Novo Seeds’ portfolio company Galecto Biotech AB (Galecto), a developer of galectin modulators for the treatment of severe diseases, including fibrosis and cancer, has successfully closed a EUR79 million series C financing round.
As part of the financing, Novo Seeds invested EUR12.5 million, including a convertible loan, becoming the largest shareholder in Galecto. Novo Seeds Senior Partner, Stephan Christgau will continue to serve on the Galecto Board.
Stephan Christgau, Senior Partner at Novo Seeds, says: “Novo Seeds’ strategy is to identify, build and invest in innovative startup companies founded on strong science, with the ultimate goal of developing products that can transform patient treatment. As the original incubators and first investor in Galecto, we believe that Galecto’s galectin biology has the potential to open new treatment possibilities for many patients, including those with organ fibrosis and cancer.
“Galecto was first funded through the pre-seed grant programme of the Novo Nordisk Foundation in 2010, and subsequently Novo Seeds led the first seed investment round in 2011. We are delighted to once again support this proven management team and are excited to continue working with this group of renowned investors in shaping the future of the company and building on the continued growth.”
In addition to Novo Seeds, existing investors M Ventures, and Sunstone Capital also participated in the round. The Series C financing was co-led by Ysios Capital and OrbiMed. New investors Ysios Capital, OrbiMed, HBM Healthcare Investments, OrbiMed Israel, Bristol Myers-Squibb, Maverick Ventures and Seventure Partners joined the round.
“The closing of this EUR79 million financing is a significant milestone for Galecto as it allows us to quickly take TD139 into the phase 2/3 study, the design for which has been agreed with the FDA and MHRA. The financing will also enable clinical studies for two additional programs, which are based on galectin modulators optimised for dosing in fibrotic diseases of other organs, such as the liver and eye,” says Hans Schambye, CEO of Galecto Biotech. “We welcome and thank our new and existing investors for their commitment to advancing our galectin modulator products to late-stage clinical development.”
