SciRhom raises €63 million to advance iRhom2-targeting therapies for autoimmune diseases
Munich-based biopharmaceutical company SciRhom GmbH has secured a substantial €63 million (US$70 million) in Series A financing to accelerate the development of its pioneering iRhom2-targeting antibodies for autoimmune disorders. The oversubscribed funding round, co-led by Andera Partners, Kurma Partners, Hadean Ventures, MIG Capital, and Wellington Partners, will propel the company’s lead candidate toward clinical proof-of-concept and expand its therapeutic strategy.
Novel mechanism of action
SciRhom’s innovative approach centres on selectively targeting iRhom2, a key regulator of TACE/ADAM17, which acts as a master switch for multiple signalling pathways implicated in autoimmune diseases. By addressing iRhom2, the company aims to simultaneously inhibit several pro-inflammatory cascades, including TNF-alpha, IL-6R, and EGFR signalling, whilst preserving other vital TACE/ADAM17-dependent functions.
The company’s most advanced candidate, SR-878, is a highly specific monoclonal antibody designed to block multiple disease-driving pathways. Notably, this approach may also promote immune tolerance by restoring beneficial TNFR2 signalling and regulatory T-cell expansion, potentially offering a transformative effect across a range of autoimmune conditions.
Dr Jens Ruhe, Managing Director & COO of SciRhom, commented on the company’s progress: “Since its foundation, SciRhom has applied rigorous science to establish a leading position in iRhom2-targeting biopharmaceuticals including a comprehensive IND/CTA-enabling data and CMC package and strong patent protection. Now is the time to shift gears and accelerate our novel and potentially groundbreaking therapeutic strategy toward clinical proof-of-concept and beyond to reach patients in need of better autoimmune treatments.”
SciRhom’s lead programme has reached a Phase 1-ready stage, supported by positive preclinical data from in vitro studies and established animal models of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The company recently obtained its first Clinical Trial Application (CTA) approval, paving the way for a Phase 1 study to commence in Austria in the latter half of 2024. This trial will assess SR-878’s safety in healthy volunteers and provide initial evidence of clinical activity.
The Series A financing round has brought several new members to SciRhom’s Board of Directors, including representatives from the lead investors. In a joint statement, they highlighted the potential of the company’s approach: “iRhom2 is a key driver of inflammation and SR-878 offers a first-in-class opportunity for multi-pathway inhibition as well as promoting immune and tissue homeostasis. This approach has a transformative potential for patients with autoimmune diseases that are currently difficult to treat with existing drugs. SciRhom is led by a highly experienced and dedicated team of people who we strongly believe will be able to drive SR-878 to clinical validation.”
SciRhom leadership team.
From left to right: Dr. Jens Ruhe, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Jan Poth, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Matthias Schneider, Chief Scientific Officer. © SciRhom/Paul Paulsen, Photodesign, Munich
