About Us
About Rakuten Medical
Rakuten Medical, Inc. is a global biotechnology company developing precision, cell-targeting investigational therapies on its Illuminox™ technology platform which, in pre-clinical studies have been shown to induce rapid and selective cell killing and tumor necrosis. Illuminox™ therapies have not yet been approved as safe or effective by any regulatory authority. Rakuten Medical is committed to its mission to conquer cancer and aims to realize a society where cancer patients can lead fulfilling lives.
Our Mission
Our first objective is to create and bring to market drugs and devices to treat cancers based on the Illuminox™ platform.
Our purpose is to develop the Illuminox™ platform as an alternative technology in the fight against cancer.
Mission
To conquer cancer.
By building a sustainable healthcare ecosystem that provide patients with access to better cancer treatment, regardless of their nationality or wealth
Vision
Building a global biotechnology company committed to continued innovation to develop and commercialize pioneering cancer treatments
Focus
Developing new standard of care cancer treatments based on our Illuminox™ platform
Brand Concept
The Rakuten Medical Brand Concept is the oath symbolizing our determination to deliver our treatments as quickly and safely as possible to as many patients as possible to one day witness when cancer is truly conquered.
As a global organization, we seek to empower patients and their families, and the healthcare community to engage, collaborate and take control of their cancer journey to achieve positive treatment outcomes.
Trust comes from an uncompromised level of integrity and honesty, and we are committed to demonstrating this principle in everything we do.
How we conduct ourselves in the workplace, with our stakeholders and regulators, and throughout society determines our overall success and ability to make a difference in the lives of patients.
Rakuten Medical is dedicated to pursuing unchartered territory in the development of novel cancer-treatment options.
It’s a lofty pursuit, and together, we hope to conquer cancer in ways never before thought possible.
Rakuten Medical is committed to tackling the challenges patients face each day when living with cancer. Agile and flexible in our efforts, we are resolute in exceeding the current treatment paradigm and conventional options available to patients through the development of innovative approaches.
Rakuten Medical is proud of its robust culture of collaboration and respect. Our united focus on diversity and inclusion is an essential element that further enhances our productivity, innovative efforts and collective success.
History & Corporate Timeline
Our Journey
Rakuten Medical, Inc. (formerly Aspyrian Therapeutics, Inc.) was founded in 2010 in San Diego, California. The journey of Rakuten Medical began with a meeting between a scientist who sought to transform how the world approaches the treatment of cancer, and a successful entrepreneur whose life mission was to find a cancer cure—not just a treatment—for his father, who was suffering from the disease. The mission to save his father soon became a mission to save people. Below are the key events that shape Rakuten Medical’s history.
2020
Q2
– Conditional early approval application submitted to Min. of Health, Labour and Welfare in Japan
Q3
– Marketing Approval of Akalux® IV Infusion 250mg and BioBlade® Laser System from the Ministry of Labour, Health and Welfare in Japan for Locoregional Cancer Treatment
2019
Q1
– Re-branded company name to Rakuten Medical, Inc.
Q2
– Completion of Phase 1/2a Part II for RM-1929 in Recurrent HNSCC to evaluate repeated treatments.
– Designation under the SAKIGAKE designation system for ASP-1929 in HNC.
– Rakuten Medical subsidiary established in Taipei, Taiwan and Amsterdam, Netherlands
– Released Phase 2A study data for RM-1929 in Recurrent HNSCC during ASCO annual meeting.
2018
Q1
– Fast Track Designation for RM-1929 in Recurrent HNSCC.
Q3
– Completion of Japan Phase 1 study for RM-1929 in Recurrent HNSCC.
Q4
– Initiate Global Phase 3 studies for ASP-1929 in Recurrent HNSCC.
– $284M Series C financing
2017
Q3
– $15.1M Series B-1 financing
Q4
– Initiate Phase 1 study to evaluate RM-1929 in Recurrent HNSCC in Japan”
2016
Q1
– Completion of Phase 1/2a Part I dose escalation. Initiate Part II to evaluate repeated treatments.
Q1
– $40M Series B funding
2015
Q1
– $12.75M Series A funding
Q2
– IND filed for Phase 1/2a study to evaluate RM-1929 in Recurrent HNSCC in US
2013
Q2
– Seed Funding from private investors
Q3
– Exclusive License from NIH on Photoimmunotherapy
Q4 2013 to Q1 2015
– Execution on preclinical/CMC to IND for RM-1929
