The Phase II programs in question include the firm’s lead candidate RPN-001 (leflutrozole) and RPN-002 (nolasbian). RPN-001 is an oral therapy for male infertility linked to low testosterone and RPN-002 treats adenomyosis, a painful condition of endometrial overgrowth. The latter is also being studied to improve assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes.
Jeito Capital led the round with co-leads AXA IM Alts and M Ventures. Additionally, Ysios Capital and ALSA Ventures provided syndicate support.
“We approached our Series A with a clear focus: to secure long-term partners who not only understand the science but also share our conviction that reproductive medicine – across both male and female indications – is overdue for innovation,” Jean Marie Duvall, co-founder and CEO of ReproNovo told BioXconomy.
“We chose to prioritize a syndicate of leading global investors with expertise in reproductive medicine and women’s health and a strong track record of supporting companies through clinical development. The $65 million we raised gives us a runway through into 2027 and allows us to independently advance both of our lead programs […] through Phase II clinical development.”
Bridging the gap
The gap in female health funding has been well documented across the life sciences space and in general industry discussions, but it remains a potentially lucrative space. According to a report by international advocacy non-governmental organization World Economic Forum and management consulting firm McKinsey & Company, “addressing the women’s health gap could potentially boost the global economy by at least $1 trillion annually by 2040. Investing in women’s health – which is more than just sexual or reproductive health – is therefore not only a matter of health equity, but a chance to help women have expanded workforce participation.”
Duvall said there is no question that “reproductive medicine and women’s health has historically been underfunded and underrepresented.” To address this challenge, she described how the firm went “head-on” into the investment round through “building a science-based story backed by assets with a clear mechanism of action and strong clinical data.”
She described how this approach allowed the company to frame the opportunity “in terms of unmet need, clinical validation, and market potential – rather than just the category – we were able to engage investors who saw the value clearly.”
With $65 million under its belt, Duvall shared some of her best tips when trying to secure capital. She reinforced how your science, your data, and your why are your strongest assets because “investors respond to conviction backed by evidence” and she advised companies to build their network early and ask for feedback “even when it’s tough.”
However, she warned against “pitching from a place of advocacy alone.” Though it is essential to demonstrate the passion behind reproductive medicine and women’s health to the investors, “what moves capital is a compelling therapeutic rationale, a path to approval, and a viable commercial strategy.”
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