ZWI Therapeutics Secures $10M in Series A Financing
Written by Arushi Sharma
Dr. Ed Mascioli is appointed CEO, joined by Independent Directors Drs. Larry Miller and Ron Cohen. ZWI utilizes polycarboxybetaine, a novel polymer, for conjugates with improved safety. The lead program, ZWI-001, targeting hyperuricemia in severe gout, shows promise.
Watertown-based biotechnology firm, ZWI Therapeutics, Inc., has successfully closed a $10 million Series A financing round, led by Co-win Ventures and Sherpa Healthcare Partners.
The company was founded in 2020 by Drs. Bob Langer and Shaoyi Jiang, specializes in developing protein therapeutics utilizing proprietary polymers, with a focus on enhancing safety and efficacy.
In conjunction with the funding announcement, ZWI Therapeutics disclosed key leadership changes. Dr. Ed Mascioli has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer and Board Director.
Moreover, seasoned pharmaceutical industry professionals, Drs. Larry Miller and Ron Cohen, join the company as Independent Directors on the Board of Directors.
ZWI utilizes a novel polymer called polycarboxybetaine, patented by the founders, to create protein-polymer conjugates. These conjugates aim to offer improved safety and efficacy compared to existing therapeutics conjugated with polyethylene glycol (PEG).
In preclinical animal models, polycarboxybetaine conjugates have demonstrated low or no immunogenicity and excellent pharmacokinetics, potentially leading to enhanced clinical durability and safety compared to pegylated drugs. ZWI plans to license its polymer technology to pharmaceutical companies for specific development programs.
ZWI's lead program, ZWI-001 (uricase-polycarboxybetaine conjugate), has shown preclinical proof of concept and is currently under development for the treatment of hyperuricemia in severe gout.
The company has received valuable guidance on manufacturing, non-clinical, and clinical plans from the FDA through an INTERACT meeting and is progressing towards filing an Investigational New Drug (IND) application.
The Series A funding will support ZWI Therapeutics in advancing its lead program and further developing its polymer technology for various applications, including nanoparticles and hydrogels, with a specific focus on cellular therapies. The company's innovative approach and strategic partnerships position it for continued growth in the biotechnology sector.