Vergent Bioscience is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing VGT-309, a tumor-targeted fluorescent imaging agent designed to help surgeons visualize previously undetected or difficult-to-find tumors in real time during open, minimally invasive, and robotic-assisted surgery. VGT-309 is administered via a short infusion hours before surgery and covalently binds cathepsins, proteases overexpressed across many solid tumors; its imaging component is indocyanine green (ICG), compatible with commercially available near-infrared intraoperative imaging systems. Early Phase 1 and 2 trials in Australia demonstrated safety and efficacy in lung cancer and Vergent has initiated a Phase 2 trial at the University of Pennsylvania. The company is first evaluating VGT-309 in lung cancer with plans to expand to colorectal, gastrointestinal, and breast cancers. Vergent is privately held and based in Minneapolis, MN, and has raised a total of $34 million to date. Vergent Bioscience, led by President and CEO John Santini, is developing a tumor-targeted, fluorescent probe that binds to enzymes overexpressed in tumor tissue and activates a brightly fluorescing dye. The probe is intended to provide surgeons with a visual guide to identify and completely remove cancerous tissue and associated metastases. Vergent’s proprietary probe is under development for multiple cancers, including lung, breast, ovarian, colorectal and brain cancers. The company plans to use the newly raised funds to advance its preclinical and clinical development activities. The technology is positioned for intraoperative use to improve tumor visualization during surgery. The company is based in Minneapolis.

Total raised

$30M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Series B

Latest activity

Oct 2022