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§ Private Profile · Gooimeer 2/35, 1411 DC Naarden, North Holland, Netherlands
Prilenia is a technology company.
Prilenia Therapeutics develops novel therapies aimed at slowing the progression of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders. The company’s primary focus is on advancing its lead compound, pridopidine, for the treatment of Huntington’s disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Their approach centers on addressing the underlying biological mechanisms of these complex conditions, leveraging targeted therapeutic strategies to potentially improve patient outcomes.
The company was established in 2018 by Dr. Michael Hayden, a recognized expert in Huntington's disease. Dr. Hayden’s extensive background and deep understanding of neurodegenerative conditions provided the foundational insight for Prilenia: a commitment to translating advanced scientific knowledge into tangible treatments for devastating diseases with high unmet medical needs. This expertise underpins the strategic direction and research initiatives of the company.
Prilenia’s therapies are designed for patients living with debilitating neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington’s disease and ALS. The company envisions a future where effective treatments can significantly slow disease progression and enhance the quality of life for these individuals and their families. Prilenia remains dedicated to rigorous clinical development to realize this long-term objective.
Prilenia has raised $116.0M across 3 funding rounds.
Prilenia has raised $116.0M in total across 3 funding rounds.
Prilenia has raised $116.0M across 3 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $10.0M Series B Extension in April 2022.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 12, 2022 | $10M Series B Plus | — | ALS Investment Fund, Amplitude Ventures, Forbion, Morningside, Sands Capital, Sectoral Asset Management, Houman Ashrafian, Talisman | Announced |
| Nov 1, 2021 | $43M Series B | Morningside, Michael Ginder | Arcus Ventures, Forbion, ALS Investment Fund, Amplitude Ventures, Sectoral Asset Management, Talisman | Announced |
| Jun 1, 2020 | $63M Series A | Forbion | Arcus Ventures | Announced |
Prilenia has raised $116.0M in total across 3 funding rounds.
Prilenia's investors include ALS Investment Fund, Amplitude Ventures, Forbion, Morningside, Sands Capital, Sectoral Asset Management, Houman Ashrafian, Talisman, Michael Ginder, Arcus Ventures.
Prilenia is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington’s disease (HD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), as well as neurodevelopmental disorders such as Fragile X syndrome.[1][2][3] Its lead candidate, pridopidine, is a selective sigma-1 receptor (S1R) agonist that activates neuroprotective pathways in the brain, with additional pipeline assets including Zygel and BPN14770.[1][3][4] Prilenia serves patients and families facing urgent unmet needs in these areas, having raised $115.5M in funding through Series B-II and recently securing a major licensing deal with Ferrer worth up to €500M for Europe and select markets.[1][5] This positions the company with strong growth momentum, including FDA fast-track designation for zatolmilast in Fragile X syndrome in 2024 and ongoing late-stage trials.[1]
Prilenia was founded in 2018 in Herzliya, Israel, with additional bases in Naarden, Netherlands, and Boston, acquiring its lead asset pridopidine—a first-in-class S1R agonist—from Teva Pharmaceutical Industries.[1][3][4] The idea emerged from compelling science showing S1R activation restores impaired brain pathways in neurodegenerative conditions, addressing critical gaps in treatments for HD, ALS, and beyond.[3][4] Early traction came swiftly: in June 2020, a $62.5M Series A round funded late-stage trials for HD and ALS, followed by further raises from investors like SV Health Investors, Morningside Ventures, and Forbion, totaling $115.5M.[1][4] Pivotal moments include the 2025 Ferrer partnership for pridopidine commercialization in Europe, providing €80M upfront and milestones up to €500M total.[5]
Prilenia stands out in biotech through its focus on S1R agonism, a novel mechanism harnessing the brain's neuroprotective capabilities for diseases with limited options:
Prilenia rides the wave of neurodegenerative disease innovation, where aging populations and advances in brain pathway modulation create demand for neuroprotective therapies amid few approved options for HD and ALS.[3][4] Timing is ideal: post-2020 funding boom and regulatory accelerations like FDA fast-track signal momentum, amplified by partnerships like Ferrer that de-risk commercialization in a market projected to grow with rising prevalence.[1][5] Market forces favoring Prilenia include biotech investor focus on rare diseases with high unmet needs and orphan drug incentives. The company influences the ecosystem by pioneering S1R agonists, potentially expanding to new indications and inspiring similar mechanism-based approaches in neuro biotech.[3][5]
Prilenia's trajectory points to key milestones in 2026-2027, including readout from ongoing HD and ALS trials, European pridopidine launch via Ferrer, and pipeline expansion into additional neurodevelopmental indications.[1][5] Trends like AI-driven drug discovery and global neuro health investments will shape its path, potentially leading to approvals and further funding. Its influence could evolve from clinical innovator to market leader in neuroprotection, delivering sustainable access to transformative therapies and fulfilling its mission for patients—transforming urgent needs into hope through science.[3][5]