A groundbreaking development in the fight against ALS is underway through the collaboration of experts from UCL and Stanford.
- A newly launched biotech firm, Trace Neuroscience, has secured £79m in funding to develop a revolutionary treatment for ALS.
- The company aims to restore UNC13A production, crucial for neural communication, which is disrupted in ALS patients.
- Co-founders Professor Pietro Fratta and Professor Aaron Gitler leverage their deep expertise in molecular neuroscience and genetics.
- The substantial Series A funding reflects significant investor confidence in the potential of this novel therapeutic approach.
A significant milestone in medical research has been achieved with the establishment of Trace Neuroscience, a biotech company focused on addressing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Co-founded by University College London (UCL) Professor Pietro Fratta and Stanford University’s Aaron Gitler, the company has successfully raised £79 million through a Series A funding round. This financial backing aims to propel their pioneering treatment into clinical settings.
The research at the core of Trace Neuroscience involves developing nucleic acids to reinstate the production of UNC13A, an essential protein for neuronal signalling in the brain and spinal cord. The decline of UNC13A is a prevalent issue in ALS, impairing neural and muscular communication. As Professor Fratta explained, the ability to restore UNC13A production is a significant advancement, offering new hope in ALS treatment.
The funding round, led by Third Rock Ventures, with contributions from Atlas Ventures, GV, and RA Capital Management, underscores the wide investor interest in Trace’s approach. It ranks among the largest of its kind in recent times, marking a noteworthy investment in the integration of advanced scientific research into therapeutic solutions for ALS.
Trace Neuroscience arises from an exclusive intellectual property licensing agreement with UCL, highlighting the strong academic collaboration. Caitriona O’Rourke of UCL Business expressed support for the venture, noting the nascent therapeutic’s potential to transition from laboratory to clinical use and eventually to the marketplace.
The urgency of advancing this research is amplified by the stark prognosis for ALS patients, who often face a life expectancy of less than five years post-diagnosis. This funding not only accelerates Trace Neuroscience’s research and development but also holds promise for tangible impacts on patient outcomes.
Trace Neuroscience’s substantial funding and scientific innovation signal a promising advance in the treatment of ALS, potentially transforming patient care.
