Freya Biosciences, Freya Biosciences, a transatlantic biotechnology firm focused on women’s health, has announced a strategic investment of $10.4 million from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, complemented by an additional $1.4 million from its current investor, the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark (EIFO).
The funding will support the development of microbial immunotherapies aimed at treating bacterial vaginosis (BV), a condition that can lead to complications such as preterm birth and other maternal and newborn health issues.
Utilizing its innovative DYSCOVER™ platform, Freya aims to create therapies that modulate the immune system and inflammatory responses within the vaginal tract. The company has identified specific Lactobacillus strains that can effectively colonize the vaginal microbiome, displacing harmful bacteria and reducing key inflammation markers. This platform has already produced Freya’s lead candidate, FB301, which is designed to enhance pregnancy success rates in in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures.
Freya’s new initiative will focus on developing a microbial immunotherapy specifically for BV. This common condition arises from bacterial infections that disrupt the vaginal microbiome, often resulting in mild but uncomfortable symptoms. In pregnant women, BV can significantly increase the risk of serious complications, including premature rupture of membranes, preterm birth, intra-amniotic infections, low birth weight, and miscarriage. Although antibiotics can treat BV, the condition frequently recurs shortly after treatment, leading to chronic inflammation in the reproductive tract.
Bacterial vaginosis is a prevalent yet underserved health issue, affecting between 23% and 29% of women of reproductive age, with even higher rates observed in certain low- and middle-income countries. Women in these regions face heightened risks of preterm birth and related complications, highlighting the urgent need for effective and accessible treatments.
“We are thrilled that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has placed its trust and financing in Freya to address major unmet global health challenges,” said Colleen Acosta, PhD, CEO of Freya Biosciences. “This investment validates our work and the potential of the DYSCOVER platform, enabling us to develop critically needed therapeutic candidates for women’s and infant health.”
Peter Bisgaard, Chairman of the Board at Freya Biosciences, emphasized the company’s mission to transform health outcomes for women worldwide, particularly in low-resource settings. “This strategic investment empowers us to tackle one of the most pressing issues in maternal and infant health—bacterial vaginosis and its connection to preterm birth. We are committed to ensuring that the benefits of our breakthrough therapies extend to women everywhere.”
As part of this financing, Chris Chen, Partner at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Strategic Investment Fund, will join the Freya Biosciences board of directors as an observer, effective immediately.
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