Celaid closes Series B with Shionogi, Teikoku ahead of US trials

Celaid Therapeutics has closed its Series B round with investments from Shionogi & Co. and a corporate venture firm, positioning the Tokyo-based biotech to begin US clinical trials for its lead candidate, CLD-001. The company has not disclosed the size of the round or the valuation.

The funding follows Shionogi’s earlier involvement in the round, which StartupReader first reported on 5 October. While the tranche amounts remain undisclosed, the addition of a second investor broadens Celaid’s backer base as it advances CLD-001, a therapy targeting a rare genetic disorder. The drug’s mechanism and target indication have not been publicly detailed.

Shionogi’s continued support suggests deeper strategic interest beyond capital. The pharma company has been expanding its partnerships with early-stage biotechs, particularly in rare diseases and genetic therapies. Celaid’s US trial plans could mark a critical step in validating its platform, though the timeline and regulatory pathway remain unclear.

The round arrives amid a broader slowdown in biotech funding, with many startups struggling to secure follow-on investments. Celaid’s ability to attract corporate backers may reflect confidence in its pipeline, but the lack of disclosed financials leaves questions about the terms and expectations attached to the deal.

What happens next will depend on CLD-001’s trial progress. If successful, Celaid could emerge as a target for larger players in the rare-disease space. For now, the startup’s focus remains on clearing the US regulatory hurdle—a milestone that would draw closer attention from investors and competitors alike.

Sources: vir.com.vn