Submitted by Administrator on Thu, 21/01/2016 - 14:59
Morphogen-IX has attracted seed funding to develop a new treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This potential treatment based on 15 years of research by Prof Nick Morrell and others will target the major pathway implicated in genetic studies of patients and, if successful, will provide the first disease-modifying approach to this serious, life-limiting condition.
PAH is caused by a narrowing of the blood vessels that lead from the heart to the lungs. As these arteries narrow, it becomes harder for the heart to pump blood through to the lungs, leading the breathlessness and heart failure.
PAH affects around 6,500 people in the UK, mostly women in their 30s although it can affect people of any age. Current therapies may ease symptoms but there are no medical options that cure the disease. Given the relatively young average age of diagnosis and the high mortality rate associated with PAH, it has a devastating impact on both sufferers and their families.
Morphogen-IX has raised £1.5M in seed funding, led by Index Ventures, along with Cambridge Innovation Capital and Cambridge Enterprise Seed Funds. The company now intends to confirm the best drug candidate to take forward into full development.
To read more, please follow this link to Cambridge Enterprise website.