10 biotechs in Japan to watch in 2026

Japan's biotech landscape is rapidly evolving, with 10 private biotech companies leading the charge in innovation for healthcare. Amidst this landscape, three companies stand out: Chordia Therapeutics, Craif, and Cuorips.

Chordia Therapeutics, based in Fujisawa, Kanagawa, is pioneering a novel approach in precision oncology through RNA splicing-targeted small molecules. Their lead candidate, rogocekib, is an oral selective CLK inhibitor for various cancers, including relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, and solid tumors. Chordia has been recognized with orphan drug designation for relapsed or refractory AML by the FDA and has initiated expansion cohorts in its U.S. phase 1/2 study.

Craif, headquartered in Tokyo, is leveraging AI and urinary microRNA analysis to develop non-invasive diagnostic tools. Their flagship product, miSignal, is a urine-based test that identifies multiple cancers using AI algorithms trained on large genomic datasets. The company raised $22 million in a series C financing in 2025 and has opened a Bio-AI laboratory in San Diego. Craif's approach aims to detect complex molecular signatures associated with early-stage cancer.

Lastly, Cuorips, also based in Tokyo, is advancing regenerative medicine through allogeneic iPSC-derived cardiomyocyte patches. Their lead product, RiHEART, consists of sheets of iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes that are surgically applied to the heart surface in patients with severe ischemic cardiomyopathy. RiHEART received conditional and time-limited marketing approval in Japan in March 2026, making it one of the world's first approved iPSC-derived therapeutic products.