Kyoto, Japan – SlingstoneBio, a preclinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing immuno-oncology platform and therapeutic products , today announced its launch from Kyoto City, Japan. The company was founded to advance breakthrough science aimed at activating plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs)—a promising and underexplored pathway in cancer immunotherapy.

SlingstoneBio’s proprietary technology and pre-clinical asset was exclusively in-licensed from Kyoto University and JSR Corporation, based on pioneering research into the immunological role of pDCs and their potential to enhance anti-tumor immune responses. By precisely activating these rare but powerful immune cells, SlingstoneBio aims to unlock new treatment options for cancer patients who do not benefit from current immuno-oncology therapies.

“We are incredibly proud to launch SlingstoneBio and begin translating this innovative science into development, with our Founder, Head of SlingstoneBio and Board member, Dr. Shu Matsuzawa.”, said Dushyant Varshney, PhD, Chairman of the Board and Co-founder. “Our Japan team is focused on harnessing the power of the pDCs based immune system to transform cancer treatment in Japan.”

SlingstoneBio is headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, and operates within the Ever, Inc. life science incubator space. The company has received pre-seed funding from Lifetime Ventures, a leading early-stage venture capital firm based in Japan.

“Launching of SlingstoneBio is an important milestone for us as we begin to expand our internal capabilities, engage with the scientific and clinical communities, and initiate formal development activities,” said Shu Matsuzawa, PhD. “We are honored to advance the technology and asset born in Japan, and excited by the potential immediate impact it can on the patients locally in Japan and later globally.”

SlingstoneBio is actively progressing its preclinical development plan and welcomes interest from collaborators, scientific advisors, and future partners who share its vision of advancing differentiated immuno-oncology products.