About Us | ScientistVECT VectivBio Holding AG
Upcoming Catalysts
| Drug | Stage | Catalyst Date |
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Apraglutide
Short bowel syndrome - colon-in-continuity
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Phase 2
Phase 2
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Apraglutide (STARS)
Short Bowel Syndrome
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Phase 3
Phase 3
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Drug Pipeline
| Drug | Stage | Notes |
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Apraglutide
Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease
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Phase 2
Phase 2
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Phase 2 trial to commence 1Q 2022.
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Latest News
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- Industry veterans bring decades of clinical, regulatory and commercial management expertise to VectivBio -
- Nominees will stand for election at an Extraordinary General Meeting of shareholders on September 2, 2021 -BASEL, Switzerland, July 12, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VectivBio Holding AG ("VectivBio") (NASDAQ:VECT), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative treatments for severe rare conditions, today announced it has nominated Paul R. Carter and Murray W. Stewart, DM, FRCP, for election as Independent Non-Executive Directors on its Board of Directors. For more than two decades, Mr. Carter and Dr. Stewart have led several global clinical, regulatory and commercial operations in the biopharmaceutical industry.
"The start of our Phase 3 trial evaluating our lead drug candidate, apraglutide, in Short Bowel Syndrome with Intestinal Failure and our Initial Public Offering on Nasdaq have established a new stage of growth for VectivBio," said Tom Woiwode, Ph.D., Chairman of VectivBio. "We believe that Paul and Murray will play a prominent role in guiding VectivBio as we prepare for potential approval and commercialization. Murray's notable accomplishments in clinical development and regulatory affairs, and Paul's impressive track record of successful global drug launches and ongoing commercialization activities, will serve as important resources as we further build our organization with the purpose of delivering rare disease therapies to patients in need."
Mr. Paul R. Carter served in senior executive roles for a decade at Gilead Sciences, most recently as Executive Vice President of Commercial Operations, leading Gilead's launch and commercialization efforts globally. Previously, he worked for 15 years at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), where he served in increasingly senior management roles in a number of territories, including as Head of International Business in Asia. Over the past five years, Mr. Carter has been involved with several public and private biopharmaceutical companies as a Board Member and Senior Advisor. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants in the UK and holds a degree in Business Studies from the Ealing School of Business and Management.
Murray W. Stewart, DM, FRCP, is the Chief Medical Officer of Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, a biopharmaceutical company focused on the treatment of rare genetic disorders of obesity, and guided Imcivree® to FDA approval in November 2020. Prior to Rhythm, he was the Head of Research & Development at Novelion Therapeutics, where he oversaw global medical affairs for Juxtapid® and Myalept®, two marketed products for rare metabolic diseases. Previously, Dr. Stewart spent 18 years at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), serving most recently as Chief Medical Officer, and formerly as Head of Metabolic Pathways and Cardiovascular Therapy and Clinical Head of Biopharm. Preceding his career in drug development, Dr. Stewart was a physician and received his Bachelor of Medicine and Doctor of Medicine from Southampton Medical School. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians.
An Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of shareholders will be held on September 2, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. CEST / 8:00 a.m. EDT. The sole agenda item of the EGM will be the election of Mr. Carter and Dr. Stewart as new members of the Board of Directors. The invitation, which will contain the proposals and further details on the EGM, will be published in due course.
