Notice
2026/10/05
OSAKA, Japan, October 5, 2026 - Shionogi & Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Osaka, Japan; hereinafter, "Shionogi") today announced that, as part of its corporate venture capital (CVC) initiatives, it has invested in Celaid Therapeutics, Inc. (Head Office: Tokyo, Japan; hereinafter, “Celaid”).
Celaid is a startup company built on research achievements from the University of Tokyo and the University of Tsukuba. The company possesses proprietary technology that enables the selective ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic stem cells, the source of all blood cells. By safely and efficiently expanding hematopoietic stem cells, Celaid aims to bring next-generation regenerative medicine products to society, including cell therapies for intractable hematological and genetic diseases, ex vivo hematopoietic stem cell gene therapies, and regenerative therapies for ischemic diseases. In hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, a treatment option for severe hematological and immunological diseases, this technology is expected to help address a broad range of important challenges, including limited cell availability, the selection of appropriate donors, and post-transplant complications.
In April 2025, Shionogi established its Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) function to identify next-generation growth opportunities in new markets and technology areas. Its CVC activities target a broad range of investment areas beyond pharmaceuticals, including technology, infrastructure, and resources, with the aim of creating new values that contribute to addressing social challenges and advancing healthcare. Through its CVC activities, Shionogi seeks to collaborate from an early stage with startup companies that possess innovative technologies and business ideas. By leveraging its research and development capabilities, business experience, and network to support these companies, Shionogi aims to build relationships that contribute to mutual growth.
Company Overview
Celaid Therapeutics, Inc.
Headquarters: Entrepreneur Lab, South Research Building, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Management: Nobuyuki Arakawa, CEO
Established: October 8, 2020
Business: Research and development of regenerative medicine products utilizing human hematopoietic stem cells and next-generation therapeutic approaches, including gene therapy
Website: https://celaidtx.com/en/
Forward-looking Statements
This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are based on expectations in light of the information currently available, assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from these statements. Such risks and uncertainties include general domestic and international economic conditions, such as general industry and market conditions, and changes in interest rates and currency exchange rates. These risks and uncertainties particularly apply with respect to product-related forward-looking statements. Product risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, completion and discontinuation of clinical trials, the obtainment of regulatory approvals, claims and concerns about product safety and efficacy, technological advances; adverse outcomes of important litigation, domestic and foreign healthcare reforms, and changes in laws and regulations. For existing products, there are manufacturing and marketing risks, which include, but are not limited to, inability to build production capacity to meet demand, lack of availability of raw materials, and the entry of competing products. The company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
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