Paris-based biotechnology company EG 427 has successfully secured €27 million in Series B financing to advance its innovative gene therapy program targeting neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) in spinal cord injury patients. The funding round was led by Andera Partners and Bpifrance, with participation from SCI Ventures, several spinal cord injury foundations, and existing investors.
Novel Gene Therapy Approach for Bladder Dysfunction
The company's lead candidate, EG110A, represents a breakthrough approach in treating NDO, a common urinary bladder dysfunction affecting patients with spinal cord injuries and other neurodegenerative conditions. The therapy employs a non-replicating HSV-1 vector designed to selectively silence signals from key bladder sensory neurons responsible for bladder muscle overactivity, while preserving normal voiding function.
Promising Preclinical Results
Preclinical studies have yielded encouraging results for EG110A. In overactive bladder models, the therapy demonstrated efficacy comparable to the current standard treatment, botulinum toxin A, but with a notably improved safety profile. Significantly, EG110A did not increase post-void residual urine volume, a common adverse effect associated with botulinum toxin A treatment. Long-term studies have shown persistent transgene expression in dorsal root ganglia lasting at least six months in animal models.
Advancing to Clinical Trials
The Series B funding will primarily support Phase Ib/IIa clinical trials of EG110A, marking the first human study of this type of vector for sensory neuron-based diseases. The trials will be conducted across four study sites in the United States, focusing on adult patients who have experienced spinal cord injury at least 12 months prior to treatment. The study will track safety and efficacy indicators for an initial 12-month period, with responding patients offered the opportunity to participate in a 5-year follow-up observational study.
Proprietary Platform Technology
Beyond the lead program, EG 427 plans to allocate resources to advance its earlier-stage pipeline based on the proprietary HERMES vector technology platform. This platform specializes in delivering large DNA pieces to specific neurons of the peripheral and autonomous nerve systems. According to Benoît Barteau, Investment Director at Bpifrance's InnoBio funds, the platform's non-replicating HSV-1 vector offers a potential cost advantage over commonly used AAV-based vectors, suggesting improved commercial viability for future therapies.
