Epicrispr Biotechnologies has closed an oversubscribed $90 million Series C financing to advance EPI-321 toward pivotal clinical development for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, or FSHD.
The financing was co-led by Octagon Capital and Janus Henderson Investors. Participants included Fidelity Management & Research Company, Cormorant Asset Management, Duquesne Family Office, Sanofi Ventures, funds managed by abrdn, Angelini Ventures, Readout Capital and existing investors.
Proceeds will support development of EPI-321, expansion of Epicrispr’s pipeline of programmable epigenetic medicines, and further development of its Gene Expression Modulation System, or GEMS, platform and manufacturing capabilities.
EPI-321 is currently in a first-in-human Phase 1/2 trial for FSHD. Epicrispr said the investigational therapy has demonstrated a favorable safety profile and early signs of disease modification, including statistically significant increases in lean muscle volume and biomarker changes consistent with suppression of DUX4 following a single administration.
Enrollment in the Phase 1/2 trial has been completed, and additional clinical data are expected later in 2026.
Epicrispr is developing programmable epigenetic medicines intended to durably regulate gene expression without permanently altering the underlying DNA sequence. Its GEMS platform is designed to selectively activate or silence disease-causing genes.
EPI-321 is designed as a one-time treatment and is delivered to muscle tissue through a single AAV vector. Preclinical studies demonstrated suppression of pathological DUX4 expression and reductions in muscle cell death, according to the company.
As part of the Series C financing, Anran Li of Octagon Capital will join Epicrispr’s board of directors.
KEY QUOTES:
“This financing marks a pivotal milestone for Epicrispr as we advance EPI-321 and the next generation of programmable epigenetic medicines. The strength of this investor syndicate reflects the progress we’ve made in translating our platform into the clinic.”
“This financing positions us to advance EPI-321 into pivotal studies, expand our pipeline and continue building a new class of epigenetic therapies for patients.”
Amber Salzman, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Epicrispr Biotechnologies
“Epicrispr has established itself as a leader in the field of programmable epigenetic medicine. The team has demonstrated exceptional execution by translating a differentiated platform into encouraging early clinical data for EPI-321 in a remarkably short period of time.”
Anran Li, Ph.D., Octagon Capital
