FELIQS Secures $9M to Advance Pediatric Retinal Disease Treatment

FELIQS Corporation, a pioneering biotechnology firm based in Fukuoka, Japan, has successfully secured $9 million in Series A funding. This significant financial boost was co-led by a prominent American pharmaceutical company and Beyond Next Ventures Inc., with contributions from the Japan Science and Technology Agency and existing investors. The funding is earmarked to accelerate the clinical development of FLQ-101, FELIQS's flagship treatment for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a rare pediatric retinal disease. FLQ-101, which has already received Fast Track and Orphan Drug designations from the U.S. FDA, is a groundbreaking once-daily oral or intravenous solution aimed at promoting healthy retinal vascularization and combating inflammation and abnormal neovascularization. The Phase 1b/2 tROPhy-1 study is set to begin in the U.S. in summer 2025, marking a critical step forward in addressing a pressing unmet need in neonatal care.

Dr. Ken-ichiro (Nobu) Kuninobu, Co-Founder and CEO of FELIQS, expressed gratitude for the investment, highlighting its role in advancing the company's mission to develop targeted treatments for underserved pediatric populations. The proceeds will also support the expansion of FELIQS's operational and clinical teams, as well as bolster collaborative research efforts in the U.S. Founded in 2019, FELIQS specializes in creating first-in-class small molecule therapeutics that target oxidized lipids, with a focus on rare pediatric retinal diseases. The company's innovative approach and commitment to tackling challenging medical conditions underscore its potential to make a lasting impact in the field of ophthalmology.