Azeria Therapeutics Secures £32 Million Series B Financing to Advance Pioneer Transcription Factor Inhibitors for Hormone-Resistant Breast Cancer

On November 22, 2019, VCBeat (WeChat ID: vcbeat) learned from foreign media reports that biotechnology company Azeria Therapeutics (“Azeria”) announced the completion of a £32 million Series B financing round, in which Syncona Partners and existing investor CRT Pioneer Fund jointly invested £29.5 million.

Azeria will leverage the proceeds from this financing round to advance the clinical development of its pioneer transcription factor inhibitor, providing a novel therapeutic option for patients with estrogen receptor-positive, hormone-resistant breast cancer, and building upon this foundation to establish a world-class oncology company. Upon completion of this funding round, Syncona executives Magda Jonikas and Martin Murphy will join Azeria’s Board of Directors.

Azeria Therapeutics, founded in 2017 and headquartered in Cambridge, UK, is a global leader in drug discovery based on Pioneer Transcription Factors. The company was established by CRT Pioneer Fund and the investment management firm Sixth Element Capital (6EC), primarily developing breakthrough therapies for patients with hormone-resistant breast cancer to address their clinical needs.

Azeria primarily develops its products based on the research findings of Professor Jason Carroll at Cancer Research UK (CRUK). Professor Carroll is an expert in the field of cancer pioneer factors, dedicated to studying the mechanisms of action of pioneer transcription factors such as FOXA1. Research has shown that FOXA1 can mediate the growth and progression of estrogen receptor-positive luminal breast cancer.

Pioneer transcription factors are a special class of proteins that unwind the DNA double helix and ensure proper and appropriate gene expression in cells. Alterations in these specific expression patterns may contribute to carcinogenesis. Approximately 30% of breast cancer patients develop hormone resistance, for which there are currently no novel therapeutic options. Azeria is developing a series of small-molecule inhibitors targeting pioneer transcription factors and seeking opportunities for their commercialization.

Stephen Myatt, CEO of Azeria Therapeutics, stated: “Azeria’s products are the culmination of over a decade of research by Professor Jason Carroll. Our goal is to develop novel cancer therapies targeting pioneer transcription factors such as FOXA1. We are deeply grateful for 6EC’s continued support and look forward to working closely with Syncona to accelerate the development of breakthrough treatments for hormone-resistant breast cancer.”

Martin Murphy, CEO of Syncona, stated: “Azeria is an emerging biotechnology company that aligns closely with Syncona’s long-term development strategy. With its unique scientific insights, I am confident that Stephen Myatt will lead his team to continue developing and commercializing oncology therapies, providing patients with new treatment options.”

Headquartered in the UK, CRT Pioneer Fund is a specialized oncology investment fund established by 6EC in 2012. The firm focuses on investing in European oncology development programs, helping innovative technology companies bring new therapeutic products and technologies to market while creating long-term value for the marketplace.

Syncona, established in 2012 and headquartered in London, UK, is a publicly listed company in the biotechnology sector. The company is dedicated to investing in and nurturing leaders in the life sciences industry to provide high-quality medical services to patients.

(Compiled by Xu Xiaoxue)