Pfizer invests in a Swiss biotech start-up
Anjarium Biosciences raises CHF 55.5M Series A financing to develop next-generation non-viral gene therapies
Anjarium Biosciences AG, a biotech start-up focused on creating and delivering a new class of non-viral gene therapies announced the closing of a CHF55.5M ($61M) Series A financing. The round was co-led by Abingworth and Gimv, with significant participation from Omega Funds, Pfizer Ventures and Surveyor Capital (a Citadel company).
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Anjarium’s innovative approach leverages breakthrough science and expertise at the interface of genetic medicine, synthetic biology and nanoparticle engineering to rationally design and produce tissue-targeted gene therapies, optimized to improve patient outcomes in a range of serious genetic diseases.
The Company’s unique platform combines proprietary DNA-based gene vectors, natural and synthetic nanoparticle delivery modalities – including its novel HybridosomeTM technology – and cost-efficient, scalable manufacturing solutions.
Through this approach Anjarium has the potential to deliver more predictable, lasting, and inclusionary ways to tackle genetic disease throughout a patient’s lifetime. Further, this new class of gene therapy provides the opportunity to address key shortcomings of current viral gene therapy development by creating medicines with reduced immunogenicity, increased drug payload capacity, enhanced targeted delivery, and individualized multiple dosing.
The proceeds from the Series A financing will enable Anjarium to expand its team, advance its ground-breaking platform and progress several therapeutic pipeline programs towards clinical development.
“As the limitations of conventional viral-vector based gene therapies to deliver optimal patient outcomes become increasingly evident, a fully non-viral approach represents an exciting new therapeutic opportunity,” said Joël de Beer, Founder and CSO of Anjarium Biosciences. “Backed by this syndicate of leading investors, the Anjarium team is looking forward to continuing to create and deliver solutions for patients beyond what current gene therapy platforms can address, tackling more diseases, more precisely and in a more personalized way.”
Bali Muralidhar, Managing Partner at Abingworth, said: “Advanced therapies such as non- viral gene therapies have the potential to provide lifetime benefits to patients with genetic diseases. Anjarium has an exciting and versatile technology that presents a broad opportunity to enhance and extend the reach of gene therapy. We look forward to supporting the team to develop its technology and translate its innovative science into life- changing products.”
Bram Vanparys, Partner at Gimv, added: “We are very excited to support Anjarium as its groundbreaking science, platform and manufacturing setup holds very high potential to change the way we approach gene therapy today – with the possibility to deliver products with much better outcomes and durability.”
In conjunction with Anjarium’s Series A financing, Dr. Bali Muralidhar of Abingworth, Dr. Bram Vanparys of Gimv and Dr. Dina Chaya of Omega Funds will join the company's Board of Directors.
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Topic world Gene therapy
Genetic diseases once considered untreatable are now at the center of innovative therapeutic approaches. Research and development of gene therapies in biotech and pharma aim to directly correct or replace defective or missing genes to combat disease at the molecular level. This revolutionary approach promises not only to treat symptoms, but to eliminate the cause of the disease itself.
Topic world Gene therapy
Genetic diseases once considered untreatable are now at the center of innovative therapeutic approaches. Research and development of gene therapies in biotech and pharma aim to directly correct or replace defective or missing genes to combat disease at the molecular level. This revolutionary approach promises not only to treat symptoms, but to eliminate the cause of the disease itself.
