Fight Against Cancer Innovation Trust (FACIT) announced a seed stage investment in Propellon Therapeutics, a start-up focused on developing a portfolio of WDR5-targeted anti-cancer therapeutics.
Financial terms were not disclosed. FACIT may invest up to maximum of $1.5 million in a particular company.
Established by FACIT in June 2016, Propellon’s WDR5 inhibitor platform arises from discoveries, research and innovations originating from OICR. FACIT’s investment, combined with non-dilutive capital, achieves a targeted $3.0M financing for the lead program.
The seed funding enables Propellon to accelerate the nomination of a candidate drug and position the Company for financing and/or entering a strategic partnership for clinical trials in patients with haematological cancers.
“Since forming the Company, significant progress has been made towards identification of a clinical candidate,” said Jeff Courtney, President of FACIT. “Our investment will further accelerate the advancement of this exciting first-in-class therapeutic and is a critical step in FACIT’s strategy to support early-stage oncology innovations in the Province.”
“Our partnership with the Drug Discovery team at the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research has yielded substantial progress toward a breakthrough epigenetic therapy for haematological malignancies. FACIT’s resources and funding ensures the Company moves to the next stage of development and growth in Ontario,” said Dr. David O’Neill, President of Propellon. “Propellon has entered strategic discussions to further advance our promising lead program and the Company through a Series A financing round. This timely seed investment allows the Company to maintain development momentum and select the best partners for bringing this important therapy to patients in need.”