• Aimmune Therapeutics

  Participated · Series B · Mar 2015

  Aimmune Therapeutics is developing a peanut allergy drug. An NDA filing for the drug looms. Rivalry around the program has intensified. Nestlé Health Science increased its investment by $98 million, bringing its stake to $276 million. The article frames the move as Nestlé upping its bet as regulatory and competitive pressures mount. No operating metrics were provided in the article. Aimmune is a Brisbane, California–based biotech focused on food allergy research and development. The company is publicly traded under the ticker $AIMT. Nestlé Health Science invested $145 million to support Aimmune’s food allergy R&D work. The article describes Nestlé as taking the head seat at the deal table, indicating it led the transaction. The piece refers to Aimmune as an emerging biotech company. No additional operating metrics, product details, or other investors were disclosed in the article. Allergen Research Corporation develops characterized oral desensitization immunotherapy (CODIT™) products for food allergies, combining standardized, pharmaceutical‑grade food allergens with controlled up‑dosing protocols. Its lead product, AR 101, is a standardized peanut protein formulation that completed a successful multicenter, randomized, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled Phase 2 trial and has received FDA Fast Track designation. The company plans to advance AR 101 into a planned Phase 3 clinical trial and will use recent financing to fund that pivotal study. ARC also intends to begin clinical development of CODIT products for egg and milk allergies in the coming year. Founded in 2011 and based in San Mateo, California, ARC aims to commercialize standardized OIT approaches to increase patients' allergic thresholds and reduce the risk from accidental exposure. The company previously completed a $17 million Series A in November 2013. Allergen Research Corporation (ARC) is developing desensitization treatment protocols and clinical products for food allergies, building on more than a decade of oral immunotherapy research by academic and nonprofit collaborators. Its lead product is a pharmaceutical‑grade formulated peanut protein now in Phase 2b development for oral immunotherapy (OIT) using characterized peanut allergen (CPNA). ARC plans to begin a Phase 2b trial in the fourth quarter of 2013 to evaluate peanut OIT with CPNA, and the recent financing will support that trial and related development projects. The company’s broader mission is to develop OIT products for the foods that account for the majority of reactions: peanut, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, shellfish, fish and tree nuts. ARC was founded in 2011 and aims to establish standardized allergen desensitization treatment protocols and supply treatment products for clinical use. The company recently completed a Series A financing to fund its near-term clinical program.

• Ralexar Therapeutics

  Participated · Series A · Jan 2014

  Alexar Therapeutics was formed by NeXeption to develop an innovative portfolio of Liver X receptor (LXR) agonists for both systemic and local dermatologic use. Its lead program, A-110, is a topical LXR agonist being developed for inflammatory cutaneous disorders. The company intends to use proceeds from its Series A to fund initial development of A-110 and advance the broader LXR portfolio. NeXeption’s business model creates independent operating companies focused on maximizing the value of individual assets and moving them efficiently from concept to partnership or launch. Leadership announced includes CEO Dave Pfeiffer, Chairman Steve Tullman, and Vice Chairman Dr. Neal Walker, with investor representation on the board. Management and company statements highlight potential applicability of the LXR portfolio to multiple dermatology indications and other therapeutic areas.

