The Venture Codex

Participated · Series C · May 2016

G1 Therapeutics is a clinical-stage oncology company developing novel small-molecule therapies that address unmet needs in people with cancer. Its lead programs are CDK4/6 inhibitors G1T28 and G1T38. G1T28 is a potential first-in-class combination therapy currently in two proof-of-concept trials in patients with small-cell lung cancer. G1T38 is described as a potential best-in-class oral drug and was slated to begin clinical development later this month. The company completed a $47M Series C to advance clinical development of these programs and to expand its pipeline across multiple oncology indications. G1 Therapeutics is led by CEO Mark Velleca, MD, PhD, and is based in Research Triangle Park, NC. G1 Therapeutics is a privately held, clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing novel small-molecule therapies in oncology. The company leverages a proprietary kinase drug discovery platform to advance a pipeline targeting CDK4/6 antineoplastics and bone marrow chemoprotection. Its lead program, G1T28, is a highly potent and selective CDK4/6 inhibitor currently being evaluated in Phase 1a trials in healthy volunteers. Data from the Phase 1a study will inform dose and schedule for multiple Phase 1b/2a trials in cancer patients planned to begin in 2015. The company intends to use new financing to advance G1T28 through proof of concept as both an antineoplastic agent and a chemoprotectant. G1 Therapeutics is a pharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing novel small molecules for cancer therapy and biodefense applications. Its lead clinical candidate is a proprietary CDK4/6 inhibitor that has been evaluated in multiple preclinical studies for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression. The company intends to use newly raised capital to advance that candidate through an IND filing and into initial clinical testing. Based on a pre-IND meeting with the FDA, G1 expected to file its IND by summer 2014 and to initiate clinical testing before the end of 2014. G1 was founded by Dr. Ned Sharpless and Dr. Kwok Wong and is led by Executive Chair Christy Shaffer.

Participated · Series B · Nov 2013

Catabasis develops small molecules that chemically join two bioactives into single conjugates via its SMART (Safely Metabolized And Rationally Targeted) platform to modulate multiple related disease targets simultaneously. The company is focused on indications including Duchenne muscular dystrophy and ALS and has multiple programs across its pipeline. Its lead Duchenne program has received FDA orphan status and is projected to begin Phase 1/2 clinical trials this year; an earlier Phase 1 showed the drug was well-tolerated and demonstrated reduced inflammation and increased muscle regeneration. Catabasis has completed a Phase 2a trial for hypertriglyceridemias and plans a Phase 2a for hypercholesterolemia later this year. It is also conducting preclinical work for ALS and Freidreich’s ataxia. Financially, the company is in the midst of a $20.4M fundraise per a recent SEC filing and has raised roughly $12.4M so far in this round. Catabasis Pharmaceuticals is a Cambridge, Mass.-based clinical-stage company founded in 2008 that discovers and develops medicines for inflammatory and metabolic diseases. The company uses its proprietary SMART Linker technology to conjugate two drugs that act on different components of a disease pathway to create new chemical entities intended to improve efficacy and safety. Its pipeline targets dyslipidemias and diseases involving chronic inflammation, with lead compound CAT-2003 modulating the lipid synthesis pathway. CAT-2003 is in a Phase 2 clinical trial for patients with hypertriglyceridemia and is being studied in combination with statins in patients with hypercholesterolemia. The company plans to use proceeds from the Series B to advance CAT-2003 and to support the continued clinical and pre-clinical development of other SMART Linker conjugates. Catabasis completed a $32.4M Series B financing to fund these programs. Catabasis is developing proprietary therapies that combine salicylate and omega-3 fatty acids, with a lead anti-inflammatory program (CAT1000) approaching Phase II. Its CAT2000 series targets the lipid synthesis pathway to treat hypertriglyceridemia and is described as about ready to enter the clinic. The company also runs a discovery-stage program focused on lysosomal pathways for ultra-rare conditions. Catabasis traces its approach to academic work by Harvard's Steven Shoelson on anti-inflammatory treatment strategies for metabolic disease. Financially, the company has recently raised close to $9 million per SEC filings and previously added $8 million to its Series A in late 2011, bringing that round to $47.6 million. The company was founded by Sirtris veterans Jill Milne and Michael Jirousek and is based in Cambridge, MA. Catabasis is a clinically staged biopharmaceutical company that leverages the therapeutic potential of omega-3 fatty acids to treat inflammatory and metabolic diseases. The company develops conjugated DHA/EPA molecules designed to improve delivery, potency and efficacy versus unmodified omega-3s. Lead programs include CAT-2003, an omega-3 conjugate targeting severe hypertriglyceridemia, and CAT-1004, a DHA-salicylate conjugate that entered Phase 1 for type 2 diabetes. Preclinical data reportedly show CAT-2003 provides superior efficacy compared to omega-3 fatty acids alone in animal models. The company intends to use new funding to accelerate CAT-2003 development and move the compound into the clinic in 2012. Catabasis was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Cambridge, Mass. Catabasis is a Cambridge, Mass.-based biopharmaceutical company focused on discovery and development of medicines to treat inflammatory and metabolic diseases. Its lead program targets type 2 diabetes and is expected to enter human clinical trials in the second half of 2011. The company also has two additional programs in the areas of metabolic diseases and inflammation. Catabasis's pipeline comprises molecules designed to amplify the beneficial effects of salicylates and omega-3 fatty acids. Founded in 2008, the company intends to use new capital to advance its lead compound into clinical studies, further develop the additional programs, and support company growth. The firm recently secured additional Series A financing, reflecting continued investor support.

