Gesynta Pharma Advances Non-Hormonal Endometriosis Treatment with $29M Funding
Swedish biotech company Gesynta Pharma has successfully raised SEK 304 million ($29 million) in a Series B funding round. This financial boost is earmarked for the advancement of vipoglanstat, a novel non-hormonal treatment for endometriosis, into a Phase II clinical trial. The funding round was led by Innovestor Life Science, with contributions from both existing and new investors, including Hadean Ventures, Industrifonden, Linc, Foreground Capital, Catalyze Capital, Stephen Industries, and Amboy Street Ventures.
Targeting Endometriosis with Vipoglanstat
Vipoglanstat targets mPGES-1, an enzyme that is upregulated in endometriotic lesions and plays a crucial role in both pain and lesion progression. The upcoming Phase II trial, set to take place in Europe, will involve approximately 190 patients over a four-month period. The study aims to evaluate the efficacy of two dose levels of vipoglanstat against a placebo, focusing on its ability to reduce pain and halt the progression of endometriotic lesions.
A Breakthrough in Endometriosis Treatment
Endometriosis is a debilitating condition that affects an estimated 190 million women globally, with current treatments often falling short in terms of efficacy and tolerability. The development of vipoglanstat represents a significant breakthrough in the search for non-hormonal treatment options. Professor Linda Giudice, MD, PhD, from the University of California, San Francisco, highlighted the importance of this advancement, stating, "Groundbreaking research revealing the central role of inflammation in the disease has opened promising new therapeutic pathways, bringing us closer to efficacious treatments without the side effects associated with current hormone-based therapies."
Looking Ahead
With the newly secured funding, Gesynta Pharma is poised to advance vipoglanstat towards being Phase III-ready. Patric Stenberg, CEO of Gesynta Pharma, expressed optimism about the future, stating, "This SEK 304 million funding round marks a pivotal milestone for Gesynta Pharma, demonstrating strong international investor confidence in our approach to treating endometriosis. With these funds, we will advance vipoglanstat towards being Phase III-ready, aiming to provide patients with a disease-modifying treatment option that overcomes the efficacy and tolerability limitations of current therapies."
Preclinical studies of vipoglanstat have shown promising results, with the drug demonstrating a marked reduction in both endometriotic lesions and associated pain. As the Phase II trial progresses, the medical community eagerly anticipates the potential of vipoglanstat to offer a new, effective treatment option for the millions of women suffering from endometriosis worldwide.
