Merck Global Head of R&D and Chief Medical Officer Danny Bar Zohar joins Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Board of Directors
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Remepy, a pioneer in “hybrid drugs,” today announced that it has successfully closed a $10M seed investment round, which together with earlier funding totals $15M. The round was led by NFX, joined by Vine Ventures, PsyMed Ventures, Supernode Ventures and Firstime Ventures, joining previous pre-seed lead investor TechAviv as well as Fresh.fund, Samsung Next, StageNext Fund and 97212 Ventures.
Remepy’s new hybrid drugs combine traditional drugs with its “digital molecules.” Digital molecules are therapeutic interventions that trigger physiological effects (aka MOAs, Mechanisms of Action) through the brain. These physiological changes have been known to enhance the effectiveness of traditional drugs.
The digital molecules are designed for hybrid drug experiences. They are based on non-invasive cognitive, psychological, and behavioral interventions that follow principles of sensory integration, sensory substitution and sensory deprivation. The interventions trigger multiple unique mechanisms of actions, including: changes to brain connectivity in important brain areas; changes to immune system blood biomarkers, and important behavioral changes.
Remepy has already demonstrated the effects of its digital molecule interventions in clinical trials using extensive fMRI imaging, blood and saliva samples analysis and standardized questionnaires. It is among the first in the world to show that its patent–pending digital therapies can modulate blood biomarkers.
Many diseases are better treated by combining drugs with non-pharmacological interventions. Remepy is making such combinations standardized, accessible and personalized at scale with the use of its digital molecules.
Remepy is targeting neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, autoimmune diseases, and degenerative eye diseases. Remepy’s innovative approach creates a new market for hybrid medications, and a whole new world of data and IP assets for pharmaceutical companies.
Dr. Danny Bar Zohar, Merck’s Global head of R&D and Chief Medical Officer, who shares the company’s vision for hybrid drugs states: “As a physician and drug developer, it is fascinating for me to see Remepy’s clinical data, which shows how these unique non-invasive digital interventions can modulate the immune system, make significant changes to brain plasticity, and drive behavioral changes. Remepy’s product has the potential to enhance immunotherapy for cancer, or improve existing drug therapy for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s Disease and MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment). These proprietary digital-drug combinations could significantly improve patient outcomes and create tangible value for patients and healthcare systems.”
Dr. Michal Tsur, Remepy Co-CEO: “I am thrilled that Dr. Danny Bar Zohar has joined us as a board member. Many industries have transformed by adopting a hybrid product approach, integrating new technology with traditional products.” Co-CEO Or Shoval added: “I am particularly excited about the prospects of improving Parkinson’s Disease patients’ lives with a hybrid PD drug that will better address cognitive, movement, speech, sleeping and psychological symptoms and has the potential of disease modification with changes to brain connectivity.”
“Remepy’s vision of enhancing drugs with digital companions is groundbreaking and their clinical proof that such enhancement is possible is incredibly exciting,” adds Gigi Levy-Weiss, Managing Partner at NFX “Remepy has an experienced team of entrepreneurs and world-class scientists that are defining a new category in pharma.”
About Remepy:
Remepy is pioneering Hybrid Drugs: traditional drugs combined with digital therapeutics that are personalized and enhance the effect of pharmaceutical treatments. Remepy has already proven in human studies the effect of its products, using extensive brain imaging, as well as blood and saliva samples, with promising results for Oncology, MCI, and Parkinson’s Disease. Their approach offers an efficient method to create new proprietary pharma assets, unlocking an entire new market and world of data. The Remepy team includes top scientists, physicians, and technologists.
Contacts
Michal Tsur