BOOST Pharma closes investment to advance cell therapy for osteogenesis imperfecta

Industrifonden has invested in BOOST Pharma, a company grounded in research from Karolinska Institutet, to promote the development of a new cell therapy for osteogenesis imperfecta (OI, also known as brittle bone disease). BOOST Pharma is focusing on an innovative treatment that addresses the root cause of OI, offering a unique solution for reducing fractures

BOOST Pharma is a clinical-stage company founded based on research from Karolinska Institutet, focusing on novel cell therapy treatments for osteogenesis imperfecta, OI. The company’s treatment has a unique potential position on the market, since it targets the underlying condition causing fractures and bone deformities, unlike any other product under development.

Industrifonden is investing together with Karolinska Development. The syndicate’s first tranche has been successfully completed.

“Industrifonden is proud to support the BOOST team in its efforts to develop a therapy that brings hope for improving the quality of life of children born with OI”, says Jonathan Ilicki, Principal at Industrifonden.

The investment accelerates BOOST Pharma’s progress on a first-in-class and potentially transformative cell therapy for osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), leveraging mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) known for their exceptional bone-regenerating potential. This intervention is intended for early administration, targeting the critical early stages of life to significantly reduce the typical pattern of fractures and bone deformities associated with OI.

BOOST Pharma’s innovative approach has already garnered critical regulatory endorsements, achieving Rare Pediatric Disease designation in the U.S. and Orphan Drug Designation in both the U.S. and EU. The ongoing clinical Phase 1/2 study is in the final stages and its results are expected to be announced later in 2024.