Accropeutics Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel therapeutics targeting molecular mechanisms of regulated cell death for immune-mediated diseases, has successfully closed a $12 million Series B Plus financing round, the company announced today.
The funding round was led by existing investor Shenzhen Capital Group (SCGC), with participation from another existing investor, Morningside Ventures, alongside new investors Leader Venture Investment (SZTI) and Hefei Sci-Tec Venture Capital (HFST). This latest investment extends the company's cash runway into the second half of 2026.
Advancing Clinical Programs for Immune-Inflammatory Diseases
The proceeds will primarily support the generation of additional clinical data for AC-101, Accropeutics' RIPK2 inhibitor currently in an ongoing Phase Ib clinical trial for patients with Ulcerative Colitis (UC). This program represents one of several clinical-stage assets in the company's growing portfolio of therapeutics targeting immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.
Dr. Xiaohu (Jason) Zhang, Co-founder and CEO of Accropeutics, emphasized the significance of this funding: "With this round of financing, we are able to continue advancing our lead programs and solidify our position as an innovative, multi-program, clinical-stage biotech company. I am grateful to our existing and new investors, who share our vision that we can transform the treatment landscape for a wide range of I&I diseases with potentially best-in-class therapies."
Robust Pipeline Targeting Regulated Cell Death Mechanisms
Beyond AC-101, Accropeutics is advancing several other promising candidates through clinical development:
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AC-201, a selective TYK2/JAK1 inhibitor, has completed Phase I studies in Australia and China and is currently in a Phase II trial for patients with moderate-to-severe Psoriasis in China, with plans for additional indications.
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AC-003, a RIPK1 inhibitor, has completed Phase I clinical trials in China and the United States as of August 2023 and is currently in a Phase Ib trial for patients with acute Graft-versus-Host Disease (aGvHD).
The company also maintains multiple preclinical assets targeting immune and inflammatory conditions, positioning Accropeutics as an emerging leader in novel therapeutic approaches for these disease areas.
Innovative Approach to Immune-Mediated Diseases
Accropeutics' scientific approach focuses on targeting molecular mechanisms of regulated cell death, which play crucial roles in immune system function and inflammatory processes. By developing compounds that modulate these pathways, the company aims to address the underlying causes of various immune-mediated diseases rather than merely treating symptoms.
This strategy could potentially offer significant advantages over existing therapies for conditions like Ulcerative Colitis and Psoriasis, which affect millions of patients worldwide and often lack treatments that provide durable remission without significant side effects.
Global Intellectual Property Position
The company owns global rights for all of its assets and has established a strong intellectual property portfolio with 23 issued patents across major markets including China, Japan, Korea, the United States, and the European Union.
This robust patent protection, combined with the company's innovative pipeline and recent financial backing, positions Accropeutics to potentially make significant contributions to the treatment landscape for immune-mediated inflammatory diseases in the coming years.
As the company advances its clinical programs, healthcare professionals and patients alike will be watching closely to see if these novel therapeutic approaches can deliver on their promise of transforming treatment options for challenging immune and inflammatory conditions.
