Feliqs Secures $9 Million Series A to Advance FLQ-101 Clinical Trial for Retinopathy of Prematurity

Feliqs Corp. announced the successful completion of a $9 million Series A financing round to advance the company's lead investigational therapy, FLQ-101, into clinical development. Designed as a once-daily oral or intravenous formulation, FLQ-101 aims to prevent retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) by promoting physiological retinal vascularization and protecting against both inflammation and pathological neovascularization. The company’s phase 1b/2 “tROPhy-1” clinical trial is slated to begin in the United States in summer 2025.

Feliqs' therapeutic strategy focuses on modulating oxidized lipid pathways—a novel target in the pathogenesis of retinal vascular diseases—to offer a noninvasive, disease-modifying alternative to existing therapies such as laser surgery or anti-VEGF injections. In recognition of its potential to address a critical unmet need in neonatal care, FLQ-101 received both Fast Track and Orphan Drug Designations from the FDA in 2024.

According to Feliqs, the round was co-led by "a major American pharmaceutical company" and Beyond Next Ventures Inc., with additional participation from the Japan Science and Technology Agency and returning investors Mitsubishi UFJ Capital Co., Ltd., Keio Innovation Initiative, Inc., and FFG Venture Business Partners Co., Ltd. WBB Securities LLC served as placement agent for the transaction, and Latham & Watkins LLP provided legal counsel to FELIQS.

“This investment provides critical momentum as we initiate our first-in-human clinical study and continue building a robust pipeline of targeted treatments for pediatric patients who have long been underserved," said Dr. Ken-ichiro (Nobu) Kuninobu, Co-Founder and CEO of Feliqs.

The proceeds from the Series A financing will also support Feliqs' operational expansion in the US, strategic recruitment of clinical and development teams, and advancement of collaborative research initiatives.