A comprehensive portal site for Medical Innovation Support Office (MEDISO).Medical Innovation Support Office

Masaho Ishino

After engaging in medical research for 25 years, I became a patent attorney (JAPAN). Over the next 20 years, I have supported medical researchers in creating intellectual property and planning research strategies, as well as engaged in contract practice and technology transfer of university IP. Intellectual property strategies for regenerative medicine and other new modalities require not only a high level of expertise in both cutting-edge medical research and intellectual property rights, but also comprehensive knowledge covering clinical development and regulations. Utilizing my experience of contributing to the development research and practical application of university-originated seeds as a representative of an institution responsible for the AMED's Project of Translational and Clinical Research Core Centers and an organizer of nationwide academia intellectual property networks, I aim to contribute to raising the potential of intellectual property of academia/venture.

Hikaru Saito

Saisei Ventures LLC Partner

As a partner of Saisei Ventures, a newly established global venture capital firm that invests in advanced biotech companies in cell and gene therapy, Dr. Saito is responsible for Japan operations including company creation, integrating Japanese science and technology with the Western ecosystem. Prior to joining Saisei, he started career as a research scientist at Astellas Pharma Inc. and then as a Senior Manager of Business Development and as a Senior Investment Manager at Astellas Venture Management, a CVC arm based in Silicon Valley, USA, where he was a lead role for deal process, due diligence and transactions for venture investments in RNA therapeutics, cell and gene therapy. He was providing business support to portfolio companies based on the expertise, experience, and global network. He also led the development of strategic partnerships with venture capital funds, accelerators, and institutional investors based in the U.S. and Europe. Prior to joining Astellas, he was a Visiting Fellow at the Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, and a Research Fellow of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science. He received his B.S. in Biotechnology and M.S. and Ph.D. in Biomolecular Molecularl Engineering from Tokyo Institute of Technology.

Shinichi Watanabe

WNW IP ATTORNEYS

Shinichi Watanabe began his career as a patent attorney in 2003, and with the valuable experience gained at global patent law firms. His practice primarily deals with filing and prosecution of domestic and international patent applications in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology fields. Backed up by a wealth of practical experience and technical expertise, he is actively engaged in IP counselling and advises start-up pharmaceutical and biotech companies on patent filing strategies. Recently, he is interested in AI and machine learning, and now also working on support in the interdisciplinary area between life science, IT and AI.

keiji Asada

Amenichi Consulting, LLC, CEO

Graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Currently, serving as the CEO of Amenichi Consulting, LLC, a consulting firm specializing in regulatory compliance (FDA) and marketing support for companies entering the U.S. market, particularly in the fields of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and regenerative medicine products. With extensive industry experience and expertise, he assists clients in developing business plans, securing funding, and establishing operational structures. Additionally, he provides comprehensive support, from the formulation to the execution of business strategies, to help clients enhance their competitiveness. Furthermore, he leverages his network to match clients with the most suitable business partners. With a global perspective, he offers customized services tailored to the needs of each client, aiming for sustained growth and success. Amenichi was established in 2018 and has supported over 50 companies since its inception.

Tomokatsu Hongo

Keio Innovation Initiative, Inc
Corporate Officer

Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry from Nagoya University. At Summit Pharmaceuticals International Corporation, I was engaged in VC fund management, investment and sales support for bio-ventures, and domestic sales agency business for overseas bio-ventures. In 2016, I joined Keio Innovation Initiative (KII) as an investment manager in the medical and health field. I have been investing in drug discovery, regenerative medicine, and medical device ventures by leveraging his business experience in the pharmaceutical industry and career as a researcher, and providing a wide range of hands-on support, not only in terms of funding, but also in business development.