12 - 24

Citryll Raises EUR 85 Million Series B To Advance Novel NET-Targeting Therapy For Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Disorders

Oss, the Netherlands, 09-12-2024 — Citryll, a biotech company pioneering a transformative approach to treating immune-mediated inflammatory diseases by targeting Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs), announces today the successful closing of an oversubscribed EUR 85 million Series B fundraise.

The funding round was co-led by Johnson & Johnson (through its corporate venture capital organization, Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JJDC, Inc.), Forbion and Novartis Venture Fund, with the participation of Pureos Bioventures, alongside existing investors BioGeneration Ventures, Seventure Partners, BOM, Curie Capital, and Citryll’s founders. The funding will enable next steps for the clinical development of CIT-013, a first-in-class monoclonal antibody which targets Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs), a fundamental component of the inflammatory process that has yet to be addressed therapeutically. NETs are web-like structures composed of DNA, histones, and antimicrobial proteins, released by neutrophils to trap and degrade pathogens. Excessive NET formation can contribute to tissue damage and chronic inflammation in various immune-mediated inflammatory disorders.

Citryll recently completed its first-in-human Phase 1 trials including successful repeat dosing of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Phase 2a trials are planned in both RA and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), intended to establish CIT-013’s unique dual mechanism of action, which enhances the clearance of existing NETs and inhibits the formation of new NETs. CIT-013 is highly selective for its epitope, minimizing off-target effects, and does not enter cells, preserving normal intracellular functions. While initially focusing on RA and HS, Citryll’s NET-targeting approach has potential applications across a wide range of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.

Following this Series B round, Geert-Jan Mulder, Managing Partner at Forbion, Florian Muellershausen, Managing Director at Novartis Venture Fund, and a representative of JJDC, will join Citryll’s Board as non-executive directors.

Geert-Jan Mulder, Managing Partner at Forbion, said: “Citryll’s progress highlights the potential of a novel NET-targeting therapy to address significant unmet needs in inflammatory disorders, offering hope for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and hidradenitis suppurativa, where many patients lack adequate disease control. Together with new and existing investors we are proud to support the outstanding team to further advance this truly differentiated program into clinical development for inflammatory disorders.”

Eduardo Bravo, Chief Executive Officer of Citryll, commented: “Securing funding from such a fantastic range of global life sciences investors, who share our excitement for the potential of CIT-013, strengthens the next steps for our clinical development program. We believe our NET-targeting approach, developed by the company founders Renato Chirivi, Helmuth van Es, and the late Jos Raats, has the potential to be beneficial in conditions where current therapies fall short. As we move forward with our clinical trials, we’re excited about the possibility of providing a more effective treatment option for patients who have long struggled with inadequate disease control.”

Share on social media:

Other news

10-26

New research published in Frontiers in Immunology highlights CIT-013’s ability to modulate macrophage responses and promote inflammation resolution

Citryll has published new preclinical research that deepens the understanding of how CIT-013, the Company’s first-in-class monoclonal antibody, modulates immune

06-26

Exploring the Emerging Role of Extracellular Traps in Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases

Earlier this week, Citryll hosted an educational webinar bringing together leading scientific and clinical experts to discuss the evolving understanding

04-26

Citryll Strengthens Intellectual Property Portfolio With Grant of European Composition of Matter Patent for CIT-013

Expected to provide exclusivity into 2039 Oss, Netherlands – 15 April 2026 – Citryll, a biotech company pioneering a transformative

02-26

First patient dosed in Citryll’s imaging study evaluating distribution and target engagement of CIT-013

PET-based imaging study designed to assess the biodistribution of CIT-013 and associate disease activity with CIT-013 target disposition in participants

02-26

Employee Spotlight – Catarina Antunes

As a key part of Citryll’s team, Catarina Antunes, Program & Communications Manager, plays a central role in driving cross‑functional

12-25

End of Year Newsletter 2025

As I look back on 2025, it has been a truly remarkable year for the Citryll team. With a laser