Vandria’s $30.7M Series A to Support Development of Mitochondrial Therapeutics

Vandria, a company specializing in mitochondrial therapeutics, has recently concluded the second phase of its Series A financing, bringing the total amount raised to $30.7 million (CHF 28.3 million). This funding is crucial as Vandria focuses on developing groundbreaking small molecule mitophagy inducers. These inducers target a novel biological pathway to rejuvenate cells, aiming to treat a range of age-related and chronic diseases.

Vandria's approach involves discovering and developing inhibitors for a specific target that promotes mitophagy—the selective removal and replacement of damaged mitochondria within cells. This process is complemented by anti-inflammatory effects. The genetic links between the target and several human diseases underscore the potential impact of Vandria’s technology.

One of Vandria's primary projects is VNA-318, a drug being developed for patients with early-stage central nervous system (CNS) and neurodegenerative disorders. VNA-318 is designed to improve cognitive function and slow the progression of memory loss. In addition to VNA-318, Vandria has a pipeline of other mitophagy-inducing small molecules targeting unmet medical needs in diseases affecting the muscle, lung, and liver.

The recent financing round saw participation from new investors Hevolution Foundation and Dolby Family Ventures, alongside the lead investor ND Capital. Jens Eckstein from Hevolution Foundation will join Vandria’s board of directors. Eckstein expressed enthusiasm for Vandria’s approach, highlighting mitophagy as a promising therapeutic avenue for addressing cognitive impairments and other age-related conditions. He also noted the potential of Vandria’s broader pipeline to address a range of chronic diseases.

Sourav Kole from Dolby Family Ventures praised Vandria’s preclinical data, which demonstrates neuroprotective effects and the potential to enhance cognitive function. Kole emphasized the importance of advancing this research through clinical trials. Since the initial closing of the Series A round in December, Vandria has made substantial progress, including advancing its platform and portfolio, particularly its lead program VNA-318. The company has also expanded its team and relocated to new lab facilities at Superlab Suisse on the Biopôle Lausanne campus, reflecting its growth and commitment to innovation.

In addition to the equity financing, Vandria has secured CHF 4.2 million in non-dilutive funding through two Innosuisse grants and an Eurostars grant. These grants will support the development of VNA-318 and other mitophagy drug candidates. Vandria’s CEO, Klaus Dugi, expressed satisfaction with the support from Hevolution Foundation and Dolby Family Ventures. He noted that the new funds will help Vandria transition into a clinical-stage company. 

The latest round of financing for Vandria will significantly bolster the company's efforts to advance its lead therapeutic candidate, VNA-318. Specifically, the funds will be used to complete two critical phases of clinical development: the Single Ascending Dose (SAD) and Multiple Ascending Dose (MAD) studies, which are part of Phase 1. These studies are essential for determining the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of VNA-318 in healthy volunteers and early-stage patients.

Once these Phase 1 studies are completed and depending on their outcomes, as well as regulatory approvals, Vandria plans to proceed with three parallel Phase 1b/2a efficacy studies in 2025. These upcoming studies will focus on assessing the effectiveness and optimal dosing of VNA-318 in patients with early-stage central nervous system (CNS) and neurodegenerative disorders. Successful completion of these studies will be crucial for advancing VNA-318 to later stages of development and potentially bringing it to market.

Overall, this financing enables Vandria to continue its innovative work in mitophagy and further develop its pipeline of mitophagy-inducing small molecules. The funding supports not only the clinical trials for VNA-318 but also the broader goal of addressing unmet medical needs in various age-related and chronic diseases.