Belgian biotech startup Augustine Therapeutics has secured €77.7 million in an oversubscribed Series A round to propel its innovative pipeline targeting neuromuscular, neurodegenerative, and cardio-metabolic diseases. The round was co-led by Novo Holdings and Jeito Capital, with strong backing from existing investor Asabys Partners, who previously led Augustine’s €17.5 million initial close earlier in 2024.
Global healthcare giants and investors such as Eli Lilly and Company, AdBio Partners, V-Bio Ventures, PMV, VIB, Gemma Frisius Fund, the Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) Research Foundation, and Newton Biocapital also joined the round, reflecting growing confidence in Augustine’s promising therapeutic approach.
Driving Clinical Trials for Lead CMT Therapy
This fresh funding will primarily fuel clinical trials for Augustine’s lead drug candidate, AGT-100216, a next-generation HDAC6 inhibitor developed to treat Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease. The company plans to launch Phase I/II proof-of-concept trials aimed at improving motor function and slowing disease progression in CMT patients, a condition that affects nearly three million people globally.
Alongside this, Augustine will accelerate two additional discovery-stage programs centered on differentiated HDAC6 inhibitors—one designed to act peripherally and the other capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier. These novel programs target undisclosed neurodegenerative and cardio-metabolic conditions, broadening the company’s therapeutic reach.
A Vision Rooted in Scientific Excellence
Founded on groundbreaking research by Prof. Ludo Van Den Bosch of the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Augustine Therapeutics was built on a solid scientific foundation. Prof. Van Den Bosch’s pioneering work identified HDAC6 inhibition as a powerful therapeutic strategy for CMT and similar neuropathies.
Early funding from V-Bio Ventures, AdBio Partners, VIB, PMV, and Gemma Frisius Fund helped turn this vision into a reality. Augustine continues to leverage this expertise as it moves toward clinical milestones.
Leadership Strengthens for the Next Growth Phase
In January 2025, Augustine appointed Dr. Gerhard Koenig as CEO, bringing decades of leadership experience in biopharmaceuticals. Previously serving as Executive Chairman, Dr. Koenig is now tasked with steering the company through critical clinical phases and scaling operations. His leadership reinforces Augustine’s strategic growth plans and commitment to delivering transformative treatments.
A Next-Generation Approach to HDAC6 Inhibition
At the heart of Augustine’s innovation is its selective inhibition of Histone Deacetylase 6 (HDAC6)—an enzyme linked to neurodegeneration and aging-related diseases. Unlike earlier HDAC6 inhibitors that caused unwanted side effects due to poor selectivity, Augustine’s proprietary compounds feature a unique non-hydroxamate, non-hydrazine mechanism. This approach minimizes toxicity while preserving HDAC6’s beneficial functions, offering a safer and more effective treatment avenue.
With AGT-100216 leading the way, Augustine aims to overcome the limitations of first-generation HDAC6 inhibitors, potentially setting a new standard in CMT therapy.
Expanding the Pipeline to Target Complex Diseases
Beyond CMT, Augustine is eyeing broader applications for its HDAC6 technology. Its two discovery-stage programs are carefully designed—one targeting peripheral tissues and the other engineered to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. This strategy enables Augustine to tackle diseases impacting both the central and peripheral nervous systems, opening doors to address a wider range of neurodegenerative and cardio-metabolic disorders.
Shaping the Future of Neuromuscular and Cardio-Metabolic Therapies
Augustine Therapeutics is rapidly emerging as a key player in the biotech sector, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in neuromuscular and metabolic disease treatment. With solid scientific roots, a differentiated drug platform, and strong investor backing, the company is well-positioned to redefine how these complex conditions are treated.
Its selective HDAC6 inhibition approach doesn’t just offer hope for CMT patients—it signals potential breakthroughs across multiple disease areas where existing treatments fall short. As Augustine advances toward clinical success, it is poised to make a lasting impact on millions of lives worldwide.
