#USA #Stockholm #EQT Life Sciences #Alzheimer's therapy #Exciva

EQT Life Sciences Leads Exciva's Series B Round for Alzheimer's Therapy

EQT Life Sciences has officially announced its pivotal role in co-leading a substantial funding round of €51 million in Exciva, a biopharmaceutical company focused on tackling behavioral symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). This funding, which is part of the company's Series B financing, is set to support Exciva's upcoming Phase 2 clinical trial for its promising therapeutic candidate, Deraphan.

Alzheimer's disease, a condition that affects millions globally, often leads to severe neuropsychiatric symptoms such as agitation. Current treatments often fall short, with many options limited by significant side effects, inconsistent results, or even boxed warnings. This gap in effective treatments emphasizes the need for innovative solutions in Alzheimer's care, especially as the global population ages rapidly and more individuals face the challenges posed by this degenerative disease.

The Series B financing was co-led by EQT Life Sciences from its LSP Dementia Fund, alongside other investors such as Gimv, Fountain Healthcare Partners, LifeArc, Carma Fund, and Modi Ventures. Notably, returning investors like Andera Partners and LBBW also contributed to this financing round, underscoring a collective belief in Exciva's potential and the significance of this milestone.

Why Deraphan?

Deraphan, Exciva's lead candidate, is particularly noteworthy as it merges two already validated clinical compounds and includes one new chemical entity. Early-phase studies have shown that it possesses promising safety and tolerability. The ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial will take place across Europe, the United States, and Canada, marking a significant step in the drug development process.

François Conquet, the CEO of Exciva, expressed enthusiasm over securing this funding, stating, "We are delighted that we could attract funding from both new and existing investors, supporting our belief that our compound is promising. If the results of the Phase 2 trials are positive, it would be a significant milestone in symptomatic treatment options for patients with AD."

Philippe Scheltens, MD, PhD, a partner at EQT Life Sciences, highlighted the potential impact of this investment, emphasizing that it signifies an opportunity to introduce exciting innovation to a therapeutic area that desperately requires it. He added, "This investment illustrates the potential of Exciva to bring exciting innovation to a therapeutic area where Alzheimer's patients have limited or no treatment options. We are delighted to co-lead this financing to help realize Exciva's potential, which stands out for both the quality of its science and the expertise of its team. We look forward to bringing this innovation to patients."

As part of this strategic move, EQT Life Sciences will also be represented on Exciva's board by Philip Scheltens as a director and Juliette Lee as an observer, promising a collaborative approach to the company’s ambitious project.

This significant funding round is not just a financial maneuver; it signals a call to action in the ongoing battle against Alzheimer’s disease, highlighting the urgency for developed treatments that improve the quality of life for patients and reduce the burden on caregivers. The forthcoming Phase 2 trial will be a crucial indicator not only of Deraphan's potential but also for the future landscape of Alzheimer's management.

In conclusion, as we await the outcomes of the ongoing trials, it’s clear that investments like these are pivotal in advancing vital research that could ultimately offer hope to millions impacted by Alzheimer's disease. With committed partners and a strong foundation, Exciva is poised to make a meaningful impact in this challenging field of medicine.