Cellestial Health, a pioneering pharmaceutical development spin-out from the University of Cambridge, has closed a £515,000 pre-seed equity funding round to accelerate the development of novel therapeutics targeting astrocytes, an often-overlooked cell type in the brain, with the first indication of Parkinson’s disease.
The equity round was led by Zinc VC, with the latest investment tranche supported by SFC Capital and independent angel investors from Alma Angels, a community supporting female founders. This funding will enable Cellestial’s mission to revolutionise how we treat brain disorders by shifting the therapeutic focus towards the inclusion of astrocytes in drug development.
“Our approach stems from the urgent need for treatments that go beyond symptom management in Parkinson’s,” comments Dr Nat Hastings, Founder and CEO of Cellestial Health. “Patients and caregivers know too well that the existing drugs do not stop the disease from getting worse. By targeting astrocytes – essential brain cells that have traditionally been neglected in drug development, we’re opening new possibilities.”
Dr Hastings and her team have built on years of academic research to validate their first drug target in Parkinson’s disease. The company is developing brain-permeable small molecule drugs designed to restore normal astrocytic network function, a promising new pathway for neurodegenerative conditions.
Investor Support
Natalie Pankova, MD Deeptech & Healthcare, Zinc, comments:
“Cellestial Health’s approach to advancing the understanding and treatment of brain disorders that affect millions of people worldwide is at the core of Zinc’s investment thesis around tackling the most complex health challenges we face. We are delighted to be partnering with Nat and the team on their journey to impact at scale with a disruptive innovation that has the potential to improve the lives of millions.”
Edward Stevenson, Investment Executive at SFC Capital, adds:
“We are pleased to support innovation in the pharmaceutical sector, especially in an area of such an unmet clinical need and growth potential like Parkinson’s – the fastest growing neurological disorder in the world. We also see a great potential in expanding Cellestial’s technology to other medical indications.”
Iain Pelling, angel investor, comments:
“I am thrilled to be able to help Dr Hastings and the Cellestial team on their innovative journey to bring transformative treatments for brain disease.”
Yvie Lock, angel investor, further adds:
“I invested in Cellestial Health because the founder’s vision made it clear that this wasn’t just a business, it was a purpose-driven effort to transform lives.”
Strategic Partnerships to Accelerate Discovery
To drive its pipeline expansion, Cellestial Health has partnered with leading drug discovery experts including Charles River Discovery UK and the o2h discovery.
The recent Kickstarter Award from o2h discovery enabled Cellestial Health to advance the development of its astrocyte-targeted small molecule pipeline. This collaboration brings together o2h’s expertise in early-stage drug discovery and synthesis with Cellestial’s innovative approach to neuroprotective therapeutics.
“We’re delighted to support Cellestial Health with an o2h Kickstarter Award. Their pioneering focus on astrocyte-targeted small molecules addresses an exciting and underexplored area”
– states Claudio Dagostin, Vice President, Business Development (UK & Europe) of o2h discovery.
Foundational Support
In addition to this equity round, Cellestial was awarded £340,000 in early-stage grant funding from Parkinson’s UK and Cambridge Enterprise, further validating the strength of its science and commercial potential.
About Cambridge Enterprise
Cambridge Enterprise is the innovation arm of the University of Cambridge. Through Cambridge Enterprise, University of Cambridge research and expertise continues to deliver life-changing outcomes with world-changing impact. Cambridge Enterprise provides the diverse support needed by researchers, innovators, and talented teams tackling the challenges facing the world today. It connects, empowers, and enables the transformation of Cambridge research into purposeful social and economic global impacts.
If you would like to learn more about Cellestial Health or connect with the team, please reach out at: info@cellestialhealth.com or fill out the form on our website.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/105828196/