HK inno.N Acquires Stake in Japan-Based Drug Discovery Company RaQualia
March 24, 2025
HK inno.N Acquires Stake in Japan-Based Drug Discovery Company RaQualia
- HK inno.N Acquires 10.61% Stake in RaQualia Through Third-Party Allotment
- RaQualia, Founded by Former Pfizer Researchers, Licensed K-CAB Compound to HK inno.N in 2010
- Companies to Expand Collaboration Through Joint R&D and Strategic Partnerships in Japan
HK inno.N (CEO Dalwon Kwak) announced on the 24th that it has signed an agreement to acquire newly issued shares in RaQualia (CEO Masaki Sudo), a Japanese drug discovery company, through a third-party allotment. With this acquisition, HK inno.N becomes RaQualia’s largest shareholder.
Through the agreement, HK inno.N has acquired 2,592,100 shares, representing a 10.61% equity stake in RaQualia. The two companies plan to deepen their strategic partnership by jointly developing new drug pipelines, including efforts to introduce K-CAB to the Japanese market.
RaQualia was established in 2008 by former researchers from Pfizer Japan. In 2010, the company licensed the K-CAB compound-a novel treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)-to HK inno.N. RaQualia currently boasts a diversified pipeline of 18 drug candidates, spanning therapeutic areas such as gastrointestinal disorders, pain, and oncology. Its technologies encompass a broad range of modalities, including antibodies, gene and protein therapies, and small-molecule drugs.
“We believe this equity investment in RaQualia will open the door to closer collaboration between our two companies in drug research and development,” said Dalwon Kwak, CEO of HK inno.N. “We also plan to actively pursue new business opportunities, including the introduction of K-CAB into the Japanese market,” he added.
Several compounds developed by RaQualia, including K-CAB, have been out-licensed and are currently marketed across four products in both human and veterinary medicine. (END)
[Reference Information]
▶Animal health products developed by RaQualia (marketed by Elanco Animal Health Inc. in the U.S.)
GALLIPRANT® (active ingredient: grapiprant) – a treatment for osteoarthritis in dogs
ENTYCE™ (active ingredient: capromorelin) – an appetite stimulant for dogs
ELURA™ (active ingredient: capromorelin) – a treatment for weight loss associated with chronic kidney disease in cats