Stockholm-based BOOST Pharma has raised €3.1 million from Sound Bioventures to accelerate clinical development of its lead stem cell therapy, BT-101, a potential breakthrough treatment for osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) — a rare genetic disorder better known as brittle bone disease.
Founded in 2019, BOOST Pharma builds on two decades of research from Karolinska Institute scientists Cecilia Götherström and Magnus Westgren, whose work has shown that BOOST’s proprietary mesenchymal stem cells can strengthen fragile bones and reduce fractures — even in newborns and prenatal patients.
“We’re honored to welcome Sound Bioventures to our syndicate,” said Ingelise Saunders, Chair of BOOST Pharma. “Their commitment reinforces our mission to transform care for children with rare skeletal disorders and brings us closer to delivering the first disease-modifying treatment for OI.”
Tackling brittle bone disease at its root
BT-101 targets the root cause of OI, aiming to replace and repair defective bone tissue rather than just treating symptoms. Early clinical data show promising results: patients receiving BOOST’s therapy experienced stronger bone growth, fewer fractures, and no immune rejection events.
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A boost for Europe’s regenerative medicine ecosystem
The latest investment follows a wave of European backing for regenerative medicine in 2025 — including Cellcolabs (€10.3M) in Sweden, Akribion Therapeutics (€8M) in Germany, and StemSight (€2.3M) in Finland — as the continent positions itself at the forefront of cell and gene therapy innovation.
“BOOST Pharma’s approach has enormous potential to deliver meaningful clinical outcomes and lasting value,” said Johan Kördel, Managing Partner at Sound Bioventures. “We’re excited to support their next phase of growth.”
What’s next
With the new funding, BOOST Pharma will scale its team and push BT-101 through clinical development, moving closer to providing life-changing therapy for children born with brittle bone disease.
About BOOST Pharma
Founded in 2019 and based on Karolinska Institute research, BOOST Pharma develops stem cell therapies targeting osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). Its lead candidate, BT-101, aims to strengthen bones and prevent fractures in infants by addressing the underlying genetic cause of the disease.
