EpilepsyGTx announces a $10M fundraise to complete the CTA-enabling nonclinical package for lead program EPY201
24 Junio 2024 - 8:05AM
Business Wire
EpilepsyGTx, a biotechnology company focused on research and
development of cutting-edge gene therapies to treat focal
refractory epilepsy, today announced it has raised a total of $10
million in seed funding. The financing was led by the UCL
Technology Fund, with participation from Health Technology
Holding.
The funds raised will be used to complete the preclinical
studies for EpilepsyGTx’ lead gene therapy program EPY201, and to
prepare a groundbreaking first-in-human, Phase 1/2a clinical study
with EPY201 in focal refractory epilepsy.
"This funding is a clear vote of confidence from our investors
in our vision, the world-class science of the UCL Queen Square
Institute of Neurology, and the transformative potential of EPY201
in focal refractory epilepsy. Our mission is to make patients with
focal refractory epilepsy seizure-free," said Nicolas
Koebel, chief executive officer.
Simon Goldman, Partner at AlbionVC, manager of the UCL
Technology Fund and EpilepsyGTx Board member, added, “EpilepsyGTx
has an objectively world-leading pipeline of genetic therapies for
a common and damaging neurological disorder with few treatment
options, developed by a globally-renowned clinical, scientific and
translational team at the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology.
We are enormously pleased to have Nicolas Koebel on board as CEO,
with a track record of building exceptional global biotech
companies from inception to commercial launch. We are excited that
this industry-leading team now has the opportunity to translate
medicines that have the potential to change the lives of patients
with epilepsy and other CNS disorders.”
EpilepsyGTx is a spinout company set up with the support of
UCL’s commercialisation company UCL Business Ltd (UCLB).
Caitriona O’Rourke, UCLB’s Business Manager for EpilepsyGTx
commented: “We have been delighted to support Nicolas and his team
on their commercialisation journey, and it’s terrific to see them
reach this major funding milestone. We are excited by the
commercial potential of this technology and its possible
contribution to improve the lives of people with focal refractory
epilepsy.”
Michele Gaiotto, Managing Director at Health Technology
Holding, stated, “We were highly impressed by the scientific
strategy of the company and the credentials of the leadership team.
The targeted, highly localized delivery of gene therapy is the
right solution to treat focal refractory epilepsy, and is poised to
make an enormous difference in the lives of millions of
patients.”
About EpilepsyGTx
At EpilepsyGTx our mission is to make patients with focal
refractory epilepsy seizure-free. We are developing a portfolio of
cutting-edge gene therapies which are based on pioneering research
from the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology. For more
information, please visit: www.epilepsygtx.com
About focal refractory epilepsy
Focal epilepsy describes a group of disorders in which patients
experience seizures that arise from a specific part of the brain.
If seizures persist despite trials of at least two tolerated and
appropriately chosen antiseizure medicines, epilepsy is deemed
refractory. Focal refractory epilepsy (or FRE) affects an estimated
2 million prevalent patients in the United States, the United
Kingdom and the European Union, combined.
About EPY201
EPY201 is an investigational gene therapy targeting focal
refractory epilepsy. EPY201 or AAV9-CAMK2A-EKC uses an AAV9 capsid,
an engineered Kv1.1 potassium channel (or “EKC”) and a CAMK2A
promoter. EPY201 is delivered directly to the target seizure focus
(that is, the part of the brain causing seizures) by
intraparenchymal administration.
About UCL Technology Fund
The UCL Technology Fund exists to help solve the world’s most
pressing problems: healthy planet, healthy people and healthy work.
It helps UCL innovators across the Physical and Life Sciences scale
globally. The Fund supports UCL in achieving the full potential of
innovations that have prospects for outstanding societal and market
impact, right through the development journey from initial proof of
concept to practical commercial application. The Fund is managed by
AlbionVC in collaboration with UCL Business. For further
information please visit: www.ucltf.co.uk
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For enquiries, please contact: communications@epilepsygtx.com
Phone: +44 7717 801 246