Sanofi backs Agomab’s US$89M push for fibrosis cure

BELGIUM—Belgium-based Agomab Therapeutics has secured US$89 million in Series D funding to support the clinical development of its treatments for fibrotic diseases, with Sanofi joining as a key investor.

This recent funding round also saw the participation of Invus, marking the entry of new investors into Agomab’s financial backing.

This latest investment follows a US$100 million Series C round in October 2023, along with a US$114 million Series B round, which was extended under the leadership of Pfizer.

The funds will be primarily used to accelerate the development of Agomab’s lead candidate, AGMB-129, an oral small molecule inhibitor targeting ALK5 (TGFβ1R), aimed at treating patients suffering from fibrostenosing Crohn’s disease (FSCD).

FSCD is a condition characterized by strictures in the intestines caused by inflammation and scarring, with no available cure.

AGMB-129 is currently being evaluated in the Phase IIa STENOVA trial (NCT05843578) involving 90 patients, with  Agomab expected to share interim results of  the  trial in early 2025.

In February 2023, Agomab reported positive data from its Phase I trial (NCT04933565) of AGMB-129.

 The drug demonstrated high local exposure in the ileum, with no drug-related safety concerns or dose-limiting toxicities observed.

The encouraging results from these initial trials have paved the way for further investigations into the drug’s potential in addressing FSCD, offering hope to patients with limited treatment options.

In addition to AGMB-129, Agomab’s pipeline includes AGMB-447, an inhaled treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), which is currently undergoing a Phase I trial (NCT06181370).

The company is also preparing to initiate clinical development of AGMB-101, a candidate for treating liver cirrhosis, which is in the final stages of IND-enabling studies.

Tim Knotnerus, Agomab’s CEO, expressed his enthusiasm about the support from Sanofi and Invus.

He emphasised that their investment, along with ongoing backing from existing shareholders, further validates the innovative work being conducted by Agomab’s team in the fields of fibrostenosing Crohn’s disease and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

 The funds infusion is expected to significantly advance Agomab’s clinical programs, potentially leading to innovative treatments for these challenging fibrotic conditions.

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