Latest news with #SofinnovaPartners
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
HAYA Therapeutics Raises $65 Million in Series A Funding to Deliver Precision RNA-Guided Medicines for Chronic and Age-Related Diseases
Series A round led by Sofinnova Partners and Earlybird Venture Capital with syndicate including Eli Lilly and Company Funds to advance clinical development of heart failure lead candidate and expand platform targeting the regulatory genome LAUSANNE, Switzerland & SAN DIEGO, May 08, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--HAYA Therapeutics, SA, a biotechnology company pioneering precision RNA-guided regulatory genome targeting therapeutics that reprogram disease-driving cell states for rare, common, chronic and age-related diseases, announced that the company has raised $65 million in Series A funding. The financing will accelerate the clinical development of HAYA's lead long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) targeting candidate HTX-001 in heart failure and the continued expansion of its RNA-guided regulatory genome pipeline development engine. This investment emphasizes investor confidence in HAYA's groundbreaking science and positions the company to deliver on its mission of bringing disease-modifying, precision medicines faster and more efficiently to patients. The round was led by Sofinnova Partners and Earlybird Venture Capital, with participation from Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly), ATHOS, +ND Capital, Alexandria Venture Investments and LifeLink Ventures, with additional support from existing investors Apollo Health Ventures, Longview Ventures (an affiliate of Broadview Ventures), 4see ventures, BERNINA Bioinvest and Schroders Capital. "This is a defining moment for HAYA as we are advancing our lead program into the clinic. This funding validates our organization, pioneering approach and vision for improving the way chronic and complex diseases are treated by creating a new generation of therapies that reprogram disease-driving cell states into healthy ones," said Samir Ounzain, Ph.D., Co-founder and CEO of HAYA Therapeutics. "We're excited that Sofinnova Partners, Earlybird and our syndicate of investors share our vision for the potentially industry changing nature of our platform as we move beyond traditional approaches by leveraging novel therapeutic targets emerging from the regulatory genome." The company will use the funds to initiate clinical trials for HTX-001, HAYA's first-in-class lncRNA-targeting therapy for heart failure, initially focused on non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (nHCM). In parallel, the company will strengthen its platform capabilities and expand its pipeline of disease-modifying therapies across multiple therapeutic areas—including pulmonary fibrosis, obesity and age-related common and chronic diseases. "HAYA's platform unlocks the dark genome's therapeutic potential by targeting disease-driving cell states via long non-coding RNAs. This novel approach opens a new frontier in precision medicine, moving beyond traditional target classes to address disease at its epigenetic and cellular roots. Leading this round alongside Earlybird reflects our deep conviction in the HAYA team and their mission to develop safer, more effective therapies across a broad range of indications, including their lead program in nHCM, as they advance it toward the clinic to address a major unmet need," noted Henrijette Richter, Managing Partner at Sofinnova Partners. The core of HAYA's proprietary platform maps and decodes the biology of the regulatory genome, also referred to as the "genome's dark matter" or "Dark Genome," which constitutes 98% of the human genome. While the regulatory genome does not code for proteins it is now recognized as the master control layer of gene expression and cell identity. HAYA has developed the most comprehensive atlas of the regulatory genome by combining integrated multimodal functional genomics with a stack of proprietary computational and machine learning methodologies, enabling the precise identification and modulation of pathogenic cell states across diverse diseases. HAYA's regulatory genome platform enables the development of RNA-guided therapeutics with unprecedented precision, speed and scalability. This next-generation approach is designed to go beyond symptom management and directly reprogram the cellular drivers of disease. To support its strategic growth, HAYA recently assembled an industry-leading C-level suite to drive scalable growth, business and clinical development and expand strategic collaborations with pharmaceutical and technology partners. The company recently announced a partnership with Lilly, one of the largest collaborations to date in the regulatory genome space, focused on RNA-based drug targets for obesity and metabolic disorders. About HAYA Therapeutics HAYA Therapeutics is