ChemiCare has closed a €2.5 million seed round subscribed by CDP Venture Capital SGR, Bio4Dreams, and Bridge4Pharma. The funding will support the completion of preclinical studies and the submission for clinical trial authorization for CIC-39, a drug candidate for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

The transaction marks a key milestone in ChemiCare’s growth path, representing a further step toward clinical entry.

CIC-39 and ChemiCare’s research activities

ChemiCare, an innovative SME incubated and affiliated with Bio4Dreams, develops novel therapeutic approaches for rare and autoimmune diseases linked to alterations in Store-Operated Calcium Entry (SOCE), a central mechanism in intracellular calcium regulation and immune processes.

Its lead drug candidate, CIC-39, is a negative modulator of SOCE that has already shown promising preclinical evidence in reducing inflammatory and fibrotic processes associated with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, as well as in modulating autoimmune responses involved in conditions such as multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Confirming the molecule’s potential, CIC-39 has received Orphan Drug Designation from both the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The new investment and next steps toward the clinic

The €2.5 million seed financing was subscribed by CDP Venture Capital SGR, through the Rilancio and Piemonte Next funds, together with Bio4Dreams and Bridge4Pharma.

The entry of CDP Venture Capital SGR represents a significant milestone in ChemiCare’s development journey and further strengthens its growth trajectory. At the same time, the continued participation of Bio4Dreams and Bridge4Pharma confirms their confidence in the work carried out so far and in the project’s potential.

The funds raised will enable ChemiCare to complete preclinical studies and accelerate the path toward obtaining authorization to initiate clinical trials for CIC-39.

“In the field of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, there are very few effective compounds. We are excited to see that our research on SOCE, has not only advanced our understanding of this mechanism but also laid a solid foundation for the development of a new potential therapy. It is incredibly rewarding to see years of dedicated work translating into real opportunities to address such a serious unmet medical need and potentially improve patients’ lives.”

Beatrice Riva, Co-founder and CEO of ChemiCare

“As a medicinal chemist, I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together. This project is an excellent example of how close collaboration between academia and industry can lead to breakthroughs with real potential to help patients. I firmly believe that our molecules can play a crucial role in treating challenging diseases, and I hope that CIC-39 will bring benefits – and eventually treatment – to patients affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy and autoimmune disorders. Seeing our research move from the lab bench toward clinical trials is both gratifying and motivating.”

Tracey Pirali, Co-founder of ChemiCare

“We are particularly proud to have invested in ChemiCare, a company that we strongly believe will demonstrate how research can make a tangible and meaningful impact on improving the quality of life for many people. We firmly believe in the development of CIC-39 and hope that its use will prove to be a valid solution for the treatment of rare diseases. It is a great source of satisfaction for us to support this team, confident that the results achieved will continue to gain increasing recognition at an international level.”

Caterina Siclari, Head of Rilancio Fund of CDP Venture Capital

“ChemiCare has been part of the Bio4Dreams network for over three years, and we have believed in the project from the very beginning, investing and supporting the team with dedicated expertise and resources throughout its development and growth. We are pleased that today ChemiCare has attracted the interest of an institutional investor such as CDP Venture Capital. This marks the beginning of a new and promising phase that we are proud to embark on together.”

Elisabetta Borello, Co-Founder, VP Strategy & External Relations of Bio4Dreams

“We are proud to support ChemiCare in progressing their technology and programs. We believe that the strong scientific rationale and the solid database generated by ChemiCare represent robust foundations for the development of new therapeutic agents addressing highly unmet medical needs in the field of severe inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.”

Maurizio Franco Mariani e Daniela Chicco, Co-founders of Bridge4Pharma

“Finpiemonte’s investment in ChemiCare through the Piemonte Next Fund confirms the value of the synergy between private capital and public instruments in supporting research-intensive startups. Finpiemonte supports these companies from the earliest stages by combining investments with measures that foster company formation, internationalization, and research, such as the SWIch call implemented in collaboration with the University of Turin. This model strengthens technology transfer and enhances Piedmont’s competitiveness in the life sciences sector.”

Mario Alparone, Director of Finpiemonte

This achievement also represents an important milestone for Bio4Dreams, highlighting the value of the work carried out over the years alongside the ChemiCare team and reaffirming its commitment to supporting projects with a clear potential impact for patients.

The investment transaction was handled by Bio4Dreams’ Legal Unit and supported by the professionals of Studio Legale Grande Stevens, in particular lawyers Paolo Grande, Emanuele Cufalo, and Daniele Cericola.

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