Breakthrough Gene Therapy Funding Paves the Way for Severe Epilepsy Treatment

EpilepsyGTx, a BioTech startup based in Cambridge, is dedicated to researching and developing gene therapies for refractory epilepsy. The company recently announced that it has secured €28 million ($33 million) in Series A financing to advance its lead programme, EPY201, through Phase 1/2a clinical trials.

The funding round included investments from XGEN Venture, the British Business Bank (which contributed €12 million (£10.5 million)), and a global biopharmaceutical company.

Nicolas Koebel, the Chief Executive Officer of EpilepsyGTx, emphasized the impact of refractory epilepsy on millions of patients worldwide and the potential of their gene therapy, EPY201, to revolutionize treatment by stopping seizures with a single, minimally invasive administration.

In the context of European funding activity in 2025, there is a sustained interest in neurological and CNS-focused therapeutics. Other companies in the sector, such as EG 427, Aerska, TRIMTECH Therapeutics, and Augustine Therapeutics, have also raised significant capital to advance treatments for various neurological conditions.

EpilepsyGTx’s Series A funding aligns with the broader European push towards precision neurology and advanced genetic technologies. The presence of another UK-based company, TRIMTECH Therapeutics, underscores the country’s growing focus on CNS-focused biotech research and development.

Leandros Kalisperas, Chief Investment Officer at the British Business Bank, highlighted the UK’s commitment to supporting innovative companies in the life sciences sector and providing them with the necessary capital to scale their operations.

Founded in 2021, EpilepsyGTx aims to help patients with refractory epilepsy become seizure-free. The company is developing a range of cutting-edge gene therapies based on research from the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology.

In addition to their recent Series A funding, EpilepsyGTx previously raised €8.5 million ($10 million) in pre-Seed and Seed funding. Federica Draghi, Managing Partner of XGEN Venture, commended EpilepsyGTx for pioneering a novel gene therapy approach and expressed excitement about supporting the company’s progress.

The funding will enable EpilepsyGTx to conduct Phase 1/2a clinical trials for EPY201, a gene therapy designed to reduce neuronal hyperexcitability in patients with focal refractory epilepsy. The therapy is delivered locally to the seizure focus, offering patients the potential for seizure freedom with a single intervention.

Furthermore, EpilepsyGTx plans to advance a pipeline of gene therapies targeting refractory epilepsy and disorders of neuronal hyperexcitability. Carmine Circelli, Investment Director at the British Business Bank, highlighted the company’s innovative approach and potential to address unmet patient needs in epilepsy treatment.

Overall, EpilepsyGTx’s groundbreaking research and development efforts have the potential to significantly impact the lives of patients with refractory epilepsy. By focusing on precision neurology and advanced genetic technologies, the company is at the forefront of innovation in the field of CNS-focused biotech.