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VCCT
Cell Therapy to Restore Vision
Masayo Takahashi, President Until recently, there was no cure. However, transplanting induced pluripotent cells (iPS)-derived RPE (iPS-RPE) can restore retinal function. VC Cell Therapy (VCCT), a subsidiary of Vision Care Inc, with its team of scientists who gained expertise during their time in Riken, a research center, is determined to build standard treatments leveraging iPS-RPE to treat these diseases.
“We aim to treat outer retinal diseases leveraging iPS-RPE through three pipeline studies; autologous iPS-RPE, allogenic RPE cell strip, and photoreceptors” says Masayo Takahashi, president of VCCT.
Over seven years, VCCT conducted three clinical studies to determine the optimum treatment for outer retinal diseases. The first is autologous iPS-RPE in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration. VCCT generated pluripotent cells from the patient and stimulated them to create an RPE sheet.
When the RPE sheet was transplanted, it was discovered the photoreceptors in the transplanted area survived for more than seven years while the rest did not. This approach assisted VCCT in maintaining the patient’s visual function. A standard ophthalmology exam, however, cannot detect the improvement in the visual function because of the photoreceptor condition in such a severe case.
VCCT’s second clinical trial involved using an allogenic iPS-RPE generated from a donor’s pluripotent cells. Instead of immunosuppressants, VCCT used human leukocyte antigens matched transplantation to prevent rejection. In a test group of five, the cells survived for more than 4 years after transplantation with an iPS-RPE cell suspension. The cell suspension aided VCCT in reconstructing the RPE bed and visual function was preserved, albeit it was unclear if this was due to the cell suspension.
To conduct the transplant, numerous parameters need to be fulfilled. VCCT thoroughly examines patients before picking an appropriate candidate, so far a severe patient with low visual function. It focuses on the treatment’s effect and importance for the patient selection. The substantial change VCCT’s iPS-RPE made in a patient’s life by improving and brightening their vision is a testament to its expertise.
In the third clinical investigation, a strip of iPS-RPE cells is examined. It was demonstrated to be the best formulation treatment because the transplant could be performed through a little hole rather than a major surgery.
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We aim to treat outer retinal diseases leveraging iPS-RPE through three pipeline studies— autologous iPS derived RPE, allogenic RPE cell strip, and photoreceptors
To conduct the transplant, numerous parameters need to be fulfilled. VCCT thoroughly examines patients before picking an appropriate candidate, so far a severe patient with low visual function. It focuses on the treatment’s effect and importance for the patient selection. The substantial change VCCT’s iPS-RPE made in a patient’s life by improving and brightening their vision is a testament to its expertise.
“For other patients to witness these remarkable results, we are collaborating with Kobe Eye Centre Hospital to make iPS-RPE transplantation available to individuals throughout Japan,” states Takahashi.
In conjunction with Kobe Eye Centre Hospital, a comprehensive eye-care center in Japan, it prospects to begin autologous iPS-RPE transplantation within a year. VCCT is also striving to make the treatment available globally and hopes to perform global clinical trials in partnership with major pharmaceutical firms over the next ten years to provide a remedy for every case of outer retinal disease.
VCCT News
VCCT Inc., Leading the Field of Retinal Regeneration through iPS Cells, Raises 600 million Japanese yen (approximately $4 million USD) through Third-Party Allotment.
KOBE - VCCT Inc. announce the completion of a private equity allotment of approximately 600 million yen ($4 million USD). The allotment involved new shares to Sysmex Corporation (President: Kaoru Asano), DAI-DAN CO., LTD. (Representative Director, President: Ichiro Fujisawa), and YASKAWA Electric Corporation (Representative Director, President: Masahiro Ogawa). VCCT will continue to accelerate the development of retinal regenerative medicine together with these partners.
VCCT has successfully concluded its latest fundraising round, amassing a total of 1.7 billion yen ($11.3 million USD) in funds. This includes 800 million yen ($5.3 million USD) from convertible bonds and around 300 million yen ($2 million USD) in capital loans obtained from Japan Finance Corporation, The Shoko Chukin Bank, Ltd., and Kobe Shinkin Bank, as of October 31, 2023 (1$=150 yen).
The organization remains dedicated to pioneering cell therapy treatments for retinal diseases. CEO Masayo Takahashi, known for leading the world's initial clinical study of retinal cell transplantation from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) back in 2014 with RIKEN BDR, has been instrumental in VCCT's various collaborative clinical studies on retinal regenerative medicine at Kobe City Hospital. Their pioneering efforts have positioned VCCT as a frontrunner in this field, amassing substantial clinical expertise over time.
Moreover, in July 2023, a consortium featuring VCCT received approval from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) for the second supplementary budget of FY2022. This approval is for the "Infrastructure Development Project for Implementation of Regeneration, Cell Therapy, and Gene Therapy." Within this project, VCCT will collaborate with Kobe City Eye Hospital to develop automated cell production processes, a robust quality information management system, and a system for precise patient selection. Their ultimate objective is to establish a comprehensive supply chain and a sustainable business model for regenerative medicine. Masayo Takahashi, President of VCCT Inc., expressed gratitude to business partners, financial institutions, stakeholders, and the Japanese government for their support. She highlighted the smooth progress in the development of retinal regenerative medicine.
With the secured funds from private equity allotment and the grant from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, VCCT aims to expedite the establishment of necessary infrastructures for a sustainable regenerative medicine business. They plan to pursue full-scale commercialization in Japan at the earliest, supported by clinical demonstrations of their therapy's efficacy. Additionally, VCCT intends to embark on global development for their therapy products, preparing to seek further funding from international investors.