Osaka University Medical Startup Gets Funding

Osaka University has launched a new medical startup, U-Medico, which focuses on serving gene and cell therapy companies. This startup, based in Suita City, Osaka Prefecture, has recently received funding from one of Japan's largest industrial conglomerates, Shimazu Corp..

U-Medico specializes in developing cell culture media equipment and providing data management services to assist pharma companies in the development of cell and gene therapies. These fields are gaining significant traction in Japan as the country seeks to address ageing-related medical conditions with regenerative medicine.

While venture capital funding is common in the U.S., this kind of funding and collaboration is relatively novel in Japan. The partnership between Shimazu Corp. and U-Medico is significant because it marks a shift from the traditional investment approach of Japanese pharma companies, which typically have their venture capital funds located in the U.S.

Shimazu's involvement began with a joint research effort with U-Medico in 2023, and has now evolved into a capital tie-up, signifying an increased collaboration between large industrial firms and startups in Japan's biotech sector. This is a notable development, especially as the geopolitical landscape and the trend toward de-coupling are reshaping the biomanufacturing industry. The investment in U-Medico aligns with expectations for a more diversified biomanufacturing landscape globally.

This funding boost is likely to fuel U-Medico's efforts in supporting the growing demand for innovative biotech solutions and contribute to Japan's efforts to enhance its position in regenerative medicine and related therapies.