International law firm Olswang has advised existing client Epidarex Capital as lead investor in the Series A financing round of Topas Therapeutics GmbH (“Topas”). Topas is the first spin out from Evotec AG and aims to build a unique pipeline of clinical-stage development projects to treat autoimmune diseases. The round was led by Epidarex Capital and includes EMBL Ventures, Gimv and Evotec. Topas will use the proceeds to expand and accelerate its proprietary tolerance induction platform and to progress with its product development. “Topas’ unique approach to tolerance has the potential to lead to transformative medicines in diseases of high unmet medical need. We are delighted to have led the financing with such strong co-investors and we look forward to working closely with the Topas team to realise this potential”, says Peter Finan, PhD, partner at Epidarex Capital.

The Olswang team was led by Munich-based Partner Robert Alan Heym, who coordinated the close cooperation of his corporate team with the London-based IP Life Science team. “In this deal, we could utilise all the strengths and qualities of our firm – our comprehensive market and industry knowledge, our strong local focus paired with an international network and our ability to pool multidisciplinary competences for the utmost success of our client”, says Robert Heym. “The cooperation between the teams in London and Munich was smooth, fast and efficient - just as you would expect from a leading tech firm!” Besides Robert Heym, Benjamin Boehning, Dr. Monika Stöhr, Dr. Theresia Gondro and Thomas Reithmann worked on the Munich team. The London team, led by client relationship Partner Niall McAlister, included Partner Dr. Robert Stephen and Hilary van der Hoff.

Headquartered in London, Olswang renders legal services to a wide range of companies and corporations from the technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and IT sectors. The firm also puts much effort into various charity and social projects.