Trace Neuroscience, backed by UCL tech, has initiated a promising new approach for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) with a remarkable £79m Series A funding.
- Co-founded by professors Pietro Fratta and Aaron Gitler, the biotech aims to restore UNC13A protein production, vital for neuron communication, which deteriorates in ALS cases.
- The substantial funding highlights investor confidence, spearheaded by Third Rock Ventures, spotlighting UNC13A’s clinical and commercial potential.
- The company’s innovative approach could fundamentally alter ALS treatment, moving rapidly from the lab to clinical application.
- Exclusive licensing from UCL underpins the scientific advancements driving Trace Neuroscience’s lead program.
Trace Neuroscience, a pioneering biotech firm co-founded by University College London and Stanford University professors, is breaking new ground in the fight against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) with its innovative approach to treatment. The firm recently secured an impressive £79m in Series A funding, setting the stage for a significant leap forward in medical research and potential ALS therapies.
Professors Pietro Fratta and Aaron Gitler are at the helm of this promising venture. Their goal is to address the critical issue of declining UNC13A protein production in ALS patients. This protein is essential for the communication between neurons and muscles, and its loss is a hallmark of ALS, commonly known as motor neuron disease. Fratta emphasized the groundbreaking nature of their work: “UNC13A is critical for neurons to communicate amongst each other and with muscles and is lost in nearly all ALS cases. Being able to re-establish this is groundbreaking.”
The funding round, representing one of the largest for this field in the year, was led by Third Rock Ventures and supported by Atlas Ventures, GV, and RA Capital Management. This influx of capital underscores the investor enthusiasm for UNC13A as a target for therapy and its potential commercial applications. Caitriona O’Rourke from UCL Business highlighted the shared excitement: “This Series A funding round indicates investors’ excitement for UNC13A as a therapeutic target and commercial applications for this novel therapeutic.”
Trace Neuroscience’s development is fortified by an exclusive intellectual property agreement with UCL, ensuring that the company’s advancements remain at the forefront of ALS research. With this robust support, the company is poised to advance its lead program towards clinical trials and hopefully, market availability.
This strategic alignment of scientific rigor, substantial funding, and innovative thinking positions Trace Neuroscience as a formidable contender in the realm of ALS treatment, holding potential to not only transform patient outcomes but also inspire future neurological research endeavors.
This venture represents a pivotal moment in ALS research, driven by innovative science and substantial investor backing, paving the way for potential breakthrough treatments.