a precision medicines company developing programmable therapeutics targeting regulatory RNAs derived from the dark genome, a cell information processing unit, to reprogram pathological cell states for a broad range of diseases, including cardiovascular and metabolic diseases and cancer. The company is using its innovative platform to gain novel insights into the biology of disease cell states and the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that regulate them. HAYA's lead therapeutic candidate is HTX-001, in development for the treatment of heart failure. HAYA is also developing a pipeline of lncRNA-targeting precision therapies for the cell-specific treatment of diseases in other tissues. HAYA is headquartered at the life sciences park Biopôle in Lausanne, Switzerland with laboratory facilities in San Diego. For more information on the company, please visit our website at Follow us on X and LinkedIn. About Sofinnova Partners Sofinnova Partners is a leading European venture capital firm in life sciences, specializing in healthcare and sustainability. Based in Paris, London, and Milan, the firm brings together a team of professionals from all over the world with strong scientific, medical, and business expertise. Sofinnova Partners is a hands-on company builder across the entire value chain of life sciences investments, from seed to later-stage. The firm actively partners with ambitious entrepreneurs as a lead or cornerstone investor to develop transformative innovations that have the potential to positively impact our collective future. Founded in 1972, Sofinnova Partners is deeply established in Europe, with 50 years of experience backing over 500 companies and creating market leaders around the globe. Today, Sofinnova Partners manages over €4 billion in assets. For more information, please visit: View source version on Contacts Media Contacts:HAYA TherapeuticsMichelle LinnFounder and CEO of Linnden CommunicationsEmail: michelle@ Sofinnova PartnersBommy LeeHead of CommunicationsEmail: blee@ +33 (0) 6 47 71 38 11 Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Wire
08-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
HAYA Therapeutics Raises $65 Million in Series A Funding to Deliver Precision RNA-Guided Medicines for Chronic and Age-Related Diseases
LAUSANNE, Switzerland & SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- HAYA Therapeutics, SA, a biotechnology company pioneering precision RNA-guided regulatory genome targeting therapeutics that reprogram disease-driving cell states for rare, common, chronic and age-related diseases, announced that the company has raised $65 million in Series A funding. The financing will accelerate the clinical development of HAYA's lead long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) targeting candidate HTX-001 in heart failure and the continued expansion of its RNA-guided regulatory genome pipeline development engine. This investment emphasizes investor confidence in HAYA's groundbreaking science and positions the company to deliver on its mission of bringing disease-modifying, precision medicines faster and more efficiently to patients. The round was led by Sofinnova Partners and Earlybird Venture Capital, with participation from Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly), ATHOS, +ND Capital, Alexandria Venture Investments and LifeLink Ventures, with additional support from existing investors Apollo Health Ventures, Longview Ventures (an affiliate of Broadview Ventures), 4see ventures, BERNINA Bioinvest and Schroders Capital. "This funding validates our vision for improving the way chronic and complex diseases are treated by creating a new generation of therapies that reprogram disease-driving cell states into healthy ones,' said Samir Ounzain, PhD, HAYA's CEO and co-founder. Share 'This is a defining moment for HAYA as we are advancing our lead program into the clinic. This funding validates our organization, pioneering approach and vision for improving the way chronic and complex diseases are treated by creating a new generation of therapies that reprogram disease-driving cell states into healthy ones,' said Samir Ounzain, Ph.D., Co-founder and CEO of HAYA Therapeutics. 'We're excited that Sofinnova Partners, Earlybird and our syndicate of investors share our vision for the potentially industry changing nature of our platform as we move beyond traditional approaches by leveraging novel therapeutic targets emerging from the regulatory genome.' The company will use the funds to initiate clinical trials for HTX-001, HAYA's first-in-class lncRNA-targeting therapy for heart failure, initially focused on non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (nHCM). In parallel, the company will strengthen its platform capabilities and expand its pipeline of disease-modifying therapies across multiple therapeutic areas—including pulmonary fibrosis, obesity and age-related common and chronic diseases. 