Epirium Bio Secures $85 Million Series A Financing to Advance Novel Therapies for Becker Muscular Dystrophy and Mitochondrial Disorders

VCBeat (WeChat ID: vcbeat) learned from foreign media that on December 19, 2019, local time, Epirium Bio (“Epirium”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, announced the completion of an $85 million Series A financing round. Participants in this round included Longitude Capital, ARCH Venture Partners, Bluebird Ventures, Adams Street Partners, Vertex Ventures HC, and The Longevity Fund. The proceeds will be used to further develop the company’s proprietary technology platform.

Epirium plans to advance the development of its first clinical candidate next year. Initially designed for the treatment of Becker muscular dystrophy, the candidate is also planned for development against other progressive neuromuscular diseases associated with mitochondrial depletion.

Epirium, based in California, USA, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing therapies based on novel mechanisms of action discovered by the company to optimize tissue biological function and structure. Currently, Epirium has put forward unique insights related to mitochondrial biogenesis and tissue functional biology, which may provide novel and clinically meaningful treatment approaches for some currently refractory neuromuscular diseases. Epirium has established a small-molecule platform that has demonstrated the potential to stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis and tissue regeneration.

Epirium scientists have discovered a previously unknown hormone release pathway that may serve as an endogenous regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis. A unique feature of this hormonal pathway is its ability to restore the structure and function of previously atrophied tissues—particularly those of the neuromuscular and central nervous systems—while simultaneously generating new, functional mitochondria. These coupled pathways mimic the physiological processes induced by physical exercise, which are essential for normal organ function.

Epirium and its collaborators have targeted orphan diseases, such as Becker and Duchenne muscular dystrophies, andFriedreichataxia) have conducted several proof-of-concept clinical studies. These studies provided insights into the unique mechanism of action and potential clinical benefits, while demonstrating a favorable safety profile. Furthermore, these data are highly instrumental in advancing the development of lead clinical candidates for muscular dystrophy.

In addition to orphan neuromuscular diseases, this technology is also associated with age-related diseases, which are believed to haveProgressive Mitochondrial Losscommon mechanisms.

“Epirium President and CEO Russell Cox said, ‘We are delighted to partner with a group of visionary and highly respected investors who have a strong track record of identifying and supporting the most promising scientific technologies.’”

Longitude Capital, founded in 2006 and headquartered in California, USA, is a venture capital firm primarily investing in biotechnology and medical technology, with approximately $1.2 billion in assets under management.

ARCH Venture Partners, founded in 1986 and headquartered in Illinois, USA, is a venture capital firm primarily focused on investments in the life sciences sector. ARCH has raised ten venture funds totaling over $3 billion and has provided early-stage venture capital to more than 150 companies.

(Compiled by: He Li)