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HomeNewsNEWSReal Tech Fund invests in SUDx-Biotec, developing innovative virus testing using glycan nanotechnolo

December 21st, 2020

Real Tech Fund invests in SUDx-Biotec, developing innovative virus testing using glycan nanotechnolo

Real Tech Fund*, managed by Realtec Holdings Corporation (Location: Sumida-ku, Tokyo, Representative: Yukihiro Maru, Akihiko Nagata), is pleased to announce that it has made an investment in Sudix Biotech, Co., Ltd.(Headquarters: Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, Representative Director: Yasuo Sumida, hereinafter “Sudix”).

Background

Sudix, Co., Ltd. is a real-tech venture from Kagoshima University that specializes in glycan identification and technology to fix glycans on metal particles. PCR tests using test kits based on the company’s technology have significant advantages over existing solutions, including the ability to extract and concentrate only active viral envelopes. In the era of “co-existing with COVID-19,” this product has the potential to significantly improve the current challenge of patients with cold-like conditions (before disease identification), medical institutions of a certain size, and laboratories, and to set a new standard for virus testing.

Outline of the technology

Sudix has the technology to identify which sugar chain the target virus binds to using a 1.8cm x 1.8cm sugar chip with 96 types of sugar chains immobilized on it, and also has the technology to immobilize the identified sugar chains on gold nanoparticles (which are easy to use and most stable) with a unique linker. In addition, we have the technology to immobilize the identified glycans on gold nanoparticles with a unique linker. Based on the above technology, we have developed in vitro diagnostic reagents that can detect only active viruses of up to three types (influenza A, influenza B, and SARS-CoV-2). In Addition, we have also developed a PCR testing machine that is portable, which can test eight specimens simultaneously. Furthemore, we can perform tests in a short time, in collaboration with System Engineering Corp. The PCR testing machine, which is portable, can test 8 samples simultaneously, and can perform the test in a short time, was jointly developed with System Engineering Corp.

Purpose and Use of Funds Raised
The “Simultaneous Testing Kit for Human Influenza and H1N1 Coronas” developed by Sudix was approved for manufacturing and marketing on October 23, and insurance coverage was granted on November 11 2020 With this procurement, we will accelerate the nationwide sales of the test reagent kit and our original PCR testing machine “MuhSER”.

Comment from the person in charge in Real Tech Fund
As a company that has developed a technology that can diagnose diseases caused by COVID-19, a virus that has become a new threat to humanity (COVID-19), with greater accuracy than existing methods by extracting and concentrating only the active virus, we would like to support this company.
In addition, this glycan chain application technology is a solution that can be used for the early diagnosis of unknown viral diseases that are expected to emerge in the future, and as humanity must constantly fight against new viral infections, it is very significant to invest in this company that is updating solutions for the early detection (diagnosis) of viral infections.

■About Sudics Biotech, Inc.

Date of Establishment: 21st of September, 2006
Location: VBL, Kagoshima University, 1-21-40, Korimoto, Kagoshima, 890-0065, Japan
Representative: Yasuo Sumida
Capital: 198,750,000 yen
Business Activities: Development and sales of kits and PCR devices that enable quick and easy nucleic acid gene testing (PCR testing) of viruses anywhere.
For more Info: https://www.sudxbiotec.jp/
Date of Investment: November 2020

■About REAL TECH FUND

REAL TECH FUND is a venture capital fund managed by Real Tech Holdings and its subsidiary Real Tech Japan. It solely invests in deep-tech startups solving societal and environmental issues.
Formal name: Real Tech Fund 1 Investment Limited Partnership (A), Real Tech Fund 2 Investment Limited Partnership (A), Real Tech Fund 3 Investment Limited Partnership (A), Real Tech Global Fund 1 Investment Business Partnership (B)
General Partner: (A) Real Tech Japan L.L.C
Operating Partner: (B) Real Tech Holdings Co.,Ltd.

For more information: https://www.realtech.fund

■About Real Tech Holdings Co.,Ltd.

Real Tech Holdings support changemakers who give their heart and soul to solve societal and environmental challenges. Real Tech Holdings is a joint venture between euglena Co.,Ltd (https://www.euglena.jp/) and Leave a Nest Co., Ltd. (https://lne.st/).

For more information: https://www.realtech.holdings

▶︎Press Release (PR Times)