• Genenta Science

  Participated · Equity · Sep 2019

  Genenta Science is a Milan-based, clinical-stage biotechnology company developing hematopoietic stem cell gene therapies that program autologous tumor-infiltrating monocytes/macrophages (Tie2-expressing monocytes, TEMs) to deliver immunomodulatory Interferon-alpha. Its core approach uses ex-vivo gene transfer into autologous hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) with transcriptional and microRNA-mediated post-transcriptional control to restrict IFN-α expression to the tumor microenvironment. TEMs are recruited by tumors and have pro-angiogenic activity; Genenta leverages this biology to concentrate therapeutic payloads at tumor sites. The company is advancing two ongoing Phase I/II clinical trials in early relapse multiple myeloma and newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme. Genenta closed a €13.2M third funding round, bringing total capital raised to €30.2M, and will use the proceeds to advance those trials. The round was led by Qianzhan Investment Management and Fidim, with participation from the Bormioli and Fumagalli families; QZ and Fidim will hold observer seats on the board. Founders and collaborators include Pierluigi Paracchi, Ospedale San Raffaele, prof. Luigi Naldini and Bernhard Gentner. Genenta Science develops a gene transfer strategy into autologous hematopoietic stem cells to deliver antitumor proteins to tumor-infiltrating monocytes/macrophages. The company uses an HIV-derived, genetically disabled lentiviral vector to deliver therapeutic genes into HSCs. It is developing and commercializing an HSC gene therapy for tumor treatment, with a lead indication in multiple myeloma and plans to open a second tumor indication. Genenta intends to use the new funds to advance its gene therapy program and expand indications. The company recently joined Alexandria LaunchLabs in New York to explore the US market. Leadership and scientific advisory additions accompanying the financing include Guido Guidi joining the board and Prof. Kenneth C. Anderson joining the scientific advisory board. Genenta Science, based in Milan, develops a gene transfer strategy that uses an HIV-derived, genetically disabled lentiviral vector to deliver genes into autologous hematopoietic stem cells. The engineered HSCs are designed to target interferon-α expression to tumor-infiltrating monocytes and macrophages to elicit anti-tumor activity. The company was founded by CEO Pierluigi Paracchi, Luigi Naldini, Bernhard Gentner and San Raffaele Hospital. Genenta intends to use its technology to advance therapeutic protocols for treating tumors. It plans to use the recently raised funds to complete pre-clinical studies and to prepare for the clinical phase. The company had an earlier first close of the same funding round before finalizing the current raise.

No current team members are available.