On December 16, 2020, Atsena Therapeutics, a clinical-stage gene therapy company developing novel treatments for inherited forms of blindness, announced it has closed an oversubscribed $55 million Series A financing. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati advised Atsena Therapeutics on the intellectual property matters related to the financing.

The financing was led by Sofinnova Investments with participation from additional new investors Abingworth and Lightstone Ventures. Founding investors Hatteras Venture Partners and the Foundation Fighting Blindness’ RD Fund, along with existing investors Osage University Partners, University of Florida, and Manning Family Foundation, also participated in the round.

Proceeds will be used to advance Atsena’s ongoing Phase I/II clinical trial evaluating a gene therapy for patients with GUCY2D-associated Leber congenital amaurosis, one of the most common causes of blindness in children, as well as complete manufacturing development for Phase III. In addition, the Series A funds will allow for an expansion of Atsena’s team to support the research and development of novel gene therapies.

The Wilson Sonsini team advising Atsena on the related IP matters includes partner Michael Hostetler, associate Alicia Umpierre, and patent agent Erin Boyle Anderson.

Please see Atsena’s press release for more information.