Vandria SA is developing drug candidates that target mitophagy. Its two lead candidates are aimed at central nervous system (CNS) and muscle diseases, respectively. On Feb. 8, 2024, Vandria was awarded two grants totaling €3.8M (US$4.1M). The grants were awarded by Innosuisse and Eurostars. The funding is intended to support advancement of the company’s two lead drug candidates. Vandria discovers and develops first-in-class small-molecule mitophagy inducers that target a novel protein to induce mitophagy and provide anti-inflammatory effects, with strong genetic links to several human diseases. Its lead program, VNA-318, is aimed at early-stage CNS and neurodegenerative disorders to improve cognition and limit memory-loss progression. The company also maintains a pipeline of mitophagy-inducing molecules targeting muscle, lung, and liver diseases. Since the initial Series A close in December, Vandria has advanced its platform and lead program, expanded its team, and moved into dedicated lab facilities at Superlab Suisse on the Biopôle Lausanne campus. Vandria raised CHF4.2M in non-dilutive funding via two Innosuisse grants and an Eurostars grant to support preclinical work alongside its equity financing. Management plans to complete Single Ascending Dose (SAD) and Multiple Ascending Dose (MAD) Phase 1 studies of VNA-318 and, subject to positive Phase 1 results and regulatory approvals, initiate three parallel Phase 1b/2a efficacy studies in 2025. Vandria develops small-molecule mitophagy inducers aimed at rejuvenating cells to treat age-related and chronic diseases. Its lead program, VNA-318, is a brain-penetrant, patent-protected mitophagy inducer that has shown memory and learning improvement and disease-modifying effects in preclinical models of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. VNA-318 is expected to enter the clinic in Q2 2024. The company is also advancing mitophagy-inducing programs targeting muscle, lung, and liver diseases, and a separate program focused on ferroptosis. Vandria intends to use the Series A proceeds to expand operations and advance its development efforts. The company is led by CEO Klaus Dugi, CSO Penelope Andreux and Head of BD & Finance Peter Harboe-Schmidt, and is based in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Total raised

$63M

Funding rounds

4

Latest round

Grant

Latest activity

Oct 2024