Sam Becker, MSF

BioPharma Sector highlights at your fingertips.

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Congratulations to Cerevance on its initial $47M Series B-1 Extension closing – bringing the total Series B-1 raise to $98M. Bioluminescence Ventures is proud to have co-led this round with Agent Capital and Double Point Ventures, with participation from MQB Partners, LifeRock Ventures, Gates Frontier, GV (Google Ventures), and Lightstone Ventures. Kouki Harasaki, PhD, MBA (Founder and Managing Partner at Bioluminescence Ventures) and Campbell Murray, MD, MPP, MBA (Partner at Agent Capital) will join the company’s Board of Directors. The Series B-1 financing will support the upcoming Phase 3 clinical trial for CVN424, a first-in-class, non-dopaminergic compound that acts as an inverse agonist of the novel target G Protein-Coupled Receptor 6 (GPR6). CVN424 shows promise in improving both motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease and may also have disease-delaying effects. The proceeds will also aid the advancement of a pipeline of novel treatments for other CNS disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and frontotemporal dementia. At Bioluminescence Ventures, we are committed to financing transformative platform technologies and breakthrough innovations that will translate to much-needed therapies for patients. We believe that the field of neurology is currently experiencing a golden age of discovery, with many subfields of research converging together to create increasingly holistic models of major CNS pathologies. Cerevance continues to advance the field by identifying novel target proteins that are either exclusive to specific circuits in the brain or differentially expressed in various disease states via its proprietary NETSseq (Nuclear Enriched Transcript Sort sequencing) Platform. Using an extensive and growing collection of over 15,000 human brain tissue samples, Cerevance has generated an unprecedented catalog of the most promising next-generation targets for major CNS diseases. Cerevance is revolutionizing the treatment of CNS diseases and transforming the lives of afflicted patients. We are excited to partner with Cerevance in this next phase of development.

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Amid the cool capital markets climate, the recent surge in billion-dollar M&A deals involving overseas biomedical companies acquiring smaller Chinese counterparts have paved a path for early investors of China enterprises to make returns. Josh Wei Shin, a Fangda Partners' partner who provided legal counsel on PRC law for AnHeart Therapeutics during the acquisition by NYSE-listed Nuvation Bio, said the wave of M&A transactions was the continuation of a trend that began in 2021 when mainland pharmaceutical firms recorded a strong year of investment. Xu Qian, general counsel at BGI Genomics, said acquiring Chinese pharmaceutical companies was a quick route for foreign enterprises to obtain innovative products and break into the China market. Although there has been demand for Chinese biomedical companies, Zhong Lun Law Firm’s equity partner Lefan GONG said only a few M&A transactions were successful and there was a scarcity of prime assets. Ruomu Li, a partner at Cooley LLP, said that when she advised ProfoundBio on its USD1.8 billion deal with Genmab, one of the most important factors was to help the overseas buyer understand the Chinese company’s actual situation and the risks. 📢 Join our membership: https://lnkd.in/gi5sZaTn #lawdotasia #cblj #iblj #ablj #china #biomedical #pharmacy #legalnews #inhousecounsel #business #legalprofession #lawfirms #lawyers #legal #law

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The Rise of PIPEs in Biotech: A Financing Revolution Biotech is buzzing with the rise of PIPEs (Private Investment in Public Equity). Adam Feuerstein's recent article reveals the staggering impact of these privately negotiated transactions, which have already raised $4 billion in just the first two months of 2024 across 30 biotech companies. PIPEs involve institutional investors, often hedge funds, purchasing stock directly from public companies, providing much-needed capital without the complexity and delay of traditional public offerings. This trend signifies a crucial shift in biotech financing, enabling rapid infusion of funds to fuel innovation and growth in a highly competitive industry. As the biotech sector continues to evolve, the role of PIPEs in shaping the future landscape cannot be underestimated. For companies navigating this fast-paced environment, leveraging PIPEs could be the key to unlocking new opportunities and staying ahead in the race for breakthrough discoveries. For more insights into this trend, read Adam Feuerstein comprehensive analysis in STAT News: https://lnkd.in/e7TBdfEK #BiotechInnovation #BiotechFinancing #InvestmentTrends #PrivateEquity #CapitalRaising #BiotechGrowth #FinancialStrategies #InstitutionalInvesting #HedgeFundInvestment #BiotechSector #CorporateStrategy #InnovationFunding #StrategicInvestments #biotech

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🎙️Excited to share my recent conversation on "The Business of HLTH" podcast where we delve into the dynamic intersection of finance and #lifesciences. As a #CFO dedicated to advancing the industry, I discuss the nuances of venture investing, M&A, and strategic financial planning that can propel life sciences organizations forward. 🔗Tune in to gain insights into how we at Tialma provide tailored CFO solutions that not only manage but enhance the financial and operational aspects of life sciences companies, ultimately maximizing shareholder value. Whether you're involved in biotech, medtech, or looking to understand the financial intricacies of the industry, this episode offers valuable perspectives. 👉Listen to the episode here: https://lnkd.in/e6Yx8swQ Feel free to connect and discuss how strategic financial leadership can make a measurable impact in the life sciences sector.

