EG 427 rebrands as Cyllene and cashes in €33m Series C
French gene therapy biotech EG 427 has rebranded as Cyllene Therapeutics and raised €33m in a Series C round to push its lead neuro-urology candidate EG110A toward late-stage clinical testing.
Why it matters: The Paris-based company is trying to turn non-replicating HSV-1 vectors into a new genetic medicine platform for neurological diseases, starting with bladder dysfunction in patients with spinal cord injury.
Zoom in: The round was co-led by new investors GordonMD Global Investments and M Ventures. Existing backers Andera Partners, Bpifrance Investissement through its InnoBio 3 fund, and Lamond Ventures also participated.
What’s next: The proceeds will support continued clinical development of EG110A, Cyllene’s lead precision genetic medicine candidate for neurogenic detrusor overactivity, a severe bladder condition that can affect patients after spinal cord injury.
- The company said recent clinical data showed substantial and sustained reductions in urinary incontinence episodes nine months after treatment. It now plans to start a Phase 2b/3 study in 2027 to assess dosing, safety, efficacy and durability, while monitoring very long-term efficacy in a separate observational study for up to five years.
Backstory: EG 427 raised €27m in a Series B round in 2025 to fund Phase Ib/IIa testing of EG110A at four US study sites. At the time, the company described the study as the first human trial using a non-replicating HSV-1 vector to target sensory neuron-based disease.
How it works: EG110A uses Cyllene’s HERMES platform, which is designed to deliver therapeutic DNA via non-replicating HSV-1 vectors.
- The company says the approach can achieve focal transduction and selective expression of transgenes in targeted subsets of neurons. In EG110A’s case, the therapy is designed to target type C sensory neurons involved in bladder overactivity while preserving bladder voiding function.
What they’re saying: “Early clinical data generated to date with EG110A support our belief that localized, targeted DNA medicines can deliver durable efficacy with a strong safety profile in chronic neurological diseases. This financing will help us move further towards delivering this approach to more patients,” said CEO Philippe Chambon.
What we’re watching: Cyllene plans to test EG110A beyond neurogenic detrusor overactivity, including in overactive bladder. The company also points to broader neurological indications, including pain and migraine, as future areas for pipeline expansion.
