Syndesi Therapeutics Launched to Develop Novel Therapeutics for Cognitive Disorders
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The creation of Syndesi Therapeutics ('Syndesi') was announced as the result of a partnership between UCB and a syndicate of Belgium and international investors. The investor syndicate is led by Novo Seeds and Fountain Healthcare together with Johnson & Johnson Innovation - JJDC, Inc. (JJDC), V-BIO Ventures, the Walloon Investment Fund (SRIW) and VIVES Louvain Technology Fund. Syndesi Therapeutics is based in Belgium and will leverage UCB's neurology expertise in modulating the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A. Syndesi Therapeutics has exclusively licensed a first-in-class small molecule program from UCB and the series A investment totalling €17M will fund the clinical development of the lead compound up to early proof-of-concept in humans.
Jonathan Savidge, PhD CEO of Syndesi noted: "Development of these small molecules that modulate the SV2A target in a distinct manner represents an intriguing new approach for the treatment of cognitive deficits since they specifically target synaptic dysfunction, a hallmark of Alzheimer's Disease and other indications characterized by cognitive impairment. Syndesi benefits both from UCB's research expertise and from an impressive syndicate of experienced investors and their respective networks."
"Alzheimer's Disease, but more broadly cognitive impairment across a range of neurological disorders, is an area of significant unmet need for patients. Therefore the potential promise of this novel therapeutic approach, supported by imaging, brings excitement for clinical development," explains Prof. A. Ivanoiu of UCL, Clinique Saint-Luc.
"For two years Vives Louvain Technology Fund has helped in creating the spin-out by contributing its know-how in founding high tech start-ups. This investment illustrates our willingness to prioritise and accelerate scientific breakthroughs in domains as complex as Alzheimer's disease by uniting actors from academia, industry and public service," adds Philippe Durieux, CEO Sopartec - Vives.
Jonathan Savidge, PhD CEO of Syndesi noted: "Development of these small molecules that modulate the SV2A target in a distinct manner represents an intriguing new approach for the treatment of cognitive deficits since they specifically target synaptic dysfunction, a hallmark of Alzheimer's Disease and other indications characterized by cognitive impairment. Syndesi benefits both from UCB's research expertise and from an impressive syndicate of experienced investors and their respective networks."
"Alzheimer's Disease, but more broadly cognitive impairment across a range of neurological disorders, is an area of significant unmet need for patients. Therefore the potential promise of this novel therapeutic approach, supported by imaging, brings excitement for clinical development," explains Prof. A. Ivanoiu of UCL, Clinique Saint-Luc.
"For two years Vives Louvain Technology Fund has helped in creating the spin-out by contributing its know-how in founding high tech start-ups. This investment illustrates our willingness to prioritise and accelerate scientific breakthroughs in domains as complex as Alzheimer's disease by uniting actors from academia, industry and public service," adds Philippe Durieux, CEO Sopartec - Vives.
