Haya Therapeutics Closes CHF 18M Funding

haya

Haya Therapeutics, a Lausanne, Switzerland-based company which develops precision medicines that target tissue and cell-specific long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), closed  a CHF18M funding round.

The round was led by Broadview Ventures, with participation from Apollo Health Ventures, Bernina BioInvest, 4See Ventures, Schroder Adveq and Viva BioInnovator.

The company intends to use the funds to advance the discovery and development of innovative organ and cell-selective therapeutics that target lncRNAs to treat and potentially reverse fibrosis and other serious medical conditions related to aging.

Led by Samir Ounzain, Ph.D., Co-founder and CEO, Haya Therapeutics develops precision medicines that target tissue and cell-specific long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). The proprietary DiscoverHAYA™ drug discovery engine enables the company to generate a pipeline of lncRNA targeting anti-fibrotics for many tissues, including lung, kidney, liver and the tumor microenvironment. Its lead therapeutic candidate is an antisense oligonucleotide targeting the lncRNA Wisper, a cardiac tissue-enriched driver of fibrosis in the heart.

Haya is preparing to initiate clinical trials with its Wisper targeting candidate in non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, an orphan indication with limited treatment options. The company secured an exclusive license from CHUV for the Wisper asset.

Haya also announced that Robert Williamson will join the company as Executive Chair to the Board of Directors. Additionally, Jens Eckstein, Ph.D., Managing Partner at Apollo Health Ventures, and Benjamin Kreitman of Broadview Ventures will join the board. Dr. Ounzain and Daniel Blessing, Ph.D., Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of the company, are also board members.

FinSMEs

22/05/2021