• Revance Therapeutics

  Participated · Series E · Apr 2013

  Revance Therapeutics develops novel botulinum toxin products and a TransMTS® delivery platform intended to enable local, targeted transdermal delivery without needles. Its lead investigational product, RT001 topical gel, is in U.S. Phase 3 trials for crow’s feet and in Phase 2 for hyperhidrosis and chronic migraine. RT002 is an injectable neurotoxin combining Revance’s purified botulinum toxin with TransMTS peptide technology and is in Phase 1/2 trials. The company plans to use recently raised proceeds to support its U.S. Phase 3 RT001 program and other neuromodulation clinical studies. Revance states the financing will further expand ongoing clinical trials and advance development of RT001 and RT002. The company is privately held and is conducting multiple clinical programs concurrently. Revance Therapeutics is a privately held specialty biopharmaceutical company that developed the TransMTS™ platform to enable local, targeted delivery of large macromolecules across skin. Its lead investigational product, RT001 Botulinum Toxin Type A Topical Gel, demonstrated safety and statistically significant efficacy in Phase 2 clinical trials. Revance is also developing RT002, a next‑generation injectable botulinum toxin that integrates the TransMTS technology to improve onset of action, increase duration of effect, and limit diffusion away from the treatment site. The company manufactures and holds exclusive, worldwide rights to a family of purified, well‑characterized botulinum toxin molecules that could be used across a range of therapeutic indications, including migraine and rhinitis. Revance plans to advance both its topical and injectable neuromodulation pipeline across aesthetic and therapeutic categories through further late‑stage development. A $45 million financing announced concurrently with the press release will support those development efforts. Revance Therapeutics has developed a proprietary technology that enables delivery of large macromolecules across skin. Its lead product, RT001, is a Botulinum Toxin Type A topical gel intended to reduce crow’s feet by temporarily relaxing muscles around the eye. RT001 demonstrated safety and statistically significant efficacy in Phase 2 clinical trials. The company announced a first $25M closing of a Series D financing (targeting $35M total) to fund next steps. Proceeds are intended to enable RT001’s advancement into Phase 3 studies and to support international expansion of the RT001 program. In conjunction with the financing, Ron Eastman of Essex Woodlands will join Revance’s board of directors. Revance Therapeutics is developing a topical formulation of botulinum toxin type A intended to deliver Botox-like results without injections. The company is also testing its TransMTS technology to enable large botulinum molecules to cross the skin. Revance aims to address low adoption of injected Botox—only about 10% of the targeted market (approximately 25 million women) has used it—citing health concerns and discomfort as barriers. The newly raised capital will advance the lead topical compound through clinical-stage trials. Revance is Mountain View, Calif.–based and has raised $64 million to date from a range of contributors. Its current financing adds venture debt to its funding mix to support near-term clinical development.

• Ceptaris Therapeutics

  Participated · Series D · Jun 2012

  Ceptaris Therapeutics is a privately held specialty pharmaceutical company based in Malvern, Pa., developing a proprietary gel formulation of mechlorethamine hydrochloride for treatment of early-stage (stages I–IIA) mycosis fungoides (CTCL). If approved, the investigational drug would be the first topical mechlorethamine product available to treat signs and symptoms of this rare cancer. The company recently received a Complete Response Letter from the FDA on its New Drug Application for the mechlorethamine gel and is working with the agency to address the requests. Ceptaris raised $10 million in a Series D-1 private placement of preferred stock to provide additional capital for ongoing activities. The financing included prior investors Vivo Ventures, Palo Alto Investors, Burrill & Company, Aperture Venture Partners, Osage, and BioAdvance, plus new investor Third Point, LLC. The company said the funds will be used for operational expenses, including activities related to addressing the FDA’s requests. Ceptaris Therapeutics is a privately held specialty pharmaceutical company in Malvern, Pa., developing a proprietary gel formulation of mechlorethamine hydrochloride for early-stage (stages I‑IIA) mycosis fungoides, a type of Cutaneous T‑Cell Lymphoma. The company's New Drug Application (NDA) for the mechlorethamine gel is under review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. If approved, the product would be the first topical mechlorethamine available to treat the signs and symptoms of this rare cancer. Ceptaris secured $15 million in venture debt financing to support ongoing operations and preparation for commercialization. It received $7.5 million at closing and has access to the remaining $7.5 million contingent on FDA approval of the NDA. Primary venture capital investors include Vivo Ventures, Palo Alto Investors, Burrill & Company, Osage Ventures, Aperture Venture Partners, and BioAdvance. Yaupon Therapeutics is a privately held specialty pharmaceutical company developing a proprietary gel formulation of mechlorethamine hydrochloride to treat early-stage (I‑IIA) mycosis fungoides, the most common type of cutaneous T‑cell lymphoma (CTCL). The company has submitted a New Drug Application (NDA) to the FDA for its investigational topical mechlorethamine gel. If approved, the product would be the first topical mechlorethamine gel widely available to treat signs and symptoms of this form of CTCL. Yaupon says the financing will fund the company through the NDA regulatory review and support preparation for commercialization. Management has stated commercialization may be pursued alone or with an industry partner. The company is based in Malvern, Pennsylvania.

No current team members are available.