'HAYA's platform unlocks the dark genome's therapeutic potential by targeting disease-driving cell states via long non-coding RNAs. This novel approach opens a new frontier in precision medicine, moving beyond traditional target classes to address disease at its epigenetic and cellular roots. Leading this round alongside Earlybird reflects our deep conviction in the HAYA team and their mission to develop safer, more effective therapies across a broad range of indications, including their lead program in nHCM, as they advance it toward the clinic to address a major unmet need,' noted Henrijette Richter, Managing Partner at Sofinnova Partners. The core of HAYA's proprietary platform maps and decodes the biology of the regulatory genome, also referred to as the ' genome's dark matter' or 'Dark Genome," which constitutes 98% of the human genome. While the regulatory genome does not code for proteins it is now recognized as the master control layer of gene expression and cell identity. HAYA has developed the most comprehensive atlas of the regulatory genome by combining integrated multimodal functional genomics with a stack of proprietary computational and machine learning methodologies, enabling the precise identification and modulation of pathogenic cell states across diverse diseases. HAYA's regulatory genome platform enables the development of RNA-guided therapeutics with unprecedented precision, speed and scalability. This next-generation approach is designed to go beyond symptom management and directly reprogram the cellular drivers of disease. To support its strategic growth, HAYA recently assembled an industry-leading C-level suite to drive scalable growth, business and clinical development and expand strategic collaborations with pharmaceutical and technology partners. The company recently announced a partnership with Lilly, one of the largest collaborations to date in the regulatory genome space, focused on RNA-based drug targets for obesity and metabolic disorders. About HAYA Therapeutics HAYA Therapeutics is a precision medicines company developing programmable therapeutics targeting regulatory RNAs derived from the dark genome, a cell information processing unit, to reprogram pathological cell states for a broad range of diseases, including cardiovascular and metabolic diseases and cancer. The company is using its innovative platform to gain novel insights into the biology of disease cell states and the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that regulate them. HAYA's lead therapeutic candidate is HTX-001, in development for the treatment of heart failure. HAYA is also developing a pipeline of lncRNA-targeting precision therapies for the cell-specific treatment of diseases in other tissues. HAYA is headquartered at the life sciences park Biopôle in Lausanne, Switzerland with laboratory facilities in San Diego. For more information on the company, please visit our website at Follow us on X and LinkedIn. About Sofinnova Partners Sofinnova Partners is a leading European venture capital firm in life sciences, specializing in healthcare and sustainability. Based in Paris, London, and Milan, the firm brings together a team of professionals from all over the world with strong scientific, medical, and business expertise. Sofinnova Partners is a hands-on company builder across the entire value chain of life sciences investments, from seed to later-stage. The firm actively partners with ambitious entrepreneurs as a lead or cornerstone investor to develop transformative innovations that have the potential to positively impact our collective future. Founded in 1972, Sofinnova Partners is deeply established in Europe, with 50 years of experience backing over 500 companies and creating market leaders around the globe. Today, Sofinnova Partners manages over €4 billion in assets. For more information, please visit:
Associated Press
06-05-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
SafeHeal® Closes Oversubscribed €35 Million Series C Equity Financing
NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, May 6, 2025 / / -- Financing led by Solar Eclipse with new investors Gideon Strategic Partners and M&L Healthcare, part of M&L Group, and returning investors Sofinnova Partners and one of the largest Multinational life sciences corporations from a strategic standpoint. Proceeds will support the completion of SafeHeal's IDE pivotal study and preparation for commercial launch of their lead technology , Colovac®. SafeHeal®, a leading innovator in the field of colorectal cancer surgery, today announced a successful completion of an oversubscribed €35 million Series C equity financing to validate the use of Colovac®, a groundbreaking temporary endoluminal fecal bypass system. Colovac is intended as an alternative to temporary diverting ostomy for patients undergoing colorectal cancer resection. The