Santero, a spin-off company of the Université libre de Bruxelles, has announced the successful closing of an €8 million Series A financing round led by Newton Biocapital. The funding will support the development of novel antibiotics aimed at combating multi-drug resistant infections, a pressing global health concern. With the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the limited effectiveness of current antibiotics, Santero’s groundbreaking research brings hope for improved treatment options and enhanced patient outcomes.
Tackling the global health crisis of antimicrobial resistance
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the top 10 global public health threats. Each year, nearly 5 million deaths worldwide are attributed to AMR, with over 1 million directly caused by drug-resistant bacteria. The rise of multi-drug resistant infections poses a significant challenge, making antibiotics less effective and resulting in increased mortality rates. Santero aims to address this crisis head-on with its first-in-class antibiotics.
The promise of Santero’s antibiotic inhibitors
Santero’s revolutionary inhibitors offer a promising solution to combat multi-drug resistant infections. The funding secured through the Series A financing round will enable Santero to further develop these inhibitors, which have the potential to be highly effective against bacteria resistant to multiple drugs. Moreover, the inhibitors provide extended efficacy before new resistance develops, offering a crucial advantage in the battle against AMR.
Newton Biocapital leads the investment round
Newton Biocapital, a venture capital firm focused on investing in early-stage life sciences companies targeting chronic health conditions, led the €8 million Series A funding round. The investment reflects Newton Biocapital’s commitment to addressing major global health challenges and supporting tangible solutions that benefit patients and society. The firm recognizes the urgent need for new antibiotics and their availability on a global scale.
“We at Newton Biocapital are proud of our investment in Santero. The WHO has recognised antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a major public health challenge. Santero’s ground-breaking research has the potential to have a direct impact on patients’ lives and contribute to the fight against AMR. Governments are also recognising the need to incentivise the development of new antibiotics in Europe and make them available globally. Our investment in Santero reflects our commitment to tangible solutions that benefit patients and society while addressing major global health challenges,”
Philippe De Backer, Senior Partner at Newton Biocapital.
“We are very pleased to be joined by such experienced global investors. They bring not only the necessary funds, but also the expertise and network that will be critical to Santero’s success in bringing its first antibacterial therapeutics to the clinic and to patients.
Cedric Govaerts and Abel Garcia-Pino, founders of Santero.
Collaborative support for Santero’s antibiotic research
Alongside Newton Biocapital, the investment round saw participation from SFPIM, WE Life Sciences, Sambrinvest, and a group of dedicated business angels led by Pierre Drion. The collaboration brings together experienced global investors who not only provide essential funding but also offer their expertise and networks critical to Santero’s success in bringing its antibacterial therapeutics to the clinic and patients.
“SFPIM is pleased to support the development of Santero’s activities alongside NBC2, a fund in which it holds a 19% stake. Santero is at the forefront of the fight against the escalating challenge of bacterial resistance to antibiotics. As the first intervention to address the critical issue of antibiotic resistance, which has a profound impact on hospitals, medical professionals and various health care institutions, Santero’s innovative approach promises to provide a robust and sustainable solution,”
François Fontaine, Investment Manager at SFPIM.
Christina Franssen, Investment Manager at WE Life Sciences added,
“We are delighted to be part of this adventure and to support a pioneering company like Santero, which aims to develop a new therapeutic solution to the global burden of antimicrobial resistance. We believe it is our mission to support such a societal and impactful project alongside other innovative players. At WE Life Sciences, we are committed to accompanying our local heroes on their fascinating yet challenging journey,”
Addressing the gap in antibiotic development
The pressing issue of antibiotic resistance is exacerbated by the limited number of new antibiotic classes introduced in recent years. Since 2000, only five new classes have been marketed, none of which target the Gram-negative bacteria responsible for most AMR infections. Santero’s research aims to bridge this gap by developing a new treatment option that specifically addresses multi-drug resistant bacteria. This breakthrough could significantly improve patient survival rates and provide a much-needed solution to society.
The vision of Santero’s founders and investors
The founders of Santero, Cedric Govaerts and Abel Garcia-Pino, express their enthusiasm for the support received from experienced global investors. They highlight the significance of not only securing necessary funds but also gaining access to expertise and networks crucial for bringing their antibacterial therapeutics to patients. The collaboration between Santero and its investors represents a joint commitment to combatting antibiotic resistance and improving patient outcomes.
A ray of hope in the fight against antimicrobial resistance
With the closing of an €8 million Series A funding round led by Newton Biocapital, Santero is poised to revolutionize the field of antibacterial therapeutics. The funding will accelerate the development of their novel inhibitors, offering a new treatment option for multi-drug resistant infections. This breakthrough has the potential to significantly impact patients’ lives, address the critical problem of antibiotic resistance, and contribute to global efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance.