About VectivBio AG
VectivBio (NASDAQ:VECT) is a global, clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative treatments for severe rare conditions with high unmet medical need. VectivBio is committed to pursuing product candidates with a clear mechanism of action and the potential to meaningfully transform and improve the lives of patients and their families. VectivBio's product candidate, apraglutide, is a next-generation GLP-2 analog being developed as a differentiated therapeutic for a range of rare gastrointestinal diseases. Apraglutide is currently being evaluated in a global Phase 3 clinical trial as a once-weekly treatment for short bowel syndrome with intestinal failure. VectivBio also plans to initiate clinical studies of apraglutide in additional indications, including graft versus host disease, where GLP-2 is believed to be central to disease pathophysiology.Forward Looking Statement
Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. Words and phrases such as "anticipated," "forward," "will," "would," "may," "remain," "potential," "prepare," "expected," "believe," "plan," "near future," "belief," "guidance," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the success of development and commercialization efforts with respect to VectivBio's product candidate and VectivBio's plans to initiate additional clinical studies of apraglutide and to expand its rare disease product portfolio. All of such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond VectivBio's control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, including interruptions or other adverse effects on clinical trials and delays in regulatory review; delay in or failure to obtain regulatory approval of VectivBio's product candidate and successful compliance with FDA and other governmental regulations applicable to product approvals; the risks inherent in drug development and in conducting clinical trials; and those risks and uncertainties identified in the "Risk Factors" section of VectivBio's Registration Statement on Form F-1 declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 8, 2021 and its other subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made. Except to the extent required by law, VectivBio undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.For more information visit www.vectivbio.com, and follow us on LinkedIn.
Investors
Graham Morrell
[email protected]Media
Morgan Warners
+1 (202) 295 0124
[email protected]
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BASEL, Switzerland, June 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VectivBio Holding AG, ("Vectiv" or "VectivBio") (NASDAQ:VECT), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative treatments for severe rare conditions for which there is a significant unmet medical need, today announced that the FDA has granted orphan drug designation to apraglutide, a next-generation, long-acting GLP-2 analog being developed for rare gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, for the prevention of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD). GVHD is a severe, rare condition which can result from receiving an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant and the immune cells from the donor attack the patient's healthy cells. VectivBio plans to initiate a Phase 2 trial evaluating apraglutide for the treatment of aGVHD in the first quarter of 2022.
"Gastrointestinal damage is a leading cause of death in patients with acute GVHD," said Omar Khwaja, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer of VectivBio. "Preclinical and clinical studies evaluating apraglutide and GLP-2 analogs in acute GVHD indicate that apraglutide's regenerative and anti-inflammatory effects on the GI tract may significantly reduce morbidity and mortality in patients suffering from intestinal GVHD. We are eager to assess apraglutide's potential to prevent and treat this life-threatening disease and look forward to sharing our Phase 2 plans later this year."
The FDA's Orphan Drug Designation program is designed to advance the development of drugs and biologics intended to treat, prevent or diagnose rare diseases affecting less than 200,000 people in the United States. Orphan Drug Designation incentives and benefits may include seven years of market exclusivity post-regulatory approval, tax credits for qualified clinical trial expenses and a waiver of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) filing fee.
About VectivBio AG
VectivBio (NASDAQ:VECT) is a global, clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative treatments for severe rare conditions with high unmet medical need. The company is committed to pursuing product candidates with a clear mechanism of action and the potential to meaningfully transform and improve the lives of patients and their families. VectivBio's product candidate, apraglutide, is a next-generation GLP-2 analog being developed as a differentiated therapeutic for a range of rare gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. Apraglutide is currently being evaluated in a global Phase 3 clinical trial as a once-weekly treatment for short bowel syndrome with intestinal failure (SBS-IF). VectivBio also plans to initiate clinical studies of apraglutide in additional indications, including graft-versus-host disease, where GLP-2 is believed to be central to disease pathophysiology.Forward Looking Statement
Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. Words and phrases such as "anticipated," "forward," "will," "would," "may," "remain," "potential," "prepare," "expected," "believe," "plan," "near future," "belief," "guidance," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the success of development and commercialization efforts with respect to VectivBio's product candidate; and VectivBio's ability to expand its rare disease product portfolio. All of such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond VectivBio's control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, including interruptions or other adverse effects on clinical trials and delays in regulatory review; delay in or failure to obtain regulatory approval of VectivBio's product candidate and successful compliance with FDA and other governmental regulations applicable to product approvals; the risks inherent in drug development and in conducting clinical trials; and those risks and uncertainties identified in the "Risk Factors" section of VectivBio's Registration Statement on Form F-1 declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 8, 2021 and its other subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made. Except to the extent required by law, VectivBio undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.For more information visit www.vectivbio.com, and follow us on LinkedIn.
