Agomab, backed by Sanofi, raises $89m for fibrotic disease treatments

Belgian biotech company Agomab Therapeutics has successfully raised $89 million in a Series D funding round to advance its research and clinical trials for treatments targeting fibrotic diseases. This funding round saw the participation of major new investors, including Sanofi and Invus, adding to the company's substantial financial support from previous rounds.

Agomab's focus remains on developing innovative therapies for conditions such as fibrostenosing Crohn’s disease (FSCD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The lead candidate, AGMB-129, is an oral small molecule inhibitor targeting ALK5 (TGFβ1R). Currently, it is undergoing the Phase IIa STENOVA trial (NCT05843578) with 90 patients, and interim results are anticipated in early 2025. Earlier data from a Phase I trial (NCT04933565) in February 2023 were promising, showing significant local exposure in the ileum without any drug-related safety concerns or dose-limiting toxicities. This is particularly noteworthy since FSCD is characterized by intestinal strictures from inflammation and scarring, conditions with no existing cure.

In addition to AGMB-129, Agomab is also developing an inhaled treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, AGMB-447, currently in a Phase I trial (NCT06181370). Moreover, the company is preparing to begin clinical studies for AGMB-101, a candidate for liver cirrhosis, which is in the final stages of IND-enabling studies.

Sanofi's involvement in the latest funding round underscores its ongoing strategy to bolster its influence in the immunology and fibrotic disease sectors. Sanofi has been actively expanding its immunology pipeline through various strategic partnerships and acquisitions. Notably, in June 2024, Sanofi entered a $700 million strategic partnership with Belharra Therapeutics to develop small molecule therapies for immunological diseases. Additionally, Sanofi has maintained a strong presence in the market with its biologic drug Dupixent (dupilumab), developed in collaboration with Regeneron. Approved by the FDA in 2017 for atopic dermatitis, Dupixent has since achieved several label expansions and is projected to generate substantial revenue, with forecasts predicting earnings of $23.6 billion by 2030.

Agomab's CEO, Tim Knotnerus, expressed enthusiasm about the new investment and its implications for the company's ongoing research efforts. He highlighted that the support from both new and existing investors validates the pioneering work Agomab is conducting in addressing fibrostenosing Crohn’s disease and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Overall, Agomab Therapeutics is positioned at the forefront of developing treatments for complex fibrotic diseases. The recent influx of $89 million in Series D funding, coupled with previous financial rounds, equips the company with the necessary resources to advance its clinical trials and potentially offer new hope for patients suffering from these challenging conditions. The collaboration with industry giants like Sanofi further strengthens Agomab's capability to innovate and progress in the field of fibrotic disease treatment.