Ikarovec secures £2.5m seed funding from UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund, LifeArc and Parkwalk to advance gene therapy pipeline.
The funding round was led by UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund with participation from LifeArc and Parkwalk.
Ikarovec is developing novel and differentiated gene therapies for major ophthalmic indications. The company builds on intellectual property spun out from Quethera.
Cambridge-based ophthalmic gene therapy developer Ikarovec has secured £2.5m in a seed funding round led by the UK Innovation and Science Seed Fund, with co-investment from LifeArc and Parkwalk. The capital will primarily advance the company's lead multicistronic gene therapy for diabetic macular edema toward IND-enabling studies, alongside developing three earlier-stage pipeline products. Founded in 2019, Ikarovec builds on intellectual property originating from Quethera and aims to establish its own laboratories and intellectual property portfolio. Executive Chairman Robert Haigh leads the business alongside a newly expanded board of directors representing the investor syndicate.
From the founder
"The increasing incidence of debilitating ophthalmic diseases brings morbidity and economic cost, and we are pleased to announce our seed funding today to tackle these urgent issues. We thank our investors UKI2S, LifeArc and Parkwalk for their support, and look forward to working with them to build Ikarovec into a leading gene therapy company."
Robert Haigh
Executive Chairman at Ikarovec
Investor perspective
"Ikarovec’s innovative approach offers a potential one-shot treatment for hugely debilitating and common eye disorders. The multi-gene approach has already shown success and UKI2S is excited to be working with such a strong team to develop cutting edge therapies."
Oliver Sexton
Investment Director, UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund
Use of funds
- 01Continue product development
- 02Fund research and development
- 03Build out infrastructure
