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ViaNautis Bio Signs Strategic Collaboration Agreement with Lilly to leverage its polyNaut® platform to develop novel products delivering genetic medicines
ViaNautis Bio (“ViaNautis” or the “Company”), a groundbreaking biotechnology company at the forefront of delivering targeted genetic nanomedicines, today announces a collaboration with Eli Lilly and Company (“Lilly”).
Editor’s pick: Switch Therapeutics
Each year, Nature Biotechnology highlights companies that have received sizeable early-stage
funding in the previous year. Switch Therapeutics is rethinking cell-type specificity, building
precision RNAi therapeutics for the brain. By Iris Marchal
ViaNautis Bio appoints Dr Adi Hoess as Chief Executive Officer
ViaNautis Bio (“ViaNautis” or the “Company”), a groundbreaking nanomedicine company at the forefront of genetic therapies, today announces the appointment of Dr Adi Hoess as Chief Executive Officer of ViaNautis. He will succeed Co-Founder and CEO Dr Francesca Crawford who has been stepping down from her role.
Walden Biosciences Announces Positive Topline Data from Phase 1+ Clinical Study of WAL0921 in Development for Treatment of Kidney Diseases
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 15, 2024 — Walden Biosciences, Inc. (Walden), a private, venture-backed clinical development stage company focused on disease-modifying, transformative therapies for the treatment of kidney diseases, today announced the results from the Company’s Phase 1+ clinical study of WAL0921 in healthy subjects. WAL0921 is Walden’s first-in-class, proprietary, humanized monoclonal antibody that binds circulating free soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) and its membrane bound form, uPAR, and inhibits their pathological activity, which causes kidney diseases.
Neurona Therapeutics Raises $120M to Advance Groundbreaking Pipeline of Regenerative Cell Therapy Candidates for Chronic Neurological Disorders
San Francisco, CA, February 8, 2024 – Neurona Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotherapeutics company advancing regenerative cell therapy candidates for the treatment of neurological disorders, today announced the successful completion of a $120 million financing co-led by Viking Global Investors and Cormorant Asset Management with participation from new and existing investors, including The Column Group, LYFE Capital, Schroders Capital, Willett Advisors, Ysios Capital Partners, Euclidean Capital, SymBiosis, Alexandria Venture Investments, Berkeley Frontier Fund, Sphera Biotech Master Fund LP, Spur Capital Partners, UCB Ventures, and UC Investments. Proceeds from the financing will be used to advance the company’s pipeline of wholly-owned, off-the-shelf cell therapies for multiple indications, including its lead investigational candidate, NRTX-1001. NRTX-1001 is being evaluated in an ongoing open-label, single-arm Phase I/II clinical trial for treatment of drug-resistant mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) and has potential application in Alzheimer’s disease and other disorders of the nervous system.
ViaNautis is developing a nanovesicle platform designed to deliver genetic therapeutic payloads to the specific site of action with unparalleled precision.
Cambridge UK, 13 November 2023 – ViaNautis Bio (“ViaNautis” or the “Company”), a groundbreaking nanomedicine company at the forefront of genetic therapies, is excited to announce the successful completion of its Series A funding round, raising $25 million (£20 million). Formerly known as SomaServe, ViaNautis has secured support from a consortium of prominent global investors enabling the advancement of its proprietary drug delivery platform – polyNaut®. ViaNautis’s Series A fundraise was led by 4BIO Capital, BGF and UCB Ventures with the additional participation of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Eli Lilly and Company and existing investors including Origin Capital, Meltwind and O2H. The proceeds from the round will fuel the rapid development of products using the polyNaut® platform, expand the scientific and management teams and establish industry-leading laboratory facilities.
