SwanBio Raises $52 Million to Advance Gene Therapies for Neurological Diseases

Rare Daily Staff

SwanBio Therapeutics raised $52 million to fund advancement of its gene therapy for the treatment of adrenomyeloneuropathy and grow a pipeline in rare, monogenic neurological diseases.

Syncona and Partners Innovation Fund invested $20 million in the series A financing. The financing is Syncona’s largest series A to date, according the venture firm.

Adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN) is a rare genetic condition that affects the spinal cord. It is a form of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy caused by mutations in the ABCD1 gene. On average, people with AMN begin to develop symptoms in their late twenties, which may include progressive stiffness and weakness of the legs; ataxia; speech difficulties; adrenal insufficiency; sexual dysfunction; and bladder control issues. Some people with AMN also have brain involvement, which can lead to behavioral abnormalities, vision loss, hearing problems, and/or seizures. Current treatment addresses the symptoms in each person and may include steroid replacement therapy for adrenal insufficiency.

SwanBio will use the new funding to progress the understanding and development of adeno-associated virus (AAV) based gene therapies, advance manufacturing and development capabilities and hire more people to meet the demands of the pipeline.

“We continue to seek and develop gene therapies in neurological diseases where there is significant unmet need and where our science can make a difference in the lives of patients and their families,” said Tom Anderson, CEO and director of SwanBio.