Domain Therapeutics invests in Ermium Therapeutics to develop first-in-class CXCR4 candidate for autoimmune diseases
G Protein Coupled Receptor (GPCR) expert will invest up to €3M ($3.2M) to unlock the therapeutic potential of breakthrough asset
Strasbourg, France, September 11, 2019 – Domain Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company specialized in the discovery and development of new drug candidates targeting transmembrane receptors in neurology, oncology and rare diseases, today announces its investment of up to €3M ($3.2M) in Ermium Therapeutics.
Founded in June 2019 by Dr Jean-Philippe Herbeuval, Kurma Partners, Idinvest Partners, Domain Therapeutics and Erganeo, the new Paris-based company, Ermium Therapeutics, focuses on the development of an innovative class of immunomodulators targeting a GPCR, the chemokine CXCR4 receptor, for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
Ermium’s proprietary asset originates from the CBMIT team at the laboratory ofchemistry and pharmacological and toxicological biochemistry (CNRS/Paris Descartes University). Ermium’s molecules are the first that are able to target a newly id tified active area on the CXCR4 receptor to inhibit the overproduction of inflammatory cytokines, including type 1 interferons. This strategically positions
Ermium for the discovery of valuable and effective first-in-class candidates. By selectively targeting CXCR4 expressing cells, in particular plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) that are known to play a central role in multiple autoimmune diseases, Ermium’s lead series has a strong therapeutic potential.
“We are very happy to launch this new venture with Kurma Partners, Idinvest Partners, Jean-Philippe Herbeuval and Erganeo,” said Pascal Neuville, CEO of Domain Therapeutics. “This investment demonstrates our approach in selecting the best projects from academic groups and moving them forward to expand our asset portfolio. Kurma Partners identified Domain Therapeutics as a partner of choice at the inception of the company. This is great recognition of our role in the field of GPCRs and our position as a company builder.”
“Working closely with Domain Therapeutics during the acceleration phase funded by Erganeo was very productive,” said Suat Topsu, president of Erganeo. “By bringing its solid expertise in drug discovery and development and its understanding of the academic world, Domain Therapeutics has helped transform a great scientific finding into a real opportunity.”
“When Kurma Partners identified this promising project, Domain Therapeutics was naturally seen as the perfect partner to jointly define the R&D plan and company strategy,” added Thierry Laugel, managing partner at Kurma Partners. “Having Domain Therapeutics on board to support drug discovery and co-leading Ermium with Kurma Partners is incredibly valuable.”
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