Forbion Co-leads $141 Million Series B of AAVantgarde Bio to Accelerate Gene Therapies for Stargardt Disease and Usher 1B Syndrome
Naarden, The Netherlands, November 03, 2025 — Forbion, a leading life sciences venture capital firm with deep roots in Europe, today announces that it has co-led a $141 million (€122 million) Series B financing of AAVantgarde Bio to advance its clinical programs targeting Stargardt disease and Usher 1B syndrome.
The round was co-led by new investor Schroders Capital, alongside existing investors Forbion and Atlas Venture, with participation from Amgen Ventures, Athos Capital, CDP Venture Capital, Columbia IMC, Neva SGR, Sixty Degree Capital, XGen Venture, Willett Advisors, Longwood Fund, and Sofinnova Partners.
The proceeds will enable AAVantgarde to complete proof-of-concept clinical studies for its two lead gene therapy programs: AAVB-039, designed to treat Stargardt disease, caused by mutations in the ABCA4 gene, and AAVB-081, targeting retinitis pigmentosa, secondary to Usher 1B syndrome, due to MYO7A mutations. Both programs aim to address the root genetic causes of these inherited retinal diseases, which currently have no approved therapies.
Dmitrij Hristodorov PhD, General Partner at Forbion, added, “AAVantgarde’s clinical programs in Stargardt and Usher 1B demonstrate real potential to deliver meaningful impact for patients with severe, untreatable vision loss. We are proud to continue supporting the company’s development at this pivotal stage.”
“This investment is a strong endorsement of our team, our science, and two clinical IRD programs,” said Dr. Natalia Misciattelli, CEO of AAVantgarde. “Both programs address the root genetic causes of devastating conditions and offer hope of improvement to patients and families living with progressive vision loss.”
Click here to read the official company release.
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About AAVantgarde
AAVantgarde is a clinical stage, biotechnology company advancing best-in-class therapies for patients with inherited retinal diseases. The company’s lead programs target Stargardt disease and retinitis pigmentosa due to Usher syndrome type 1B, two severe, inherited retinal diseases with no approved treatments. With a strong foundation in translational science and a commitment to clinical excellence, AAVantgarde is working to bring transformative therapies to patients. For more information, please visit: www.aavantgarde.com.
About Forbion
Forbion is a leading global venture capital firm with deep roots in Europe and offices in Naarden, the Netherlands, Munich, Germany, and Boston, USA. Forbion invests in innovative biotech companies, managing approximately €5 billion across multiple fund strategies covering all stages of (bio)pharmaceutical drug development. In addition to its human health focus, Forbion also invests in planetary health solutions through its BioEconomy strategy. The firm’s team of over 30 investment professionals has a strong track record, with more than 130 investments across 11 funds, resulting in numerous approved therapies and successful exits. Forbion is a signatory to the UN Principles for Responsible Investment and operates a joint venture with BGV for seed and early-stage investments in the Benelux and Germany regions.
