Remepy raises $10 million Seed round to bring first hybrid drug to market
Remepy raises $10 million Seed round to bring first hybrid drug to market
The Israeli startup’s new hybrid drugs combine traditional drugs with its “digital molecules.” Digital molecules are therapeutic interventions that trigger physiological effects through the brain
Israeli startup Remepy announced on Wednesday that it has successfully closed a $10 million Seed investment round, which together with earlier funding totals $15 million. The round was led by NFX, joined by Vine Ventures, Psymed Ventures, Supernode Ventures and Firstime Ventures, joining previous pre-seed lead investor TechAviv as well as fresh.fund, and 97212 Ventures.
Remepy’s new hybrid drugs combine traditional drugs with its “digital molecules.” Digital molecules are therapeutic interventions that trigger physiological effects (aka MOAs, Mechanisms of Action) through the brain. These physiological changes have been known to enhance the effectiveness of traditional drugs.
The digital molecules are designed for hybrid drug experiences. They are based on non-invasive cognitive, psychological, and behavioral interventions that follow principles of sensory integration, sensory substitution and sensory deprivation. The interventions trigger multiple unique mechanisms of actions, including: changes to brain connectivity in important brain areas; changes to immune system blood biomarkers, and important behavioral changes. Remepy has already proven in human studies the effect of its products, using extensive brain imaging, as well as blood and saliva samples, with promising results for Oncology, MCI, and Parkinson’s Disease.
The company also announced that Dr. Danny Bar Zohar, Merck’s Global head of R&D and Chief Medical Officer, will be joining the board, which already includes former Prime Minister of Israel, Naftali Bennett. Remepy was co-founded by Dr. Michal Tsur, Bennett’s former co-founder from Cyota and co-founder of Kaltura. Remepy was founded about a year ago by Tsur, Or Shoval, and Prof. Amir Amedi, who heads the Brain and Imaging Research Institute at Reichman University.
Dr. Michal Tsur, Remepy Co-CEO: “Many industries have transformed by adopting a hybrid product approach, integrating new technology with traditional products.” Co-CEO Or Shoval added: “I am particularly excited about the prospects of improving Parkinson’s Disease patients’ lives with a hybrid PD drug that will better address cognitive, movement, speech, sleeping and psychological symptoms and has the potential of disease modification with changes to brain connectivity.”
