12.05.2023
Global Vascular (Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan; CEO: Dr. Kenta Bito) has successfully completed a Series A funding round, raising approximately 7.72M USD. This significant milestone, supported by Fast Track Initiative (hereinafter referred to as “FTI”), propels Global Vascular to the forefront of pioneering the development of drug-eluting stents for peripheral artery disease. These stents utilize advanced anti-thrombotic diamond-like carbon nanocoating technology, positioning the company as a leader in innovative vascular health solutions.
Utilizing the “Fluorine-doped Diamond-like Carbon Coating (F-DLC)” biomaterial, developed through years of research by the Hasebe Research Group, Global Vascular aims to revolutionize the treatment of occlusive arterial sclerosis in the below-knee region, where existing stents have been insufficient. This nanotechnology will be applied to the surface of nickel-titanium stents used in the lower limbs. With this funding, the company is set to advance animal testing in GLP-certified facilities in the US, along with preclinical trials and regulatory preparations for clinical trials both domestically and internationally.
Peripheral arterial disease, notably lower extremity arterial disease, affects over 200 million people worldwide, often leading to limb amputation in severe cases. While stent placement is common for above-knee regions, the development for below-knee areas has lagged due to smaller, slower-flowing vessels prone to thrombosis and cell proliferation. Global Vascular’s next-generation stent aims to address these challenges head-on, pushing forward to provide effective treatments to patients globally.
Over the recent years, FTI has been intensifying its efforts in supporting the international expansion of its portfolio companies and collaborations with overseas VCs. Through this investment in Global Vascular, FTI will support the company’s global expansion, business strategy, and research and development efforts.
Comments from FTI Associates:
“I am honored to participate as an investor in Global Vascular’s funding round for developing a drug-eluting stent with innovative coating technology for lower limb arterial disease. I am confident in Global Vascular’s ability to solve the unaddressed problems in the below-knee area. The leadership of CEO Dr. Bito and COO Dr. Maegawa, supported by a strong team including the science and medical board and investors, fills me with great anticipation. FTI will leverage its expertise to swiftly deliver effective treatments to patients.”
– Shogo Kato, FTI, Associate
“Severe limb ischemia, leading to infections, ulcers, and ultimately limb amputation, represents a dire prognosis for patients, especially with below-knee arterial stenosis lacking effective treatment. Global Vascular’s innovative stent coating technology promises to develop drug-eluting stents with superior performance, potentially saving many patients from the risk of amputation. I am thrilled to be part of this technological advancement as both an investor and a medical professional. Our continuous support will extend beyond Japan, aiming to improve treatments for patients worldwide.”
– Tomoyo Mori, FTI Venture Capitalist
About Global Vascular
Global Vascular is an innovator in vascular health based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, focusing on the development and manufacture of advanced medical devices, including drug-eluting stents for peripheral arterial disease. Founded in December 2022, by CEO Dr. Kenta Bito and COO Dr. Hayato Maegawa, the company harnesses Fluorine-doped Diamond-like Carbon Coating (F-DLC) technology for superior treatment outcomes. Global Vascular is driven by a mission to improve the quality of life for patients worldwide by reducing the need for limb amputations through cutting-edge vascular solutions. Visit https://www.g-vasc.com for more information.
About Fast Track Initiative
Established in 2004, Fast Track Initiative, Inc. (FTI) is a life science venture capital firm focusing its investments on early-stage startups with a strong focus on biotech and therapeutics. FTI has a strict mission to make a ground-breaking impact on the quality of our life and human wellness through investments across a broad range of areas in the life science community, including therapeutics, diagnostics, digital health, healthcare services, and more. The company provides valuable, hands-on support to its 30+ portfolio companies through business and R&D strategy, partnering, investor syndication, and more, including access to its network of professionals in Japan. Visit https://us.fasttrackinitiative.com for more details, or follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fast-track-initiative/
Media Contact
For press inquiries or investor inquiries, please email: message.us@fasttrackinitiative.com