Participated · Equity · Sep 2013

Inotek Pharmaceuticals is focused on developing innovative drugs for eye diseases with a major emphasis on glaucoma; its lead candidate is trabodenoson, a drop‑administered drug currently in Phase 2. Trabodenoson is designed to increase aqueous humor outflow through the eye’s trabecular meshwork, a mechanism differentiated from existing prostaglandins and other approved therapies. Preclinical work and mechanistic studies indicate the drug up‑regulates proteases in the trabecular meshwork to clear proteinaceous blockages and restore outflow. A recently completed multi‑dose Phase 2 monotherapy study showed significant IOP reduction in the range of market‑leading prostaglandins such as latanoprost, and the drug was reported to be safe and well tolerated. Inotek plans to initiate a Phase 2 study later this year to evaluate trabodenoson in combination with latanoprost for patients inadequately controlled on latanoprost alone. Financially, the company closed a $21 million equity financing and concurrently secured $7 million in venture debt to advance ongoing clinical development; the company is located in Lexington, MA. Inotek Pharmaceuticals is a Lexington, Massachusetts-based developer of innovative drug candidates to address significant diseases of the eye. Its lead program is INO-8875, an investigational eye-drop for glaucoma. In an earlier Phase 1/2 trial, INO-8875 was shown to significantly reduce intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients. The company plans to advance INO-8875 into multiple-dose Phase 2 clinical trials. To support that work it closed an $18M preferred stock financing. As part of the round, John Leaman joined Inotek’s board of directors.

Led · Series C · Dec 2012

Cerapedics, led by CEO Glen A. Kashuba and based in Westminster, Colo., develops and commercializes a proprietary biomimetic small peptide (P-15) technology platform. Its core product, i-FACTOR Peptide Enhanced Bone Graft, is a biologic bone that incorporates a small peptide as an attachment factor to stimulate the natural bone healing process. The company received Premarket Approval (PMA) from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration for use of i-FACTOR in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) procedures. Cerapedics has also initiated an IDE clinical trial in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) surgery. The company intends to use new financing to accelerate commercialization and a U.S. lumbar trial for i-FACTOR. Cerapedics is a Westminster, CO-based orthobiologics company developing and commercializing bone graft substitute products for the treatment of orthopedic injuries. The company is focused on a proprietary synthetic small peptide (P-15) technology platform. Its flagship product, i-FACTOR Peptide Enhanced Bone Graft, incorporates a small peptide as an attachment factor to stimulate the natural bone healing process. That mechanism is designed to support safer and more predictable bone formation compared to commercially available bone growth factors. i-FACTOR is an FDA-approved product for Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF). The company is led by CEO Glen Kashuba and is pursuing broader commercialization and additional clinical study applications. Cerapedics develops and commercializes a proprietary synthetic small peptide (P-15) technology platform for orthopedic bone grafts. Its lead product, i-FACTOR Peptide Enhanced Bone Graft, incorporates a small peptide as an attachment factor to stimulate natural bone healing. i-FACTOR received FDA approval in November 2015 for use in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) procedures in patients with degenerative cervical disc disease. The company plans to use new financing to expand commercialization of i-FACTOR and to further develop its P-15 technology for fusion in the lumbar spine. Cerapedics is led by CEO Glen Kashuba and is based in Westminster, Colorado. Recent financing activity reflects ongoing efforts to commercialize its technology and advance product development. Cerapedics develops and commercializes a proprietary synthetic small peptide (P-15) technology platform and the i-FACTOR biologic bone graft, which uses a small peptide as an attachment factor to stimulate bone healing. The company filed a Premarket Approval (PMA) application with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration for i-FACTOR in September 2014. Cerapedics plans to use recent financing to advance i-FACTOR's development and to expand commercialization in markets outside the U.S. The company is led by CEO Glen Kashuba and is based in Westminster, CO. Financially, the company has completed multiple financings, including the current raise and prior venture debt and equity rounds noted in company reports. Cerapedics is an orthobiologics company focused on developing and commercializing a proprietary synthetic small peptide (P-15) technology platform. Its lead product, the i-FACTOR bone graft, incorporates a small peptide as an attachment factor to stimulate the natural bone healing process and is described as the only biologic bone graft that uses a small peptide in this way. The company says the mechanism is designed to support safer and more predictable bone formation at a lower cost compared to commercially available bone growth factors. Cerapedics is using the recent financing to support general business operations and to advance its U.S. regulatory process. The company is privately held and is based in Westminster, Colorado. Glen Kashuba is cited as Cerapedics’ CEO in the announcement.

Participated · Series B · Nov 2012

AGTC is a privately-held, clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing gene therapy products to treat rare retinal diseases and other genetic disorders. The company uses a proprietary, non-pathogenic adeno-associated virus (AAV) delivery system and production methods to deliver normal copies of genes to patients' cells. Its most advanced programs include a Phase 2 program in Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and programs for Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis. AGTC plans to initiate full development of potential treatments for Achromatopsia (ACHM) and X-Linked Retinoschisis (XLRS) and to move several programs through proof of concept. The company intends to leverage its manufacturing and development infrastructure with partners to accelerate a broad portfolio of curative products. AGTC is based in Gainesville, Fla.