Financing will also be used on preclinical pipeline of DARPins, molecules that reportedly combine advantages of mAbs and small molecules.
Germany-based Molecular Partners raised CHF 46 million (about $44.24 million) in a Series B equity investment round. The company aims to use the new funds to progress its lead VEGF antagonist, MP0112, into Phase II studies in two separate ophthalmology indications. The financing will also be used to support development of its preclinical pipeline of DARPin candidates.
DARPins are a class of therapeutic proteins that combine the high specificity, selectivity, and safety of mAbs with advantages of small molecules, including high-stability and low-cost production, according to Molecular Partners.
In May the company reported the early achievement of all milestones in the research phase of its collaboration with Centocor. The alliance is focused on developing DARPin antagonists against two undisclosed inflammatory disease targets. Molecular Partners also has ongoing DARPin collaborations with Roche and Bayer Schering Pharma.
