Ethris announced that the Gates Foundation is providing $5 million, and Cipla is investing an additional €3 million, that will be used to prepare for Phase 2 development of Ethris’s ETH47 inhaled mRNA therapy. According to the company, the Gates Foundation funding “includes an equity investment component expected to close at the company’s next financing round.” The company previously received a €15 million equity investment from Cipla at the end of 2022.
A Phase 1 trial of nasal and inhaled delivery of ETH47 was initiated in December 2023. The company says that data from the Phase 1 trial of inhaled ETH47 is expected in the third quarter of this year.
Ethris CEO Carsten Rudolph commented, “Ethris’ lead mRNA-based product candidate ETH47 was designed to have broad antiviral capabilities, placing it in a distinct position to address a range of virus-induced respiratory infections and chronic respiratory diseases. Ethris, supported by the new funding from the Gates Foundation, will accelerate its clinical development, initially targeting asthma exacerbations, an indication with a high unmet medical need where approximately 80% of acute asthma attacks are associated with virus infections. We are grateful for the foundation’s support in our mission to combat the global burden of current and emerging respiratory infections by harnessing the full scope of ETH47’s virus-agnostic potential.”
Cipla Managing Director and Global Chief Executive Officer Umang Vohra said, “At Cipla, we strive to dial-up our focus and investment towards innovative modalities and bring new age therapies to emerging countries, including India. The follow-on investment in Ethris will help get cutting-edge healthcare solutions like mRNA-based therapies to the Global South. As we lead Cipla ahead, we will continue to work towards building an innovative future and build brands that re-enforce our ethos of ‘caring for life.’”
Read the Ethris press release on the Gates Foundation funding.
Read the Cipla and Ethris press release on the Cipla funding.
