Ticino-based Gain Therapeutics raises €2.5 million in Series A

Gain Therapeutics (GT) developed an advanced computational technology (Site-directed Enzyme Enhancement Therapy, SEE-Tx) used to identify next-generation brain-penetrant non-competitive pharmacological chaperones for the treatment of devastating diseases.

SEE-Tx, applicable to all diseases with a known genetic mutation in target proteins, allows the identification of brain-penetrant small molecules that provide a gain-of-function of misfolded proteins. Gain Therapeutics has already identified molecules for the treatment of a group of metabolic disorders called lysosomal storage disorders and some chronic degenerative diseases of the nervous system.

Founded in 2017, the startup has headquarters in Lugano and a branch in Barcelona. To this end, TiVenture funded the startup. As an existing investor TiVenture has now extended its support in the GT’s newly closed Series A round with a contribution of €0.4 million. Other participants include VitaTech S.A. (€1.1Mio), Helsinn Investment Fund S.A. (€1Mio).

The funds will flow into the development of GT’s most advanced programs, namely GM1 Gangliosidosis, Gaucher Disease and GBA-related Parkinson Disease. The company aims to accelerate the identification of clinical candidates to be tested in first-of-human studies, as reported by Xavier Barril, GT’s Chief Scientific Officer.

Beyond financial support, the startup will also benefit from the investors' expertise. VitaTech, Helsinn Investment Fund and TiVenture for instance, will experience in drug development, pharmaceutical development, global licensing and collaborating. “This will contribute to bringing customized solutions to patients, where high unmet medical needs are still very much present across the globe, said Lorenzo Leoni, GT's CEO, and Managing Partner of TiVenture.

Roberto Barzi, Director VitaTech, added: “We are delighted for the closing of our first investment in Gain Therapeutics, which fits perfectly within our strategy to invest in companies positioned at the convergence of Healthcare and Technology.”

(Press release/RAN)