Synendos Looks to Add U.S. Investors to CHF 5-20m Round for Novel Endocannabinoid Inhibitor Drug

27.05.2019 11:01, Joseph Heaven

The spin-off, discussing a CHF 5-20 million investment with European investors, will use Boston roadshows with Venture Leaders Life Science to add U.S. funds to the round.

What medical need does Synendos Therapeutics serve?

More than 500 million people suffer central nervous system disorders, such as post-traumatic stress, depression and anxiety. Current treatments aren't very efficient and have limited safety. Synendos hopes to commercialize new drugs to treat these disorders. Our cutting-edge understanding of the transport mechanism of endocannabinoids across cell membranes means the inhibitor drugs we're developing could restore the brain’s normal activities more precisely and with fewer side effects than conventional treatments.

What is your motivation to pitch in Boston?

Boston is home to a wide variety of biotech companies, and an inspiring environment for entrepreneurs. I want to meet U.S. investors to accelerate Synendos' development and develop our first contacts in the U.S. market.

What are you goals for the roadshows?

We are in active discussions with 15 investors to raise either a 5 million franc seed round to enter into phase 1 clinical trials, or a round of about 20 million francs, with funding linked to corporate milestones, to take the company to the end of phase 1b trial. I want to meet U.S. investors prepared to accompany our mid- to long-term development.

I'm also looking forward to meeting professionals with different expertise and backgrounds, to learn more about different aspects of science, regulation and business. I want to learn from the American way of building a startup.



Venture Leaders Life Sciences is a unique opportunity. It offers me access to a bigger network overseas, where I can pitch my startup, meet potential investors and gain expert advice for my company.



Venture Leaders Life Sciences is sponsored by Rothschild & Co Bank, Kellerhals Carrard, swissnex Boston, Ypsomed, Paul Schererr Institute, Canton de Vaud, EPF Lausanne and ETH Zürich.