Japan-based Shionogi & Co. has concluded a capital alliance with Lifescapes Inc., a startup arising from Keio University.

The startup has developed Brain-Machine Interface (BMI) technology, which forms the basis of their medical devices designed to assist in motor function recovery in severe stroke patients. Patients who have had a stroke often suffer from severe motor impairment and may require nursing care for an extended period. There is currently no effective treatment for severe movement disorders. Using BMI, Lifescapes has been aiming to enable patients to recover independent movement capability.

In this capital alliance, Shionogi will invest about 100 million yen (¥) in the startup, to support their technology and product development to improve rehabilitation of severely paralysed stroke patients, and to increase intercompany dialogue, sharing disease area knowledge and networks to the benefit of both companies.

Shionogi stated in its STS2030 business plan its Group Vision to create new healthcare platforms to meet the needs of patients and society, thereby by transforming ourselves into “a HaaS company” that provides comprehensive healthcare solutions addressing important unmet medical needs.