SpliceBio Enters Collaboration with Spark Therapeutics to Develop a Gene Therapy Targeting an Inherited Retinal Disease
BARCELONA, 17 October, 2023 – SpliceBio, a genetic medicines company harnessing Protein Splicing to develop the next generation of gene therapies, is pleased to announce the signing of an exclusive collaboration and licensing agreement with Spark Therapeutics to utilize SpliceBio’s proprietary Protein Splicing platform to develop a gene therapy for an undisclosed inherited retinal disease. Under the terms of the agreement, SpliceBio and Spark will conduct a research collaboration utilizing SpliceBio’s proprietary Protein Splicing platform, which offers the potential to address diseases that currently cannot be treated with gene therapies because the necessary gene is too large to be delivered by adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors. Spark will have exclusive worldwide rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize a gene therapy arising from this research collaboration targeting an undisclosed inherited retinal disease. SpliceBio will be eligible to receive upfront, opt-in and milestone payments up to $216 million and royalties on net sales.
Neurona's groundbreaking work is making waves in the media! Discover how stem cell-derived GABAergic neurons are transforming the lives of epilepsy patients by clicking the link below:
SpliceBio Appoints David Favre, D.V.M., Ph.D., as Chief Development Officer to Accelerate Development of its Lead AAV Gene Therapy Program
BARCELONA, June 20, 2023 – SpliceBio, a genetic medicines company exploiting its proprietary Protein Splicing platform to develop next generation gene therapies, is pleased to announce the appointment of David Favre, D.V.M., Ph.D., as Chief Development Officer (CDO). Dr. Favre brings more than 25 years of experience in gene therapy, immunology and drug development throughout academia and the biopharma industry. He joins SpliceBio from Innoskel, where he served as Chief Scientific Officer. Prior to that, Dr. Favre was Vice President of Translational Medicine at Asklepios Biopharmaceutical (AskBio), where he led the platforms and program resources to marshal preclinical, INDs and early clinical programs, particularly focusing on the immunogenicity and adjunctive immunotherapy of AAV gene therapy and metabolic diseases. Previously Dr. Favre was the Director of HIV Biology at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), where he spearheaded their portfolio of immunotherapy drugs. Dr. Favre has also served as Adjunct Associate Professor at the University North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
Walden Biosciences Announces First Subject Dosed in First-in-Humans Phase 1 Clinical Trial of WAL0921, in Development for Treatment of Chronic Kidney Diseases
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., June 05, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Walden Biosciences, Inc. (Walden), a private, Series B, venture-backed clinical development stage company focused on transforming the treatment of kidney diseases, today announced that the first subject was dosed in the Company’s Phase 1 clinical trial of WAL0921 in healthy subjects. WAL0921 is the Company’s first in class, proprietary, humanized monoclonal antibody that binds soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR), inhibiting the pro-inflammatory action that causes podocyte dysfunction and renal disease.
Neurona Therapeutics Presents Updated Data from the NRTX-1001 Cell Therapy Trial in Adults with Drug-resistant Focal Epilepsy at American Academy of Neurology (AAN) 2023 Annual Meeting
SAN FRANCISCO, April 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Neurona Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotherapeutics company advancing regenerative cell therapies for the treatment of neurological disorders, announced the presentation of updated clinical data from its ongoing Phase I/II clinical trial of a single dose of NRTX-1001 in people with drug-resistant mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE). The data demonstrate >90% reduction in seizure frequency in the first and second patient at nine- and five-months post-treatment, respectively. In addition, neuropsychological testing suggests an improvement in memory in the first patient after NRTX-1001 administration. The data are being presented at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) 2023 Annual Meeting which is being held April 22- 27 in Boston, MA and virtually.
Switch Therapeutics Launches with $52 Million to Advance First-of-its-Kind RNAi Technology
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – March 14, 2023 – Switch Therapeutics, a preclinical stage biotechnology company pioneering a new way to use RNA science to treat diseases, today announced its launch following $52 million of financing. The Company’s Series A was co-led by Insight Partners and UCB Ventures, with additional funding from existing investors, including Upfront Ventures and BOLD Capital Partners and new investors Eli Lilly and Company, Ono Venture Investment, Digitalis Ventures, Dolby Family Ventures, Free Flow Ventures, PhiFund Ventures and others.
