Beech Biotech has been awarded a $1.9 million grant from the Gates Foundation to advance its “Mother-Only” monoclonal antibody treatment for preeclampsia toward clinical development. The funding supports development of the company’s lead asset MOm303, designed to treat maternal complications without exposing fetuses to therapeutic agents.
The biopharmaceutical company develops monoclonal antibodies engineered to remain in maternal circulation and avoid fetal exposure through patented modifications that block placental crossing. This approach addresses a key unmet need in pregnancy care where treatments must effectively treat mothers while minimizing fetal risk.
Preeclampsia causes approximately 70,000 maternal deaths and 500,000 baby deaths annually worldwide, while affecting 300 million surviving mothers and preterm infants with long-term health consequences. The condition is characterized by elevated levels of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt1), which causes vascular breakdown, and decreased placental growth factor (PlGF).
“We are honoured to receive this grant from the Gates Foundation, which serves as a strong validation of our approach to treating preeclampsia,” said Ian Cottingham, PhD, CEO of Beech Biotech. “By aiming to restore the natural balance between sFlt1 and PlGF, we address one of the core biological mechanisms driving preeclampsia.”
MOm303 works by binding and eliminating maternal sFlt1, targeting a key driver of disease pathology. The treatment aims to restore the natural balance between sFlt1 and PlGF, potentially prolonging pregnancy and reducing risks associated with preterm birth.
Beech Biotech has built intellectual property protection with patents covering the approach and patent lifetime extending beyond 2040. The company’s team combines women’s health industry expertise with over 35 years of combined experience from sector leaders including Ferring Pharma and Organon, along with antibody engineering capabilities.
The grant funding will advance MOm303 toward IND-readiness for preeclampsia treatment while supporting the broader platform’s potential for women’s health applications. Earlier this year, Beech Biotech was selected for a 12-month Venture Lab program by the Danish BioInnovation Institute, providing additional funding and access to women’s health networks.
The “Mother-Only” approach represents a novel strategy in pregnancy therapeutics, where traditional treatments often face challenges balancing maternal benefit with fetal safety. Beech Biotech’s platform technology could potentially unlock new treatment options for various pregnancy complications where current therapeutic options remain limited.
