03.15.2024 

Early diagnosis and optimizing treatment for rare diseases and intractable illnesses represent significant challenges and unsolved issues in current healthcare. Our newest portfolio company, Medii (CEO & Physician: Hiroki Yamada; Headquarters: Shinjuku, Tokyo), is addressing this by creating and operating an exclusive online specialist consultation network for physicians to connect with specialists, “E-Consult.” Fast Track Initiative (hereinafter referred to as “FTI”) invested in its recent Series A round to help Medii expand their platform and ultimately enhance care for patients with rare diseases.

Medii’s “E-Consult” allows primary care physicians to consult with specialist doctors for free, addressing a significant gap in the current healthcare system. Through this investment, FTI supports the expansion of pharmaceutical companies, fostering the development and commercialization of specialty pharmaceuticals in Japan. It addresses a major social issue in the country known as “drug lag,” thereby potentially expanding access to rare disease treatments and advanced medical care for the Japanese population.

FTI is committed to supporting startups aiming for global leaps in the bio-healthcare sector by leveraging deep scientific knowledge and a robust business network. FTI will support Medii in its mission, from management strategy and research and development to global business development.

 

Comments from FTI Representatives:

“The phenomenon known as ‘drug lag,’ where medications available in Western markets are not developed in Japan, is particularly pronounced for rare diseases. Medii’s initiative not only represents a significant hope for patients suffering from rare diseases and their families but also enhances the attractiveness of the domestic market and stimulates the development motivation of pharmaceutical companies. FTI, which supports numerous drug discovery startups and upholds ‘Capital for Life’ as its mission, deeply resonates with Medii’s corporate philosophy. We are committed to supporting Medii in achieving medical care that leaves no one behind.”

-Tomohiro Anzai, FTI, Representative Partner

 

“There are numerous hurdles in the rare disease domain, with many patients struggling to access appropriate treatments. Through Medii’s platform, sharing the expertise of specialists can solve challenges in the medical field and pharmaceutical industry, bringing suitable medical care to all patients. We are deeply moved by Dr. Yamada’s vision and the team’s commitment, and as an investor, we are honored to participate in Medii’s funding round. FTI will leverage its pharmaceutical expertise to support Medii’s further challenges.”

-Ayano Otsuka, FTI, Associate

 

 

 

 

About Medii:

Medii, established February, 2020, in Tokyo, Japan, pioneers digital healthcare with “E-Consult®,” an exclusive online consultation service for physicians. This service facilitates direct access to specialist advice, focusing on the early diagnosis and treatment optimization for rare and intractable diseases. Medii’s mission is to ensure comprehensive healthcare coverage, addressing critical gaps in patient care and treatment access. By integrating expert medical insights through technology, Medii aims to enhance patient care outcomes and address the healthcare challenges of drug lag in Japan. For more details, visit https://medii.jp

 

 

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/

 

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