Serina Therapeutics has secured $10 million in equity financing from JuvVentures to propel its lead drug candidate, SER-252 (POZ-apomorphine), into Phase 1 clinical trials for advanced Parkinson's disease. The funding, structured as one million shares issued at $10 per share—a 120% premium to the November 26 closing price—underscores strong investor confidence in Serina's technology. The Phase 1 trial is slated to begin in the second half of 2025.
Financing Details and Strategic Implications
The $10 million investment will be disbursed in two tranches: $5 million received on November 27, 2024, and the remaining $5 million expected by January 31, 2025. This financial boost is intended to support the clinical development of SER-252, a novel formulation leveraging Serina's proprietary POZ Platform™ drug optimization technology. The substantial premium paid by investors reflects a strong belief in the potential of SER-252 to address unmet needs in Parkinson's disease treatment.
SER-252: A Novel Approach to Parkinson's Therapy
SER-252 is designed to provide continuous dopaminergic stimulation (CDS), which has shown promise in reducing levodopa-related motor complications such as dyskinesia. By maintaining stable dopamine levels, SER-252 aims to increase "on time" and reduce "off time" for patients with advanced Parkinson's disease. The therapy utilizes Enable Injections’ enFuse™ wearable drug delivery platform, offering convenient subcutaneous administration without skin reactions.
The POZ Platform: Enhancing Drug Delivery
Serina's POZ Platform™ is based on poly(2-oxazoline), a synthetic, water-soluble polymer that allows for precise control over drug loading and release rates. This technology is particularly valuable for drugs with narrow therapeutic windows, enabling more stable blood levels and potentially reducing toxicity and side effects. Serina believes that the POZ platform can improve the efficacy and safety profiles of various therapeutic modalities, including small molecules and RNA-based therapeutics.
Addressing Unmet Needs in Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting millions worldwide. Current treatments, primarily levodopa, can lead to motor complications over time, highlighting the need for therapies that provide more stable and continuous dopaminergic stimulation. SER-252 represents a promising approach to address these limitations and improve the quality of life for patients with advanced Parkinson's disease. The initiation of Phase 1 trials in H2 2025 will be a crucial step in evaluating the safety and efficacy of this novel therapy.
