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§ Private Profile · Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
LUCA Science is a technology company.
LUCA Science develops a novel class of mitochondrial therapies to restore cellular bioenergetics in dysfunctional cells and tissues. The company uses its proprietary Intact Mitochondrial Isolation Technology (iMIT) to isolate functional, storable mitochondria. These off-the-shelf biopharmaceuticals are designed to integrate into host cells, rapidly enhancing their energetic capabilities.
Masashi Suganuma founded LUCA Science in 2018, serving as Chairman Founder & CSO. The company emerged from the understanding that mitochondrial dysfunction drives many diseases, representing a critical unmet medical need. Suganuma’s vision focuses on directly addressing these bioenergetic deficiencies with innovative interventions.
LUCA Science targets patients with conditions caused by mitochondrial dysfunction, including ischemia-reperfusion injuries. As a preclinical-stage firm, it collaborates to advance its platform into diverse clinical applications. Its mission is to leverage functional mitochondria as therapeutic agents to restore energy for life, improving patient health.
LUCA Science has raised $39.0M across 2 funding rounds.
LUCA Science has raised $39.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
LUCA Science has raised $39.0M across 2 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $29.0M Series B in June 2022.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 1, 2022 | $29M Series B | 4BIO Capital, Shuntaro Kodama | Astellas Venture Management, Axil Capital, Mogrify, Parkwalk Advisors, Remiges Ventures, Sana Capital, Jonathan Milner, Asahi Kasei Pharma, Nippon Venture Capital, Nissay Capital, QB Capital/ncb Venture Capital, SMBC Venture Capital | Announced |
| Aug 1, 2020 | $10M Series A | Axil Capital | 4BIO Capital, Astellas Venture Management, Mogrify, Parkwalk Advisors, Remiges Ventures, Sana Capital, Jonathan Milner, Cahc, Minoru Tagaya | Announced |
LUCA Science is a biotechnology company specializing in the pre-clinical development of functional mitochondria as therapeutic agents. Their proprietary technology isolates and formulates functional mitochondria to treat damaged tissues and organs, addressing diseases linked to mitochondrial dysfunction such as inherited mitochondrial diseases and ischemia-reperfusion injuries. The company serves the healthcare and biopharmaceutical sectors, aiming to restore cellular bioenergetics and improve tissue function where current treatments are inadequate. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Tokyo, LUCA Science has raised over $40 million in funding, demonstrating strong growth momentum in pioneering mitochondrial therapy[1][2][3][4].
LUCA Science was founded in 2018 in Tokyo, Japan, by a team focused on leveraging mitochondria’s role as the cell’s energy producers to develop novel therapies. The idea emerged from recognizing mitochondrial dysfunction as a root cause of many diseases and the lack of effective treatments targeting bioenergetic deficits. Early traction included collaborations with prestigious institutions such as Osaka University and Washington University School of Medicine, culminating in groundbreaking research published in *Nature Metabolism* demonstrating therapeutic potential in a Leigh Syndrome mouse model. This pivotal study marked a significant milestone validating their approach and accelerating their development pipeline[1][2][4].
LUCA Science rides the emerging trend of mitochondrial medicine, a cutting-edge field recognizing mitochondria as central to immune and metabolic regulation. The timing is critical as aging populations and chronic diseases increase demand for novel therapies targeting cellular energy deficits. Market forces favor biopharmaceutical innovation, especially in rare and currently untreatable diseases. LUCA’s work influences the broader biotech ecosystem by pioneering a new therapeutic modality that could transform treatment paradigms for a wide range of conditions, from genetic mitochondrial disorders to ischemic injuries in vital organs[2][4].
Looking ahead, LUCA Science aims to advance its pipeline toward Investigational New Drug (IND) submissions and clinical trials, expanding indications and solidifying its leadership in mitochondrial therapy. Trends such as personalized medicine, aging research, and regenerative therapies will shape their journey. As the field matures, LUCA’s influence may extend beyond rare diseases to broader applications in metabolic and degenerative disorders. Their continued innovation and strategic collaborations position them to potentially revolutionize how mitochondrial dysfunction is treated, fulfilling their mission of "energy for life"[3][4].
LUCA Science has raised $39.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
LUCA Science's investors include 4BIO Capital, Shuntaro Kodama, Astellas Venture Management, Axil Capital, Mogrify, Parkwalk Advisors, Remiges Ventures, Sana Capital, Jonathan Milner, Asahi Kasei Pharma, Nippon Venture Capital, Nissay Capital.