London — EpilepsyGTx has secured $33 million in a Series A financing round to support first-in-human Phase 1/2a clinical trials of its lead candidate, EPY201, a gene therapy being developed for focal refractory epilepsy (FRE). Investors in the round include XGEN Venture, the British Business Bank, and a global biopharmaceutical company.
The funding will enable the company to begin clinical testing aimed at establishing the safety and efficacy of EPY201 in a broad population of patients with FRE. EPY201 is an adeno-associated viral (AAV) gene therapy engineered to reduce neuronal hyperexcitability. It is administered directly to the epileptogenic focus, a localized delivery approach intended to avoid complications associated with systemic administration. The therapy is designed to offer patients the possibility of seizure freedom through a single procedure, without the need for tissue resection or ablation and without long-term reliance on multiple antiseizure medications.
EpilepsyGTx also plans to use future financings to expand its pipeline of gene therapies targeting refractory epilepsy and other disorders characterized by neuronal hyperexcitability.
Focal epilepsy encompasses a group of neurological disorders in which seizures originate from a specific region of the brain. When seizures persist despite trials of at least two appropriate and tolerated antiseizure medications, the condition is classified as refractory. FRE affects an estimated 10 million patients globally, including roughly 2 million across the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union. EPY201 is intended to offer patients a single-intervention option with the potential to eliminate seizures and significantly improve survival and quality of life.
“Refractory epilepsy is a devastating condition causing unpredictable and life-threatening seizures, and affecting millions of patients worldwide. Our novel gene therapy EPY201 delivered directly to the seizure focus has the potential to stop seizures with a single, minimally invasive administration. In doing so, it will change the way refractory epilepsy has been treated for decades. We are proud to have the support of such high calibre investors as we progress into clinical trials,” said Nicolas Koebel, Chief Executive Officer of EpilepsyGTx.
Federica Draghi, Managing Partner of XGEN Venture, said, “EpilepsyGTx is pioneering a novel, locally administered gene therapy approach designed to achieve targeted modulation of epileptogenic brain regions. We believe that localized gene delivery offers a powerful avenue for durable and disease-modifying interventions in severe neurological disorders and are excited to support the company as EPY201 progresses toward clinical evaluation.”
EpilepsyGTx previously raised $10 million in pre-seed and seed funding led by the UCL Technology Fund, managed by AlbionVC in collaboration with UCL Business, with participation from Zcube, the venture arm of Zambon.
Taylor Wessing LLP served as legal advisor to EpilepsyGTx, A&O Shearman advised XGEN Venture, and Panmure Liberum Cambridge Capital acted as financial advisor.