Investors
Graham Morrell
[email protected]Media
Morgan Warners
+1 (202) 295 0124
[email protected] -
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Phase 2 trial will evaluate the efficacy of once-weekly apraglutide in increasing intestinal energy absorption in CIC patients with SBS-IF
CIC patients represent over half of the total SBS-IF population
Initial readout of 4-week intestinal energy absorption data expected in 1H22BASEL, Switzerland, June 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VectivBio Holding AG, ("Vectiv" or "VectivBio") (NASDAQ:VECT), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative treatments for severe rare conditions for which there is a significant unmet medical need, today announced it has dosed the first patient in its Phase 2 STARS Nutrition metabolic balance study evaluating apraglutide in colon-in-continuity (CIC) patients with short bowel syndrome with intestinal failure (SBS-IF). CIC patients represent over half of the total short bowel syndrome with intestinal failure population and are underserved by current treatment options.
"SBS patients with colon-in-continuity are in desperate need of a new medicine," said Luca Santarelli, M.D., Ph.D., Founder and CEO of VectivBio. "Recent SBS-IF research shows that CIC patients are physiologically distinct in their response to GLP-2 analogs when compared to stoma patients. Specifically, CIC patients require fewer fluid infusions than stoma patients and may be more likely to achieve enteral autonomy in response to GLP-2 analogs. The purpose of this Phase 2 metabolic balance study is to demonstrate that apraglutide improves intestinal absorption in CIC patients, which may help them improve their enteral autonomy by decreasing or eliminating the need of parenteral support."
CIC patients represent approximately 55% of the SBS-IF population and do not require a stoma bag because they have a preserved colon, in continuity with the upper intestine. The presence of a functional colon allows CIC patients to absorb sufficient levels of water through normal oral ingestion and, therefore, receive lower volumes of parenteral support (PS). Historically, clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of GLP-2 analogs in SBS-IF have assessed stoma and CIC patients together and focused on total PS volume reductions, with an emphasis on fluids vs. energy absorption. While appropriate for stoma patients, this approach has limited utility in assessing clinical benefit in CIC patients. Recent research has demonstrated that the monitoring of metabolic parameters, such as energy absorption, are the most sensitive method to assess efficacy of GLP-2 analog treatment in CIC patients. In a previous VectivBio study, apraglutide was the first GLP-2 analog to demonstrate statistically significant enhancements in energy absorption in a Phase 2 trial and with a weekly dosing regimen.
"Remnant bowel anatomy is a key determinant in how SBS-IF patients will respond to GLP-2 treatment," said Tim Vanuytsel, M.D., Ph.D., gastroenterologist, Co-Chair of the Leuven Intestinal Failure and Transplantation Center and lead investigator. "Although, the mechanistic effects of GLP-2 therapy across SBS-IF patients remains consistent, the length and function of the remaining portion of the bowel determines the type and severity of symptoms. Based on CIC patients' greater ability to absorb water naturally than stoma patients, there is scientific and clinical rationale to focus on nutrient absorption rather than fluid response in this group."
STARS Nutrition is a multicenter, open-label Phase 2 Metabolic Balance Study of Apraglutide in Patients with SBS-IF and Colon-in-Continuity trial designed to evaluate the efficacy of once-weekly apraglutide in increasing intestinal energy absorption in SBS-IF CIC patients. The trial is expected to enroll approximately 10 patients and will measure their calorie absorption at weeks 4 and 48. Secondary endpoints will assess changes in PS volume. The initial readout of 4-week absorption data is expected in the first half of 2022.
About VectivBio AG
VectivBio (NASDAQ:VECT) is a global, clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative treatments for severe rare conditions with high unmet medical need. The company is committed to pursuing product candidates with a clear mechanism of action and the potential to meaningfully transform and improve the lives of patients and their families. VectivBio's product candidate, apraglutide, is a next-generation GLP-2 analog being developed as a differentiated therapeutic for a range of rare gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. Apraglutide is currently being evaluated in a global Phase 3 clinical trial as a once-weekly treatment for short bowel syndrome with intestinal failure (SBS-IF). VectivBio also plans to initiate clinical studies of apraglutide in additional indications, including graft versus host disease, where GLP-2 is believed to be central to disease pathophysiology.For more information visit www.vectivbio.com, and follow us on LinkedIn.
