The Venture Codex

Led · Series B · Jun 2021

Tvardi Therapeutics is a privately held, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing small-molecule inhibitors of STAT3. Its lead product, TTI-101, is in a Phase 1 trial in patients with advanced solid tumors who have failed all lines of therapy and has been reported as well-tolerated with multiple durable radiographic objective responses. Tvardi says its STAT3 inhibitors target a regulatory protein involved in cancer cell survival, immune evasion, and in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and fibrotic diseases. Proceeds from the recent financing will be used to advance its product candidates through multiple clinical data readouts in mid-stage trials for cancer and fibrosis. Management stated the financing positions the company to move out of stealth mode and grow its team. The company is based in Houston. Tvardi Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing small-molecule inhibitors of STAT3. Its lead compound, TTI-101, is undergoing validation and clinical development with planned trials in hepatocellular carcinoma and gastrointestinal cancers. The company received targeted grant awards to support both clinical trials and translational work, including HCC prevention efforts. Management includes Co-Founder and Director Ronald DePinho, M.D., and CEO Imran Alibhai, Ph.D. Tvardi is using newly awarded non-dilutive funding to advance ongoing clinical programs for TTI-101. The company is based in Houston, TX. Tvardi Therapeutics is a Houston, Texas–based clinical-stage private biopharmaceutical company focused on developing inhibitors of STAT3. Its lead compound, TTI-101, is in ongoing Phase 1 studies for solid tumor cancers. The company is also advancing a second product toward IND-enabling studies for non-cancer indications, including cachexia. Tvardi said it will use proceeds from its recent financing to complete the TTI-101 Phase 1 and the IND-enabling work for the second program. The company describes STAT3 as a key signaling molecule at the intersection of pathways controlling gene networks integral to cancer cell survival, immune sequestration, and the pathogenesis of inflammatory and fibrotic conditions. Tvardi was founded in 2017 by Ronald DePinho, M.D., and David Tweardy, M.D., both affiliated with MD Anderson Cancer Center.