Journey

Discovery

 

  • Merab Kokaia and David Woldbye initiated Swedish-Danish research collaboration to develop new forms of treatment for difficult-to-treat epilepsy.
  • Several academic studies had indicated that production of NPY increases in key regions of the brain following an epileptic seizure, and a hypothesis was that NPY is part of the body’s own defence for suppressing epileptic seizures.
  • Woldbye and Kokaia realized that a better anti-seizure effect could be achieved if an elevated level of NPY was combined with an increased level of the Y2 receptor.

2006 – 2013: CombiGene is established

  • A priority application is submitted to the Swedish Patent and Registration Office, PRV.
  • Progress had been made in the field of gene therapy and the so-called AAV vectors had become an accepted means of introducing therapeutic genes into human nerve cells.
  • Together with entrepreneur and financier Lars Thunberg, Kokaia and Woldbye form the company CombiGene AB to further develop and commercialize the discovery.
  • Patent applications are submitted in the USA and Europe (EPO).
  • Woldbye and Kokaia’s academic research project continues in parallel with the company and a large number of articles are published in respected scientific journals.
  • Company ownership is broadened.

2014 – 2015: Gearing up

  • Patent applications approved in the USA and Europe (EPO).
  • CombiGene becomes a public limited company, the board is restructured and a plan is set for listing the company on AktieTorget.
  • Bengt Westrin is recruited as CEO.
  • The company’s head office and visiting address relocated to Medicon Village in Lund.
  • A heavily over-subscribed share issue yields MSEK 12.5 before transaction costs.
  • Listing on AktieTorget, 25th May.
  • The subsidiary CombiGene Vet AB is formed.
  •  Screening for the optimal gene vector commences.

2016

  • First round of screening studies are conducted according to plan.
  • Final drug candidate is chosen in Summer 2016.
  • New preclinical studies begin.
  • New patent application is submitted.

2017

  • Data from CombiGene’s dose-response study shows that the company’s drug candidate has the intended anti-epileptic effect.
  • CombiGene completes a share rights issue which was decided by an extraordinary meeting held on 26th January 2017. The rights issue is oversubscribed and provides the company with 14,2 MSEK excluding transaction costs.
  • CombiGene begins long term studies on its drug candidate for treatment of epilepsy.
  • CombiGene receives the “Seal of Excellence” by Horizon 2020 and 500 000 kronor from Vinnova.
  • Initial data from the long-term study on CombiGene’s candidate drug for treating epilepsy indicate positive effects in the form of fewer seizures.
  • Human expression study confirms that human brain cells take up CombiGene’s candidate drug, CG01

2018

  • CombiGene and Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult sign agreement for the development of a manufacturing method for innovative gene therapy treatment of epilepsy.
Combigene AB, Medicon Village, SE-223-81 Lund, Visiting adress: Scheelevägen 2, Lund, Sweden