Rewind Therapeutics

Rewind Therapeutics is a Belgian biotechnology company founded in 2017 as a spin-off from KU Leuven. The company was established by KU Leuven’s Centre for Drug Design and Discovery (CD3) and Axxam S.p.A., an Italian provider of discovery services for life sciences. Rewind Therapeutics is focused on developing remyelinating therapies for diseases caused by myelin damage, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Myelin is the protective sheath around nerve fibers, essential for proper nervous system function; its damage impairs nerve signals and can lead to neurodegeneration. While existing treatments for demyelinating diseases often manage symptoms, they do not repair the underlying myelin damage.

The company's primary therapeutic strategy is to restore the myelin sheath by ensuring the proper function of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) and oligodendrocytes, which are the cells responsible for myelination. Their approach involves developing antagonists for G protein-coupled receptor 17 (GPR17), which plays a key inhibitory role in the maturation of OPCs into myelin-producing cells. By blocking this receptor, the company aims to promote the natural repair process of myelin, offering a potential treatment for a wide range of demyelinating diseases. The company is advancing its preclinical lead candidate while also building a pipeline of other remyelination compounds.

Since its inception, Rewind Therapeutics has secured significant funding. In January 2018, it completed a €15.2 million Series A financing round. This round was led by prominent life science investors including Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund, M Ventures, and the Flemish investment company PMV, along with its founders. The company raised additional funds in January 2023, with Sunstone Life Science Ventures joining the syndicate of investors, to advance its lead program into clinical development. The total funding raised is reported to be over $31 million.

The company's leadership has evolved to guide its development. In October 2018, Ian J. Reynolds, a neuro-pharmacologist with over 20 years of experience in drug discovery at companies like Teva Pharmaceuticals and Merck, was appointed CEO. In September 2021, Anja Harmeier took over as CEO. Dr. Harmeier is a scientist and entrepreneur with a background in neuroscience, rare diseases, and venture capital, having previously held positions at Roche and Pureos Bioventures. However, reports from early 2026 indicated she had returned to lead Roche's venture fund after her tenure at Rewind Therapeutics.

Keywords: remyelination therapies, multiple sclerosis treatment, demyelinating diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, G protein-coupled receptor 17, GPR17 antagonist, oligodendrocyte precursor cells, small molecule drugs, CNS, clinical development, KU Leuven spin-off, Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund, M Ventures, PMV, Sunstone Life Science Ventures, Axxam, Centre for Drug Design and Discovery (CD3)