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My colleague Thomas Cunningham put out a nice piece highlighting some of the reasons and benefits of private equity partnerships from the physician perspective. A few key takeaways common to successful physician // PE partnerships: 1) Clinical excellence is top priority 2) Provider autonomy must remain intact 3) Alignment of both culture and incentives 4) Access to experienced resources and capital to support growth Give a look for candid perspectives from physicians across specialties who chose to partner with PE to support the independent practice of medicine. Physician Growth Partners https://lnkd.in/gXhfsWqR

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The latest #SVBHealthcare report found that VCs deployed $7.2 billion to healthcare-focused #AI companies last year. Read FierceHealthcare’s article about the report for an overview of what recent AI investment trends mean for the healthcare innovation space

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“I’m a strong believer in innovation. I think we have to innovate our way out of the current equation that puts intense demand on capital for biotechs to bring their science to market,” says Jo Varshney. Access to capital is crucial for biotech. Facilitating access through grants, loans, and investment incentives can help biotech startups and small companies secure the funding needed to advance their research and bring products to market. Venture capital firms, angel investors, and government funding programs can provide crucial financial support. This is a helpful read from Willow Shah-Neville. #Innovation #Biotech #Science #Capital #Research #Investing

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As the pharma commercialization solutions sector increasingly relies on targeted therapeutics for growth, the number of biopharma companies in the market and the complexity and cost of new drug commercialization are rising. There are numerous ways for M&A investors to participate in solutions and technology that are in line with the changing nature of the market. Our latest article shares how recent Harris Williams client IntegriChain exemplifies the opportunities and discusses the shifting tech and data needs in the space.

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As the pharma commercialization solutions sector increasingly relies on targeted therapeutics for growth, the number of biopharma companies in the market and the complexity and cost of new drug commercialization are rising. There are numerous ways for M&A investors to participate in solutions and technology that are in line with the changing nature of the market. Our latest article shares how recent Harris Williams client IntegriChain exemplifies the opportunities and discusses the shifting tech and data needs in the space.

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Trail of AAVs from an AAV veteran... Hannah Glazier and I got to sit down with Paul Wille from Abeona Therapeutics to discuss all things AAV drug development and the rollercoaster the modality has been on over the last few years. Have a look at the top takeaways: Targeting and Delivery Challenges The effectiveness of AAV as a gene therapy vector is heavily influenced by its ability to target specific tissues. Initially, AAV was successful in treating liver and eye diseases due to its ability to localize delivery effectively in these organs Emerging Technologies and Opportunities Advances in machine learning and automation are expected to enhance AAV vector development by optimizing delivery and overcoming natural capsid limitations. Additionally, there is potential for AAV to be used in combination with newer gene-editing technologies like CRISPR, although fitting these complex systems into AAV vectors and ensuring effective delivery remains a challenge. Market Launches Successful commercial launches of AAV-based therapies, such as Zolgensma for SMA and Luxturna for LCA, have set a precedent in the rare disease space. However, achieving broader success requires addressing unmet medical needs with clear efficacy and a favorable toxicity profile. What do you think? What do you think the market needs to drive AAV to its next inflection? Let us know your thoughts #AAV #drugdevelopment #pharmaceutical https://lnkd.in/gAXY3TZM

