Atavistik Bio’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

LucidQuest Strategic Insights (lqventures.com) >>> Gene&Cell Therapy >> Biomarin CEO JJ Bienaimé steps down and will be replaced by Genentech's Alexander Hardy: Alexander Hardy Feisty, stubborn Jean-Jacques Bienaimé is stepping down from the top post at BioMarin after an 18-year run with a string of highlights in 2023. And he’s handing the reins to his carefully-picked successor: Alexander Hardy, the CEO at industry stalwart Genentech. The change at the top — as the 70-year-old Bienaimé moves to an advisory role next year after exiting the C-suite Dec. 1 —  includes Richard Meier, an independent director who is moving into the role of chair of the board. “JJ” persevered through the doubts, hopes and dismay that greeted every new data reveal on the hemophilia A gene therapy Roctavian, while their widely hailed achondroplasia therapy Voxzogo is now helping drive the company’s revenue to an expected $2 billion this year. The company staff has grown from 300 to 3,000 over his run, built on the company’s base enzyme replacement foundation, with a global presence for one of the most prominent biotechs in the business. Bienaimé was careful to highlight his successor’s commercial chops in a statement announcing his retirement, noting that “Alexander brings an impressive track record of successfully commercializing new products for patients and prioritizing operational efficiency.” Hardy is leaving one of the most admired biotech companies in making the move. Roche successfully integrated the company into its Basel-based operation, leaving it as a ripe field for talent hunters at every level. There have been a handful of recent top-level changes at Roche. In late 2022, the company announced that Bill Anderson, head of the pharma division, was leaving for other opportunities — which turned out to be Bayer. The Roche pharma job went to insider Teresa Graham, after an interim stint by Thomas Schinecker. This was clearly not a last-minute maneuver. Meier observed that this news is all the result of “a multi-year succession planning process and a comprehensive search.” #lucidquest #genetherapy #celltherapy

So incredibly humbled and proud to be able to share what I've been working on for the last 9 months. Introducing Precede Biosciences! Thanks to all who have worked tirelessly to get us here - let's go! 5AM Ventures, Bristol Myers Squibb, Rehan Verjee, Geoff Otto, Corrie Painter, Juliann Chmielecki, PhD Matthew Eaton Adrian Li, Ph.D. Kristian Cibulskis, Kori Rahaim, Jessica Alfano Precede Biosciences is breaking down the barriers to #precisionmedicine by redefining what can be learned from a simple blood draw. By understanding the fundamental biology behind disease at any given moment, researchers and clinicians can better target medicines to the right patients in both drug development and clinical practice. Precede seeks to improve success rates for developers of new medicines and to be a part of building a future where every patient can receive a rapid, minimally invasive diagnosis and therapy that is precise to the biology of their disease.

@Veristat's comprehensive planning is the key to success for a biotech company's first Phase I trial. From lab to clinic, Veristat's roadmap to success is a testament to the importance of careful planning in clinical development. Take a closer look at this success story and learn the key takeaway: Planning is the foundation of success. Download the case study today > https://lnkd.in/gnz5K_7f Interested in learning more? Reach out! #CancerAntibody #Veristat

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

Gene&Cell Therapy >> Biomarin CEO JJ Bienaimé steps down and will be replaced by Genentech's Alexander Hardy: Alexander Hardy Feisty, stubborn Jean-Jacques Bienaimé is stepping down from the top post at BioMarin after an 18-year run with a string of highlights in 2023. And he’s handing the reins to his carefully-picked successor: Alexander Hardy, the CEO at industry stalwart Genentech. The change at the top — as the 70-year-old Bienaimé moves to an advisory role next year after exiting the C-suite Dec. 1 —  includes Richard Meier, an independent director who is moving into the role of chair of the board. “JJ” persevered through the doubts, hopes and dismay that greeted every new data reveal on the hemophilia A gene therapy Roctavian, while their widely hailed achondroplasia therapy Voxzogo is now helping drive the company’s revenue to an expected $2 billion this year. The company staff has grown from 300 to 3,000 over his run, built on the company’s base enzyme replacement foundation, with a global presence for one of the most prominent biotechs in the business. Bienaimé was careful to highlight his successor’s commercial chops in a statement announcing his retirement, noting that “Alexander brings an impressive track record of successfully commercializing new products for patients and prioritizing operational efficiency.” Hardy is leaving one of the most admired biotech companies in making the move. Roche successfully integrated the company into its Basel-based operation, leaving it as a ripe field for talent hunters at every level. There have been a handful of recent top-level changes at Roche. In late 2022, the company announced that Bill Anderson, head of the pharma division, was leaving for other opportunities — which turned out to be Bayer. The Roche pharma job went to insider Teresa Graham, after an interim stint by Thomas Schinecker. This was clearly not a last-minute maneuver. Meier observed that this news is all the result of “a multi-year succession planning process and a comprehensive search.” #lucidquest #genetherapy #celltherapy

