Key Takeaways
- Laverock Therapeutics raised £20 million in seed funding, with £6.5 million in a recent extension led by Calculus Capital.
- The funds will enhance preclinical programs LKV201 and LKV301 aimed at treating haematological and solid tumors.
- CEO David Venables emphasized advancing the early-stage pipeline and fostering partnerships to integrate Laverock’s technology into other therapeutic frameworks.
Funding Expansion and Strategic Focus
Laverock Therapeutics has successfully expanded its seed funding to £20 million, following a recent investment round that added approximately £6.5 million. The funding initiative, led by Calculus Capital, has seen participation from existing investors including Eli Lilly and Company, Mercia Ventures, Eos Advisory, and Maven Capital Partners. Notably, Norcliffe Capital has joined as a new investor.
The additional capital will be directed towards optimizing Laverock’s preclinical programs, specifically LKV201 and LKV301, which aim to combat both haematological and solid tumors. The company’s innovative platform technology is designed to enhance the efficacy, precision, and safety of advanced therapies in oncology.
Laverock’s approach centers on the selection of non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs) that exhibit desired expression patterns. These miRNAs are modified using gene-editing techniques to create highly selective mRNA expression blockers. This process enables precise control over gene expression, linking gene silencing to specific cell identities and states, thereby improving targeted therapeutic development.
CEO David Venables highlighted the importance of this funding in advancing Laverock’s early-stage pipeline. The company plans to leverage these resources not only to refine its in-house programs but also to establish partnerships and collaborations with other organizations. This strategic move aims to incorporate Laverock’s technology and expertise into the therapeutic pipelines of its partners, thereby broadening the impact of its innovative solutions in the treatment landscape for various cancers.
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