Somagenetix raises CHF 10M to advance its first gene therapy candidate into a clinical trial

The financing round was led by Vi Partners. Among others, existing investors Schroders Capital, Zürcher Kantonalbank and Verve Ventures also participated to this financing round. The funds will enable Somagenetix AG to advance SGX-001 into a clinical trial.

Somagenetix AG is at the forefront of gene therapy innovation, focused on curing phagocyte disorders with a one-time treatment. The company has built a best-in-class gene therapy platform with currently three IP assets.

Its lead candidate SGX-001 is being developed for the treatment of p47 Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD). CGDs are a group of inherited immunodeficiencies with recurrent life-threatening infections. The condition is caused by genetic defects leading to functional impairments of phagocytes, a type of white blood cells, rendering them unable to kill pathogens. The current standard of care is stem cell transplant, which is only available upon finding an immunologically compatible donor. The preclinical development of p47-CGD gene therapy is currently supported by the Wyss Zurich Translational Center.

Alongside this Series A raise, Dr. Andrin Oswald has been appointed CEO.  Dr. Oswald holds a doctorate in medicine from the University of Geneva, Switzerland and brings over two decades of pharmaceutical leadership experience to the team.

Dr. Andrin Oswald, CEO of Somagenetix AG, commented: “I am excited to have joined Somagenetix. With this financing we will be able to advance the company to the clinical stage. Once validated in CGD, the underlying technology has the potential to cure patients with a wide range of phagocyte-related severe diseases.”

Prof. Dr. Janine Reichenbach, co-founder of Somagenetix, said: “To date, my team at the University of Zurich has developed a best-in-class lentiviral gene therapy platform for phagocytes, as well as achieved successful preclinical validation of our approach to curing CGD, and we look forward to starting clinical application of SGX-001 during 2026.”

Dr. Diego Braguglia, Managing Partner at Vi Partners, added: “Vi Partners participation in Somagenetix is an investment in the future of personalized medicine. By harnessing cutting-edge lentiviral gene therapy technologies, Somagenetix is positioning itself at the forefront of innovation that has the potential to transform lives on a global scale. We are proud and excited to support a company that is leading the change towards a healthier tomorrow.”

Source: Startupticker