As a digital first, platform agnostic, decentralised, ATMP dedicated CDMO this report is very reassuring for our innovative business #a-team #atmp #digitalfirst #cdmo

Gene&Cell Therapy >> Ideaya aims to raise $263M; Immuneel extends Series A with $12M: Plus, news about XyloCor, Pfizer, Evotech, Skyhawk Therapeutics, HepaRegeniX and Vyome: Ideaya Biosciences’ $263M public offering: The South San Francisco, CA-based biotech said Tuesday it will sell more than seven million shares at $35 apiece in addition to pre-funded warrants. The offering is expected to close Thursday. — Ayisha Sharma Immuneel Therapeutics raises $12M in Series A extension: The funds will be used to support the Indian CAR-T cell therapy company’s growth and expansion, according to an exclusive report by Entrackr, a news site that covers startups. Immuneel aims to bring cell and gene therapies for cancer to non-Western markets at a fraction of current prices. — Ayisha Sharma XyloCor licenses catheter device for heart drugs: The company will use the device to help develop “catheter-based endocardial delivery” of its heart gene therapy, called XC001. XyloCor gave SmartCella an undisclosed upfront payment and is on the hook for milestones that, if all are reached, could total $130 million. — Max Gelman Pfizer, Evotech partner on French R&D: The companies will initially focus on early discovery work for metabolic and infectious diseases, much of which will be carried out at Evotec’s sites in France, including Campus Curie in Toulouse. Evotec will get research funding from Pfizer and is eligible for milestones and royalties, although financial terms were not disclosed. — Ayisha Sharma Skyhawk Therapeutics’ Phase 1 Huntington’s data: The company said SKY-0515 induced an average 72% reduction of the mRNA for the huntingtin protein associated with the disease. The Phase 1 study assessed a 9 mg dose across two parts. Skyhawk tested multiple doses and said there was a dose response. The company plans to start a Phase 2 study early next year. — Max Gelman HepaRegeniX secures €15M in Series C: The proceeds are expected to help advance the company’s liver regeneration candidate into a Phase 2a test. The asset, dubbed HRX-215, is a small molecule inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase 4. The round was led by Vesalius Biocapital IV with support from existing investors Novo Holdings, Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund and High-Tech Gründerfonds. — Ayisha Sharma Vyome rides reverse merger to Nasdaq: The company will go public by merging with ReShape Lifesciences and changing the ticker to $HIND. In conjunction with the merger, Vyome secured a $7.3 million private placement. — Max Gelman #lucidquest #genetherapy #celltherapy

