Epicrispr Secures $90M in Series C Financing to Propel Epigenetic Therapy for FSHD

Epicrispr Biotechnologies, a clinical-stage biotechnology firm focused on programmable epigenetic medicines, has announced the closure of a $90 million oversubscribed Series C financing. This round was co-led by Octagon Capital and Janus Henderson Investors, with additional participation from Fidelity Management & Research Company, Cormorant Asset Management, Duquesne Family Office, Sanofi Ventures, funds managed by abrdn Inc., Angelini Ventures, Readout Capital, and existing investors.

The funds raised will support the pivotal clinical development of EPI-321, the first epigenetic therapy targeting facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), as well as enhance the pipeline of programmable epigenetic medicines and expand the proprietary Gene Expression Modulation System (GEMS) platform and its manufacturing capabilities.

EPI-321 has shown a favorable safety profile and early indications of disease modification in its first-in-human trial, with statistically significant increases in lean muscle volume and biomarker changes indicative of DUX4 suppression following a single administration. The enrollment for the EPI-321 Phase 1/2 trial has been completed, and further clinical data is anticipated later this year.

“This financing marks a pivotal milestone for Epicrispr as we advance EPI-321 and the next generation of programmable epigenetic medicines,” said Amber Salzman, Ph.D., CEO of Epicrispr Biotechnologies. “The strength of this investor syndicate reflects the progress we’ve made in translating our platform into the clinic. This financing positions us to advance EPI-321 into pivotal studies, expand our pipeline and continue building a new class of epigenetic therapies for patients.”

“Epicrispr has established itself as a leader in the field of programmable epigenetic medicine,” stated Anran Li, Ph.D., from Octagon Capital. “The team has demonstrated exceptional execution by translating a differentiated platform into encouraging early clinical data for EPI-321 in a remarkably short period of time. We believe Epicrispr’s proprietary technology, strong leadership team and expanding clinical pipeline position the Company to define an entirely new therapeutic modality, and we are excited to partner with the team as they advance this important work.”

In conjunction with the financing, Anran Li, Ph.D. of Octagon Capital will join the Board of Directors at Epicrispr.

Epicrispr is pioneering a new class of programmable epigenetic medicines that can durably regulate gene expression without permanent changes to the underlying DNA sequence. Utilizing its proprietary GEMS™ platform, the Company is developing therapies that specifically activate or silence disease-causing genes across various serious genetic diseases. The lead program, EPI-321, is the first clinical-stage epigenetic therapy for FSHD, with additional programs progressing across multiple therapeutic areas.

About EPI-321

EPI-321 is an investigational epigenetic therapy designed to tackle the underlying molecular mechanisms of FSHD with a one-time dose. After intravenous administration, EPI-321 targets muscle tissue using a single AAV vector, which has been clinically validated for muscle delivery. Preclinical studies have shown EPI-321's capacity to effectively suppress the pathological expression of the DUX4 gene and reduce muscle cell death. Interim data from the Phase 1/2 trial includes statistically significant increases in whole-body lean muscle volume as measured by MRI, favorable changes in circulating biomarkers consistent with DUX4 suppression, positive strength and functional outcomes, and a manageable safety profile.

About Epicrispr Biotechnologies

Epicrispr Biotechnologies is a biotechnology company at the forefront of gene-modulating therapies, particularly for neuromuscular diseases. Its proprietary Gene Expression Modulation System (GEMS) allows for precise and durable epigenetic modulation of gene expression, unlocking first-in-class treatments for previously untreatable conditions. Epicrispr’s lead program, EPI-321, is currently in clinical trials for FSHD, and the company is advancing additional gene-modulating therapies. Learn more at www.epicrispr.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

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Benson Cheng
benson.cheng@epic-bio.com

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Kimberly Ha
KKH Advisors
917-291-5744
kimberly.ha@kkhadvisors.com

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