Modulight Biotherapeutics has raised $12.2m in seed financing to advance its optogenetic technology being developed for neurological disorders.
The seed round for the neuron-targeting startup was led by Jibe Ventures and LocalGlobe, with participation from Nexus Neurotech Ventures, RedSeed VC, and Secret Chord Ventures, among others.
Modulight uses optogenetic technology to selectively express light-sensitive proteins in specific neurons to modulate activity. While optogenetic-based therapeutics are being pursued by other companies, no products are yet approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Modulight’s platform is based on eOPN3, an inhibitory opsin designed for clinical use by the Weizmann Institute of Science. The startup has licensed the technology from Yeda, the commercial arm of the institute.
When activated by light, eOPN3 stops neural activity at target synapses to severe the pathway of communication between neurons. This is useful in disorders with pathological electrical circuits, such as severe chronic pain, epilepsy, and movement disorders, indications that Modulight is targeting with its platform.
The US company said that its preclinical studies show that eOPN3-based treatment has high efficacy in multiple animal models of pain, epilepsy, and movement disorders.
Modulight said the funds will help it accelerate the platform’s development and push a pipeline towards clinical trials. CEO Yotam Eldar confirmed to Pharmaceutical Technology that trigeminal pain, a severe and often drug-resistant facial pain disorder, will be the first indication pursued for the clinic.
Eldar said: “Trigeminal pain conditions allow for minimally invasive light delivery, which accelerates clinical translation and accessibility.
“We are currently preparing for a pre-investigational new drug (IND) meeting with the FDA to discuss our preclinical programme, manufacturing plans, and regulatory pathway. With chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC) and regulatory processes already underway, we anticipate completing IND-enabling studies in 2027, followed by IND submission.”
Pharmaceutical intervention is often a primary treatment for many neurological conditions, along with neurorehabilitation. Advances in medical devices have also meant technologies such as brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) could become a pillar of treatment in the future.
Digital therapeutics are also being leant on in combination with pharmaceutical therapies. Drugs and medtech both show efficacy in treating the brain pathology, but Modulight is part of a wave of startups homing in a more targeted approach.
The company says current techniques act broadly, with both large brain regions and networks affected indiscriminately.
Eldar explained: “Modulight has an exclusive licence for eONP3 technology from Yeda. Importantly, eOPN3 can be activated by red light, which has better tissue penetration and allows for both non-invasive and minimally invasive illumination approaches in the large human brain."
