Memo Therapeutics secures CHF 25 million series C to speed up clinical development for renal transplant patients

02.11.2023 10:49, Rita Longobardi

The funding will be crucial in advancing Memo's AntiBKV therapy development, enabling them to complete a Phase II trial and prepare for Phase III by strengthening their drug manufacturing capabilities. This significant financial boost signifies a major step forward in their mission to improve outcomes for renal transplant patients.

Memo Therapeutics (MTx), a late-stage biotechnology company specializing in the development of top-tier therapeutic antibodies, has announced the successful closure of a CHF 25 million Series C financing round, with Pureos Bioventures taking the lead. This funding round also saw the participation of existing investors, including Swisscanto, Vesalius Biocapital, Adjuvant Capital, Verve Ventures, Schroders Capital, GF Group, Fresenius Medical Care Ventures, and Redalpine.

The raised capital will be instrumental in MTx's efforts to complete the Phase II clinical development of their groundbreaking antibody, AntiBKV, designed to combat BK polyomavirus (BKV) infections in kidney transplant recipients. These infections pose a substantial risk post-transplantation, with potentially severe consequences for graft function and patient survival. Anticipating Phase II clinical data in 2024, the funds will also facilitate the scaling up of Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) operations for AntiBKV in preparation for Phase III trials and potential market introduction. Furthermore, the financing will advance MTx's existing antibody pipeline.

“With these new funds, we are in an optimal position to complete a multi-centre Phase II study with AntiBKV, a treatment option that could dramatically improve the lives of renal transplant patients. Importantly, we will also scale up CMC manufacturing of AntiBKV to ensure we have a product ready for further clinical evaluation and in anticipation of a potential launch in 2025,” said Elias Papatheodorou, Chairman of MTx’s Board of Directors. “On behalf of MTx, I’d like to welcome our new investor, Pureos Bioventures. We are also fortunate to have the long-term support of our existing investors who share our goal to develop best-in-class therapeutic antibodies for difficult-to-treat diseases.”

Memo Therapeutics was ranked among the TOP 100 Swiss Startups from 2015 to 2017 as well as the TOP 100 Scale-ups from 2019 to 2022.

"The TOP 100 is a significant launchpad for success, propelling entrepreneurs towards their successful future in the industry," said Lars Spenger.


Christoph Esslinger (Founder and CSO), Lars Spenger (CFO), and Jürgen Beck (CMO)