The new capital will support the innovative therapeutic strategy of Scirhom in the field of autoimmune diseases. The first clinical trial with SR-878, a highly specific monoclonal antibody against the target molecule iRhom2, is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2024, according to the company.
“Right time to take the next step”
The biopharmaceutical company Scirhom based in Martinsried near Munich aims to establish a new treatment strategy for autoimmune diseases and other potential indications by selectively targeting TACE/ADAM17, a master switch for various signaling pathways relevant to autoimmune diseases, via iRhom2. iRhom2 is a protein found in human cells and plays an important role in the regulation of inflammatory processes.
Dr. Jens Ruhe, Co-founder, Managing Director and COO of Scirhom, says about the current financing round:
"Since its inception, Scirhom has generated sound scientific evidence and applied methodologies to establish a leadership position in iRhom2-targeted biopharmaceuticals. This includes a comprehensive IND/CTA-ready data and CMC package, as well as strong patent protection. Now is the right time to take the next step and advance our innovative and potentially groundbreaking therapeutic strategy to clinical proof of concept and beyond, reaching patients in need of better autoimmune treatments."
Based on positive preclinical data obtained in vitro and in established animal models of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and inflammatory bowel disease, Scirhom has prepared its first program for Phase 1 clinical trials. The aim of the study is to investigate the safety of the drug in healthy volunteers and, in a second part, to provide initial evidence of clinical efficacy.
Effective treatments for autoimmune diseases
Dr. Jan Poth, Managing Director and CEO of Scirhom, explains:
"We are delighted to have attracted such a high-caliber international investor consortium and greatly appreciate the support of our existing shareholders for Scirhom during this crucial phase of its development. We look forward to working with our new and existing partners and board members to provide patients with an alternative therapeutic option and address the unmet medical need for significantly more effective and safer treatments for autoimmune diseases."
Hans-Ulrich Rabe, current Chairman of the Advisory Board and one of the four founding investors who jointly invest in biotech startups through their investment platform Ventura Ace, continues:
"We are pleased to have supported Scirhom from inception to CTA approval and now look forward to working with the new investors to advance Scirhom's lead antibody into clinical development."
