Participated · Series A · Dec 2025

EpilepsyGTx is a biotechnology company focused on creating adeno-associated viral (AAV) gene therapies for refractory epilepsy and other disorders of neuronal hyperexcitability. Its lead candidate, EPY201, is designed for single, minimally invasive administration directly to the epileptogenic focus and aims to provide durable seizure freedom for patients with focal refractory epilepsy (FRE). The therapy avoids systemic exposure and eliminates the need for brain tissue resection, ablation, or chronic antiseizure medication. The newly secured funding will support first-in-human Phase 1/2a clinical trials to assess EPY201’s safety and efficacy. Beyond this program, the company is building a pipeline of transformative, localized gene therapies addressing severe neurological conditions. EpilepsyGTx has raised $43 million to date, including a $10 million pre-seed and seed round led by the UCL Technology Fund with participation from Zcube, and the recent $33 million Series A. FRE affects approximately 10 million people worldwide, highlighting the significant unmet need EpilepsyGTx seeks to address.

Participated · Series B · Nov 2025

AAVantgarde Bio is advancing best-in-class AAV gene therapies aimed at treating severe inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) that currently have no approved therapies. Its lead candidate, AAVB-039, is being evaluated in the CELESTE study to address Stargardt disease caused by ABCA4 mutations, alongside the >100-patient STELLA natural history study. A second program, AAVB-081, is in a Phase 1/2 LUCE trial for retinitis pigmentosa secondary to Usher syndrome type 1B arising from MYO7A mutations. Led by CEO Dr. Natalia Misciattelli, the company plans to use newly secured capital to achieve clinical proof-of-concept for both programs. The pipeline positions AAVantgarde to enter mid-stage development in two large, unmet IRD markets. Financially, the company has just closed a substantial $141 million Series B round to fund these milestones, underscoring strong investor confidence in its platform. No revenue or patient adoption metrics have yet been disclosed, consistent with its clinical-stage status.

Led · Series A · Oct 2025

Founded in 2022 as a spin-off of Italy’s National Research Council (CNR), NanoPhoria Bioscience is building a versatile nano-in-micro delivery platform that transports inorganic calcium-phosphate nanoparticles from the lungs directly to the heart. Its lead candidate, NP-MP1, is a first-in-class peptide that targets cardiac L-type calcium channels to enhance ejection fraction in patients suffering from heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Pre-clinical studies have demonstrated strong efficacy, and the company plans to advance NP-MP1 through IND-enabling studies, early clinical development, GMP scale-up and regulatory programs. Beyond HFrEF, the firm intends to apply its platform to additional cardiovascular and chronic disease indications that are underserved by existing treatments. NanoPhoria has attracted significant investor support, closing an €83.5 million Series A round—the largest ever for an Italian biotech—led by XGEN Venture, Sofinnova Partners, CDP Venture Capital, and Panakès Partners. This capital provides the runway to progress NP-MP1 into the clinic and expand the internal pipeline. The firm has not yet disclosed revenue or patient numbers, reflecting its pre-commercial stage. With a robust syndicate and proprietary delivery technology, NanoPhoria aims to redefine treatment paradigms in cardiovascular medicine.

Led · Series B · Sep 2024

Genespire is a Milan, Italy–based biotechnology company founded in March 2020 by Prof. Luigi Naldini and Dr. Alessio Cantore and led by CEO Karen Aiach-Pignet. The company develops gene therapies for pediatric patients affected by genetic diseases using immune shielded lentiviral vectors (ISLVs). ISLVs are designed for intravenous administration and to allow life-long production of therapy directly from the patient’s liver. Genespire is initially advancing therapeutic programs in inherited metabolic diseases with high unmet medical need. The company raised €46.6M in a Series B and intends to use the funds to advance its lead candidate GENE202 and to support discovery and preclinical work on additional pipeline candidates. In connection with the financing, board representation from investors will be added to support the company’s development plans. Genespire develops gene therapies using platform technologies originating from the San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget). The company is advancing programs targeting primary immunodeficiencies and inherited metabolic diseases. Funds from the recent financing will be used to push its platform technologies toward clinical development. Genespire was founded in March 2020 as a spin-off of SR-Tiget and was co-founded by Fondazione Telethon, Ospedale San Raffaele, Prof. Luigi Naldini and Dr. Alessio Cantore. The company is based in Milan, Italy, and is backed by Sofinnova Partners. Leadership was strengthened with the appointment of Julia Berretta, Ph.D., as CEO and member of the board.

Led · Series B · Mar 2024

Protembis develops the ProtEmbo Cerebral Protection System, an intra-aortic filter delivered via the left radial artery to deflect embolic material away from cerebral arteries during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and other left-sided heart procedures. The company is advancing ProtEmbo through clinical investigations, including a pivotal FDA‑approved Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) study intended to enroll 250–500 patients in Europe and the US. Protembis is using recent financing to support clinical trials, research and development, and market access for the next‑generation device. Financially, the company completed a €30 million Series B in March 2024 and has secured an additional €20 million venture‑debt facility from the European Investment Bank. The EIB financing is supported by the InvestEU programme and is intended to accelerate product development and regulatory pathways. Protembis is a privately held emerging medtech based in Aachen, Germany. Protembis has developed the ProtEmbo® Cerebral Protection System, an intra-aortic filter device designed to protect the entire brain from embolic material liberated during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The low-profile, non-thrombogenic system shields all cerebral vessels and is delivered via the left radial artery to avoid interference with femoral-delivered TAVR equipment. The ProtEmbo System is currently undergoing clinical investigations, including the PROTEMBO IDE Pivotal Trial (NCT05873816). Protembis says its technology aims to reduce brain injury during left-sided heart procedures, improve patient quality of life, and lower healthcare costs associated with such injuries. The company is privately held and headquartered in Aachen, Germany. Recent financing activity is intended to support the ongoing pivotal trial and pre-commercial programs. Protembis has developed the ProtEmbo, a catheter-based filter advanced via the radial artery to cover arteries leading to the brain while allowing blood cells to pass and blocking embolic particles; the filter is heparin-coated to reduce clotting. The device is designed to minimize particle migration to the brain during transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI/TAVR) and other interventional heart procedures. Protembis reported initial safety and feasibility and demonstrated effectiveness in a first-in-human clinical study. The company plans further clinical studies at leading heart centers in Europe and the U.S. and aims to bring the ProtEmbo to market maturity. Protembis emphasizes a large and growing market opportunity driven by demographic trends and increased use of minimally invasive heart valve interventions. The company has closed institutional backing via a recent Series A to fund development toward commercialization.