Cambridge, UK – o2h Ventures is pleased to announce its seed investment in Camgene Therapeutics, a pioneering mRNA medicine company focused on developing cutting-edge treatments for hearing loss.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 700 million people, or one in every ten individuals, will suffer from disabling hearing loss by the year 2050. The need for effective treatments is more pressing than ever. Current innovations, such as hearing aids and cochlear implants, offer limited enhancement, leaving a significant gap in healthcare solutions.
The success of mRNA technology in the rapid development and production of COVID-19 vaccines, has paved the way for its application in addressing other medical challenges. Also, recently we witnessed the start of the world’s first gene therapy-based clinical trial for hearing loss, led by CamGene co-founder and advisor Professor Manohar Bance. CamGene Therapeutics is using mRNA to produce a proprietary combination of proteins to regenerate and protect cells in the cochlear. The mRNA is delivered by a state-of-the-art lipid nanoparticle tailored for delivery to cells in the ear.
o2h Ventures invested in CamGene Therapeutics from the human health SEIS fund. It has been instrumental in nurturing the company from its conception, providing not only capital but also strategic resources to facilitate the company’s growth. As the lead investor, o2h Ventures is committed to supporting Camgene Therapeutics in its mission to revolutionize the treatment of hearing loss.
Sunil Shah, CEO of o2h Ventures, said:
This is a double first for us, it is our First investment into a company developing therapeutics for the ear AND our First investment using LNP’s as an enabling technology. Arpan is a rare find, he has the depth of science that he learnt in his career at AstraZeneca and a genuine entrepreneurial flair.
Arpan Desai, CEO of CamGene Therapeutics, said:
o2h have been instrumental in helping CamGene develop from an idea into a world-class team of scientists, surgeons and entrepreneurs ready to revolutionize how hearing loss is treated.”
About CamGene Therapeutics:
CamGene Therapeutics specializes in biotechnology, focusing on mRNA-based treatments for hearing loss. Their strategy involves creating an LNP mRNA growth factor genetic medicine. This innovative approach aims to regenerate nerve cells and alleviate inflammation, addressing the root causes of hearing impairment. CamGene Therapeutics’ goal is to not only enhance hearing but also to restore it to its natural levels. To know more about the company, please visit www.camgenetx.com
About o2h Ventures
The o2h Ventures ‘Human Health’ SEIS and EIS funds make tax-efficient investments in Pre-Seed and seed-stage companies that address human disease: we fund the development of novel therapeutic treatments; we help build new services and tools offerings throughout the biotech ecosystem, and we spur the creation of software & artificial intelligence that will change healthcare. To know more about our funds, please visit – www.o2hventures.com/funds
The o2h team are leaders in the biotech community and have been actively involved as investors, holding various board/industry positions as well as being engaged in grassroots scientific activity for over 20 years. o2h Ventures operates from their proprietary 2.7 acre Mill SciTech Park where they are developing a unique model for incubating small life science companies.
For more information or to invest in the fund, please visit www.o2hventures.com
Media Contact:
Juhi Shah
Marketing Executive
juhi.shah@o2h.com
