molmir, Inc. (Headquarters: Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture; CEO: Eiichiro Mori; hereinafter referred to as molmir) has raised funds through a seed round by a third-party allotment of new shares, underwritten by funds managed by Real Tech Holdings Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato Ward, Tokyo; CEOs: Yukihiro Maru and Akihiko Nagata), Mitsubishi UFJ Capital Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo Ward, Tokyo; President: Takuro Kojima), and Ikeda Senshu Capital Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture; CEO: Ko Tanaka).
・Corporate Profile
molmir focuses on the changes in the molecular state within cells as indicators of disease, and is developing various foundational technologies capable of capturing the movements of these causative molecules. Through these drug discovery foundational technologies, the company is accelerating the development of treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
To date, they have been advancing the development of technologies that capture molecular movements by integrating analytical chemical methods and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). By capturing molecular movements, we aim to enable drug discovery targeting molecules that have been difficult to target previously. molmir is committed to contributing to the development of treatments for diseases with no existing cures through drug development.
・Purpose of funding and its use
With the funds raised this time, we will strengthen our management team and research and development capabilities. To enhance collaboration with our joint research partner, Nara Medical University, we will establish a joint research course [official name: Laboratory of Molecular Dynamics and Drug Discovery] to improve our research environment. Furthermore, we will continue to develop technologies that capture molecular movements, which we have been working on since the last funding round, to be applicable in the actual drug discovery process. In addition, we will work on monetization through collaborations with business companies and pharmaceutical companies.
・Comments from our partners
Since around June 2022, we have accompanied molmir in their activities, and we are pleased to continue our partnership following our previous investment in November 2022. Thanks to President Mori’s strong will and character, not only have the directors and employees increased, but the number of scientific advisors from academia has also grown, creating a solid foundation to accelerate research and development. We are excited about the establishment of the screening technology we are currently working on, as it is expected to lead to groundbreaking drug discovery for neurodegenerative diseases. We look forward to continuing this journey together towards its realization.
the name of fund：Real Tech Fund4
Growth Manager Hiroyuki Takahashi, Ph.D.
・Comments from our partners
Our encounter with molmir was at the HVC KYOTO event held in July 2023. molmir received the KRP Award at this event and later won the Grand Prize at the Biotech Grand Prix in September of the same year. molmir’s drug discovery foundational technology, based on molecular dynamics evaluation technology, holds the potential to pave the way for innovative drug discovery. In this investment consideration, we evaluated not only the technology that molmir possesses but also the research and development driving force and potential through organic collaboration with their scientific advisors.
the name of fund：Mitsubishi UFJ Life Science 4 (LS-4)
Investment Department for Life Science Deputy General Manager Akihiko Shinozaki, Ph.D.
・Comments from our partners
Since receiving a lecture at the 200th Ikeda Senshu Capital Study Session held by our company in March 2023, we have deepened our understanding of molmir’s business through various events. molmir’s efforts to combat diseases with no cure provide great hope for humanity. Many pharmaceutical companies founded in the Kansai region exist, and we expect to create business synergies with molmir. We support molmir’s approach and business, aiming to boost drug discovery in Japan from the Kansai region.
the name of fund：Kansai Innovation Network No. 2 Investment（Innovation Fund 25Next）
Investment Department Mr. Toshiya Takegawa
・Comments from Laboratory of Molecular Dynamics and Drug Discovery
In order to further develop our joint research with molmir, we have established a joint research course at Nara Medical University. molmir’s “inter moleculer dynamics observation ” technology is a foundational technology applicable not only to ALS but also to the development of treatments for other intractable neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, as well as neuromuscular diseases. By positioning joint research with molmir as a priority, we aim to accelerate our efforts so that we can deliver new medications to patients eagerly awaiting treatment as soon as possible.
Professor & Chairman Department of Neurology Nara Medical University Kazuma Sugie, M.D., Ph.D.
・Comments from KTX Corporation
Congratulations on completing your seed round of funding. It has been a year and a half since the last funding round, and during this time, you have increased the number of executives and scientific advisors, and have advanced your research and development significantly. Recognizing the unmet needs in clinical settings and understanding the potential of academic seeds, molmir is uniquely positioned to forge a new future. We are committed to walking this path alongside you to deliver medications to patients awaiting treatment as soon as possible.
CEO Taichi Noda
・About molmir, Inc
Establishment: June, 2022
Location: 840 Shijo-Cho, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
President: Eiichiro Mori
Business domain: Drug development platform technologies and drug development
