Novira Therapeutics is developing NVR 3-778, a small‑molecule antiviral that inhibits the hepatitis B virus core/capsid protein. The company recently released Phase 1b data showing NVR 3-778 was well‑tolerated in 40 subjects. According to a regulatory filing, Novira raised $9 million in debt from 10 investors. Last year the startup completed a $25 million Series A with investors that included Versant Ventures, 5AM Ventures and Canaan Partners. The article frames the fundraise against a sizable global hepatitis B burden, with WHO estimates cited on infection prevalence and chronic cases. No founding year or location is provided in the article. Novira Therapeutics is a Radnor, PA-based antiviral drug discovery company led by Osvaldo Flores, Ph.D. It focuses on discovery of antiviral therapeutics for the treatment of chronic HBV infection. The company develops oral drugs that target the capsid of the virus and are intended for use both as monotherapy and in combination with current standards of care. Novira completed a $25M Series A financing and secured an additional $7.5M investment. Versant Ventures joined 5AM Ventures and Canaan Partners in the financing, and Gianni Gromo of Versant joined the company's board. Scott M. Rocklage (5AM Ventures) and Tim Shannon (Canaan Partners) had joined the board at the first close in August 2012. Novira Therapeutics is a privately held antiviral drug discovery company focused on developing novel, first‑in‑class therapeutics for HBV and HIV. Its lead programs bind to and disrupt the viral capsid (core) protein to block assembly and infection, aiming to prevent production of new infectious virus and entry into new cells. The company plans to complete optimization work on its lead program and advance its capsid assembly inhibition technology toward the clinic. Novira completed a second round of seed financing that brings its early financing to approximately $2.5 million and secured an additional $1.0 million in non‑dilutive grants. The financing round included participation from regional angel groups and BioAdvance, and resulted in an angel designee joining the board and a board observer appointment. Novira was launched in 2009 and is headquartered in Radnor, Pennsylvania.

Total raised

$17M

Funding rounds

3

Latest round

Debt Financing

Latest activity

Dec 2014