With an ambitious plan to invest $66 million over the next decade, the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) has unveiled 66ten, its inaugural strategic investment fund. This marks the largest internal pre-seed and seed fund established by an Australian medical research institute.
Managed by WEHI Ventures, 66ten is designed to bridge the critical gap between scientific research and commercial success. The fund aims to drive positive outcomes for patients and healthcare systems worldwide while generating financial returns for its investors.
Since its inception a year ago, 66ten has supported a diverse range of innovative medical projects. Notably, the fund is backing a groundbreaking initiative targeting Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), a rare disease with significant unmet medical needs. Unlike existing treatments that merely address symptoms, this project is focused on developing a potential disease-modifying therapy that aims to tackle the root cause of PWS. This innovative approach promises to offer comprehensive relief from all symptoms, potentially transforming the lives of patients and families globally.
By fostering such pioneering projects, 66ten is set to make a substantial impact in the field of medical research and patient care.
