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Rege Nephro, a clinical-stage biotechnology startup focused on induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell-based kidney regenerative medicine and drug discovery, has announced the closing of a financing round totaling approximately $10.6 million through the issuance of J-KISS (Japan-Keep It Simple Security) share acquisition rights.
The proceeds are expected to support commercialisation activities for RN-014, the company's lead candidate for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), advance its iPS cell-derived regenerative medicine program RN-032, and fund continued research and development activities. The financing is intended to support the company's growth through its anticipated Series C financing and beyond.
The company's lead programme, RN-014, recently reached LPLV (Last Patient Last Visit) in its Phase 2a clinical trial, marking an important milestone. RN-014 is a small-molecule therapeutic candidate identified through screening using an iPS cell-derived ADPKD disease model, and analysis of Phase 2a clinical trial data is currently underway.
In addition, RN-032, an iPS cell-derived regenerative medicine programme based on renal nephron progenitor cells, has completed process development in preparation for nonclinical studies and is progressing to the next stage.
Rege Nephro plans to expand its team by recruiting scientific, clinical development, and business development professionals with specialised expertise.
