Nordic Science Investments participates in Kasvu Therapeutics’ €30M Series A funding round
Kasvu Therapeutics, a Finnish company developing a new generation of medicines for neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, has raised €30 million in Series A financing led by Hadean Ventures, with participation from EstVCA member Nordic Science Investments, Innovestor Life Science Fund, University of Helsinki Funds, Tesi, the Finnish Drug Discovery Center, and Stephen Industries.
Kasvu is developing small-molecule neuroplastogens designed to enhance TrkB, a key regulator of neuroplasticity associated with the rapid and long-lasting antidepressant effects of psychedelics, without triggering their hallucinogenic effects.
The company’s lead programme, KTX-0141, is designed to selectively amplify the brain’s endogenous BDNF signalling while preserving physiological control of the pathway. In preclinical studies, the compound has demonstrated enhanced TrkB signalling and structural and functional neuroplasticity, alongside encouraging drug-like and safety properties.
Kasvu’s approach builds on decades of research into BDNF and TrkB biology, including research by Professor Eero Castrén at the University of Helsinki. The company has developed a proprietary in silico 3D model of TrkB and uses it to discover and optimise novel small-molecule compounds targeting the pathway.
The new funding will support IND/CTA-enabling activities and advance KTX-0141 into Phase 1/1b clinical development targeting major depressive disorder. Clinical development is expected to begin in the second half of 2027, including an initial efficacy assessment in patients with major depressive disorder.
“Together with colleagues at NSI, we have supported the team through its early development and followed Kasvu’s science closely. We have always believed strongly in Kasvu’s potential to revolutionise the neuropsychiatric drugs field, and about Kasvu’s target to decouple the therapeutic effect of psychedelics from hallucinations. I remain convinced by the company’s progress and potential,” said Matti Hautsalo, Founding Partner at Nordic Science Investments.
Newer
There are no newer news