About Short Bowel Syndrome
Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a malabsorption disorder caused by the loss of functional small intestine. SBS typically occurs in adults due to irreparable gastrointestinal damage caused by physical trauma, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, ischemia or cancer, which require surgeries that result in the removal of large portions of the small intestine or colon. The severity of SBS can vary depending upon the length and function of the remaining portion of the intestine. Some patients who are initially diagnosed with intestinal insufficiency suffer from progressively worse food and fluid absorption, leading to SBS with chronic intestinal failure (SBS-IF). Patients with SBS-IF require parenteral support (PS), the intravenous delivery of essential fluids and nutrients, to survive. Patients with the most severe SBS-IF require PS infusions for up to 10 to 15 hours per day. SBS is associated with frequent complications, significant morbidity and mortality, high economic burden and an impaired quality of life. An estimated 32,000 people are thought to suffer from SBS in the U.S. and Europe, of whom 15,000 suffer from SBS-IF and require lifelong PS.About Apraglutide
Apraglutide is an investigational drug being evaluated in a pivotal phase 3 clinical trial as a once-weekly treatment for patients who have short bowel syndrome with intestinal failure (SBS-IF). It is a next-generation, long-acting synthetic GLP-2 analog that acts as a selective, full agonist of the GLP-2 receptor. Apraglutide is designed to enable patients to minimize the burden from parenteral support by increasing intestinal absorption of fluids, calories and nutrients. Based on preclinical and clinical data to date, apraglutide has the potential to advance the treatment of SBS-IF by establishing less frequent dosing and improving clinical outcomes for patients across the anatomical spectrum that characterizes the disease.Investors
Graham Morrell
[email protected]Media
Morgan Warners
+1 (202) 295 0124
[email protected] -
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Christian Meyer, currently Chief Development Officer, to assume the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer
Senior leadership appointments strengthen VectivBio as it continues development of apraglutide in short bowel syndrome and graft versus host disease, and expansion of its rare disease product portfolioBASEL, Switzerland, May 25, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VectivBio Holding AG, ("Vectiv" or "VectivBio") (NASDAQ:VECT), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative treatments for severe rare conditions for which there is a significant unmet medical need, today announced the appointment of Omar Khwaja, M.D., Ph.D., as Chief Medical Officer. Concurrently, Christian Meyer, M.D., Ph.D., has been appointed to the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer. Dr. Khwaja and Dr. Meyer each possess over two decades of experience and notable accomplishments in drug development, medicine and academia.
"The addition of Omar to our team significantly strengthens Vectiv's leadership as we continue to build on the momentum of the recent launch of our Phase 3 trial evaluating our lead asset, apraglutide, in short bowel syndrome and our successful U.S. IPO listing on Nasdaq. Having personally witnessed Omar's expertise and leadership qualities, I am confident that his impressive experience in translational research and drug development, combined with his passion for helping patients suffering from rare diseases, will serve as key drivers in advancing apraglutide and expanding our pipeline," said Luca Santarelli, M.D., Founder and Chief Executive Officer of VectivBio. "Christian has been instrumental in the growth of VectivBio since its founding and I am excited about the continued impact he will make as Chief Operating Officer. With his new focus on organizational and infrastructural development, Christian will bolster VectivBio's operational capabilities as we transition towards commercialization."
"VectivBio is dedicated to developing safe and effective treatments for severe rare diseases with high unmet medical needs," said Omar Khwaja, M.D., Ph.D. "I have long shared this same goal and am eager to join the Vectiv team in their mission to deliver life-changing therapeutics to patients."
