AAVantgarde Bio announced the successful closing of a $141 million Series B financing round, funds that will be used to support its clinical programs for inherited retinal diseases.
Specifically, the proceeds from the financing will support completion of clinical proof of concept of the company’s AAVB-039 CELESTE study for Stargardt disease caused by a mutation in the ABCA4 gene and the completion of the >100 patient STELLA natural history study. AAVB-039 was granted FDA fast track designation in August 2025 and orphan drug designation in October.
The most common form of inherited juvenile macular degeneration, Stargardt is caused by mutations in the ABCA4 gene. The condition leads to the progressive loss of central vision. AAVB-039 addresses the underlying genetic cause of the disease by providing the full-length ABCA4 protein and has the potential to benefit all patients with ABCA4 mutations.
Funds will also support the completion of clinical proof of concept of AAVB-081 LUCE phase 1/2 clinical trial for retinitis pigmentosa secondary to Usher 1B due to a mutation in the MYO7A gene.
The round was co-led by a new lead, Schroders Capital, as well as existing investors Atlas Venture and Forbion. Other new investors included Amgen Ventures, Athos KG, CDP Venture Capital through its Large Ventures Fund, Columbia IMC, Neva SGR, Sixty Degree Capital, XGen Venture and Willett Advisors.
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