Kynexis raises €40M to close out schizophrenia cognition trial
What's the deal? Dutch biotech Kynexis has raised a €40 million Series A extension, bringing its total Series A financing to €97 million ($110 million). New investor Novartis Venture FundDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → led the round, joined by existing backers ForbionDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, Ysios CapitalDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, and Sunstone Life Science VenturesDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →.
What does Kynexis do? The Naarden-based, clinical-stage company develops treatments to improve cognition in people with brain diseases. Its lead candidate, KYN-5356, is an investigational oral KAT-II inhibitor targeting cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia (CIAS).
Where the money goes: The financing supports close-out of the Phase 2 proof-of-concept study of KYN-5356 in CIAS and preparation for registrational studies. It will also fund expansion into other cognitive disorders, including Alzheimer's disease.
Why now? Kynexis has completed enrolment in its Phase 2 trial — roughly 150 adults across 13 US sites — and expects topline results by the end of 2026. The company calls KYN-5356 the most advanced clinical-stage programme specifically targeting CIAS.
New faces: Novartis Venture Fund's Marianne Uteng joins the board, with Mathias Frederiksen as a board observer. Separately, Kynexis appointed Neil Swami as chief business officer and added John McDonald, former head of M&A at Novo, as an advisor.
Read more: Business Insider
Image credit: Generated with Gemini
