Beech Biotech: USD 1.9 million to advance therapeutic approach for preeclampsia

Beech Biotech, a biopharmaceutical company creating “Mother only” monoclonals to treat complications of pregnancy, today announced that the company has been awarded a $1.9 million grant by the Gates Foundation for the development of its breakthrough therapeutic approach in preeclampsia. The grant adds to the financial resources needed to advance the company’s lead asset MOm303 towards IND-readiness in preeclampsia and underpins the platform’s potential to unlock unique medicines for Women’s Health.

Preeclampsia is a leading cause worldwide of maternal morbidity and mortality, premature birth, stillbirth, and neonatal death. Each year, preeclampsia causes the deaths of 70,000 mothers and 500,000 babies worldwide. Beyond that, long-term health consequences affect 300 million surviving mothers and their preterm infants. Preeclampsia is a placental disease marked by elevated levels of the protein soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt1), a known cause of vascular breakdown, and concomitant decreases in Placental growth factor (PlGF). Beech Biotech’s lead asset, MOm303, binds and eliminates maternal sFlt-1, thereby targeting a key driver of disease pathology.

“We are honoured to receive this grant from the Gates Foundation, which serves as a strong validation of our approach to treating preeclampsia and further expands our network to address a significant global unmet medical need,” commented Ian Cottingham, Ph.D., CEO of Beech Biotech. “By aiming to restore the natural balance between sFlt1 and PlGF, we address one of the core biological mechanisms driving preeclampsia. This is expected to prolong pregnancy and reduce the risks associated with preterm birth.”

Beech Biotech’s “Mother only” monoclonal antibodies are engineered to remain in maternal circulation and avoid foetal exposure. The technology is based on patented modifications that block antibodies from crossing the placenta. The company has built a strong IP position with patents covering the approach and a patent lifetime beyond 2040. Beech Biotech’s team brings together Women’s Health industry experts with 35+ years of combined experience at sector leaders like Ferring Pharma and Organon and in antibody engineering. Earlier this year, Beech Biotech was selected for a 12-month Venture Lab programme by the Danish BioInnovation Institute (BII) that includes additional funding and access to BII’s strong network in Women’s Health.

References:

1. Dimitriadis, E., Rolnik, D.L., Zhou, W. et al. Pre-eclampsia. Nat Rev Dis Primers 9, 8 (2023); Poon, L. et al. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) initiative on pre-eclampsia. Int. J. Gynaecol. Obstet. 145, 1 (2019)
2. Magee, L. A. et al. The 2021 International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy classification, diagnosis & management recommendations for international practice. Pregnancy Hypertens. 27, 148–169 (2022)
3. Davis, E. et al. Cardiovascular risk factors in children and young adults born to preeclamptic pregnancies: a systematic review. Pediatrics 129, e1552 (2012)