HepaRegeniX GmbH, a clinical-stage company focused on developing innovative regenerative therapies for acute and chronic liver diseases, has successfully closed a Series C funding round, raising €15 million. The funding was led by Vesalius Biocapital IV, with participation from existing investors Novo Holdings, Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund (BIVF), and High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF). These funds will accelerate the clinical development of HRX-215, HepaRegeniX's lead clinical candidate.

As part of the financing, Fabienne Roussel from Vesalius Biocapital joins HepaRegeniX's Non-Executive Board of Directors, while Elias Papatheodorou transitions from Chair of the Board to Chief Executive Officer. Papatheodorou expressed optimism about advancing HRX-215 through its clinical plans, including a Phase Ib study in the US and an international Phase IIa study aimed at enhancing liver recovery and preventing liver failure.

HRX-215 is a small molecule inhibitor targeting Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase 4 (MKK4), critical for unlocking hepatocyte regenerative potential. This mechanism is particularly relevant for patients with liver metastases, primary liver tumors, and those undergoing liver transplants, potentially reducing transplant waiting lists significantly. Preclinical studies have demonstrated HRX-215's ability to stimulate liver regeneration, findings published in the esteemed journal Cell.

Fabienne Roussel from Vesalius Biocapital emphasized HRX-215's potential to address critical unmet needs in liver disease treatment, expressing confidence in HepaRegeniX’s leadership and their promising therapy. Dr. Linda Greenbaum, joining as Chief Medical Officer, brings extensive clinical and translational expertise from her tenure at Novartis and Janssen R&D, along with academic leadership in liver research.

Dr. Greenbaum highlighted MKK4’s pivotal role in liver regeneration and the potential of HRX-215 to benefit patients unable to undergo curative surgical resections due to liver tumors or failure. Her appointment underscores HepaRegeniX's commitment to advancing HRX-215 through Phase II trials and beyond, aiming to transform outcomes for patients with liver diseases worldwide.

With this funding and expanded leadership, HepaRegeniX is poised to advance HRX-215 towards clinical milestones, fulfilling their mission to deliver much-needed therapies for liver disease patients globally.

 

Source: globenewswire.com

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