NextCell Participating in JETRO’s Japan Entry Acceleration Program

February 17, 2026

NextCell Pharma AB (“NextCell” or the “Company”) announces its participation in the Japan Entry Acceleration Program (“JEAP”) in regenerative medicine, an international accelerator initiative organized and funded by JETRO. NextCell is communicating its participation in connection with the Company’s current presence in Tokyo, where program activities and meetings with Japanese industrial, regulatory and financial stakeholders are now taking place.

JEAP operates a global and highly selective admission process. NextCell was selected in competition with companies from leading life science markets in North America and Europe and is one of only a few European companies admitted to the regenerative medicine track. Selection is based on scientific excellence, clinical relevance and commercial potential in the Japanese market.

The program is designed to support international regenerative medicine companies seeking to establish partnerships in Japan. It includes market and regulatory workshops, tailored mentorship, and structured matchmaking with Japanese pharmaceutical companies, CDMOs, CROs and investors. The program concludes with a Demo Day in Tokyo, where participating companies present their technologies and strategic plans to industry and financial representatives. Participation in JEAP is fully funded and includes coverage of travel and accommodation within the framework of the program.

NextCell’s participation aligns with the Company’s previously communicated strategy to gradually establish regional platforms in Asia through internationally recognized and regulatorily robust markets. In January 2026, NextCell announced a strategic update highlighting Hong Kong as an initial gateway to Asia and, over time, Mainland China. In parallel, the Company is strengthening its presence in Japan, a market characterized by high scientific standards, clear regulatory pathways and a well-developed ecosystem for advanced therapies and cell and gene therapy.

“Our participation in JEAP represents a concrete step in the execution of NextCell’s Asia strategy. Being present in Japan enables structured discussions with potential partners across development, manufacturing and commercialization of ProTrans,” says Mathias Svahn, CEO.

About JETRO

Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) is a government-supported organization with a mission to promote trade and investment between Japan and the rest of the world. JETRO runs several international programs to support foreign companies in strategic growth areas, including regenerative medicine and advanced therapies.

For more information about NextCell Pharma, please contact
Mathias Svahn, CEO
Eric Gustafsson, CFO
Tel: +46 8 735 5595
E-mail: info@nextcellpharma.com

Websites:
NextCell Pharma AB: www.nextcellpharma.com
Cellaviva Sverige: www.cellaviva.se
Cellaviva Danmark: www.cellaviva.dk
QVance AB: www.qvance.se

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/15255207/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NextCellPharma

Certified Adviser

The company's shares are listed on the Nasdaq First North Growth Market.
RedEye Sweden AB is the company´s Certified Adviser.

About NextCell Pharma AB
NextCell Pharma is a clinical-stage cell therapy company developing ProTrans, a patent-protected platform based on allogeneic mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) from umbilical cord tissue. Using a proprietary selection algorithm, ProTrans delivers optimised cell tailored to specific indications.  In type 1 diabetes, a single infusion has been shown to preserve insulin production and delay disease progression for at least five years.  A Phase III trial is planned to commence upon securing a commercial partner. ProTrans is also being evaluated for other autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. NextCell’s subsidiaries include Cellaviva, Scandinavia’s largest private stem cell bank, and QVance, the Nordic region’s first dedicated provider of quality services for developers of advanced therapies.

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