Vico Therapeutics is a technology company.
Vico Therapeutics has raised $115.0M across 3 funding rounds.
Vico Therapeutics has raised $115.0M in total across 3 funding rounds.
Vico Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company headquartered in Leiden, Netherlands, specializing in RNA-modifying therapies for severe genetic neurological disorders.[1][2][3] Founded in 2019, it develops disease-modifying treatments using its VICOMER platform for antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) that target RNA to address genetic defects, with its lead candidate VO659 in Phase 1/2 trials for Huntington's disease (HD) and spinocerebellar ataxias types 1 and 3 (SCA1 and SCA3).[1][2][3] VO659 serves patients with these polyglutamine diseases—characterized by CAG repeat expansions causing toxic protein buildup and progressive motor loss—solving the lack of disease-modifying options by selectively reducing mutant proteins while sparing normal ones.[2] The company also explores early-stage programs for Rett syndrome (MECP2 modulators) and familial Alzheimer's (PSEN1 modulators).[1]
Vico Therapeutics was founded in 2019 by Gail Mandel, Josh Mandel-Brehm, and Luc Dochez, who brought expertise in neuroscience, biotech entrepreneurship, and business development to tackle unmet needs in genetic neurological diseases.[1][3][4] Gail Mandel serves as co-founder, Josh Mandel-Brehm as co-founder and board member, and Luc Dochez as founder and board member; Judith van Deutekom is noted as co-founder, managing director, and CSO.[3][4] The idea emerged from advancing RNA-modulating therapies, leveraging the founders' backgrounds to create allele-preferential ASOs via the VICOMER platform, with early focus on polyglutamine disorders like HD and SCAs.[1][2] Pivotal early traction includes advancing VO659 into Phase 1/2 clinical studies, positioning Vico as a key player in Netherlands' growing biotech scene.[2][3]
Vico rides the wave of RNA therapeutics expansion, particularly ASOs for neurological diseases, amid surging interest in precision genetic medicines following successes like Spinraza for SMA.[2] Timing aligns with advances in allele-specific targeting and growing recognition of polyglutamine disorders' genetic basis, fueled by market forces like orphan drug incentives and rising HD/SCA prevalence projections through 2035.[2] As a Netherlands-based firm, it contributes to the country's biotech ambitions to become a global leader by 2040, influencing the ecosystem through clinical validation of RNA modulation for brain-penetrant therapies and potential partnerships in Europe's neuro-genetics hub.[3][4]
Vico's near-term catalysts include Phase 1/2 data readouts for VO659, which could validate its platform and attract partnerships or funding amid 2025 biotech momentum in genetic diseases.[2][4] Expanding trends like improved ASO delivery to the CNS and combination therapies with gene editing will shape its path, potentially advancing Rett and Alzheimer's programs to preclinical milestones. Its influence may grow via pre-IPO liquidity options and ecosystem contributions, solidifying Vico as a leader in RNA-based neuro-therapeutics for rare disorders—echoing its founding mission to deliver first-in-class disease modifiers.[1][4]
Vico Therapeutics has raised $115.0M in total across 3 funding rounds.
Vico Therapeutics's investors include Kurma Partners, Canaan Partners, EQT Life Sciences, Hercules Capital, Polaris Partners, Pontifax Venture Capital.
Vico Therapeutics has raised $115.0M across 3 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $12.0M Series B in June 2024.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 1, 2024 | $12.0M Series B | Kurma Partners | |
| Jan 1, 2024 | $72.0M Series B | Canaan Partners, EQT Life Sciences, Hercules Capital, Kurma Partners, Polaris Partners, Pontifax Venture Capital | |
| Jul 1, 2020 | $31.0M Series A | Canaan Partners, EQT Life Sciences, Hercules Capital, Kurma Partners, Polaris Partners, Pontifax Venture Capital |