Momotaro-Gene

Momotaro-Gene is a biotechnology company developing gene therapy treatments for cancer, focusing on its REIC and Dkk-3 gene therapy platform. The company's core technology is based on the REIC gene, which it believes can selectively kill cancer cells without harming normal cells and induce potent anti-tumor immunity that may prevent cancer recurrence. Momotaro-Gene is conducting Phase I and II clinical studies for prostate cancer and malignant mesothelioma in the United States and Japan to establish proof of concept, with plans to expand research to other cancer types after POC establishment. The company has received granted patents for combination therapies, including REIC and Dkk-3 gene used with checkpoint inhibitors for cancer treatment, and REIC and Dkk-3 gene combined with anti-tumor agents for liver cancer treatment. The company is also developing new molecular targeting drugs based on its REIC platform technology. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Okayama, Japan, the company has raised $18.4M in Series A funding from investors including Daiwa Corporate Investment, Nissay Capital, KYORIN Pharmaceutical, EPS Holdings, Hiroshima Venture Capital, SMBC Venture Capital, Adcentrx Therapeutics, and MBL Venture Capital.