ESCAPE Bio is a clinical-stage, privately held biopharmaceutical company developing novel, precisely targeted therapeutics for genetically defined neurodegenerative diseases. Its lead programs include ESB1609, an orally administered, brain-penetrant S1P5 receptor agonist in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 1 multiple ascending dose study in healthy volunteers; ESB5070, a mutant-selective LRRK2 G2019S kinase inhibitor in IND-enabling toxicology studies; and a pharmacologic structure corrector for ApoE4 Alzheimer's patients in discovery. ESB1609 has shown preclinical activity normalizing brain ceramide and sphingosine phosphate levels and promoting clearance of aggregation-prone proteins across multiple models. ESB5070 is being developed specifically for patients carrying the LRRK2 G2019S variant, which occurs in 1–3% of Parkinson’s disease patients. The company announced the closing of a $73 million financing led by Wellington Management Company LLP to advance its clinical programs. Proceeds will be used to accelerate two programs into patients who lack disease-modifying treatments. E-Scape Bio develops small-molecule drugs that target inherited genetic drivers of neurodegenerative disorders and correct dysfunctional proteins at the root of disease. Its lead program targets the Apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) protein structure, a major genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. The company's therapeutic programs are designed to restore normal function disrupted by inherited genetic mutations, with programs aimed at Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. E-Scape Bio was co-founded by Robert Mahley, M.D., Ph.D., and Yadong Huang, M.D., Ph.D., based on their research at the Gladstone Institutes linking ApoE4 to disease pathogenesis. Leon Chen, Ph.D., is cited as the interim chief executive officer. The company says it will apply resources to rapidly build its pipeline and advance toward the clinic.

Total raised

$136M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Sep 2020