ExeVir Bio and VIB Announce Data on a New Therapy for Prevention and Treatment for COVID-19
Ghent, Belgium, 13 March 2023: ExeVir Bio, a biotech company developing robust single domain antibody therapies for broad protection against infectious diseases, and its scientific founders at Belgium’s VIB, Flanders’ leading life sciences institute, today announced the publication of a pre-print paper by De Cae et al., entitled “Ultrapotent SARS coronavirus-neutralizing single-domain antibodies that bind a conserved membrane proximal epitope of the spike”.
Code Biotherapeutics Names Alex S. Tracy, PhD, as Chief Technical Officer
Greater Philadelphia, Pa., November 14, 2022 – Code Biotherapeutics, Inc. (Code Bio), a biotechnology company pioneering the targeted delivery of precision genetic medicines, today announces the appointment of Alex Tracy, PhD, as Chief Technical Officer.
Walden Biosciences Appoints Peter Guest Linde, M.D. as Chief Medical Officer
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Oct. 11, 2022 – Walden Biosciences, Inc. (Walden), a private, venture-backed biotechnology company focused on transforming the treatment of kidney disease, today announced that the Company has appointed Peter Guest Linde, M.D., F.A.S.N., as its first Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Linde, a nephrologist with more than a decade of experience treating patients, joins Walden with more than thirty years of experience in research, clinical development, and corporate leadership. Dr. Linde will serve on Walden Biosciences Senior Leadership Team and will report to the Chief Executive Officer.
Code Biotherapeutics Names David Anderson, PhD, as Chief Scientific Officer
Greater Philadelphia, Pa., September 28, 2022 — Code Biotherapeutics, Inc., (Code Bio), a biotechnology company pioneering targeted non-viral delivery of genetic medicines, today announces the appointment of David Anderson, PhD, as Chief Scientific Officer.
Neurona Therapeutics Announces Initial Subject Dosed in First Clinical Trial of Regenerative Human Cell Therapy, NRTX-1001, in Adults with Drug-Resistant Focal Epilepsy
June 29, 2022 – Neurona Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotherapeutics company advancing regenerative cell therapies for the treatment of neurological disorders, today announced the first patient dosed in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial of its lead program, NRTX-1001, in a first-in-human epilepsy study. An estimated three million Americans have epilepsy, and 25 to 35 percent live with ongoing seizures despite dozens of approved drugs on the market, which means that there is a huge unmet medical need in this community. NRTX-1001 is a regenerative neural cell therapy delivered as a single dose and designed to provide long-term secretion of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a key inhibitory neurotransmitter, to repair hyper-excitable neural networks associated with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE), the most common form of focal epilepsy in adults.
Code Biotherapeutics Raises Upsized and Oversubscribed $75 Million in Series A Financing to Develop Therapies for Debilitating Genetic Diseases
Greater Philadelphia, Pa., June 7, 2022 — Code Biotherapeutics, Inc., (Code Bio), a biotechnology company pioneering targeted non-viral delivery of genetic medicines, today announced its upsized and oversubscribed Series A financing of $75 million to advance programs to treat and cure rare and prevalent genetic diseases. Northpond Ventures led the financing round with participation from Amgen Ventures, Hatteras Venture Partners and UCB Ventures alongside existing investors New Enterprise Associates, 4BIO Capital, CureDuchenne Ventures, the JDRF T1D Fund, UPMC Enterprises, and Takeda Ventures. The funding enables the company to advance its two lead programs in DMD and T1D toward IND-enabling studies, expand its pipeline and platform applications, and expand its manufacturing and operations.
AbbVie Acquires Syndesi Therapeutics, Strengthening Neuroscience Portfolio
AbbVie, 01 March 2022: AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) today announced it has completed the acquisition of Syndesi Therapeutics SA, which will help to expand AbbVie’s neuroscience portfolio. This acquisition gives AbbVie access to Syndesi’s portfolio of novel modulators of the synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A), including its lead molecule SDI-118. The mechanism is currently being evaluated for the potential treatment of cognitive impairment and other symptoms associated with a range of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and major depressive disorder.
