Synerkine Pharma B.V. Secures €3.3M Series A Funding to Advance Novel Fusion Proteins for Chronic Pain Relief

VCBeat (WeChat Official Account: vcbeat) learned from foreign media that on March 25, local time in the Netherlands, biopharmaceutical company Synerkine pharma B.V. completed a €3.3 million Series A financing round. The funds will be used to build a pipeline of novel fusion proteins for the treatment of inflammation, neuropathy, and osteoarthritis pain.

It is reported that this round of financing was led by Thuja Capital, with participation from Hans Preuting, founder of Synerkine pharma B.V.

Synerkine Pharma B.V., founded in 2018 by CEO Hans Preuting, currently holds the patent rights from UMCU (University Medical Center Utrecht) for its IL-4 and IL-10 fusion protein. This fusion protein targets common regulatory mechanisms underlying various types of chronic pain and possesses unique properties demonstrated by UMCU researchers. Studies have shown that this fusion protein can effectively alleviate chronic pain symptoms across multiple clinical indications without causing side effects.

Fusion proteins have two distinct meanings. One refers to the expression product obtained by recombining two genes through DNA recombinant technology; the other refers to a group of proteins that facilitate the fusion of two cytoplasmic membranes, such as a glycoprotein contained in the outer leaflet of the Sendai virus lipid bilayer, which enables the fusion of the viral envelope with the host cell’s plasma membrane. Two different proteins can be linked into a single large molecule either through chemical methods or via genetic fusion. In genetic engineering, fusion methods are often employed for polypeptide genes with low molecular weight, linking them to a specific gene (such as lac) with an enzymatic cleavage site (such as thrombin) inserted between them. This approach enhances the stability of the expressed product in vivo. In some cases, two molecules are intentionally fused in tandem to improve therapeutic efficacy, such as IL-3 and GM-CSF. Additionally, fusion genes may be constructed by combining target genes with signal peptide genes of secretory proteins, thereby directing the expression products to be secreted outside the membrane or into the extracellular space. Fusion protein technology is a purposeful method involving genetic fusion and protein expression to obtain substantial quantities of standardized fusion proteins. By leveraging this technology, novel target proteins with multiple functions can be constructed and expressed. Synerkine Pharma aims to utilize this technology to develop fusion proteins capable of alleviating pain associated with clinical conditions, thereby contributing to the treatment of arthritis and other diseases.

Hans Preusting, Co-founder and CEO of Synerkine Pharma B.V., stated, “We are pleased to announce the closing of our Series A financing. These proceeds will enable us to deliver clinical research results on osteoarthritis and neuropathic pain within the next two years. Our lead candidate, a fusion protein of IL-4 and IL-10 licensed from UMCU, has been demonstrated to significantly reduce chronic pain in multiple preclinical models. The therapeutic potential of this fusion protein, which mimics endogenous immune molecules and lacks the typical side effects associated with analgesics, holds significant promise for alleviating chronic pain in patients.”

Thuja Capital manages several healthcare venture capital funds that invest in private companies aimed at creating lasting impact for patients and society. Thuja Capital typically invests in the biotechnology, nutraceuticals, medical technology, and digital health sectors. The Thuja Capital team leverages its operational, strategic, and investment expertise to support its portfolio companies.

(Compiled by Liu Yujing)