Creating the Future with Biomolecules: Investment Executed in Epsilon Molecular Engineering

Miraidoor Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Chairman and President: Daisuke Sawada; hereinafter 'Miraidoor') announces that it has executed an investment in Epsilon Molecular Engineering Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture; President: Naoto Nemoto; hereinafter 'Epsilon Molecular Engineering') through the Saitama Shibusawa MIX Innovation Creation Support Investment Limited Partnership, which was established in collaboration with Saitama Prefecture, the Japan Finance Corporation (JFC), and regional financial institutions in Saitama Prefecture. This project is a coordinated investment and financing involving Saitama Resona Bank and JFC.

About the Investment Target: Epsilon Molecular Engineering is a startup from Saitama University possessing advanced biotechnology. Conventionally, antibody acquisition relied primarily on animals. The company leverages 'artificial libraries' that do not use animals and its proprietary screening method, 'cDNA display technology,' to enable faster, more accurate acquisition of diverse antibodies in an animal-free manner. It holds a particular advantage in the domain of 'VHH antibodies' derived from the Camelidae family, which are drawing attention as next-generation antibodies. Recently, the company also plans to enter the screening of standard IgG monoclonal antibodies. Through animal-free antibody generation, the company aims to achieve the societal implementation of various biomolecules, including VHH, in a wide range of fields such as pharmaceuticals, in vitro diagnostics, and research reagents.

Corporate Name: Epsilon Molecular Engineering Co., Ltd. President: Naoto Nemoto Headquarters: Room 208, Open Innovation Center Research Building, Saitama University, 255 Shimo-Okubo, Sakura-ku, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture Establishment: August 2016 URL: https://www.epsilon-mol.co.jp/

About the Saitama Shibusawa MIX Innovation Creation Support Fund: This fund was established jointly by Miraidoor and regional financial institutions in Saitama Prefecture, in collaboration with the Saitama Prefectural Government and JFC. It aims to support the sustainable development of regional industries and the creation of new industries and innovations by providing capital to companies in the startup or second-startup phase, and those facing business succession challenges.

About Miraidoor: Miraidoor focuses on 'Regional Revitalization Funds' for regional startups, 'CVC Funds' for corporate open innovation, and 'Theme-based Funds' for specific industry activation. Beyond capital, it provides support for business development, human resource training, and business consulting to ensure long-term business continuity.

Corporate Name: Miraidoor Co., Ltd. Chairman and President: Daisuke Sawada Headquarters: 1-9-9 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo URL: https://www.fvc.co.jp/