Epicrispr Biotechnologies Secures $68 Million Series B to Initiate Clinical Trial for First-in-Class Disease-Modifying Epigenetic Neuromuscular Therapy for FSHD
Summary
- Financing led by Ally Bridge Group, with participation from SOLVE FSHD, a venture philanthropy organization- Lead program, EPI-321, is the first clinical application of epigenetic modulation in neuromuscular diseases, with a first-in-human trial in New Zealand to commence in 2025 as part of a broader global clinical strategySOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--#FSHD--Epicrispr Biotechnologies, a biotechnology company focused on developing curative therapies, today announced it has secured $68 million in the first close of its Series B financing. EPI-321 has received FDA Fast Track, Rare Pediatric Disease, and Orphan Drug designations.We are developing a first-in-class, one-time epigenetic therapy that targets the genetic root cause of FSHD, said Amber Salzman, Ph.D., CEO, Epicrispr Biotechnologies. With a strong investor syndicate and recent FDA designations recognizing EPI-321s potential, our team is laser-focused on advancing EPI-321 into the clinic to provide a much-needed therapy to patients and families in desperate need.With a robust body of data validating the potential of EPI-321 and the GEMS platform broadly, Epicrispr has shown itself to be a leading epigenetic editing company, said Andrew Lam, Pharm.D., Managing Director, Head of Biotech Private Equity, Ally Bridge Group. We commend Epicrisprs commitment in advancing EPI-321 for FSHD and are glad to be part of this financing to support its transition to the clinic.Concurrent with the funding, Epicrispr has expanded its Board of Directors with the addition of Andrew Lam, Pharm.D., of Ally Bridge Group, Eric Crombez, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Ultragenyx, and Jennifer King, Ph.D., former SVP of Business Development at Intellia Therapeutics and an expert in rare diseases and strategic partnerships.EPI-321 is an investigational epigenetic therapy that aims to address the underlying molecular mechanisms of FSHD with a one-time dose. The firms mission is to generate superior risk-adjusted returns for investors guided by the core principle of selective investment in healthcare innovation that addresses unmet medical needs.