SpliceBio Raises EUR 50M in Oversubscribed Series A financing to Advance Protein Splicing Platform and Expand Gene Therapy Pipeline
SpliceBio, 16 February 2022: SpliceBio, a biotechnology company exploiting protein splicing to develop next generation gene therapies, today announced the completion of an oversubscribed €50 million series A financing. The financing was co-led by UCB Ventures and existing shareholder Ysios Capital and joined by new investors New Enterprise Associates (NEA), Gilde Healthcare, Novartis Venture Fund, and existing shareholder Asabys Partners. The Company was seeded in 2020 by Ysios Capital and Asabys Partners.
EsoBiotec
15 December 2021: EsoBiotec is a biotechnology company developing an in vivo engineering platform to produce cancer fighting cells inside the patient’s body.
Walden: targeting podocytes as linchpin for kidney function
Walden, 29 October 2021: targeting podocytes as linchpin for kidney function.
Syndesi Therapeutics announces commencement of dosing in clinical trial of SDI-118 in elderly subjects with cognitive impairment
Syndesi, 21 October 2021: Syndesi Therapeutics announces commencement of dosing in clinical trial of SDI-118 in elderly subjects with cognitive impairment.
ExeVir Announces First Patient Enrolled in Phase 1b/2 Clinical Study evaluating XVR011 as antiviral treatment of patients hospitalised for COVID-19
Belgium, 1 September 2021: ExeVir, which is developing single domain antibody therapies providing broad protection against viral infections, today announces that the first patient has been treated in a Phase 1b/2 global clinical study of XVR011, its potent COVID-19 neutralizing antibody.
ExeVir announces first subjects dosed in Phase I clinical study of potent COVID-19 neutralizing antibody
Belgium, 18 August 2021: ExeVir, which is developing single domain antibody therapies providing broad protection against viral infections, today announces that the first subjects have been dosed in a Phase I clinical study of XVR011, its llama-derived antibody for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19.
ExeVir’s CRO hunt for Phase II/III COVID-19 subQ antibody trial to start midyear, also USD 50– 100m Series B raise
13 Jul 2021. ExeVir Bio will open its doors to CRO pitches mid-year for a Phase II/III trial investigating its
subcutaneously administered neutralizing antibody XVR011 in outpatient COVID-19 patients, CEO
Torsten Mummenbrauer said. Decisions will be made in 2H21 for a 2Q22 trial start, he added.
Neurona Therapeutics Presents Preclinical Data from Lead Cell Therapy Program, Demonstrating Significant Seizure Suppression in Model of Focal Epilepsy
18 Jun 2021. Neurona is a cell therapy company focused on the development of breakthrough treatments for neurological disorders
ExeVir’s CRO hunt for Phase II/III COVID-19 subQ antibody trial to start midyear, also USD 50– 100m Series B raise
22 Apr 2021. ExeVir Bio will open its doors to CRO pitches mid-year for a Phase II/III trial investigating its
subcutaneously administered neutralizing antibody XVR011 in outpatient COVID-19 patients, CEO
Torsten Mummenbrauer said. Decisions will be made in 2H21 for a 2Q22 trial start, he added.
Neurona Therapeutics Presents Preclinical Data from Lead Cell Therapy Program, Demonstrating Significant Seizure Suppression in Model of Focal Epilepsy
19 Apr 2021. Neurona is a cell therapy company focused on the development of breakthrough treatments for neurological disorders
StrideBio Announces Closing of $81.5M Series B Financing
Research Triangle Park, N.C., Mar. 16, 2021 – StrideBio, Inc., a leading developer of novel engineered adeno-associated virus (AAV) based gene therapies, today announced the closing of an oversubscribed Series B funding round, which raised $81.5 million.
