#Novo Holdings #Denmark #Copenhagen #Orbis Medicines #macrocycle drugs

Novo Holdings Invests in €90 Million Series A Round for Orbis Medicines

In an exciting move for the pharmaceutical sector, Novo Holdings has announced its participation in a €90 million Series A financing round for Orbis Medicines, focusing on the development of oral macrocycle drugs. This funding is a collaborative effort led by New Enterprise Associates (NEA) and includes contributions from various other investors such as Eli Lilly and Company and the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark.

Founded in 2021, Orbis Medicines aims to revolutionize oral macrocycle drug discovery and build on pioneering research conducted at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) by Professor Christian Heinis and Sevan Habeshian. Macrocycles are a diverse group of compounds known for their therapeutic properties, yet their development as oral drugs has often faced significant hurdles.

Morten Graugaard, a partner at Novo Holdings, has been appointed as the new CEO of Orbis Medicines, marking a significant shift after serving as Executive Chair of the Board for nearly three years. Graugaard’s leadership is expected to guide Orbis through its next phase of growth, harnessing the company's innovative technologies.

A New Approach to Drug Development

Orbis is focusing on its advanced nGen platform, which utilizes automated chemistry and machine learning to systematically explore the design of oral macrocycles, termed nCycles. This approach seeks to provide high-value, orally bioavailable alternatives to existing blockbuster biologics traditionally delivered via injection. Orbis Medicines emphasizes that oral formulations offer numerous advantages, including better dose control, convenience, and broader accessibility for patients.

João Ribas, Principal at Novo Holdings, noted the significance of this financing round, stating, "We are proud to have played an integral role in shaping the company from its earliest stages. The benefits of an oral format are crucial in expanding the drug's potential reach to a much larger patient population."

The partnership between Novo Holdings and Orbis Medicines reflects a shared vision for advancing patient health through innovative drug solutions. By focusing on major therapeutic areas validated by existing biologics, Orbis is strategically positioned to meet unmet medical needs through its cutting-edge technology.

Future Prospects

With the new funding, Orbis Medicines plans to advance its pipeline of nCycle candidates targeting established biological pathways, thereby maximizing value for both patients and healthcare providers. The potential of this initiative is evident, given that proof-of-concept work has already been published in prestigious journals such as Nature Communications and Nature Chemical Biology.

This funding round marks an important milestone for Orbis Medicines and emphasizes Novo Holdings' commitment to fostering innovation in the life sciences. As the company continues to navigate the complex landscape of drug development, it remains focused on improving patient care processes and outcomes through its pioneering drug development strategies.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Novo Holdings and Orbis Medicines represents a significant step forward in the pharmaceutical industry’s approach to drug formulation and patient accessibility. Both firms share a long-term vision for health improvement and sustainability, underscoring their role as key players in transforming healthcare solutions.