Forbion’s Post

Forbion announces that is has led a $65 million Series A financing of Progentos Therapeutics, a new biotech company focusing on treating degenerative diseases, with a lead program in multiple sclerosis. Forbion led the financing and is joined by Alta Partners, Mission BioCapital, Longwood Fund, and Dolby Family Ventures. Our own Dr. Dmitrij Hristodorov, General Partner, and Marc-Olivier Turgeon, Senior Associate, will join the Progentos Board of Directors. Progentos is tackling the critical unmet need for functional restoration in #CNS #diseases. Their lead program features a first-in-class small molecule to induce oligodendrocyte differentiation and remyelination of axons in MS. Read more in the link that follows: https://lnkd.in/eBfZSfen #lifesciences #venturecapital #biotech #forbion #seriesA

More #Biotech news today in the neuropsychiatry space: a new company, Neurosterix, emerging with an impressive portfolio of allosteric modulators for certain neurological conditions. Their leading asset is reported to be a selective muscarinic M4 PAM (Positive Allosteric Modulator), in the preclinical stage, as a potential treatment for Schizophrenia. Strategic Landscape Insights: The wave of these relatively newer MOAs to treat Schizophrenia may differentiate, but others (Cerevel Therapeutics; Karuna Therapeutics/ now Bristol Myers Squibb) also have their treatment candidates in play. For certain 'underserved' neuro-conditions, unmet needs exist. The MOA of these allosteric modulators is described as "binding to target receptors outside of active sites, where the natural ligand and traditional drugs operate." This non-competing mechanism allows for "greater selectivity and more precision over the control of biological pathways, potentially delivering improved efficacy and safety." #Biotech #Innovation #Neuropsychiatry #Neuroscience #Healthcare Quotes on MOA from Yahoo Finance via Addex Therapeutics news release.

Meet our founders! 1cBio was founded in 2022 by Jit Chakravarty, Sunny Chen, and Son Pham. Their collaborative journey began almost a decade ago at Medivation, where Jit played a key role in the development and approval of XTANDI® (enzalutamide), while Sunny was part of the team that helped develop TALZENNA®️ (talazoparib). SPARCBIO emerged following Pfizer’s acquisition of Medivation, and as co-workers evolved into first-time entrepreneurs, they fostered a collective synergy in their ability to transform inventions into innovations and build companies with sustainable portfolios. Through countless late-night conference calls, working dinners, and long flights, Jit, Sunny, Son, and their dedicated team developed and supported five unique small-molecule programs. Their efforts resulted in four clinical candidates between 2016 and 2022. In 2019, SPARCBIO's assets were sold in a transaction involving cash and stock, laying the foundation for a new public company (NYSE: NUVB). With an amalgamation of experiences, both personal and professional, the team at 1cBio is driven by their common desire to positively impact patients' lives. These efforts continue to propel the company forward as a clinical-stage enterprise. To learn more visit: www.1cbio.com #FoundingStory #1cBio #Our1cause #DrugDiscovery #DrugDevelopment #BioPharma #Oncology #RareDisease #HPP

It's clear that the Annual Meeting is more than just a conference; it's a catalyst for sparking ideas, forming relationships, and advancing progress. As Joe Lewcock, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of Denali Therapeutics, eloquently expressed, "I can see it's been incredibly impactful to be involved, not just through the consortia... but through the relationships we've built at this meeting." Together, we're driving groundbreaking advancements in ALS research. #ALSResearch #EveryoneLives #ALS #EndALS #ALSAwarenessMonth

A big day at Juvena Therapeutics, as their lead candidate, JUV-161, has received positive FDA feedback and Orphan Disease Designation (ODD) for the treatment of Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (DM1). This is a major win for the broader ecosystem as an example of how founder-led biotech can truly change how we think of addressing unmet medical needs. As an early investor, I take immense pride in the team's dedicated efforts over the course of five and a half years, involving hard work and determination, to establish a world-class, fully integrated platform for the discovery and development of biologics. Their unique approach to repairing and restoring muscle health with a biologic that enhances muscle regeneration, metabolism, and function, countering the effects of aging and degenerative disease. Congrats Hanadie Yousef, Jeremy O'Connell, Neil Berkley, Mo Tabrizi, all the scientists, biologists, engineers, rest of the team, other investors, and the many partners who have believed in this group. Big things ahead!!! 🚀 Link to the announcement: https://lnkd.in/gvRTC2NS #biotech #venturecapital #founderled #healthcare #MyotonicDystrophy #RareDisease #unmetmedicalneed #healthspan #sarcopenia

If you or anyone you know is looking for some lab space to jumpstart your research, please reach out! ABI Lab is the place to be ✨ If you don’t believe me, check out this most recent news letter by MetroWest Daily News!

Today on the Business of Biotech, molecular biologist-turned-Chief Business Officer Neela Patel and academic-turned-founder of newly-formed Bonum Therapeutics John Mulligan, Ph.D. pull back the curtain on Bonum's transition from its predecessor, Good Therapeutics, Inc., which was fueled by a high-profile asset sale to Roche. Listen in as Neela and John share how the deal got done, how Good turned to Bonum, and where the company's taking its platform next. Listen and subscribe here: https://lnkd.in/edtyEWsF

Can it be Done? Making Life Sciences Start-up Transactions Easier and Faster Workshop at #LESAM23!   Get the latest template agreement that could speed up negotiations between universities and investors in this informative workshop. Speakers: Katharine Ku (Wilson Sonsini), Rick Brandon (University of Michigan), Galya Blachman (Enliven Therapeutics), Miranda Biven (Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati)

Reflecting on a successful first day at the 42nd JPM Healthcare Conference with GenScript, GenScript ProBio, and Legend Biotech!   Ying Huang, CEO of Legend Biotech, shared the positive strides and future outlook of Legend Biotech's cell therapy research and development pipeline.   Looking ahead to day two, Li Chen, CEO of GenScript Probio, will present on January 10, exploring Probio's strengths in drug discovery and the CDMO field.   We will also host the GenScript Biotech Global Forum 2024, bringing together leaders from academia, regulatory agencies, enterprises, and the capital market to explore the future development of these therapies and build a platform for mutual exchange and cooperation.   Stay tuned for updates as we navigate the forefront of biotech innovation at the JPM Healthcare Conference!   Find more details here: https://lnkd.in/eVuenHDT #biotechnology #lifesciences #genetherapy #celltherapy #biotechindustry #GSforum2024

🏥 Akiram Therapeutics: The transition from lab to market We are happy to see Akiram Therapeutics, one of our portfolio companies, featured in Life Science Sweden. The article explores the significant journey undertaken by Marika Nestor, CEO at Akiram, along with her team, who navigated the path from academia at Uppsala University to an established biotech company. This transition, which involved translating research into a viable commercial entity, underscores the challenges and triumphs of moving from lab bench to patient bedside. With Akiram, we see the critical steps of securing funding and navigating patent landscapes to produce novel treatments for clinical trials. Find the full feature (in Swedish) here: https://lnkd.in/dYtCZqtw At Sciety, this is what we do. We invest in life science and health tech companies like Akiram, that have the potential to make a real difference in people's lives. We are a long-term partner supporting the growth of our portfolio companies, whether it be through introductions to potential customers, partners and team members, or operational and strategic advice. Want to learn more about how we work and what we invest in? Visit our website: https://lnkd.in/dQMctGqm #Sciety #VentureCapital #LifeScience