Omar Khwaja, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer
Prior to joining Vectiv, Dr. Khwaja served as Chief Medical Officer and Head of Research and Development at Voyager Therapeutics, a biotechnology company focused on severe neurological diseases. Previously, he was the Global Head of Rare Diseases and Neuroscience Translational Medicine at Roche, where he worked for over eight years. Preceding Dr. Khwaja's industry experience in drug development, he practiced medicine and taught in academia for over a decade, including as Director of the Clinical Neurogenetics program at Boston Children's Hospital and as a member of the faculty at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Khwaja received his M.D. and Ph.D. in Human Molecular Genetics from the University of Cambridge. He is a member of the Royal College of Physicians, serves as the Chief Medical Officer for the Spinal Muscular Atrophy Foundation and is the Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board of the CDKL5 Forum.Christian Meyer, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Operating Officer
Dr. Meyer was part of the founding team of VectivBio, acting as its Chief Development Officer since June 2019, after serving as Chief Medical Officer of both Therachon AG and uniQure N.V., where he led the development of several rare disease programs and established their development organizations. Prior to his role at uniQure, he held several senior executive positions at Cardoz AB, Symphogen A/S and Zymenex A/S, where he was responsible for leading clinical development in the rare disease space. Dr. Meyer began his career at Novo Nordisk A/S and held academic and hospital positions before entering the pharmaceutical industry. Dr. Meyer received his M.D. and Ph.D. in Clinical Cardiology from the University of Copenhagen.About VectivBio AG
VectivBio (NASDAQ:VECT) is a global, clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative treatments for severe rare conditions with high unmet medical need. The company is committed to pursuing product candidates with a clear mechanism of action and the potential to meaningfully transform and improve the lives of patients and their families. VectivBio's product candidate, apraglutide, is a next-generation GLP-2 analog being developed as a differentiated therapeutic for a range of rare gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. Apraglutide is currently being evaluated in a global Phase 3 clinical trial as a once-weekly treatment for short bowel syndrome with intestinal failure (SBS-IF). VectivBio also plans to initiate clinical studies of apraglutide in additional indications, including graft versus host disease, where GLP-2 is believed to be central to disease pathophysiology.Forward Looking Statement
Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. Words and phrases such as "anticipated," "forward," "will," "would," "may," "remain," "potential," "prepare," "expected," "believe," "plan," "near future," "belief," "guidance," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the success of development and commercialization efforts with respect to VectivBio's product candidate; and VectivBio's ability to expand its rare disease product portfolio. All of such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond VectivBio's control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, including interruptions or other adverse effects on clinical trials and delays in regulatory review; delay in or failure to obtain regulatory approval of VectivBio's product candidate and successful compliance with FDA and other governmental regulations applicable to product approvals; the risks inherent in drug development and in conducting clinical trials; and those risks and uncertainties identified in the "Risk Factors" section of VectivBio's Registration Statement on Form F-1 declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 8, 2021 and its other subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made. Except to the extent required by law, VectivBio undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.For more information visit www.vectivbio.com, and follow us on LinkedIn.
Investors
Graham Morrell
[email protected]Media
Morgan Warners
+1 (202) 295 0124
[email protected]Danielle Cantey
+1 (202) 337-0808
[email protected] -
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BOSTON and LONDON, May 5, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Dementia Discovery Fund (DDF), the venture capital fund investing in, and creating, biotech companies pursuing transformational therapeutic approaches for dementias, announces the appointment of Luca Santarelli, M.D., as new Chair of its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB).
Dr. Santarelli is an entrepreneurial pharmaceutical executive with a background in academic research and more than 20 years of experience in R&D and as a biotech CEO. He has led drug programs in the areas of neuroscience, rare diseases, ophthalmology, metabolic and G.I., spanning the value chain from discovery research to commercialization. In his new role with DDF, Dr. Santarelli will use his scientific and strategic expertise to advise on DDF's investment pipeline and portfolio strategy, provide input on its most advanced investment opportunities, and support to existing portfolio companies.
Dr. Christian Jung, Partner at The Dementia Discovery Fund, said, "Dr. Santarelli brings scientific excellence, vast industry experience and a deep understanding of venture capital combined with a strong entrepreneurial spirit to our Scientific Advisory Board; we are delighted that he has agreed to become its Chair. I am confident that, in this role, he will provide outstanding guidance to continuously evolve DDF's scientific focus as we look to both source exciting new opportunities pursuing the translation of novel therapeutic concepts at the leading-edge of science and drive the growth and development of our existing portfolio."