proceeds leave SafeHeal well-funded to complete its IDE Pivotal study and accelerate preparation for commercial launch of their lead technology, Colovac. In conjunction with the financing, Martin Sands and Steven Sands of Solar Eclipse will join as board member and observer respectively. The Colovac endoluminal bypass system is a less-invasive alternative to temporary diverting ostomy, the current standard of care for patients undergoing colorectal resection. Diverting ostomy is applied prophylactically to most patients today undergoing a low anterior resection (LAR) and anastomosis. The ostomy temporarily diverts the stool away from the healing anastomosis to the outside of the body and into an ostomy bag. In most cases, the ostomy is needed only until the anastomosis has healed, and then it can be reversed, typically after 2-6 months. The eventual reversal of the ostomy requires another operation, with a second hospital stay, recovery period and associated complications. In some cases, the ostomy may not be reversed and becomes permanent. In addition to the potential surgical complications associated with ostomy procedures, patients may experience an impact to their quality of life due to social isolation, reduced physical activity and/or intimacy. Colovac is an alternative to diverting ostomy, designed to eliminate the need for a temporary stoma in most patients. It aims to improve patient recovery and quality of life by eliminating stoma related complications including permanent stoma and eliminating the physical and emotional burden associated with stoma management and care. Colovac has been successfully studied in over 100 patients in the U.S., Europe, and Asia and has received FDA Breakthrough Designation status. 'This is a very exciting time at SafeHeal as we continue to achieve a number of critical value-creating milestones in the coming months,' said Chris Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer. 'We are grateful for the continuing support from Sofinnova Partners and delighted to welcome Solar Eclipse, Gideon and M&L Healthcare, part of M&L Group as new investors. This capital raise places SafeHeal in an excellent position to continue our momentum toward FDA approval and commercialization of Colovac.' Chris Richardson, President & CEO, SafeHeal 'The current standard of care for treatment of Colon Resection is associated with significant morbidity, risk of permanent stoma and reduced quality of life, driving both the clinical community and regulators to search for better treatment options. SafeHeal is addressing this significant unmet medical need with a highly novel approach,' said Martin Sands of Solar Eclipse. 'I believe SafeHeal's therapeutic platform will dramatically improve quality of life and outcomes for patients with Colon Resections. I look forward to supporting the team to achieve multiple key milestones over the next 18 months.' 'We've been with SafeHeal since day one, when it was born out of our Medtech accelerator, MDStart. Our continued support in this Series C reflects a deep growing belief in their potential to revolutionize care for patients facing ostomy,' said Antoine Papiernik, Chairman and Managing Partner at Sofinnova Partners. ABOUT SAFEHEAL® SafeHeal SAS, headquartered in Paris, France, and its wholly owned U.S. subsidiary, SafeHeal Inc., is a clinical-stage medical device company developing Colovac, a device intended as an alternative to diverting ostomy in patients undergoing colorectal surgery. Colovac is a flexible endoluminal bypass sheath designed to reduce the contact of fecal content at the anastomotic site following colorectal surgery. The device is placed endoluminally and is fully reversible. The device remains in place for 7-10 days, until the body's natural healing and tissue repair processes are complete, after which it is removed during an endoscopic procedure without the need for a second surgical intervention. This enables patients to resume their normal life without the stigma and complications associated with an ostomy procedure. Colovac is an investigational device, not currently available for sale. For more information, please visit MEDIA CONTACTS USA Scott DePierro Vice President U.S. Operations and Global Business Development, SafeHeal 203-444-0279 [email protected] Europe: Karl-Heinz Blohm Vice President, International, SafeHeal +33 (0) 6 5181 7895 [email protected] ### Scott DePierro, VP US Operations & Global Business Dev SafeHeal +1 203-444-0279 email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sofinnova Partners and Gustave Roussy launch first biotech company through Strategic Partnership
