Forth Tx Debuts with Sofinnova’s Support to Transform Fibrosis Treatment
Forth Therapeutics (Forth Tx), a biotechnology company pioneering next-generation precision therapeutics for fibrosis, officially launches today with significant backing from Sofinnova Partners, a leading European life sciences venture capital firm, along with Old College Capital (OCC), the University of Edinburgh’s in-house venture investment fund. With a strong scientific foundation, cutting-edge technology, and an expert leadership team, Forth Tx is set to revolutionize fibrosis treatment by addressing one of the most pressing unmet medical needs.
A Breakthrough in Fibrosis Research
Fibrosis, the excessive accumulation of connective tissue in organs due to chronic injury, underlies numerous debilitating diseases, including liver cirrhosis, pulmonary fibrosis, and chronic kidney disease. Current treatments are largely ineffective in halting or reversing fibrosis progression, making it a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Forth Tx aims to change this paradigm through a precision medicine approach, developing innovative therapeutics that target fibrosis at a molecular level across multiple organ systems.
Cutting-Edge Science and Translational Medicine
Forth Tx builds on groundbreaking research led by Professor Neil Henderson, a globally recognized expert in fibrosis and tissue regeneration. His research at the University of Edinburgh has significantly advanced the understanding of fibrotic disease mechanisms, particularly through single-cell transcriptomics and multiomics-driven discovery platforms.
By harnessing state-of-the-art omics technology, Forth Tx has established a pipeline of three promising therapeutic candidates targeting key fibrosis pathways. The company also benefits from exclusive access to one of the largest single-cell human liver disease datasets in the world. This unparalleled resource enables Forth Tx to accelerate drug discovery and optimize its precision medicine approach to treating fibrosis.
“Launching Forth Tx through Sofinnova’s biotech accelerator has allowed us to translate years of our multiomics-driven research into precision therapies that we hope will transform patients’ lives,” said Professor Henderson, Chair of Tissue Repair and Regeneration at the University of Edinburgh. “Fibrosis is an area of huge unmet medical need, and I’m delighted to be working with Alex and the Sofinnova team, as well as OCC, to deliver potent, new treatments for patients with fibrosis.”
Strategic Leadership and Investment Support
Forth Tx operates out of Edinburgh and Cambridge, two of Europe’s leading biotech hubs, ensuring access to world-class scientific talent, research infrastructure, and investment networks. The company is led by CEO Alex Leech, a serial entrepreneur and Partner at Sofinnova Partners, with a track record of building and scaling biotech companies.
“Forth Tx is breaking new ground in fibrosis therapeutics, combining world-class science with a capital-efficient, precision-driven approach,” said Alex Leech. “I’m excited to be working with Neil and the University of Edinburgh team on this mission.”
Sofinnova Partners has backed the company through its €165 million Biovelocita II fund, the largest European biotech acceleration fund. This investment provides Forth Tx with the financial resources and strategic support needed to rapidly advance its pipeline from discovery through clinical development.
Precision Medicine: Transforming Fibrosis Treatment
Traditional fibrosis treatments have historically focused on symptom management rather than addressing the underlying disease mechanisms. Forth Tx’s approach is different—it integrates deep molecular insights with patient-specific data to develop therapies tailored to individual disease profiles. This precision medicine approach aims to increase treatment efficacy while minimizing side effects, making it a game-changer in fibrosis treatment.
The company’s three lead programs focus on distinct but interrelated pathways known to drive fibrotic disease across multiple organs. By leveraging single-cell transcriptomics, Forth Tx is identifying novel therapeutic targets and optimizing drug candidates that can selectively modulate fibrosis pathways, ultimately preventing disease progression and promoting tissue repair.
A Strong Foundation for Growth
The establishment of Forth Tx represents a significant step forward in translating fibrosis research into real-world therapies. With strong financial backing, cutting-edge scientific research, and an experienced leadership team, the company is well-positioned to make rapid progress in the field of anti-fibrotic therapeutics.
Forth Tx’s headquarters in Edinburgh and Cambridge place it at the center of Europe’s growing biotech ecosystem, facilitating collaboration with leading academic institutions, industry partners, and regulatory bodies. This strategic positioning enhances the company’s ability to drive innovation, secure additional investments, and accelerate clinical development.
The Future of Forth Tx
Forth Tx is committed to delivering precision-driven fibrosis therapies that will change the treatment landscape. The company’s immediate focus is on advancing its lead candidates through preclinical development, with plans to initiate clinical trials in the coming years.
By combining cutting-edge science, strategic investment, and an unwavering commitment to patient impact, Forth Tx is poised to lead the next generation of fibrosis treatments. As it continues to expand, the company remains dedicated to its mission of developing life-changing therapies for patients suffering from fibrosis-related diseases.
About Forth Tx
Forth Tx is a biotechnology company focused on developing precision therapeutics for fibrosis. Spun out of the University of Edinburgh, the company leverages advanced omics technology and world-class scientific research to create innovative therapies that target key fibrosis pathways. Backed by Sofinnova Partners and Old College Capital, Forth Tx is on a mission to revolutionize the treatment of fibrotic diseases.
With its groundbreaking approach and robust financial support, Forth Tx is set to redefine the future of fibrosis treatment, bringing hope to millions of patients worldwide.
