Exciva, a Heidelberg-based biopharmaceutical company developing therapies for neuropsychiatric conditions, has closed a €51M ($59M) Series B funding round. The financing will support clinical development of its lead programme targeting agitation in Alzheimer’s disease.
The round was co-led by Gimv and EQT Life Sciences, with participation from new investors Fountain Healthcare Partners, LifeArc Ventures, Carma Fund, and Modi Ventures, alongside existing backers Andera Partners and LBBW.
Targeting an unmet need in Alzheimer’s care
Exciva is focused on addressing neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease, particularly agitation, which represents a major unmet need for patients and caregivers. Current treatment options are limited, and behavioural symptoms often contribute significantly to reduced quality of life and increased caregiver burden.
The company’s approach combines two CNS-active compounds to deliver symptomatic relief with the potential for improved efficacy and safety compared to existing therapies.
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Positioning within a growing neurodegeneration landscape
The Series B comes amid sustained investment activity across Europe in Alzheimer’s and neurodegeneration-focused biotech. Recent financings in the sector reflect growing interest in therapies that address both disease progression and quality-of-life symptoms.
Investors backing Exciva highlighted the differentiated nature of its therapy and the experience of the team in neuropsychiatry drug development.
Advancing Deraphan into Phase 2
The new funding will primarily support a Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating Deraphan for the treatment of agitation in Alzheimer’s disease patients. Deraphan combines two clinically validated compounds, including one novel chemical entity, and is designed to deliver a favourable risk-benefit profile.
The upcoming trial will be conducted across Europe, the UK, the US, and Canada. A Phase 1 study has already been completed, demonstrating that the combination is safe and well tolerated.
Experienced team and next steps
Founded in 2016 by Anton Bespalov, Hans Moebius, and Rao Vepachedu, Exciva brings together decades of experience in CNS and neuropsychiatric drug development. Following the Series B, the company’s board has been expanded to include representatives from both new and existing investors.
Exciva aims to progress its lead programme through mid-stage clinical development while addressing a growing global need for effective treatments targeting the neuropsychiatric symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
