Paris and Boston-based Bionyra Pharma, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing next-generation biologics for “immune-mediated inflammatory diseases” has announced the company’s launch and its $165 million oversubscribed Series A financing co-led by Jeito Capital and Sofinnova Partners.
Arkin Bio, Sanofi Ventures, Sixty Degree Capital, Vives Partners and Apollo Health Ventures also participated in the inaugural funding.
The company received seed financing from Sofinnova Partners and was co-founded with former Sanofi R&D executive Dr. Frédéric Marrache, who serves as CEO of the company.
Bionyra is advancing “next-generation mono and multispecific antibodies for diseases with high unmet need despite currently available treatments” including atopic dermatitis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Marrache, co-founder and CEO of Bionyra, said: “More than half of patients suffering from immune-mediated inflammatory diseases remain inadequately controlled, highlighting a significant need for better treatment options.
“Across our pipeline, we are selectively modulating immune pathways that are central drivers of disease in indications where current therapies remain insufficient.
“We have built Bionyra around assets and targets with clear therapeutic rationale, relevant biology and optimized clinical strategy to develop therapies that will deliver meaningful impact to people who don’t currently have good options.”
Bionyra Pharma said: “Severe immunological and inflammatory diseases impose a constant toll, as patients live with a high daily burden of pain, fatigue and uncertainty, structuring their lives around flares, hospital visits and treatment setbacks.
“Current therapies often target single nodes of complex immune networks, limiting depth and durability of response.
“Many patients cycle through multiple therapies without achieving sustained relief or meaningful improvements in quality of life, highlighting the need for better therapeutic options that can improve clinical outcomes.
“Bionyra is launching with a broad pipeline of clinical and near-clinical, next-generation anti-inflammatory therapies designed to deliver first- and best-in-class treatments by combining multi-pronged biology with optimized pharmacokinetics to maximize efficacy and patient benefit.”
Mehdi Ainouche, Partner at Jeito Capital, said: “So many patients suffering from immune-mediated inflammatory diseases still face daily burden due to limited treatment options.
“Bionyra is uniquely positioned to accelerate delivery of highly promising therapies to patients through a focused and well-designed clinical development strategy aimed at rapidly generating clinical validation and addressing key unmet needs like deeper remission and alternatives for non-responders.
“We look forward to supporting Frédéric and the entire Bionyra team as the company reaches a pivotal stage in its development while simultaneously building a scalable pipeline in dermatology and IBD.”
Anta Gkelou, Partner at Sofinnova Partners, said: “When we co-founded Bionyra with Frédéric, our conviction in both the company and his leadership was grounded in his deep expertise in immune and inflammatory diseases.
“Today, that conviction is reflected in a $165 million oversubscribed round backed by an exceptional syndicate of investors who share our belief in this pipeline and the team behind it. Looking ahead, we are focused on advancing these programs with the aim of bringing meaningful new treatment options to patients.”
Mehdi Ainouche, Partner at Jeito Capital; Anta Gkelou, Partner at Sofinnova Partners; Avital Adler, Principal at Arkin Bio; and Laia Crespo, Partner at Sanofi Ventures, will join Bionyra’s Board of Directors.