ExeVir Announces Close of US$50 million / EUR42 million Series A Financing
Belgium, March 16th, 2021: ExeVir, which is developing single domain antibody therapies providing broad protection against viral infections, today announces that it has closed its Series A financing raising a total of EUR 42 million / US$50 million. The financing was led by Fund+ with VIB, UCB Ventures, SFPI-FPIM, V-Bio Ventures and new investors SRIW, Noshaq, Vives IUF, SambrInvest, as well as several Belgian family offices.
UCB Ventures and AXA Venture Partners: seeking innovation in digital health
18 Feb 2021. In this interview, UCB Ventures Partner, Delphine Hajaji, connects with François Robinet, Founding and Managing Partner at AXA Venture Partners, to tell us more about why both organizations decided to collaborate. In particular, why AXA Venture Partners chose to open their Fund to other investors and why UCB Ventures became one of their first external investor.
Syndesi Therapeutics announces positive results from two additional Phase I studies of its novel SV2A modulator SDI-118, providing strong support for the initiation of further clinical trials in cognitive impairment
27 January 2021. Syndesi Therapeutics SA, a clinical stage biotechnology company developing novel modulators of the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A for the treatment of cognitive impairment, announces results from two Phase I studies of its lead compound SDI-118, supporting further development of this promising molecule.
Locanabio Announces $100 Million Series B Financing to Advance Portfolio of Novel RNATargeted Gene Therapies for Neurodegenerative, Neuromuscular and Retinal Diseases
14 Dec 2020. Locanabio, Inc., an RNA-targeting gene therapy company focused on developing life-changing therapies for patients with severe neurodegenerative, neuromuscular and retinal diseases, today announced a $100 million Series B financing. The financing was led by Vida Ventures with participation from new investors including RA Capital Management, Invus, Acuta Capital Partners and an investment fund associated with SVB Leerink and prior Locanabio investors ARCH Venture Partners, Temasek, Lightstone Ventures, UCB Ventures and GV.
Walden seeking to develop breakthrough medicines to reverse kidney disease progression.
06 Oct 2020. Walden Biosciences, Inc. (Walden), a biotechnology company focused on transforming the treatment of kidney disease, today announced its launch with a $51 million Series A financing led by ARCH Venture Partners and UCB Ventures. Walden is seeking to develop breakthrough medicines that reverse the progression of both rare and common forms of kidney disease and restore renal function.
ExeVir Bio to Accelerate Development of New Treatment Conferring Broad Protection Against Covid-19
28 Jul 2020. ExeVir Bio announces today a first closing of a EUR23 million Series A financing led by Fund+, with the participation of VIB, UCB Ventures, the Belgian Federal Government via SFPI-FPIM, V-Bio Ventures and several Belgian family offices.
Syndesi Therapeutics announces the expansion of its management team with the appointment of Torsten Madsen, MD, PhD as Chief Medical Officer.
19 Dec 2019. Syndesi Therapeutics SA, a clinical stage biotechnology company developing novel modulators of the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A for the treatment of cognitive impairment, today announced Torsten Madsen MD, PhD has joined its management team as Chief Medical Officer.
Locana Expands Leadership Team with Appointment of former Casebia CEO as Chief Executive Officer
10 Dec 2019. Locana, Inc., a leading RNA-targeting gene therapy company, today announced the appointment of James Burns, Ph.D., as chief executive officer, as a key step in expanding the experienced leadership team and as part of a planned transition of the company's director and recent CEO, Jeffrey M. Ostrove, Ph.D., to continue service as director.
Sarepta and StrideBio Announce Multi-target Collaboration to Advance Novel Gene Therapies
14 Nov 2019. Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., the leader in precision genetic medicine for rare diseases, and StrideBio, Inc., a leading developer of novel adeno-associated viral (AAV) based gene therapies, today announced the signing of a collaboration and license agreement to develop in vivo AAV-based therapies for up to eight central nervous system (CNS) and neuromuscular targets.