LucidQuest Strategic Insights (lqventures.com) >>> Gene&Cell Therapy >> Ideaya aims to raise $263M; Immuneel extends Series A with $12M: Plus, news about XyloCor, Pfizer, Evotech, Skyhawk Therapeutics, HepaRegeniX and Vyome: Ideaya Biosciences’ $263M public offering: The South San Francisco, CA-based biotech said Tuesday it will sell more than seven million shares at $35 apiece in addition to pre-funded warrants. The offering is expected to close Thursday. — Ayisha Sharma Immuneel Therapeutics raises $12M in Series A extension: The funds will be used to support the Indian CAR-T cell therapy company’s growth and expansion, according to an exclusive report by Entrackr, a news site that covers startups. Immuneel aims to bring cell and gene therapies for cancer to non-Western markets at a fraction of current prices. — Ayisha Sharma XyloCor licenses catheter device for heart drugs: The company will use the device to help develop “catheter-based endocardial delivery” of its heart gene therapy, called XC001. XyloCor gave SmartCella an undisclosed upfront payment and is on the hook for milestones that, if all are reached, could total $130 million. — Max Gelman Pfizer, Evotech partner on French R&D: The companies will initially focus on early discovery work for metabolic and infectious diseases, much of which will be carried out at Evotec’s sites in France, including Campus Curie in Toulouse. Evotec will get research funding from Pfizer and is eligible for milestones and royalties, although financial terms were not disclosed. — Ayisha Sharma Skyhawk Therapeutics’ Phase 1 Huntington’s data: The company said SKY-0515 induced an average 72% reduction of the mRNA for the huntingtin protein associated with the disease. The Phase 1 study assessed a 9 mg dose across two parts. Skyhawk tested multiple doses and said there was a dose response. The company plans to start a Phase 2 study early next year. — Max Gelman HepaRegeniX secures €15M in Series C: The proceeds are expected to help advance the company’s liver regeneration candidate into a Phase 2a test. The asset, dubbed HRX-215, is a small molecule inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase 4. The round was led by Vesalius Biocapital IV with support from existing investors Novo Holdings, Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund and High-Tech Gründerfonds. — Ayisha Sharma Vyome rides reverse merger to Nasdaq: The company will go public by merging with ReShape Lifesciences and changing the ticker to $HIND. In conjunction with the merger, Vyome secured a $7.3 million private placement. — Max Gelman #lucidquest #genetherapy #celltherapy

Gene&Cell Therapy >> Tracking the progress of the past Endpoints 11 honorees: When annually proclaiming which startups are poised to become the next big thing in biotech, you ought to track their progress every so often. In the past five years, Endpoints News has profiled 44 private biotech startups exhibiting the hallmarks of great potential — scientific rigor, leadership gusto, deep pockets, ambition to take on what others haven’t or a fresh take on the industry. So, in advance of announcing another batch of honorees this week, it’s time to reflect on the status of previous Endpoints 11 winners. (And sorry, Class of 2019, for neglecting to select any companies from your year.) Half a decade is a short time in drug development, but as the Covid-19 pandemic taught everyone, a lot can happen in five years. And for the startups Endpoints includes on our lists, those early years typically inform the direction they’ll take, whether that’s clinically, financially or commercially. First, a quick refresher on what’s transpired since the first Endpoints 11 winners were named in 2018. There was a pandemic that sent industry on a high-speed development train. IPOs surged and then almost as quickly ran into a brick wall. There have been layoffs here, there and everywhere; hundreds of drug approvals; legislation that industry says will stifle innovation; and a renaissance for Alzheimer’s, obesity and vaccine work, to name a few. Previous Endpoints 11 winners are a microcosm of the broader biotech landscape. An analysis of the four prior lists shows: * We’ve placed a heavy emphasis on oncology, with 28 of 44 companies exploring therapeutics for cancers, including blood diseases. That’s in line with how much of a priority oncology has been in R&D budgets. * About one-third of the biotechs expressed ambitions or have entered the neuro field. * We didn’t predict the surge in inflammation and immunology (I&I) interest from recent quarters, with only four of 44 companies clearly laying out plans in autoimmune conditions or the wider I&I space. * Similar to the industry’s pullback in infectious diseases (prior to Covid-19 and which is happening again), we selected only five biotechs with their sights in this area. * Even during the first year of the pandemic, we didn’t highlight any infectious disease startups for the 2020 cohort. Perhaps we sought a distraction. Looking beyond disease areas and into the health of these companies, most are still young and figuring out their paths. Only two have entered the graveyard to date, part of the 2023 doldrums for many private biotech startups. The abrupt shuttering of Tessa Therapeutics served a blow to the seeds for a biotech hub in Singapore, and Codiak’s bankruptcy dissolved high hopes for exosome-based therapies. Three make approved products, with each… #lucidquest #genetherapy #celltherapy