Epidarex extends bio backing

Abiopharmaceuticalbusiness founded with capital from Edinburgh-based investment specialist Epidarex Capital has raised £29 million to advance a pipeline of treatments for respiratory diseases.

The funding injection into Enterprise Therapeutics was co-led by Versant Ventures and Novartis Venture Fund. The syndicate also included new investor Forbion, founding investor Epidarex and existing investor IP Group.

Brighton-based Enterprise Therapeutics is developing therapies to treat patients with respiratory diseases of high unmet medical need, where mucus obstruction reduces lung function, leading to difficulty in breathing and recurrent infections.

The company, which was seed funded by life sciences investor Epidarex, benefits from a close working relationship with the University of Sussex.

The fresh investment will help fund the clinical development of new treatment options for cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and severe asthma.

John Ford, chief executive of Enterprise Therapeutics, said: “Attracting this syndicate of leading life science investors is a reflection of what the company has achieved to date and testament to the significant contribution Epidarex has made to our evolution.

“At Enterprise, we believe new therapies that target the underlying mechanisms of mucus congestion are essential to reduce the frequency of lung infections and improve patient quality of life.”

Elizabeth Roper at Epidarex said: “The funding, combined with continued focus on scientific and commercial goals, positions Enterprise well to deliver life-altering therapies to future generations.”