Through its investment vehicle BStartup10, Banco Sabadell’s BStartup has invested in Miramoon Pharma, a Spanish biotechnology company focused on developing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
During the process, BStartup was supported by professional advisors such as SILO and specialized VC funds including Columbus Venture Partners, Asabys, and Alta Life Sciences, backing the potential of the project. In this way, the BStartup10 vehicle joins the capital alongside other private investors, enabling the company to advance preclinical studies of its main therapeutic candidate, MP-004, for the treatment of Retinitis Pigmentosa.
An unmet medical need
Retinitis Pigmentosa is an inherited disease that causes the progressive degeneration of retinal photoreceptors, leading to gradual vision loss. It is estimated to affect over two million people worldwide, of whom approximately 11,000 reside in Spain. Currently, therapeutic options are limited for most patients.
The only currently approved treatment, Luxturna, is indicated exclusively for patients with mutations in the RPE65 gene, which represents about 1% of total Retinitis Pigmentosa cases. This limitation leaves a large patient population without effective therapeutic alternatives, particularly those with other genetic mutations or without a definitive genetic diagnosis.
The global market related to this condition shows a growth trend, with estimates projecting an increase from $14.29 billion in 2024 to $25.11 billion in 2032, driven by advances in gene therapies and population aging.
Development of MP-004
Miramoon Pharma is working on MP-004, a topical molecule that acts on RyR2 calcium channels. Its mechanism of action aims to normalize intracellular calcium levels and reduce oxidative stress, two factors involved in photoreceptor degeneration.
A notable feature of MP-004 is its genetically agnostic approach, meaning it could be applicable to patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa regardless of their specific genetic mutation. Additionally, its topical formulation represents a less invasive approach compared to treatments requiring subretinal injection.
Preclinical studies conducted so far have shown promising results in terms of efficacy and toxicity profile. The compound has received orphan drug designation from both the U.S. FDA and the European EMA, which facilitates access to certain regulatory incentives during development.
Experienced biotechnology team
Miramoon Pharma’s management team brings together professionals with experience in biomedical research and business management. Amalia Capilla, CEO, has over 20 years of experience in molecular biology and biotechnology companies in Spain and the U.S. Ainara Vallejo, co-founder and CSO, has more than 25 years of research experience in neuroscience. Adolfo López de Munain, also co-founder and CMO, is a neurologist with extensive and recognized experience in neurodegenerative diseases. Ana Belén Espinosa serves as Chief Operating Officer and neuroscience expert, while Icíar Arechavala leads the finance division with over 20 years of experience in finance and corporate development.
Use of funds
The raised investment will be allocated to advancing regulatory preclinical studies, including pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity analyses. It will also be used for producing drug batches under good laboratory practices, protecting intellectual property, and hiring specialized personnel.
Miramoon Pharma also has a pipeline of three products in development for 11 different indications, including other musculoskeletal and central nervous system-related ophthalmologic pathologies, expanding its development potential beyond Retinitis Pigmentosa.
The company positions itself as a high social-impact alternative in a market currently dominated by costly and invasive gene therapies, offering a different approach based on topical application and universal patient coverage
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