MONTPELLIER, FRANCE & TOKYO, JAPAN — Cilcare has established a new subsidiary in Tokyo as the auditory science-focused biotechnology company expands its presence in Japan and across the broader Asia-Pacific region.
The new entity, Cilcare K.K., will serve as a local base for developing partnerships in Japan, connecting Japanese organizations with Cilcare’s international pharmaceutical and biotechnology network, and providing access to the company’s research and development capabilities in Europe and the United States.
The expansion builds on approximately a decade of Cilcare engagement with Japanese universities and key opinion leaders, as well as the company’s existing strategic relationship with Japanese pharmaceutical company Shionogi.
Building on Cilcare’s Existing Presence in Japan
Cilcare specializes in auditory science, with research and development activities spanning drug development, diagnostics and auditory biomarkers. The company reports participating in more than 350 collaborative projects worldwide.
Its activities also include Synapsound AI™, a proprietary artificial intelligence-based auditory analytics platform being developed to identify biomarkers and support earlier detection and characterization of neurological diseases.
Cilcare strengthened its ties to Japan in 2024 through a strategic partnership with Shionogi covering the co-development and commercialization of CIL001 and CIL003. The establishment of Cilcare K.K. gives the company a permanent local presence as it seeks additional pharmaceutical, biotechnology and research partnerships in the region.
Cilcare pointed to Japan’s aging population and growing focus on healthy aging, prevention and quality of life as factors contributing to its decision to establish the subsidiary.
Aurore Marie to Lead Japan and Asia Operations
Aurore Marie has been appointed General Manager Japan & Asia and will lead the company’s expansion from Tokyo.
Marie has previously played a role in Cilcare’s international growth, including helping establish its U.S. presence in Boston. According to the company, her work has combined auditory science expertise with developing relationships across international markets.
“I am very excited to start this new chapter for Cilcare in Japan. After many years working with Japanese partners, and even learning Japanese along the way, I look forward to building our activities from Tokyo. The opportunities in hearing health and healthy ageing across Asia-Pacific are immense.”
— Aurore Marie, General Manager Japan & Asia, Cilcare
The Tokyo subsidiary is also intended to function as a platform for Cilcare’s wider Asia-Pacific expansion, connecting regional partners with the company’s research capabilities and pharmaceutical and biotechnology network.
“Cilcare is becoming a truly global company, with strong roots in Europe and the United States and now a dedicated presence in Japan. Having a local team in Tokyo positions us to capture the significant opportunities ahead in hearing health.”
— Celia Belline, CEO and Co-founder, Cilcare
Cilcare said its expansion has also been supported by organizations including Business France, the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan, Enterprise Europe Network, the Occitanie Region and its Tokyo office, and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).
About Cilcare
Cilcare is a biopharmaceutical company focused on auditory science, with expertise in drugs and diagnostics designed to prevent and treat hearing disorders. The company supports preclinical and clinical development for its own pipeline as well as industrial and academic partners. Headquartered in Montpellier, France, Cilcare operates across Europe, North America and Asia.
Source: Cilcare
