Epicrispr Biotechnologies closed of a $90 million oversubscribed Series C financing advance EPI-321, the company’s lead clinical candidate currently in first-in-human studies for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), a genetic muscle wasting disease.
EPI-321 is an investigational epigenetic therapy that aims to address the underlying molecular mechanisms of FSHD with a one-time dose. Following intravenous administration, EPI-321 is directed to muscle tissue within a single AAV vector, which has been clinically validated for muscle delivery. Preclinical studies on EPI-321 have demonstrated its ability to robustly suppress pathological expression of the DUX4 gene and reduce muscle cell death.
Enrollment in the EPI-321 phase 1/2 trial has been completed, with additional clinical data expected later this year.
Funds will also be used to accelerate Epicrispr’s pipeline of programmable epigenetic medicines, and expand its proprietary Gene Expression Modulation System (GEMS) platform and manufacturing capabilities.
The financing round was co-led by Octagon Capital and Janus Henderson Investors, with participation from Fidelity Management & Research Company, Cormorant Asset Management, Duquesne Family Office, Sanofi Ventures, funds managed by abrdn Inc., Angelini Ventures, Readout Capital, and existing investors.
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