Freya Biosciences, a transatlantic biotech company based in Copenhagen and Boston, has made a significant leap forward in its mission to revolutionize women’s health.
The company announced a $10.4 million strategic investment from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, supplemented by an additional $1.4 million from the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark (EIFO).
This infusion extends the company’s Series A funding to nearly $50 million, providing a robust foundation for advancing its innovative DYSCOVER™ platform.
A game-changing platform for women’s health
Freya’s DYSCOVER™ platform represents a cutting-edge approach to addressing bacterial vaginosis (BV), a condition affecting up to 29% of women of reproductive age globally. BV, often overlooked despite its prevalence, can lead to severe reproductive health issues, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and miscarriage. The condition is particularly devastating in low- and middle-income countries, where access to effective treatments remains limited.
Freya is developing microbial immunotherapies designed to restore balance in the vaginal microbiome. By using Lactobacillus strains capable of displacing harmful bacteria and reducing inflammation, Freya’s therapies aim to deliver lasting solutions where antibiotics often fail. The company’s lead candidate, FB301, initially focused on improving pregnancy outcomes in IVF, highlights the versatility of the DYSCOVER™ platform.
Tackling a global health crisis
The investment comes at a pivotal moment for Freya as it prepares to expand its focus to BV and its connection to preterm birth, a leading cause of infant mortality. Current treatments for BV often result in recurrence, leaving women vulnerable to chronic symptoms and heightened risks during pregnancy. Freya’s novel approach seeks to break this cycle, addressing both the microbial imbalance and the associated inflammation that underpins BV.
The Gates Foundation’s support underscores the global urgency of addressing these challenges, particularly in resource-constrained settings. “This investment validates the transformative potential of our DYSCOVER™ platform to address major unmet needs in women’s and infant health,” said Freya CEO Dr. Colleen Acosta.
Bridging innovation and accessibility
Freya’s partnership with the Gates Foundation highlights a commitment to ensuring its innovations benefit women worldwide, regardless of socioeconomic status. “Our mission is to develop solutions that improve health outcomes for millions of women, particularly in low-resource settings,” said Peter Bisgaard, Chairman of Freya’s Board.
This vision aligns closely with the Gates Foundation’s strategic focus on maternal and newborn health. As part of the investment, Chris Chen, a partner in the foundation’s Strategic Investment Fund, will join Freya’s board of directors as an observer, signaling a strong collaborative future.
A Step Toward Reproductive Health Equity
Freya’s dual presence in Copenhagen and Boston positions it at the nexus of European and American biotech innovation, with a global perspective. This latest funding will accelerate the clinical development of microbial immunotherapies, moving the company closer to delivering accessible, effective treatments for BV and beyond.
