IntegraGen, a company focused on the development and delivery
of genetic tests for complex diseases has announced the successful
closing of its second financing round raising 8 million Euro,
which brings the total capital raised by IntegraGen to date
to 20 million Euro. The international syndicate of investors
comprising both existing and new investors participating included
CDC Entreprises Innovation, AGF Private Equity, Bioam, SGAM
Alternative Investments, and Baytech Venture Capital.
Commenting on the financing, Dr.Jan Mous, president and CEO
said: "We are delighted that existing investors have
continued their commitment to the Company and welcome the
new investors. IntegraGen has made spectacular progress over
the last few years and we are at an exciting time in the Company’s
evolution as we move from a research-intensive phase into
commercialization of our predictive genetic tests. Such tests
will play a significant role in the personalized healthcare
regimes of the future, contributing to improved health through
lifestyle and disease management."
IntegraGen is focused on the development of diagnostic and
prognostic genetic tests for a range of complex diseases using
its novel technology platform for gene identification (Genome
HIP™). Since its creation in 2000 it has made significant
discoveries in its focus areas of Diabetes, Obesity and Autism.
It has partnerships in other disease areas, including a deal
with Aventis for the discovery of genes associated with schizophrenia.
Earlier this year, the Company opened its first Expert Centre,
in Bonn, Germany where it conducts its MODY (Maturity Onset
Diabetes of the Young) testing.
The new investment will be used to further develop the Company’s
genetic tests and to launch them into the market. IntegraGen
plans to bring its genetic test for autism to market in 2006
and anticipates launching a genetic test for late onset type
2 Diabetes in 2008. The Company has several other proprietary
tests under development, which will form the basis of its
future pipeline of IntegraTests™.
Remi Droller, AGF Private Equity said: “IntegraGen is at
the forefront of the development of genetic tests for common
diseases to enable personalized medicine. It has a strong
and experienced international management team working to address
unmet clinical needs based on a very innovative technology
platform. We are confident that the Company will be successful
in creating significant markets for its new tests as they
are commercialized.”