Kiji Therapeutics and REGiMMUNE are merging
REGiMMUNE/Kiji TX, a company that specializes in regulatory T cells, will be formed from this merger
On October 18, 2024, REGiMMUNE and Kiji Therapeutics shared their plans to merge, forming a new specialty company called REGiMMUNE/Kiji TX. This company will focus on developing drugs that target regulatory T cells (Tregs) for various treatments and applications. The two companies will combine their strengths to form the new Treg biotech, aiming to meet unmet needs by adjusting Treg function.
Treg function has been enhanced by both companies through different methods. REGiMMUNE has utilized a molecule enhancer to regulate Treg roles, while Kiji TX employs next-generation multigene engineered cell therapy with IL10 enhancers to boost Treg anti-autoimmune functions. REGiMMUNE employs monoclonal antibodies to decrease or remove Treg function. The companies aim to bring together these technologies to establish a global expert in Treg, concentrating on immune-oncology and autoimmunity.
REGiMMUNE/Kiji TX will focus its pipeline on four treatments. “The project aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of gene-engineered mesenchymal stem cells (KJ01) in treating graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and is set to prepare for clinical trials in the latter half of 2025. Additionally, it will work on developing its iPSC platform (KJ02) for conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), psoriasis, and CNS disorders. The plan includes defining clinical readiness with a Treg depleting/inhibiting monoclonal antibody (RGI6004) and moving forward with a Phase III clinical trial for a small molecule Treg enhancer targeting GvHD (RG2001),” the companies shared in a press release.
“Tregs have shown great potential as a key approach in the cell and gene therapy area, both in terms of treatment and market opportunities.” "Because of this potential, we have come together to form a global Treg specialist super-company to make this potential a reality," stated Miguel Forte, CEO of Kiji TX, in the announcement. “We can bring together various areas, such as small molecules, CGT, and monoclonal antibodies, to maximize the potential of Tregs.” These methods are readily available and derived from different sources, offering a competitive edge compared to personalized or patient-specific Treg methods that are being developed in the industry. The new company has several choices, such as going public on the Taiwan Stock Exchange by mid-2025. This will allow REGiMMUNE/Kiji TX to build our various therapeutic projects internally, while also collaborating for co-development or out-licensing opportunities.
“Adjusting Treg function in both ways holds great promise for various conditions and offers substantial commercial advantages. Establishing the new Treg specialist REGiMMUNE/Kiji TX will lead to a company equipped with the means to realize this potential. “With a planned IPO in 2025, we will combine leading modalities to develop therapies for conditions affecting many patients worldwide,” said Kenzo Kosuda, CEO, REGiMMUNE, in the release. “The company's worldwide presence and the expertise of its senior management allow us to pursue development opportunities around the world, aligning with the therapeutic potential and market size available to us.”
REGiMMUNE Limited is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company located in Taiwan that focuses on developing immunotherapies using Tregs to treat immune diseases and cancer. Kiji Therapeutics focuses on advanced engineered cell therapy using IPSC-MSC for treating inflammatory diseases. Kiji TX is creating advanced multi-gene engineered stem cell treatments with enhanced effectiveness.
Source: Regimmune
