Series B financing will support Exciva’s Phase 2 clinical trial of its lead candidate, Deraphan, for agitation associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD)
EQT Life Sciences has announced that its LSP Dementia Fund has joined as a co-lead investor in a EUR 51 million Series B financing round for Exciva, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing new treatments for behavioral symptoms linked to Alzheimer’s disease. The funding marks a significant step forward for the company as it prepares to advance its lead therapy into mid-stage clinical development, addressing an area of high unmet medical need within neurodegenerative care.
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Behavioral and neuropsychiatric symptoms, including agitation, affect a vast majority of patients living with advanced Alzheimer’s disease. These symptoms place substantial emotional and physical strain on caregivers, increase the demand for healthcare services, and significantly diminish patient quality of life. Despite the widespread impact of these challenges, treatment options remain limited and innovation in this space has progressed slowly, even as the global population continues to age. The newly raised capital will be used to support Exciva’s Phase 2 clinical trial of Deraphan, its lead drug candidate designed to treat agitation associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The study is planned to take place across multiple regions including Europe, the United States, and Canada.
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Deraphan is built on a solid scientific and clinical foundation. The therapy combines two compounds that have already shown clinical validity, one of which is a newly developed chemical entity. Earlier Phase 1 studies demonstrated favorable safety and tolerability results, suggesting the potential for a more balanced efficacy and safety profile compared to existing therapies. Many current treatment options are constrained by safety warnings, undesirable side effects, or inconsistent effectiveness, which underscores the need for better alternatives.
François Conquet, Chief Executive Officer of Exciva, expressed his confidence in the company’s progress and investor support. He noted that the successful financing round reflects strong belief from both new and returning investors in the promise of Deraphan. He added that positive outcomes from the upcoming Phase 2 trial could represent a meaningful advancement in symptom management for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers.
Philip Scheltens, MD, PhD, Partner at EQT Life Sciences, shared that the investment highlights Exciva’s potential to deliver meaningful innovation in a field where patients currently have few effective options. He emphasized that the company stands out due to the strength of its scientific approach and the experience of its leadership team. According to him, EQT Life Sciences is committed to supporting Exciva as it works to translate this research into real-world benefits for patients. Following the investment, Philip Scheltens will join the Exciva board as a Director, with Juliette Lee representing EQT Life Sciences as a Board Observer.
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