Weekly roundup: From awards and appointments to Women in Science Day and the launch of the European Life Sciences Coalition
European Life Sciences Coalition launched to strengthen Europe’s life sciences investment ecosystem
The European Life Sciences Coalition (ELSC) launched this week to strengthen Europe’s life sciences and biotechnology VC ecosystem by mobilising greater levels of private and public investment across the sector. Created in association with Invest Europe, the coalition brings together leading European life sciences venture capital firms, including Sofinnova Partners and Novo Holdings, research institutions, and other stakeholders across the value chain.
Strong clinical data for Breye Therapeutics’ lead oral asset danegaptide presented at Angiogenesis, Exudation and Degeneration 2026 symposium
Breye Therapeutics, a clinical-stage ophthalmology-focused biopharmaceutical company developing oral therapeutics for the early treatment of retinal diseases, presented clinical data showcasing the potential of its lead candidate, danegaptide, for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy (DR) at the prestigious Angiogenesis, Exudation, and Degeneration 2026 symposium on 7 February 2026.
Kainova Therapeutics secured CAD$32M to accelerate development of immuno-oncology and inflammation therapies
Kainova Therapeutics, a key player for breakthrough treatments for patients in immuno-oncology and inflammation, announced the successful first close of its Series B financing round totalling CAD$32 million. This financing round was led by Investissement Québec and was supported by existing investors CTI Life Sciences, Panacea Venture, 3B Future Health Fund, Seventure Partners, Viva BioInnovator, Turenne Capital, Schroders Capital, adMare BioInnovations, and Seido Capital.
Hans Schambye appointed as Chief Executive Officer of BOOST Pharma
BOOST Pharma, a clinical‑stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel, first‑in‑class, off-the-shelf cell therapies for rare, debilitating paediatric skeletal diseases, announced the appointment of seasoned biotech entrepreneur Hans Schambye, MD, PhD, as its new Chief Executive Officer. Hans currently serves on the Board of Directors of BOOST Pharma and has transitioned into his new role as the company advances lead candidate, BT-101, into Phase III development in children with severe osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) – Types III and IV.
Hansa Biopharma reported fourth quarter and full-year 2025 financial results
Hansa Biopharma, a pioneering commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company developing and commercialising novel immunomodulatory therapies to transform care for patients with acute or complex immune disorders, announced its Q4 2025 and full-year financial results on the 11th of February. Hansa reported a strong Q4, up 135% in revenues year-on-year, the submission of a Biologics License Application (BLA) for imlifidase in kidney transplantation, and a successful capital raise. A recording of the earnings webcast is available here.
AmacaThera named Life Sciences Ontario ‘Emerging Company of the Year’
AmacaThera, a leading developer of next-generation hydrogel-based drug delivery solutions that enable precise, tunable, and sustained release to improve a wide range of active therapeutics, was named Emerging Company of the Year by Life Sciences Ontario. This award highlights AmacaThera’s evolution from an early-stage biotech into a global innovator, reflecting recognition from the broader life sciences community for its scientific excellence, innovative hydrogel technology, and increasing influence within the sector. This honour underscores the industry’s acknowledgement of AmacaThera’s promising advancements and the potential of its products to positively impact patient care.
🧪Celebrating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2026
This year, Optimum’s Q&A campaign brought together inspiring contributions from women across our network, united in celebrating the innovators that motivate them.
We asked the question, “If you could collaborate with any scientist (past or present) who would it be, and why?” The responses were inspirational and diverse, showcasing incredible admiration for pioneers across all fields of science, and highlighting the importance of collaboration.
Let’s continue to champion the women and girls who are transforming the future of science! Check out the full campaign on our website and join the conversation on LinkedIn.
🎙️Optimum Perspectives Podcast
In recognition of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we released a celebratory Optimum Perspectives Podcast episode featuring Victoria Taylor of Medicxi, Bonnie van Wilgenburg of Monograph Capital, and Noga Yerushalmi of M Ventures.
In this episode, we shifted the spotlight to those funding innovation and explored how female venture capitalists are shaping the future of science, technology, and innovation, and why who funds science matters almost as much as who does the science.
Listen to the full episode here.
👥Industry events
Anglonordic Life Sciences Conference XXII
Are you an early-stage Life Science company looking for investment?
Do you want to meet with Europe’s leading life science investors?
If the answer is YES, then the Anglonordic Life Science Conference is a must attend event for your diary! Anglonordic provides an opportunity to meet with and pitch your story to 100 registered investors keen to meet and hear from exciting new companies.
Register today at anglonordiclifescience.com/page/registration
One Nucleus Awards
Congratulations to Resolution Therapeutics and Sofinnova Partners, which have been shortlisted for this year’s One Nucleus Awards in recognition of their outstanding work towards improving patient outcomes. 👏
We look forward to joining fellow industry leaders and celebrating at the Annual Awards Dinner on 19th March 2026!
That’s all folks! To stay in the know – subscribe to Optimum’s weekly wrap-up today!
