Mikael Lindstam shares his reflections from BIO Japan

Today is the last day of three inspiring days at BioJapan 2025 here in Yokohama.

I've attended BioJapan before, but each time I'm reminded how Japan continues to stand out for research and innovation of the highest caliber.

That excellence was once again highlighted by two newly announced Nobel Prizes awarded to Japanese scientists:
Shimon Sakaguchi, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2025
Susumu Kitagawa, Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2025

Professor Sakaguchi spoke via video link here at the conference, he was recognized by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, together with his colleagues, for groundbreaking discoveries in peripheral immune tolerance - the mechanisms that prevent the immune system from attacking the body.

At Aptahem, we share a deep interest in immune system regulation. Our lead asset, Apta-1, is developed to help restore immune balance during sepsis, where the immune system becomes dangerously dysregulated and can no longer distinguish between protection and harm. Sepsis still claims far too many lives each year, and we aim to make a difference.

This important Nobel Prize to a Japanese scientist working on a topic so close to my heart has made it even more inspiring to experience the energy and excellence of Japan's life science ecosystem here at BioJapan once again.

While our main focus right now is on preparing for a U.S. market listing, we continue to nurture international relationships and explore new collaborations - building the best possible foundation for future partnerships around Apta-1. Over the past three days here in Yokohama, it has been encouraging to see the continued strong interest from Japanese life science companies in our work.