In a significant strategic move, clinical-stage innovator OCT Holdings has rebranded as Octavian Therapeutics, marking a new chapter in its mission to revolutionize neuropathic pain treatment. The company simultaneously announced the appointment of Lord Mott as Non-Executive Chair and unveiled plans for a £10M fundraising initiative to accelerate its drug development programs.
Strategic Rebranding and Market Expansion
The rebranding reflects Octavian's sharpened focus on small molecule drug discovery targeting the endocannabinoid system. The company has established a strong foothold with its lead candidate, a patent-protected CB2 agonist, which has successfully completed Phase 1 single ascending dose studies. This compound shows promise for multiple indications, including diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
To strengthen its presence in the crucial North American market, Octavian has incorporated a U.S. subsidiary in Delaware and engaged Waterseid Partners Inc. for investor relations. This expansion comes as the company transitions to private ownership and positions itself for accelerated growth.
Leadership Transition and Governance
Lord Mott assumed the role of Non-Executive Chair on February 1, 2025, bringing extensive experience in biotech, AI, and digital communications. He succeeds Julie Pomeroy, who will continue serving as a Non-Executive Director and Audit Committee Chair.
"It's an honour to take on the role of Chair at such an exciting time in Octavian's journey," said Lord Mott. "Our lead asset targeting significant unmet needs in small fibre neuropathies is already in the clinic, with a strong pipeline following closely behind."
Ambitious Fundraising Initiative
The company's £10M fundraising campaign, scheduled for March 2025, aims to support several critical objectives:
- Advancement of OCT461201 through clinical trials for DPN, CIPN, and IBS
- Preparation and submission of an Investigational New Drug (IND) filing
- Development of commercial strategies for market entry
- Enhancement of AI-driven drug discovery capabilities
- Establishment of a clear path to commercialization through licensing or public listing
CEO Clarissa Sowemimo-Coker emphasized the significance of these developments: "Our new brand, upcoming fundraise, and strong leadership team send a clear signal to investors: Octavian is ready for the next phase of growth."
Research Pipeline and Market Potential
Octavian's portfolio includes four drug development programs and a library of over 2,000 new chemical entities, supported by 14 patent families. The lead compound, OCT461201, originally licensed from Askat Inc., targets a significant market opportunity, with the global DPN market alone valued at $2.9 billion.
The company's early-stage candidates in neuropathic pain and oncology continue to show promising results in initial studies. Their AI-driven drug discovery platform has demonstrated proof of concept, positioning the company for continued innovation in drug development.
Industry Engagement and Future Outlook
Octavian maintains an active presence in major healthcare and biotech conferences, having already participated in JP Morgan's 43rd Annual Healthcare Conference and the BIO CEO & Investor Conference in 2025. Upcoming engagements include BIO Europe Spring in Milan and BIO International in Boston, providing opportunities for investor engagement and industry networking.
Neil Mahapatra, Founder and Non-Executive Director, expressed confidence in the company's direction: "The combination of Lord Mott and Clarissa is highly potent. Investors will see not only a business well-placed to develop its valuable IP library of pharmaceutical assets but also a team with the experience to take Octavian to its next level of success."
