Advising EpilepsyGTx on its US$33 million Series A financing

We have advised EpilepsyGTx on its US$33 million Series A financing with investment from XGEN Venture, British Business Bank, and a global biopharmaceutical company. 

EpilepsyGTx is a London-based biotechnology company focused on research and development of cutting-edge gene therapies to treat refractory epilepsy. Focal refractory epilepsy affects about 10 million patients worldwide, including 2 million patients in the US, UK and EU, who continue experiencing seizures even after trying at least two anti-seizure treatments. EPY201 is an AAV9-based gene therapy delivered locally via catheter to the epileptogenic focus of the patient's brain, offering FRE patients the prospect of seizure freedom in a single intervention without resection or ablation of brain tissue and without the chronic use of multiple antiseizure medicines.

The funding will enable the delivery of a first-in-human Phase 1/2a clinical trial expected to commence in the UK and Europe by the end of 2026, establishing the safety and efficacy of the company's lead gene therapy programme EPY201 in up to 30 adults with focal refractory epilepsy.

Nicolas Koebel, Chief Executive Officer of EpilepsyGTx, commented: "Refractory epilepsy is a devastating condition causing unpredictable and life-threatening seizures, and affecting millions of patients worldwide. Our novel gene therapy EPY201 delivered directly to the seizure focus has the potential to stop seizures with a single, minimally invasive administration. In doing so, it will change the way refractory epilepsy has been treated for decades. We were very grateful for the input provided by the Taylor Wessing life sciences team on this transaction, which was insightful, tailored and timely input throughout."

Commenting on the transaction, Corporate Partner Ross McNaughton said: "Gene therapy represents a transformative approach to treating previously intractable neurological conditions, such as focal refractory epilepsy. We are delighted to have acted for EpilepsyGTx on this significant fundraising round, which helps the company advance its potentially transformational product towards human use."

Our team consisted of Ross McNaughton (Partner), Bella Thornton-Clark (Senior Associate) and Phoebe Sennett (Associate) from the Corporate team.