Locana appoints Kathie Bishop, Ph.D., as Chief Scientific Officer
04 Sep 2019. Locana, a leading RNA-targeting gene therapy company, today announced the appointment of Kathie M. Bishop, Ph.D. as chief scientific officer. Dr. Bishop is a neuroscientist and drug development leader with 20 years of pharmaceutical industry experience covering a broad spectrum of therapeutic areas.
Ally secured seed finance from ARCH Venture Partners, Alta Partners and UCB Ventures to advance its novel gene therapy platform.
31 July 2019. Ally secured seed finance from ARCH Venture Partners, Alta Partners and UCB Ventures to advance its novel gene therapy platform.
Locana Raises $55 Million Series A Financing to Advance Portfolio of RNA-targeting Gene Therapies
22 May 2019. Locana, Inc., a leading RNA-targeting gene therapy company, announced today the close of a $55 million Series A financing led by ARCH Venture Partners with participation from Temasek and Lightstone Ventures, all existing investors. New investors include UCB Ventures and GV (formerly Google Ventures).
Rinri Therapeutics secures £1.4 million seed funding to advance its novel regenerative cell therapy to treat sensorineural hearing loss
20 May 2019. Rinri Therapeutics, a biotechnology company developing a novel cell- based therapy to restore hearing, announced today that it successfully secured £1.4 million in seed funding. The financing, which was co-led by Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund and UCB Ventures and joined by BioCity, will support the ongoing growth of the company.
Syndesi Therapeutics announces initiation of Phase I study of novel SV2A modulator in development for treatment of cognitive impairment
08 May 2019. Syndesi Therapeutics SA, a biotechnology company developing novel modulators of the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A for the treatment of cognitive impairment, today announced that its lead molecule, SDI-118, has entered into Phase I clinical development.
StrideBio and Takeda Sign Collaboration and License Agreement to Advance Novel Gene Therapies for Neurological Diseases
28 March 2019. Multi-target deal will utilize StrideBio's platform to identify unique AAV capsids for delivery of gene therapies targeting neurological diseases, including Friedreich's Ataxia.
Syndesi Therapeutics awarded non-dilutive funding of up to €3.2M for development of its lead program, SDI-118, aimed at treating cognitive impairment
20 March 2019. Developing novel SV2A modulators for cognitive impairment, today announced it has been granted up to EUR 3.2 M in non-dilutive funding from the Walloon Region.
UCB Ventures Appoints Alicia Irurzun-Lafitte as Partner
06 March 2019. UCB Ventures, the corporate venture arm of UCB Pharma, today announced that Alicia Irurzun-Lafitte will join UCB Ventures as Partner in Boston. Alicia brings 10 years of deal making experience, spanning business development transactions to early stage investments in biotech.
CRISPR Therapeutics and StrideBio Expand Exclusive Development and Option Agreement
19 February 2019. CRISPR Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company focused on creating transformative gene-based medicines for serious diseases, and StrideBio, Inc., a leading developer of novel adeno-associated viral (AAV)-based gene therapies, today announced that …
StrideBio Appoints Sapan Shah, Ph.D. as Chief Executive Officer
03 January 2019. StrideBio, Inc., a leading developer of novel adeno-associated viral (AAV) based gene therapies, announced today that the Board of Directors has appointed Sapan Shah, Ph.D. as Chief Executive Officer and a member of the company's board.
Read the interview with Erica Whittaker in BioCentury
22 June 2018. Description: UCB Ventures' recent investment in Durham, N.C.-based gene therapy play StrideBio Inc. marks the next phase in how the strategic investor plans to deploy its €150 million ($174 million) fund.
UCB Ventures makes its first direct investment
13 June 2018. UCB Ventures announces its first direct investment in the oversubscribed $15.7 million Series A Financing Round for StrideBio, Inc., …
UCB and investor syndicate led by Novo Seeds launch Syndesi Therapeutics to develop novel therapeutics for cognitive disorders
01 February 2018. We have recently announced the creation of Syndesi Therapeutic to further develop the research …
