#United States #Worcester #Neurodegenerative #Leal Therapeutics #Neuropsychiatric

Leal Therapeutics Gains Momentum with $30 Million Series A Funding

Leal Therapeutics, Inc., a leading biotechnology firm based in Worcester, Massachusetts, has successfully secured a $30 million Series A funding round, primarily aimed at advancing their groundbreaking therapies targeting central nervous system (CNS) disorders. This funding was notably led by the Dementia Discovery Fund (DDF) from SV Health Investors and supported by several established investors including OrbiMed, Newpath Partners, and Chugai Venture Fund.

The primary focus of Leal Therapeutics lies in addressing metabolic imbalances within the brain, which are considered essential for effective treatments for neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric conditions. The biotech's lead candidate, LTX-001, is an innovative small molecule designed to tackle excessive glutamate levels by inhibiting the mitochondrial enzyme glutaminase. This drug is intended for patients experiencing severe conditions such as schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Initial clinical studies have shown promising results that affirm LTX-001's safety and efficacy, marking a significant step in the development of this transformative therapy. Additionally, the company is progressing its second candidate, LTX-002, an antisense oligonucleotide specifically targeting patients with genetic or sporadic ALS. By inhibiting the rate-limiting enzyme SPT, LTX-002 aims to modulate the synthesis of ceramides and sphingolipids, which have been implicated in various neurodegenerative disorders.

In line with their innovative ethos, Leal is also advancing LTX-007, another small molecule designed to inhibit SPT, potentially benefiting patients with Alzheimer's disease and inherited sphingolipidoses. Alongside these initiatives, the company is exploring next-generation technologies for improved delivery of nucleic acid therapies across the blood-brain barrier (BBB), utilizing antibody-like shuttles to enhance therapeutic efficacy.

With this latest round of financing, Leal Therapeutics is set to progress not only LTX-001 through clinical trials focused on schizophrenia but also utilize funds to further acquire data for LTX-002 in ALS. Asa Abeliovich, M.D., Ph.D., the founder and CEO of Leal Therapeutics, expressed gratitude towards the investors for their confidence in the company's mission to develop first-in-class neuro-metabolic therapies, stating, “This financing facilitates our continuous progress in addressing the significant unmet needs of patients suffering from CNS disorders.”

Moreover, as part of the funding arrangement, Dr. Christian Jung from SV Health Investors has joined Leal's board of directors. He asserts optimism regarding Leal's strategic direction, affirming that the company is well-positioned to innovate in therapies addressing complex CNS disorders. Dr. Jung remarked, “Leal's portfolio represents a fresh and uniquely qualified approach in the treatment landscape of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases.”

Leal Therapeutics, founded in 2021, stands as a beacon of hope for patients facing serious CNS disorders, leveraging advanced scientific findings tied to human genetics, biomarker analyses, and state-of-the-art therapeutic technology. Their commitment to transforming the landscape of CNS therapy not only provides hope to millions worldwide but also showcases the potential of biotechnological advancements in addressing pressing medical challenges.

The success marked by this funding round highlights the increasing emphasis on innovative therapeutic solutions and reflects a growing investment landscape dedicated to addressing significant health challenges, particularly in neurodegenerative conditions.

For further information about Leal Therapeutics and its pioneering approach to treating CNS disorders, visit Leal Therapeutics.