Reproductive Health Startup ReproNovo Secures $65M for Infertility Drug Development

ReproNovo, a Switzerland-based biotechnology company specializing in reproductive medicine, has raised $65 million in a Series A funding round to advance two promising drug candidates aimed at addressing fertility issues in both men and women. The investment, led by Jeito Capital and co-led by AXA IM Alts and founding investor M Ventures, marks a significant step forward in the development of novel treatments for infertility and related reproductive health conditions.

Dual Approach to Fertility Treatment

ReproNovo's strategy focuses on two distinct drug candidates, each targeting specific aspects of reproductive health:

Leflutrozole for Male Infertility

The first candidate, leflutrozole, is a small molecule designed to treat infertility in men with low testosterone. By blocking the enzyme aromatase, leflutrozole aims to stabilize testosterone levels, potentially addressing a growing concern in male reproductive health. Recent research has highlighted declines in male fertility rates, paralleling similar trends observed in women in the United States.

Jean Maire Duvall, CEO and co-founder of ReproNovo, emphasized the importance of this approach, stating, "We'd like to offer an alternative where the male could be treated directly." This focus on male fertility represents a shift in the traditional landscape of infertility treatment, where the burden has often fallen disproportionately on women.

Nolasiban for Women's Reproductive Health

The second drug candidate, nolasiban, targets two distinct areas of women's reproductive health. Primarily, it is being studied as a potential treatment for adenomyosis, a condition where endometrial tissue grows within the uterine walls, causing symptoms similar to endometriosis. Nolasiban works by blocking oxytocin receptors, which may help manage the condition that typically affects women between the ages of 35 and 50.

Additionally, ReproNovo is investigating nolasiban's potential to improve embryo implantation during in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures. The drug's mechanism of action is thought to reduce uterine contractility and enhance blood flow during embryo transfer, potentially increasing the chances of successful implantation.

Strategic Partnerships and Future Plans

ReproNovo, founded in 2021, has strategically licensed the rights to these drug candidates from established pharmaceutical companies. Leflutrozole was acquired from Mereo BioPharma, while nolasiban was licensed from ObsEva. This approach has allowed the young company to quickly build a promising pipeline of reproductive health treatments.

With the new funding secured, ReproNovo plans to initiate Phase 2 clinical trials for both drug candidates. The company's focus on addressing critical gaps in reproductive medicine and women's health positions it at the forefront of an increasingly important area of medical research and development.