Ambicion, a Tokyo-based venture company, has obtained an exclusive worldwide license on RIKEN’s patents on NKT cell activation therapy using novel αGalCer derivatives. According to the RIKEN procedures, after removing blood cell components from peripheral blood by apheresis, NKT cells are isolated by centrifugation and activated with newly identified αGalCer derivatives, cryopreserved, and later administered to patients. Ambion is a venture company established in October 2015. In November 2016 a third party allotment of new shares from the Regional Health Care Industry Support Fund” operated by REVIC Capital, was implemented with a total amount of 660 million yen. The current capital amounts to 876.141 million yen.”

RIKEN news release, April 2, 2018