Cellestial Health closees pre-seed equity funding round.

University of Cambridge spin-out Cellestial Health has closed a £515,000 pre-seed equity funding round to accelerate the development of novel therapeutics targeting early indications of Parkinson’s disease.

Founder and CEO of Cellestial Health, Dr Nat Hastings, and her team have built on years of academic research to validate their first drug target in Parkinson’s disease.

The company, which was incorporated in 2023, is developing brain-permeable small molecule drugs designed to restore normal astrocytic network function, a promising new pathway for neurodegenerative conditions.

The equity round was led by Zinc VC, with support from SFC Capital and independent angel investors from Alma Angels, a community supporting female founders.

A recent Kickstarter Award from o2h discovery enabled Cellestial Health to advance the development of its astrocyte-targeted small molecule pipeline.

To drive its pipeline expansion, Cellestial Health has partnered with leading drug discovery experts including Charles River Discovery UK and the o2h discovery.

The new funding will enable Cellestial’s mission to revolutionise how we treat brain disorders by shifting the therapeutic focus towards the inclusion of astrocytes in drug development.

Iain Pelling, angel investor, said: “I am thrilled to be able to help Dr Hastings and the Cellestial team on their innovative journey to bring transformative treatments for brain disease.”

Yvie Lock, also an angel investor, noted: “I invested in Cellestial Health because the founder’s vision made it clear that this wasn’t just a business, it was a purpose-driven effort to transform lives.”

Natalie Pankova, MD Deeptech & Healthcare, Zinc, said: “Cellestial Health’s approach to advancing the understanding and treatment of brain disorders that affect millions of people worldwide is at the core of Zinc’s investment thesis around tackling the most complex health challenges we face.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Nat and the team on their journey to impact at scale with a disruptive innovation that has the potential to improve the lives of millions.”

Edward Stevenson, investment executive at SFC Capital, added: “We are pleased to support innovation in the pharmaceutical sector, especially in an area of such an unmet clinical need and growth potential like Parkinson’s – the fastest growing neurological disorder in the world. We also see great potential in expanding Cellestial’s technology to other medical indications.”

Dr Hastings said: “Our approach stems from the urgent need for treatments that go beyond symptom management in Parkinson’s.

“Patients and caregivers know too well that the existing drugs do not stop the disease from getting worse.

“By targeting astrocytes – essential brain cells that have traditionally been neglected in drug development – we’re opening new possibilities.”