iXgene Inc.
Overview
iXgene Corporation is a biotechnology company founded based on research from Keio University, dedicated to developing innovative cell therapies by combining genome editing and iPS cell technology to bring novel treatments to patients with intractable diseases worldwide.
The company has developed iPS cell-derived neural stem cells containing anticancer drug-producing therapeutic genes, specifically designed to target malignant brain tumors. This innovative method, uniquely developed by iXgene, enables high-concentration anticancer drug production directly at tumor sites, leveraging the strong migratory ability of neural stem cells toward tumors and efficient prodrug metabolism by the therapeutic genes.
In addition to establishing the foundational technology for generating various stem cell lines with enhanced or added functions through gene-edited iPS cells, iXgene aims to expand its applications to other intractable cancers and regenerative medicine.
With the accumulated experience and scientific evidence gathered thus far, iXgene remains dedicated to delivering significant value to patients suffering from intractable diseases and to global society.
Background
The co-founder, a neurosurgeon, co-founded iXgene Inc. in 2020 with the aim of introducing a groundbreaking treatment to the world. This approach is based on a novel technology that integrates advancements in genome editing and iPS cell technology, developed through years of dedicated research.
Feature
The therapeutic cells developed by iXgene are distinguished by their targeted anticancer capabilities against glioma stem cells (GSCs) that infiltrate deep into tumors.
These cells actively migrate to tumor sites, where the newly introduced therapeutic gene metabolizes prodrugs to locally produce high concentrations of anticancer agents, demonstrating a cytotoxic effect against GSCs that are otherwise difficult to target with conventional therapies. This innovative approach could potentially contribute to advancements in the standard treatment of malignant brain tumors, which has remained stagnant for over 20 years.
- Address
- 1-14-1 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Established
- 2020年1月6日
