FELIQS Corporation, a biotechnology firm specializing in innovative treatments for rare pediatric retinal diseases, has announced the completion of a $9 million Series A funding round. This financial boost, 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, marks a pivotal moment in the development of FLQ-101. FLQ-101 is FELIQS's lead candidate aimed at preventing retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a condition that poses a significant risk of blindness to premature infants.
The funding will primarily support the acceleration of the clinical development of FLQ-101, including the initiation of the Phase 1b/2 tROPhy-1 study in the United States during the summer of 2025. FLQ-101, which has received both Fast Track and Orphan Drug designations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), represents a novel approach to treating ROP through a once-daily oral or intravenous solution designed to promote healthy retinal vascularization while combating inflammation and abnormal blood vessel growth.
Dr. Ken-ichiro (Nobu) Kuninobu, Co-Founder and CEO of FELIQS, expressed gratitude for the support from investors, emphasizing the importance of this investment in advancing the company's mission to develop targeted treatments for pediatric patients with rare retinal diseases. The proceeds from this funding round will also enable FELIQS to expand its operational and clinical development teams and strengthen its research collaborations in the U.S.
The advancement of FLQ-101 through clinical trials is a critical step toward addressing a significant gap in neonatal care. Retinopathy of prematurity affects thousands of premature infants annually, and the development of effective treatments is essential to prevent lifelong visual impairment. The support from leading pharmaceutical and venture capital investors underscores the potential of FLQ-101 to make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable newborns and their families.
