EQT Life Sciences Boosts Noema Pharma's Series B Financing to CHF 130 Million
Wednesday, Dec 11, 2024 3:45 am ET
EQT Life Sciences, a leading European life sciences venture capital firm, has led a Series B extension in Noema Pharma, raising the total financing for the round to CHF 130 million. This significant investment will enable Noema Pharma to accelerate the development of its clinical-stage assets targeting central nervous system (CNS) disorders, which affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide.
Noema Pharma is a clinical-stage biotech company headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, developing a pipeline of first-in-disease therapeutics that address unmet medical needs in the CNS disorder space. The company's portfolio includes four active Phase 2 trials, with key readouts anticipated in 2025. The proceeds from the financing will drive the continued development of Noema Pharma's lead candidate, basimglurant (NOE-101), a mGluR5 inhibitor currently in Phase 2 trials for severe pain in trigeminal neuralgia (TN) and seizures in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Additionally, the company will advance gemlapodect (NOE-105), a PDE10a inhibitor in Phase 2 for Tourette syndrome and childhood onset fluency disorder (COFD or stuttering), as well as NOE-115, a broad-spectrum monoamine modulator in a Phase 2 trial for vasomotor symptoms and additional symptoms of menopause.
EQT Life Sciences' investment in Noema Pharma aligns with its broader strategy in the life sciences sector, focusing on late-stage clinical pipelines and transformative therapies. By backing Noema Pharma's innovative approach to CNS disorders, EQT Life Sciences demonstrates its commitment to supporting entrepreneurs with ideas that can make a meaningful impact on patients' lives. This investment is part of EQT Life Sciences' mission to provide added value to entrepreneurs by combining deep sector knowledge, analytical skills, and investment experience.
Felice Verduyn-van Weegen, Partner at EQT and member of the Board at Noema, commented on the investment: "Noema Pharma's innovative approach to CNS disorders aligns very well with our investment strategy and we are excited to support their late-stage clinical pipeline and transformative therapies. Having worked with Ilise Lombardo on a previous successful investment, her exceptional leadership as a repeat entrepreneur further reinforces our confidence in Noema's potential to deliver meaningful impact to patients in need."
Ilise Lombardo, MD, CEO of Noema Pharma, stated: "We are thrilled to welcome EQT Life Sciences as a lead investor and to have Felice join our Board. Their support and expertise will be invaluable as we progress our clinical programs and strive to make a meaningful impact on patients' lives."

The investment from EQT Life Sciences not only brings additional capital but also strategic value through its extensive network and expertise in the life sciences sector. As a leading European life sciences venture capital firm, EQT Life Sciences has supported over 150 companies, providing Noema Pharma with access to a wealth of industry knowledge and potential collaborations. By joining Noema Pharma's Board of Directors, Felice Verduyn-van Weegen can facilitate strategic partnerships and help navigate the complex CNS disorder landscape. This investment further strengthens Noema Pharma's position in the CNS disorder space, enabling it to advance its innovative pipeline and make a meaningful impact on patients' lives.
In conclusion, EQT Life Sciences' investment in Noema Pharma highlights the firm's focus on late-stage clinical pipelines and transformative therapies targeting underserved neurological diseases. Noema Pharma's diverse portfolio of neurological assets, including four active Phase 2 trials, aligns with EQT's investment strategy. The company's lead candidate, basimglurant (NOE-101), a mGluR5 inhibitor for severe pain in trigeminal neuralgia and seizures in tuberous sclerosis complex, is particularly attractive. Additionally, gemlapodect (NOE-105) for Tourette syndrome and childhood onset fluency disorder, and NOE-115 for vasomotor symptoms and menopause, further strengthen Noema Pharma's pipeline. EQT's confidence in Noema Pharma is bolstered by CEO Ilise Lombardo's proven leadership as a repeat entrepreneur. With the support of EQT Life Sciences and its syndicate of investors, Noema Pharma is well-positioned to make a meaningful impact on patients' lives by advancing its innovative pipeline of first-in-disease therapeutics.