Feliqs Raises $9M for FLQ-101 ROP Trial

Feliqs Corp. has announced the successful completion of a $9 million Series A financing round to advance its lead investigational therapy, FLQ-101, into clinical development. The company’s Phase 1b/2 “tROPhy-1” clinical trial is scheduled to begin in the United States in summer 2025.

Targeting a Critical Unmet Need in Neonatal Retinal Care

FLQ-101 is designed as a once-daily oral or intravenous formulation aimed at preventing retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The therapy promotes physiological retinal vascularization while protecting against inflammation and pathological neovascularization. Unlike current treatments such as laser surgery or anti-VEGF injections, Feliqs’ approach seeks to offer a noninvasive, disease-modifying alternative by modulating oxidized lipid pathways, a novel target in the pathogenesis of retinal vascular diseases.

Recognizing its potential to address a critical unmet need in neonatal care, the FDA granted FLQ-101 both Fast Track and Orphan Drug Designations in 2024.

Backed by Strategic Investors and Global Support

According to Feliqs, the financing 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 acted 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.

Expanding Operations and Research Collaborations

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.