Signadori Bio, a novel cell therapy platform, emerges from collaboration with scientific founders Dr. Jean-Luc Perfettini and Professor Nathalie Chaput PARIS, March 18, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sofinnova Partners, a leading European life sciences venture capital firm, in collaboration with Gustave Roussy, Europe's leading cancer center, announces the creation of their first pioneering biotech company. Signadori Bio, developed with scientific founders Dr. Jean-Luc Perfettini and Professor Nathalie Chaput, is a breakthrough cell therapy platform focused on transforming cancer treatment. This milestone marks a significant achievement in their strategic partnership, aimed at accelerating biotech innovation through rigorous evaluation and development of scientific research. Since the partnership's inception in 2023, it has rigorously evaluated 50 promising projects. This has culminated in the creation of a groundbreaking biotech venture in the cell and gene space that is set to advance innovative approaches in oncology. More information will be released as the company comes out of stealth later this year. Additionally, several other promising projects are in the pipeline, showcasing the immense potential for future breakthroughs in cancer therapeutics. "With cancer on the rise, particularly among younger populations, it's critical that we fast-track the most promising scientific breakthroughs into tomorrow's treatments. This partnership is a powerful example of how academia and investors can work together to drive innovation through new companies," said Professor Fabrice Barlesi, General Director of Gustave Roussy. "Gustave Roussy is at the forefront of cancer discovery. With Sofinnova's expertise in company creation, we are now able to quickly translate these innovations into real-world therapies to benefit patients worldwide." Matthieu Coutet, Partner at Sofinnova Partners and CEO of Signadori Bio, added: "Turning cutting-edge research into biotech success stories requires more than financing or scientific excellence—it demands the right ecosystem. By combining Gustave Roussy's research power with Sofinnova's proven ability to build and scale biotech ventures, we're creating a direct path from lab to the clinic." As these ventures progress, Sofinnova Partners and its academic collaborators remain committed to fostering the next generation of biotech companies and driving innovation in cancer therapeutics. This groundbreaking initiative, supported by Sofinnova's Biovelocita II—a €165M biotech acceleration fund dedicated to identifying and developing cutting-edge scientific advancements from top institutes like Gustave Roussy. This effort is undertaken in close collaboration with the institute's technology transfer office, Gustave Roussy Transfert. About Sofinnova Partners Sofinnova Partners is a leading European venture capital firm in life sciences, specializing in healthcare and sustainability. Based in Paris, London and Milan, the firm brings together a team of professionals from all over the world with strong scientific, medical and business expertise. Sofinnova Partners is a hands-on company builder across the entire value chain of life sciences investments, from seed to later-stage. Founded in 1972, Sofinnova Partners is a deeply established venture capital firm in Europe, with 50 years of experience backing over 500 companies and creating market leaders around the globe. Today, Sofinnova Partners manages over €4 billion in assets. For more information, please visit: About Gustave Roussy Ranked by Newsweek magazine as the leading European Cancer Centre and fourth in the world, Gustave Roussy is a centre with comprehensive expertise and is devoted entirely to patients suffering with cancer. The Institute is a founding member of the Paris-Saclay Cancer Cluster. It is a source of diagnostic and therapeutic advances. It caters for almost 50,000 patients per year, including 3,500 children and adolescents, and its approach is one that integrates research, patient care and teaching. It is specialized in the treatment of rare cancers and complex tumors and it treats all cancers in patients of any age. Its care is personalized and combines the most advanced medical methods with an appreciation of the patient's human requirements. In addition to the quality of treatment offered, the physical, psychological and social aspects of the patient's life are respected. 4,100 professionals work on its two campuses: Villejuif and Chevilly-Larue. Gustave Roussy brings together the skills that are essential for the highest quality research in oncology: 40% of patients treated are included in clinical studies. For further information: About Gustave Roussy Transfert Created in 2000, Gustave Roussy Transfert is Gustave Roussy's subsidiary dedicated to the development and transfer of technologies. Its missions are (1) to create and identify innovations from all the research teams based at Gustave Roussy, (2) to set up and monitor translational partnerships involving Gustave Roussy, and (3) to source, promote and support Gustave Roussy's entrepreneurial projects. Gustave Roussy and Sofinnova Partners announce the creation of a pioneering biotech company and unveil several promising projects. View source version on Contacts Sofinnova Partners Bommy Lee Head of Communicationsblee@ +33 (0) 6 47 71 38 11Gustave Roussy Claire Parisel +33 (0) 6 17 66 00 26Media inquiries: United Kingdom Optimum Strategic CommunicationsHana Maliksofinnova@ +44 (0) 20 3922 0900France Strategies&Image (S&I)Anne +33 (0) 6 03 35 92 05Italy Havas PR MilanPierluigi +39 (0) 392 77 999 33 Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Forth Tx Launches With Backing From Sofinnova Partners to Revolutionize Fibrosis Treatments
