{"id":7961,"date":"2026-06-09T16:00:07","date_gmt":"2026-06-09T23:00:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rakuten-med.com\/us\/?post_type=press_releases&p=7961"},"modified":"2026-06-09T15:29:26","modified_gmt":"2026-06-09T22:29:26","slug":"rakuten-medical-announces-executive-leadership-transition-to-enhance-operational-execution-and-organizational-discipline-as-a-global-scalable-biotech-company","status":"publish","type":"press_releases","link":"https:\/\/rakuten-med.com\/us\/news\/press-releases\/2026\/06\/09\/7961\/","title":{"rendered":"Rakuten Medical Announces Executive Leadership Transition to Enhance Operational Execution and Organizational Discipline as a Global, Scalable Biotech Company"},"content":{"rendered":"
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  • Minami Maeda appointed as CEO to drive faster, more focused execution<\/i><\/b> toward U.S. commercial launch<\/i><\/b><\/li>\n
  • Mickey Mikitani will continue to provide strategic direction and remains committed to Rakuten Medical\u2019s corporate mission of \u201cConquering Cancer\u201d as Executive Chairman<\/i><\/b><\/li>\n
  • New structure positions the company for its next stage of growth as a global biotech organization<\/i><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    SAN DIEGO \u2014 June 9, 2026 \u2014 <\/b>Rakuten Medical, Inc., a global biotechnology company developing and commercializing Alluminox\u00ae platform-based photoimmunotherapy, today announced that Hiroshi \u201cMickey\u201d Mikitani will transition from Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to Executive Chairman of the Board, and President Minami Maeda will become the next CEO, effective on July 1, 2026.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"Mickey

    Mickey Mikitani and Minami Maeda<\/p><\/div>\n

    As Rakuten Medical enters its next phase of growth, this leadership transition reflects the company\u2019s ongoing evolution and commitment to its corporate mission of \u201cConquering Cancer.\u201d The move aims to accelerate decision-making and strengthen disciplined execution across the organization.<\/span><\/p>\n

    As Executive Chairman, Mickey will continue to provide strategic direction and long-term vision while remaining deeply committed to the company\u2019s mission, supporting long-term growth initiatives.<\/span><\/p>\n

    As the full-time, dedicated CEO, Minami will work closely with the global team to drive agile decision-making, while strengthening organizational resilience and execution in preparation for upcoming regulatory approval and commercial launch in the United States and other markets.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Rakuten Medical is accelerating its global Phase 3 clinical trial (ASP-1929-381, <\/span>NCT06699212<\/span><\/a>) to support its top priority of submitting a Biologics License Application (BLA) to the U.S. FDA in 2028. The ASP-1929-381 trial evaluates ASP-1929 photoimmunotherapy in combination with pembrolizumab as a first-line treatment for recurrent head and neck cancer. Patient enrollment is progressing ahead of plan, across the United States, Taiwan, Japan, and Ukraine.<\/span><\/p>\n

    In parallel, the company is advancing efforts to secure approvals in additional markets, in collaboration with regional strategic partners, by leveraging clinical data package and post-marketing real-world data from Japan for its approved drug Akalux\u2122 (ASP-1929) and medical device BioBlade\u2122 Laser System for the treatment of unresectable locally advanced or recurrent head and neck cancer.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Disclaimer: Rakuten Medical\u2019s Alluminox\u00ae platform-based photoimmunotherapy is investigational outside Japan.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

    To broaden its clinical scope, Rakuten Medical is advancing development beyond head and neck cancer. With support from external grants, multiple programs are underway to evaluate the potential of the Alluminox platform across diverse tumor types. These efforts are further supported by the continued adoption of its treatment in Japan.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \u201cI first encountered photoimmunotherapy when my father was diagnosed with cancer. It has been a source of pride in my career as an entrepreneur to support the development of Alluminox platform-based photoimmunotherapy over the past 13 years\u2014as a family member of a patient, an investor, and as CEO. At the same time, the development of the Alluminox platform has only just begun. We must continue to grow as a company so that we can bring this innovation to patients around the world,\u201d said Mickey Mikitani, the current CEO and Vice Chairman of the Board of Rakuten Medical. \u201cSince joining the company in 2017, Minami Maeda has demonstrated strong leadership, strategic insight and execution capabilities, contributing significantly to Rakuten Medical\u2019s growth and expanding patient access to our therapy. I have complete confidence in his leadership and look forward to supporting him and the company in my new role as Executive Chairman.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

    Minami Maeda, currently serving as President of Rakuten Medical, commented, \u201cI am honored to take on the role of CEO at this important stage in Rakuten Medical\u2019s growth. Over the past several years, our team has achieved significant progress across clinical development, global expansion, and commercialization in Japan, demonstrating strong resilience and commitment to our mission.\u00a0 As we now enter a critical phase, our focus is on delivering against key priorities, including advancing the ASP-1929-381 trial, preparing for regulatory milestones and expanding our commercial footprint. Together with Mickey Mikitani and our global team, we will continue to strengthen our execution and organizational focus, while working to deliver innovative treatment options to patients worldwide in support of our mission.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

    Disclaimer: Rakuten Medical\u2019s Alluminox\u00ae platform-based photoimmunotherapy is investigational outside Japan.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>