NEWS
Metcela to Strengthen Clinical Pipeline Development, New Headquarters and R&D Center at Kawasaki King Skyfront | Metcela Inc.
Accelerating the creation and commercialization of drug discovery pipelines through in-house development at King Skyfront, an international strategic base in Tonomachi, Kanagawa Prefecture, where a number of new drug discovery and biotech companies are being established
Metcela Inc. (headquartered in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture) has established a new head office and R&D facility in the Cybernics Medical Innovation Base. The approximately 600 square meter space includes an R&D base, offices, as well as a cell processing facility in a nearby building. The newly integrated facilities will accelerate the development of cellular medicines for chronic respiratory diseases utilizing Metcela’s fibroblast cell technology.
Background of new Base establishment
Metcela Inc. is engaged in the treatment of chronic organ diseases using a novel fibroblast-based technology, having previously acquired and merged with Japan Regenerative Medicine Co., LTD. in 2022 to conduct validation studies (Phase 3) on a rare pediatric congenital heart defect. Through the merger with Japan Regenerative Medicine, we have established an organizational structure that enables us to implement the entire process from discovery to CMC (Chemistry Manufacturing and Controls) development, clinical development, and commercialization. The regenerative and fibrosis inhibiting effect of fibroblasts, discovered at Metcela, will be shared with Nagoya University under a cooperative research partnership to achieve early clinical pipelines for new indications, including chronic respiratory diseases.
Promoting Collaboration at the King Skyfront
Since its establishment, Metcela has been conducting research and development at King Skyfront. Kanagawa Prefecture is promoting “strengthening the international competitiveness of industries” and “promoting the formation of a base for international economic activities” as a National Strategic Special Zone, which provides support for business, medical care, and tax incentives. Tonomachi has excellent access to central Tokyo and Haneda Airport, making it an ideal location from the perspective of Metcela’s future business development goals. In addition, Kanagawa Prefecture is home to many universities, research institutions, and pharmaceutical companies, creating an ecosystem that facilitates collaboration in research and innovation.
Metcela’s development sites
Cybernics Medical Innovation Base Building A (Head Office): Research & Development, Support, Management
(Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, Japan)
Life Innovation Center: Cell Processing Facility (CPF)
(Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, Japan)
Within Nagoya University, Collaborative Research Implementation Labs: Basic Research, Collaboration with Clinical Physicians
(Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya City)
About Metcela Inc.
Metcela is a clinical development stage startup founded in 2016 to provide a completely new cell therapy using patients’ own fibroblasts and stem cells for chronic cardiac diseases known for their high immune responsiveness. Its main pipeline includes a Phase 1 investigator-initiated clinical trial of a regenerative medicine product for heart failure (MTC001) that combines autologous cardiac-derived fibroblasts with a catheter for administration, as well as a Phase 3 clinical trial of a regenerative medicine product for pediatric congenital heart disease (JRM-001) using autologous intracardiac stem cells.
Company Name: Metcela Inc.
CEO: Takahiro Iwamiya, Kenichi Nogami
Head Office: 3-25-16 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, Japan
Established: 2016
Website: https://www.metcela.com/