Golgenia Closes €1.5 Million Series A to Advance its GSL Oncology Platform to First-in-Human Trials

Milan, Italy – 28 July 2026 – Golgenia Srl, a biotech startup focused on the development of new oncological therapeutic strategies targeting the glycosphingolipid (GSL) biosynthesis pathway at the level of the Golgi apparatus, announces the successful closing of a €1.5 million Series A funding round. The financing was led by Creadd Ventures, with participation of Indaco Venture Partners SGR — including through the Indaco Bio Lombardia Parallel Fund, backed by the Lombardia Venture STEP initiative of Regione Lombardia, financed under the Regional Programme Lombardia ERDF 2021-2027 and managed by Finlombarda — and Ruby Direct Opportunity Fund SCSP. This fund raise will enable Golgenia to advance its lead compound to the start of the first pilot clinical trial.

Golgenia's patented drug discovery platform stems from the pioneering studies of Dr. Alberto Luini, Chief Scientific Officer and co-founder of Golgenia, which highlighted the specific role of the glycosylation of selected lipids and proteins present in the Golgi apparatus in numerous physiological and pathological processes, including tumor progression and resistance to conventional chemotherapy therapies.

The Golgenia team, in collaboration with the Regina Elena Cancer Institute in Rome and the IEOMI Institute of the CNR, has identified a series of small molecules that interfere with this biosynthetic alteration and may overcome resistance to standard of care chemotherapy drugs.

“"Our goal is to continue and expand the research and advance development of our lead candidate into a pilot clinical trial within 18 months. We are committed to leveraging the knowledge accumulated over the years to test new therapeutic approaches in patients who do not respond to conventional chemotherapy therapies."”

— Khalid Islam, CEO and co-founder

“"Golgenia represents exactly the kind of opportunity we are looking for: solid and original science, a team with a clear vision and the ability to transform basic research into concrete therapeutic solutions. The discovery of glyco-oncogenes and their role in the mechanisms of resistance to chemotherapy opens up a completely new avenue in cancer treatment. We are excited to support Golgenia in this early phase of its development and confident in the potential of this platform to make a difference for patients."”

— Dr. Lorenzo Leoni, Managing Partner of Creadd Ventures, lead investor and member of the new Board of Directors of Golgenia

Elizabeth Robinson, Vice Chairman of Indaco and Board Member of Golgenia, said: "Indaco is proud to be part of the creation and early growth of Golgenia, also through its Indaco Bio Lombardia Fund."

In addition to CEO Khalid Islam, PhD and CSO Alberto Luini, MD, the Golgenia team can count on the skills and experience in the field of research and development of Prof. Guido Rasi, former Director General of the EMA; Michele Garufi, PharmD, co-founder and former CEO and Chairman of Nicox SA; Dr. Fiorentino Izzo, oncologist for more than 40 years at the Regina Elena National Cancer Institute; and Gianni Luini, former CEO of Joint Management Group, a company active in the European large-scale retail sector.

About the Investors

Creadd Ventures is a venture capital fund focused on early-stage investments in innovative companies in the biotechnology and deep-tech sectors. Founded by entrepreneurs and with a hands-on approach, it draws on a network of leading scientific, financial and industrial partners. Creadd Ventures operates mainly in Switzerland, Italy and other European countries. ([creadd.ch](https://creadd.ch/))

Indaco Venture Partners SGR is one of Italy's largest independent venture capital firms, investing — through the Indaco Bio Fund, Bio Parallel Fund and Bio Lombardia Fund — in support of cutting-edge innovations in the biotechnology sector. Indaco BIO Lombardia Fund is an investment fund managed by Indaco Venture SGR S.p.A, selected through a public call for proposals by Regione Lombardia as part of the Regional Program of the European Regional Development Fund/PR ERDF 2021-2027 (action 1.6.2), "Lombardia Venture STEP" call managed by Finlombarda. ([indacosgr.com](https://www.indacosgr.com))

Ruby Direct Opportunities is a private equity fund offering diversified access to high-growth opportunities in the AI, healthcare, fintech and space technology sectors through exclusive co-investments, pre-IPO transactions and institutional deal sourcing. Ruby draws on the investment expertise and global network of Investa Solutions, a Swiss financial provider specializing in access to alternative investments for professional and institutional investors.

About Golgenia

Golgenia is a research and development company that uses its patented glycosphingolipid-targeting platform to identify small molecules that overcome drug resistance often associated with conventional standard-of-care chemotherapy treatments. Headquartered in Milan, Italy, the Company is committed to bringing personalized medicines to refractory cancer patients.

Media Contact Gianni Luini — Chief Operating Officer, Golgenia Piazza Castello 19, 20121 Milano amministrazione@golgenia.it