Aillis, a Japan-based developer of artificial intelligence (AI)-equipped medical devices, has raised ¥1.25bn ($11m) from investors including pharmaceutical company Shionogi.
Shinogi acquired a 14% stake in Aillis through the round, which also featured venture capital firm Beyond Next Ventures.
Founded in 2017, Aillis produces medical devices utilising AI to diagnose influenza at an early stage. Shinogi sells an anti-flu virus drug called Zofluza and intends to form synergies with the company’s products to detect and treat the disease.
Aillis has also formed a business partnership with Shinogi that gives it priority to negotiation rights in licensing agreements. The capital will fund clinical trials, product development and recruitment as it prepares to commercialise the devices from 2020.
Flu follicles are present in patients suffering from the disease, and the early detection of these follicles can limit the spread of infection. Aillis has begun clinical trials for its product candidates that will support regulatory applications.
