Lundbeck Foundation doubles its investment in Aarhus-based Insusense Therapeutics

Insusense Therapeutics originates from research at Aarhus University into a particular family of proteins, sortilins, and their role in diseases of the central nervous system. One of these proteins has proven to have a significant impact on the way in which the body handles insulin and sugar and, consequently, may have the potential to treat diabetes.

Lundbeck Foundation has invested in Insusense Therapeutics due to the outstanding innovation and significant level of inventiveness to be found in the company. If the clinical and commercial potential can be translated into a new drug, it may offer a fundamentally new and vital treatment for type 2 diabetes and obesity,” says Christian Elling, partner at Lundbeckfond Emerge, Lundbeck Foundation’s operation for funding early-stage biotech companies in Denmark.

“Given the potential and the early stage of development, there’s still a very high degree of risk associated with Insusense Therapeutics. However, this is the premise for investing in any biotech start-up, and it’s a risk that Lundbeck Foundation has decided to accept as an integral part of the development of the company,” says Christian Elling, who is also the CEO of Insusense Therapeutics.

Insusense Therapeutics was founded by Professor Anders Nykjær and his research team at Aarhus University, Dr. Karen Marie Pedersen and Dr. Mads Fuglsang Kjølby.

“Developing new drugs is a complicated and very expensive business. We are delighted with Lundbeck Foundation’s endorsement in terms of financial and operational support for our attempt to convert our exciting research into new treatments for patients. We are stronger together,” says Professor Anders Nykjær.

Lundbeck Foundation recently decided to inject DKK 300 million into Lundbeckfond Emerge over four years, with the clear aim of boosting investment in promising biotech projects emerging from the Danish research environment. The plan is to fund five companies in addition to Insusense Therapeutics over the four-year period.