The Venture Codex

Participated · Equity · Jun 2010

Nereus Pharmaceuticals focuses on drug discovery and development derived from marine microbial sources. The company is headquartered in San Diego, CA and concentrates on oncology programs. It currently has two clinical-stage oncology candidates: plinabulin (NPI-2358), a tumor vascular disrupting agent in a Phase 2 trial for non-small cell lung cancer, and a proteasome inhibitor (NPI-0052) in multiple Phase I trials for solid tumors, lymphomas, and multiple myeloma. Nereus recently completed a $20M financing to support the progress of its clinical programs. The financing was provided in conjunction with advancement of those trials, indicating capital is being directed to clinical development. Nereus Pharmaceuticals is a San Diego–based biopharmaceutical company developing cancer therapeutics based on marine microbes. The company focuses on advancing drug candidates through clinical trials. It announced a $45M Series D-2 financing to fund development activities. The funding will be drawn down in two tranches. Proceeds are earmarked to complete Phase I and begin Phase II trials for two of its drug candidates. The round includes both new lead investors and participation from multiple existing backers.

Participated · Equity · Apr 2010

Aethon develops TUG® smart autonomous mobile robots and MedEx™ software to automate intralogistics in hospitals, delivering and tracking medication, meals, linen, equipment and supplies. The company launched commercially in 2004 and has deployed over 400 TUG robots performing more than 50,000 deliveries each week across U.S. hospitals. Aethon positions its solutions to improve safety, security and efficiency while freeing clinical staff for direct patient care. It plans to expand its U.S.-based sales force, increase marketing, and grow business development efforts in foreign markets with support from strategic investors. Aethon has received capital from corporate backers and venture firms, including Mitsui USA, the Bosch Group and Trident Capital. Aethon is a developer of autonomous mobile robots and accompanying logistics and tracking software for hospitals, selling its TUG robots and the MedEx medication tracking/delivery system. The company launched into the commercial market in 2005 and is based in Pittsburgh. Nearly 400 TUG robots have been deployed across 135 hospitals, collectively logging more than 50,000 deliveries each week. TUGs transport medication, meals, linens, equipment, supplies and lab specimens, and Aethon positions its platform as a technology-based logistics solution to improve safety and efficiency. The company plans geographic expansion, citing discussions into Europe following a 2010 strategic partnership with the Bosch Group and exploring Asian markets with support from new investor Mitsui USA. Financially, Aethon announced $7.1 million in growth capital in its latest round, part of which came from Mitsui & Co. (USA) Inc. Aethon develops mobile robotics for hospital supply chain logistics, offering departmental and hospital-wide applications that automate the movement of goods such as medications, supplies, meals, and equipment. Its systems aim to improve asset utilization and ensure regulatory compliance. The company recently raised $6.6M to accelerate sales expansion and new product development. Bosch will support engineering efforts as Aethon adds product extensions and scales production capabilities. Aethon is pursuing opportunities to embed its technology in the global healthcare marketplace as it commercializes hospital logistics automation.