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 21.05.2019

Bionure launches a crowdfunding campaign to fund the preparation the phase 2 study of BN201

Bionure, a biotech company specialized in neuroprotection based in the Barcelona Science Park, has launched a crowdfunding campaign through the Spanish platform of Capital Cell with the objective of raising €1.3M that will be used to finance the preparation of the phase 2 study of its neuroprotectant BN201. The campaign (multiplesmotivos.com) is part of a bridge round of €2.4M that will cover the expenses of regulatory and technical preparation of the phase 2 study.

 

Bionure’s initial focus areas are Acute Optic Neuritis (AON) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS), for which there still are high unmet medical needs. The current standards of care include anti-inflammatory drugs and/or immunomodulators, both of which reduce inflammation but do not adequately protect the neurons nor repair the nerve damage.

The mechanism of action of BN201 will enable it to ideally address further indications relevant for a neuroprotective agent, including other neurodegenerative disorders, cerebrovascular disease, certain ophthalmic diseases and traumatic central nervous system injuries.

BN201 is a small molecule that has demonstrated neuroprotection and remyelination activity in several animal models of neurodegenerative diseases. It has successfully completed a clinical phase 1 study on the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics in single and multiple doses in healthy volunteers, under the approval of the MHRA, UK. It was backed by a Series A financing led by Alta Life Sciences. The company plans to start a phase 2 trial in early 2020.

Bionure strengthens its team 

Bionure has appointed Dr. Lucia Septién-Vélez as new chief medical officer (CMO). Dr. Septien joins Bionure at a crucial time, as the company is preparing for a phase 2 clinical study with its lead compound, BN201. Her wealth of experience in drug development and regulatory challenges will help the company finalize and deploy its clinical development plan and regulatory strategy and execute the upcoming phase 2 program.

Prior to joining Bionure, Dr. Septien worked as a clinical doctor in neurology and psychiatry then held senior medical and regulatory roles with a focus on neuroscience at major pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer, Wyeth, GSK, Servier and Ipsen, . She later moved to the biotech sector as chief medical officer at DBV Technologies.

“We warmly welcome Lucia to Bionure. With her sensitivity for patients, her solid experience in CNS drug development and her leadership skills, she will strengthen our team,” said Laurent Nguyen, CEO of Bionure. “We are convinced of her ability to successfully implement our neuroprotection projects.”

“In my practice as a medical doctor and drug developer, I encountered many patients made desperate by the progression of their neurodegenerative disease,” said Lucia Septien. “I am thrilled to join an enthusiastic team dedicated to changing the course of the current path towards disability.”

►More information: Bionure website [+]

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