Satori Pharmaceuticals is a Cambridge, MA-based biotech advancing medicines intended to slow or stop Alzheimer’s disease progression. Its lead program aims to modulate gamma-secretase to reduce levels of amyloid beta 42 (AB42) in the brain, lowering brain amyloid, plaque formation and associated neuronal damage. The company raised an additional $15M in financing from existing investors InterWest Partners, New Enterprise Associates (NEA) and Prospect Venture Partners. Specific financing instruments and valuation were not disclosed in the article. Donald Hayden was appointed chairman of the board, and Dr. David Schnell (Prospect Ventures) and Stephen Muniz (PureTech Ventures) joined the board. Satori is led by CEO Dr. Jeffrey Ives and CBO Jeff Jonker and intends to file an IND on its lead gamma-secretase modulator in 2012. Satori Pharmaceuticals is developing therapeutics that aim to halt Alzheimer’s disease in its early phases rather than just slow symptoms. Its lead compound is designed to inhibit toxic proteins before the formation of amyloid plaques, with an emphasis on avoiding damage to surrounding brain tissue. The company is also collaborating with researchers to identify early diagnostic signals, including traces of specific proteins in the bloodstream. Management recognizes safety challenges given the typical older patient profile and common co-medications, and says potential drug interactions will need to be addressed. Satori reports its lead treatment has passed several animal tests and plans a tentative timeline for clinical trials in 2010. Financially, the company recently completed a $22 million second-round financing to support the next battery of tests and development work.

Total raised

$37M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Feb 2012