Epicrispr raises $90M Series C to push FSHD epigenetic therapy toward pivotal trials
What's the deal? Epicrispr Biotechnologies has closed a $90 million oversubscribed Series C to advance EPI-321, its lead candidate for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), a genetic muscle-wasting disease. The round was co-led by Octagon CapitalDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → and Janus Henderson Investors.
Who else joined? Participants included FidelityDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → Management & Research Company, Cormorant Asset Management, Duquesne Family OfficeDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, Sanofi VenturesDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, funds managed by abrdn Inc., Angelini VenturesDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, Readout CapitalDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, and existing investors.
What's the endgame? EPI-321 is an investigational epigenetic therapy designed to treat FSHD with a one-time dose. Delivered intravenously via a single AAV vector, it targets muscle tissue and aims to suppress the pathological DUX4 gene that drives the disease.
Why now? Enrollment in the EPI-321 phase 1/2 trial is complete, with additional clinical data expected later this year. The funding positions the company to move toward pivotal studies.
What's the money for? Beyond EPI-321, the funds will accelerate Epicrispr's pipeline of programmable epigenetic medicines and expand its Gene Expression Modulation System (GEMS) platform and manufacturing capabilities.
The signal: Epigenetic therapies — which alter gene expression without cutting DNA — are drawing investor interest as a next step beyond conventional gene editing. An oversubscribed round backed by crossover funds like FidelityDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → and Janus Henderson signals confidence that these approaches can reach the clinic.
Read more: finance.yahoo.com, cellgenetherapyreview.com, businesswire.com, synbiobeta.com
Image credit: Generated with Gemini
