The CNS disorder drug developer has launched with $76m from investors including Biogen, Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer Ventures.

US-based regenerative medicine developer Autobahn Therapeutics closed a $76m series B round on Tuesday featuring pharmaceutical companies Biogen, Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer, the latter through its Pfizer Ventures subsidiary.

Arch Venture Partners and Cowen Healthcare Investments co-led the round, which included BVF Partners, Invus, Section 32, Samsara BioCapital and Alexandria Venture Investments, the venture capital arm of real estate investment trust Alexandria Real Estate Equities.

Autobahn is developing treatments that target the body’s thyroid hormone in order to treat central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Its lead drug candidate is ABX-002, which is focused on multiple sclerosis and a rare genetic disorder known as adrenomyeloneuropathy.

The company’s technology is based on research by co-founder Tom Scanlan, professor of chemical physiology and biochemistry at Oregon Health and Science University. The round marks its official launch and it has not disclosed any previous financing.

Kevin Finney, Autobahn’s chairman and CEO, said: “Autobahn is harnessing the regenerative power of the human body to treat both rare and prevalent CNS disorders. We are coupling our deep knowledge of thyroid hormone biology and remyelination with our brain-targeting chemistry platform to restore the brain to a healthier state.

“We stand well-positioned to advance our pipeline with funding from the highest quality investors and pharmaceutical leaders who share our mission of improving life health for people affected by these conditions.”

Robert Lavine

Robert Lavine is special features editor for Global Venturing.