EpilepsyGTx’s $33m Series A brings hope for 'life changing' focal refractory epilepsy treatment

EpilepsyGTx, a UCLB spinout venture focused on transforming the treatment of refractory epilepsy, has raised $33m in Series A funding to accelerate its gene therapy to clinical trials.

EpilepsyGTx’s lead programme, EPY201, could help patients become seizure-free in just one treatment, delivered locally to the focus site of the seizures, thereby avoiding many of the complications that come with systemic delivery. For those who have not yet responded to treatments, the therapy could be life changing.

The investment – from XGEN Venture, the British Business Bank, and a global biopharmaceutical company – will support EPY201 through Phase 1/2a clinical trials to establish safety and efficacy.

EpilepsyGTx has been supported by UCLB since its inception in 2021, including with $10m seed funding from the UCL Technology Fund 2 last year.

Senior Business Manager, Caitriona O’Rourke, who has supported the team, said: “This Series A fundraise is a huge milestone for EpilepsyGTx and demonstrates strong confidence in the gene therapy programmes and team. The company will advance a promising gene therapy into clinical practice, offering hope to many patients with focal refractory epilepsy. UCLB is pleased to have worked alongside EpilepsyGTx over the past four years, supporting its progress.”

For the 10 million people globally affected by focal refractory epilepsy, seizures arise from a specific part of the brain. Epilepsy is deemed refractory if seizures persist, despite trials of at least two tolerated and appropriately chosen antiseizure medicines.

Nicolas Koebel, Chief Executive Officer of EpilepsyGTx, commented: “Refractory epilepsy is a devastating condition causing unpredictable and life-threatening seizures, and affecting millions of patients worldwide. Our novel gene therapy EPY201, delivered directly to the seizure focus, has the potential to stop seizures with a single, minimally invasive administration. In doing so, it will change the way refractory epilepsy has been treated for decades.

“We are proud to have the support of such high calibre investors as we progress into clinical trials.”

UCLB is proud to work side by side with innovators like EpilepsyGTx, helping exceptional research find its market and make its way into the world.