BRIEF — UCB and investor syndicate led by Novo Seeds launch Syndesi Therapeutics

The creation of Syndesi Therapeutics was announced on Thursday as the result of a partnership between UCB and a syndicate of Belgian and international investors.

The investor syndicate is led by Novo Seeds and Fountain Healthcare together with Johnson & Johnson Innovation - JJDC, Inc. (JJDC), V-BIO Ventures, the Walloon Investment Fund (SRIW) and VIVES Louvain Technology Fund.

Belgium-based Syndesi will leverage UCB's neurology expertise in modulating the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A. It has exclusively licensed a first-in-class small molecule program from UCB, and the series A investment totaling 17 million euros ($21 million) will fund the clinical development of the lead compound up to early proof-of-concept in humans.

Jonathan Savidge, who is the new company’s chief executive, said: "Development of these small molecules that modulate the SV2A target in a distinct manner represents an intriguing new approach for the treatment of cognitive deficits since they specifically target synaptic dysfunction, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease and other indications characterized by cognitive impairment.

“Syndesi benefits both from UCB's research expertise and from an impressive syndicate of experienced investors and their respective networks."