Versameb raises 6.4 million Swiss francs

With its latest financing round, Versameb has raised 11.8 million Swiss francs in total capital to date. “We are very pleased and grateful to see the interest of new investors, as well as the strong confidence shown by our existing shareholders,” Friedrich Metzger, CEO of Versameb, said in a press release.

The Basel-based biopharmaceutical has developed a technology platform that enables “efficient development of functional mRNA molecules for customized protein expression and modification in various therapeutic indications”.

The proceeds of this financing round will now be used to expand the platform, called VERSagile, in multiple indications and advance “the lead program towards clinical studies”.

Versameb also announced recent personnel changes. Reinhard Ambros was elected to the board of directors and subsequently appointed chairman, succeeding Roger Meier. According to the press relase, Ambros has helped to build the Novartis Venture Fund into a leading corporate biotech venture fund.

“I was attracted to join Versameb because I see a great potential in its unique mRNA technology platform and the ambitious goals to develop next-generation RNA therapies,” Ambros said.

In addition, Versameb recently appointed Isabel Ferreira as Chief Business Officer, where she will be responsible for leading the company’s global partnering and corporate development strategy. Prior to joining Versameb, she was the director of global business development at Roche Partnering.