Dr. Luca Santarelli, said, "I am honored to be appointed Chair of DDF's world-class Scientific Advisory Board. DDF is building a portfolio of highly innovative companies in the dementia space and it is clear that technological innovation and better biological understanding of neurological diseases is presenting new opportunities to create ground-breaking companies and progress the development of new therapies in this important area. I very much look forward to working with the SAB and DDF's partners and portfolio companies on this exciting mission."
Luca Santarelli, M.D.
Dr. Santarelli is the CEO of VectivBio (NASDAQ:VECT), a clinical-stage rare disease company he founded after serving as CEO and co-founder of Therachon AG, which was acquired by Pfizer in 2019 for $810 million.
Prior to Therachon, Dr. Santarelli was Venture Partner at Versant Ventures, which he joined after 12 years at Roche, most recently serving as the Senior Vice President and Head of Neuroscience, Ophthalmology and Rare Diseases. At Roche, he advanced over 20 new molecular entities (NMEs) to the clinic, various NMEs to registration studies including gantenerumab in Alzheimer's disease and spearheaded the development of several drug candidates that have now reached approval, including ocrelizumab in multiple sclerosis and risdiplan in spinal muscular atrophy. Dr. Santarelli also provided strategic and operational leadership for many of the Roche external biotech collaborations and helped instill a more entrepreneurial culture in the broader R&D organization. During this period, he catalyzed the creation of Synosia, a spin-off from Roche developing innovative treatments for disorders of the Central Nervous System (CNS). Synosia was acquired by Biotie in 2011.
Previously, he was a Research Scientist at Columbia University and a co-founder of BrainCells Inc., a company focused on the discovery of novel antidepressants that are able to stimulate the growth of new neurons, with Nobel laureates Eric Kandel, Rene Hen and Fred Gage.
Dr. Santarelli completed his M.D. and Psychiatry Residency at the University of Turin, Italy, and a postdoctoral fellowship at Columbia University.
Photo available on request
About The Dementia Discovery Fund
The Dementia Discovery Fund (DDF) is a £250m specialist venture capital fund investing in, and creating, biotech companies pursuing transformational therapeutic approaches for dementias including Alzheimer's disease. The DDF brings significant capital and domain expertise to enable talented entrepreneurs to bring therapeutics addressing one of the world's largest unmet medical needs to the clinic – ultimately aiming to generate significant returns for its investors. The DDF is enabled by its networks and influential group of investors including some leading pharmaceutical companies (Biogen, Eli Lilly and Co., GSK, Johnson & Johnson, Otsuka (Astex), Pfizer and Takeda), along with AARP, Aegon, Bill Gates, British Patient Capital, NFL Players Association, Quest Diagnostics, UnitedHealth Group, the UK Government's Department of Health and Social Care, and the charity Alzheimer's Research UK. The Fund is managed by SV Health Investors. Learn more at www.TheDDFund.com
About SV Health Investors
SV Health Investors is a leading healthcare fund manager committed to investing in tomorrow's healthcare breakthroughs. The SV family of funds invests across stages, geographic regions, and sectors, with expertise spanning biotechnology, dementia, healthcare growth, healthcare technology and public equities. With approximately $2.7 billion in assets under management and a truly transatlantic presence with offices in Boston and London, SV has built an extensive network of talented investment professionals and experienced industry veterans. Since its founding in 1993, SV has invested in more than 200 companies with more than 90 of these having achieved successful acquisitions or IPOs.
For more information, please see www.svhealthinvestors.com
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Dementia Discovery Fund
Laurence Barker (Partner), Jonathan Behr (Partner), Christian Jung (Partner)
[email protected]Citigate Dewe Rogerson
Sylvie Berrebi, Frazer Hall, Mark Swallow PhD
[email protected]
Tel: +44 (0)20 7638 9571
View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-dementia-discovery-fund-appoints-luca-santarelli-md-a-proven-neuroscience-leader-as-the-new-chair-of-its-scientific-advisory-board-301284088.htmlSOURCE The Dementia Discovery Fund