNSCs), which selectively migrate to brain tumors and brain lesions, into which a suicide gene has been introduced by genome editing, to effectively using tNSCs as "delivery vehicles" of the suicide gene. After transplantation of tNSCs into the brain, when prodrugs are administered, the tNSCs self-destruct and at the same time release an active form that kills surrounding tumor cells, so a high anti-tumor effect can be expected. In addition, since it is equipped with a suicide gene and can avoid the risk of tumor formation from iPS cells, there are hopes that this will realize safe regenerative medicine for traumatic brain injury and cerebral infarction.
- Establishment Date
- January 2020
- Business
- Development of treatment for intractable brain diseases using genome-edited iPS cells
- CEO
- Toshiharu Furukawa, President and CEO
KII’s Perspective
By using proprietary neural stem cells created from genome-edited iPS cells for glioblastoma with extremely poor prognosis and high unmet medical needs, there are hopes that a new treatment method will be realized that is safer and more effective against tumors.
KII growth support
Financing assistance, Business strategy support, Business alliance support, Recruitment support, Public relations support, Appointment of directors
