Spinifex Pharmaceuticals is a biotechnology company based in Melbourne, Australia, and Stamford, Connecticut, developing drug candidates for the treatment and management of pain. Its lead candidate is EMA401, an oral angiotensin II type 2 (AT2) receptor antagonist being developed as a chronic pain treatment without CNS side effects. EMA401 produced positive Phase 2 results in postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). The company plans a further dose‑ranging Phase 2 trial in PHN studying efficacy over a 12‑week timeframe as would be required by the FDA for eventual Phase 3. Spinifex also intends to establish clinical proof‑of‑concept for EMA401 in neuropathic and inflammatory pain conditions such as osteoarthritis, chemotherapy‑induced neuropathy and peripheral diabetic neuropathy. Established in 2005 and led by CEO Tom McCarthy, the company raised $45M in Series C financing to advance development of EMA401. Spinifex Pharmaceuticals is a Melbourne-based company developing new drug candidates for the treatment and management of pain. Its lead product, EMA401, is under development as a potential oral treatment for neuropathic pain and related symptoms without central nervous system side effects. The company intends to use recently raised funds to develop EMA401 and to expand its Phase 2 clinical trial program. Spinifex plans to add two indications to the Phase 2 program: pain and hypersensitivity in peripheral nerve injury patients and in cancer chemotherapy patients. Founded in 2005 and led by CEO Tom McCarthy, the company announced an additional AU$6.25m in an expanded Series B after previously announcing AU$12m from the same syndicate. Investors in the expansion include GBS Venture Partners, Brandon Capital Partners, Uniseed Management and UniQuest. Spinifex Pharmaceuticals, founded in 2005 and based in Melbourne, develops new drug candidates for the treatment and management of pain. Its lead candidate, EMA401, is in Phase I clinical trials under an IND with the U.S. FDA, with initial results expected at the end of 2008 or early 2009. The company's principal technology stems from a discovery by University of Queensland researchers led by Professor Maree Smith and targets neuropathic and inflammatory pain. Management is targeting a Phase II trial for EMA401 in late 2009 and aims to deepen the clinical pipeline while moving EMA401 toward commercialization. Spinifex has secured A$12 million in venture funding in two tranches (A$6m received) to fund development through Phase II. The clinical program is focused on an area of high unmet need within a pain market projected to be worth US$75 billion annually by 2010.

Total raised

$62M

Funding rounds

3

Latest round

Series C

Latest activity

Apr 2014