Versantis is a clinical-stage biotech focused on orphan drugs for serious liver diseases and pediatric inborn errors of metabolism. The company pursues therapies built on a proprietary liposome-based detoxification platform, with lead candidate VS-01 designed to enhance clearance of ammonia and other toxins. VS-01 is being evaluated in first-in-human clinical trials targeting cirrhosis (including ascites and mild hepatic encephalopathy) and has orphan designations from the EMA (acute liver failure) and FDA (ACLF). Earlier in the year Versantis initiated its first-in-human study; outcomes for VS-01 were expected mid-2020. The company says it will use the new funding mainly to assess multi-dose safety and to establish clinical proof of concept in decompensated cirrhosis and Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure. Versantis is headquartered in Zurich and was founded by scientists from ETH Zurich alongside industry experts. Versantis is a Zurich-based pharmaceutical company focused on developing products for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of liver diseases. Its lead candidate, VS-01, is at the preclinical stage and aims to be the first drug for acute liver disease that simultaneously supports multiple failing organs. VS-01 targets three rare indications and has received Orphan Drug Designation in acute liver failure (ALF). The company's pipeline also includes VS-02 and VS-03, which are being developed for chronic liver diseases and for the treatment of drug intoxications. Led by CEO and co-founder Dr. Vincent Forster and COO and co-founder Dr. Meriam Kabbaj, Versantis plans to advance VS-01 into a Phase I/II clinical trial for hepatic encephalopathy in acute-on-chronic liver failure. The company raised CHF4.4M in a Series A to progress VS-01 and further develop its preclinical programs.

Total raised

$21M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Series B

Latest activity

Sep 2019