Oryon Cell Therapies, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing autologous neuron replacement therapies for Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders, announced it has emerged from stealth with total funding of $42 million, including a newly closed $21 million Series A tranche backed by investors such as Neuro.VC and Byers Capital.
The company’s lead program focuses on restoring dopaminergic function in the brains of people with Parkinson’s disease through neuron replacement therapy derived from a patient’s own cells. The approach uses induced pluripotent stem cells generated from a patient’s blood, which are then differentiated into dopaminergic neurons and implanted into the brain region responsible for motor control.
The newly secured funding will support completion of an ongoing Phase 1b/2a clinical trial, along with manufacturing scale-up and regulatory efforts required to advance the therapy into a Phase 3 trial.
Oryon also announced the appointment of industry veteran Ron Cohen, M.D., as Chief Executive Officer. Cohen brings more than three decades of experience in developing and commercializing treatments for neurological disorders, including his prior role as founder and CEO of Acorda Therapeutics.
Early clinical findings from the company’s lead program have shown motor improvements in patients, alongside neuroimaging evidence indicating restoration of dopaminergic signaling. These data were presented at the AD/PD 2026 International Conference on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases.
The therapy is designed to avoid the need for immune suppression by using cells derived from the patient, distinguishing it from traditional transplant approaches. The technology builds on decades of scientific advances in stem cell biology and neurosurgical techniques, including foundational research conducted at Harvard University and Mass General Brigham.
Oryon was co-founded in 2020 by Ole Isacson, M.D., Ph.D., and Nikola Kojic, M.D., Ph.D., with a mission to restore synaptic function and motor control in patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases.
KEY QUOTES:
“Oryon’s program emerged from 30 years of scientific advances in stem cell biology and neurosurgical techniques, including foundational Parkinson’s disease research conducted at Harvard University and Mass General Brigham. The major milestones we announced today reflect the tremendous progress we have made in moving this technology from the lab to the clinic, and will allow us to accelerate it through its next stages of development.”
Ole Isacson, M.D., Ph.D., Co-Founder of Oryon and Founding Director of the Neuroregeneration Research Institute at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School
“Prior to joining Oryon, I spent more than 30 years collaborating with company colleagues, scientists, doctors, and patients to address unmet needs in treating neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s disease. Oryon’s early clinical findings show motor improvements and corresponding neuroimaging evidence of restored dopaminergic signaling. These are exhilarating from my perspective as both a physician and long-time drug developer. I’m delighted to have joined the Oryon team to help achieve our goal of bringing this extraordinary therapy to patients.”
Ron Cohen, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Oryon Cell Therapies
