Augustine Therapeutics, a Belgium-based biotech firm focused on therapies for neuromuscular and cardio-metabolic treatments, raised €77.7 million in Series A funding. The round was co-led by Novo Holdings and Jeito Capital, with continued support from existing investors like Asabys Partners, which previously led to €17.5 million in initial funding in 2024. Other participants include Eli Lilly and Company, AdBio Partners, V-Bio Ventures, PMV, VIB, Gemma Frisius Fund, the CMT Research Foundation, and Newton Biocapital.
The raised capital will drive Augustine’s lead candidate, AGT-100216, into Phase I/II clinical trials for Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease. Augustine also plans to advance two discovery-stage programs targeting HDAC6 inhibitors. One inhibitor is peripheral-restricted, and the other penetrates the blood-brain barrier, addressing undisclosed neurodegenerative and cardio-metabolic conditions.
Founded by Prof. Ludo Van Den Bosch from the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Augustine built a strong scientific foundation on his research on HDAC6 inhibition. In January 2025, Gerhard Koenig, PhD, became CEO after serving as Executive Chairman since June 2024. Koenig’s leadership will guide the company through clinical milestones and strategic growth.
Augustine focuses on selectively inhibiting HDAC6, an enzyme linked to neurodegeneration and tissue ageing. Unlike previous HDAC6 inhibitors, Augustine’s next-generation molecules use a non-hydroxamate, non-hydrazine mechanism, minimizing toxic effects and preserving beneficial functions. This approach offers the potential to treat CMT, a genetic disorder affecting around three million people globally.
AGT-100216, Augustine’s lead HDAC6 inhibitor, is ready for Phase I/II trials. Preclinical data suggests it has a superior safety profile and enhanced efficacy compared to traditional HDAC6 inhibitors. The trial will assess its ability to improve motor function and slow disease progression in CMT patients, showing promise for CMT and broader neurodegenerative and cardio-metabolic diseases.
With strong financial backing, a solid clinical pipeline, and experienced leadership, Augustine Therapeutics aims to reshape the treatment landscape for CMT and other complex diseases. Its innovative approach to HDAC6 inhibition holds great potential to deliver life-changing therapies to millions of patients worldwide.
