• A4CELL

  Led · Equity · Nov 2023

  A4Cell has developed SPAchip®, silicon microchips designed to study live single cells in vitro without compromising cell viability. The chips can monitor multiple intracellular parameters or molecules simultaneously in real time and over extended periods. The company highlights advantages versus soluble fluorescent probes, including reduced toxicity, longer monitoring windows, and multiplexing capability. Hospitals and pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are cited as key users of single-cell analysis for drug mechanism studies and target discovery. Management says the new funding will allow the company to intensify R&D and advance product development aimed at unlocking insights from individual living cells. CEO Elena Rivas described the investment as a crucial moment that underscores A4Cell’s commitment to expanding single-cell analysis capabilities, particularly for complex diseases like cancer.

• Astrocyte Pharmaceuticals

  Led · Series B · Aug 2023

  Astrocyte Pharmaceuticals is a privately held, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Groton, Conn., focused on developing novel cerebroprotective therapeutics. Its lead candidate, AST-004, has shown efficacy across diverse small and large animal brain injury models and is being evaluated for a broad array of acute brain injuries including stroke and traumatic brain injury. Astrocyte is currently conducting Phase 1B clinical safety studies of AST-004 and is preparing for Phase 2 efficacy studies in 2024. The company is also assessing AST-004 in preclinical models of Alzheimer's disease to explore potential benefits in chronic neurodegenerative conditions. The announced financing will be used to accelerate clinical development of AST-004 and further preclinical assessment in Alzheimer's disease. Astrocyte positions its approach as a potential way to reduce astrocyte-induced excess inflammation and provide neuroprotection in combination and precision medicine strategies. Astrocyte Pharmaceuticals is advancing novel neuroprotective therapeutics intended to reduce brain injury from stroke, traumatic brain injury, concussion and other neurodegenerative conditions. Its lead therapeutic is based on technology licensed from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. The company completed a Series A financing that raised $6 million. Proceeds from the round will be used to advance the lead program into Phase 1 human trials. Astrocyte describes itself as focused on addressing an unmet need for drugs that limit neurodegenerative brain injury. No operating metrics were disclosed in the article. Astrocyte Pharmaceuticals is a privately held drug development company focused on small‑molecule neuroprotective therapeutics for stroke, traumatic brain injury/concussion, and neurodegenerative disorders. The company is committed to proving the neuroprotective benefits of enhancing astrocyte function and advancing related therapeutic agents. Its lead program is AST‑004, which the company and investors cite as having promising preclinical efficacy and a novel mechanism of action. Astrocyte completed a Pre‑A financing that raised over $2.3M to support its development plans. The company intends to use proceeds to advance its first program into clinical studies. The press release also notes research support from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NIH) and the Department of Defense under specific award numbers.

No current team members are available.