Cutting-edge research from Professor Neil Henderson at the University of Edinburgh Led by CEO Alex Leech, Partner at Sofinnova Partners Created through Sofinnova's €165M Biovelocita II, biotech fund EDINBURGH, Scotland & CAMBRIDGE, England, March 18, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Forth Therapeutics (Forth Tx), a biotechnology company advancing next-generation precision therapeutics for fibrosis, launches today with backing from Sofinnova Partners, a leading European life sciences venture capital firm, alongside Old College Capital (OCC), the University of Edinburgh's in-house venture investment fund. Headquartered in Edinburgh and Cambridge, Forth Tx builds on pioneering research from Professor Neil Henderson, a world-renowned fibrosis and tissue regeneration expert. The company spun out of the University of Edinburgh and is led by CEO Alex Leech, a serial entrepreneur and Partner at Sofinnova Partners, who brings decades of company-building expertise. The company's precision therapeutics platform focuses on tackling fibrosis across multiple organ systems. Its portfolio includes three assets targeting key fibrosis pathways, underpinned by state-of-the-art omics technology. The company also holds access to one of the largest single-cell human liver disease datasets in the world, accelerating precision drug discovery and development. With Sofinnova's €165M Biovelocita II fund, Forth Tx is poised for rapid growth, leveraging world-class expertise in translational medicine and biotechnology, from the vibrant research hubs of Edinburgh and Cambridge. Professor Henderson, Chair of Tissue Repair and Regeneration at the University of Edinburgh, said: "Launching Forth Tx through Sofinnova's biotech accelerator has allowed us to translate years of our multiomics-driven research into precision therapies that we hope will transform patients' lives. Fibrosis is an area of huge unmet medical need, and I'm delighted to be working with Alex and the Sofinnova team, as well as OCC, to deliver potent, new treatments for patients with fibrosis." Alex Leech, CEO of Forth Tx and Partner at Sofinnova Partners, added: "Forth Tx is breaking new ground in fibrosis therapeutics, combining world-class science with a capital-efficient, precision driven approach. I'm excited to be working with Neil and the University of Edinburgh team on this mission." Forth Tx is set to lead the way in fibrosis research and anti-fibrotic therapeutic design, harnessing next-generation, precision-driven approaches that promise to change the treatment landscape. About Forth Therapeutics Forth Therapeutics (Forth Tx) is a biotechnology company dedicated to advancing precision treatments for fibrosis. The company combines multi-omic insights, unrivalled access to data, and targeted therapies to address major unmet medical needs in fibrosis. Spun out of the University of Edinburgh and backed by Sofinnova Partners, Forth Tx is on a mission to bring transformative therapies to patients worldwide. For more information, please visit: About Sofinnova Partners Sofinnova Partners is a leading European venture capital firm in life sciences, specializing in healthcare and sustainability. Based in Paris, London and Milan, the firm brings together a team of professionals from all over the world with strong scientific, medical and business expertise. Sofinnova Partners is a hands-on company builder across the entire value chain of life sciences investments, from seed to later-stage. Founded in 1972, Sofinnova Partners is a deeply established venture capital firm in Europe, with 50 years of experience backing over 500 companies and creating market leaders around the globe. Today, Sofinnova Partners manages over €4 billion in assets. For more information, please visit: About Old College Capital Old College Capital (OCC) is the University of Edinburgh's venture investment fund. OCC manages Edinburgh's early-stage investment activities and shareholdings; supporting exciting ideas and technologies emerging from the University. OCC is part of Edinburgh Innovations, the University of Edinburgh's commercialisation service. View source version on Contacts Forth Tx Alex Leech Chief Executive Officeraleech@ Sofinnova Partners Bommy Lee Head of Communicationsblee@ +33 (0) 6 47 71 38 11 Sign in to access your portfolio