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Private Market Financings Week Ending 8/8/2024 💰 Waypoint Bio received $14.5 million in Seed funding. The company is focused on developing cell therapies for solid tumors leveraging their proprietary in vivo spatial pooled screening technology. The round was led by Hummingbird Ventures with participation from Recode Ventures and Fifty Years 💰 Granza Bio (YC W24) bio successfully raised $7 million in Seed funding to advance the development of their therapeutic delivery platform. The new capital will enable Granza Bio to advance its research and develop its therapeutic cargo delivery system, potentially leading to new drug therapies. The round was led by Felicis and Refactor with participation from Y Combinator, Metaplanet, Pioneer Fund, and others. 💰 SciRhom, a German antibody company, raised a $70 million Series A with participation from Andera Partners, Kurma Partners, Hadean Ventures, MIG Capital and Wellington Partners. SciRohm will look to advance its lead monoclonal antibody program through a first-in-human trial set to start in the second half of the year. The Phase 1 trial will study SciRhom’s lead candidate, SR-878, in healthy volunteers in Austria later this year. 💰 Myricx Bio, a London based biotech, raised a $114 million Series A with participation from Novo Holdings and Abingworth. Myricx made a strategic change away from its IV and small molecule approach and is opting instead to attach its payload to antibody-drug conjugates. 💰 Circle Pharma, Inc., a Bay Area biotech developing macrocycles for "undruggable" targets, is seeking approximately $117 million for a Series D. The company has already secured about $54 million from a dozen investors. Previously, Circle Pharma raised $66 million in a Series C round in June 2021. Investors in the company include The Column Group, Nextech, Pandect Bioventures, Eli Lilly and Company, and Pfizer. 💰 Beacon Therapeutics has raised $170 million to potentially bring a rare ophthalmology gene therapy to market in competition with Johnson & Johnson. Participants in Beacon's recent financings include existing funders Oxford Science Enterprises, Forbion, and new investors Advent Life Sciences and TCGX. 💰 Cartesian Therapeutics, a Maryland-based mRNA cell therapy biotech, advanced a subsequent Phase 2 trial while raising $130 million in a PIPE from HBM Healthcare Investments AG, The Invus Group, Schooner Capital, and Surveyor Capital. The company’s lead investigational medicine helped patients with an autoimmune condition that has caught the attention of many biopharmas in recent years. If you found this helpful and are interested in more info on deals, financings, jobs and more in the Biotech space follow Liam Killingstad for updates 👍

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Stability and traction in back half F24 into F25? Appears we are on doorstep. Great breakdown here by Bain.

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the KdT podcast is back to unpack the first biotech IPO of 2024 - CG Oncology. in The World in a Grain of Sand, we break down an S1 from a recent biotech IPO and share insights on the science, business models, and financials. in this episode, Cain McClary, MD and Phil Grayeski discuss CG Oncology, and dive into: - the various subtypes of bladder cancer, and one of the most unique standard of care treatment paradigms in oncology, which utilizes a live attenuated virus to treat the disease - supply chain and manufacturing issues that have limited access to SoC therapy in bladder cancer - CG Oncology’s lead (and only) asset, an oncolytic immunotherapy which has delivered impressive complete response data in bladder cancer - challenges and open questions around complex manufacturing, clinical and commercial adoption, and competition for CG’s product - bull vs bear case for the company link to the full episode in the comments.

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Curie.Bio, a biotech accelerator and investor, said Wednesday it raised $380 million to support its portfolio companies beyond the seed stage, helping advance their drugs into the clinic with Series A rounds. The Cambridge, MA-based firm has 20 therapeutics startups in its portfolio thus far, and one has so far publicly disclosed a Series A. That company, Forward Therapeutics, unveiled a $50 million Series A last November with three oral small molecules in just 18 months. Others are coming up behind it: Astoria Biologica, Decrypt Biomedicine and Differentiated Therapeutics. The firm said it invests in single-asset and platform biotechs, but each drug "must have blockbuster potential," meaning at least $1 billion in peak sales. Christoph Lengaeur, Curie chief scientific officer and co-founder, told me last November the firm sifts through about 1,000 applications a year. "There are some that are good, but you're not really excited about it or it's not for us, or it needs more work, and then there's a lot of shit out there, too, but that's OK. At least, that's how we perceive it. That doesn't mean that's the way it is. We can be wrong." #biotech #vc #venturecapital #accelerator #drugdevelopment #biotechstartups

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A great read for navigating for Q1 trends in biopharma & medtech!

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NEW: Regeneron and Mammoth Biosciences have signed a deal, with the Jennifer Doudna-founded CRISPR startup receiving $100M upfront, predominantly in the form of an equity investment from Regeneron. The two biotechs are looking to combine their technologies to advance the gene editing field — particularly in addressing the delivery challenge that has hamstrung the technology. Regeneron has been developing a way to guide hollowed-out viral vectors to new parts of the body, beyond the liver, by attaching targeted antibodies to these viruses. And Mammoth is advancing a suite of smaller CRISPR editing systems that are far smaller than the original CRISPR/Cas9 system — meaning they can fit far easier in smaller packaging systems, like viruses. “Maybe we can do something great together that neither company can do as well by ourselves,” Regeneron SVP of research Christos Kyratsous told me. “This is one of those cases where we hope that one-plus-one is greater than two.” Mammoth is also advancing its own lead internal program to knock out the APOC3 gene in the liver, CEO Trevor Martin told me. He declined to give a timeline for when that may enter the clinic, but described initial non-human primate results as exciting. “We are driving it forward on a very rapid timescale,” Martin said. My latest on the CRISPR space's latest deal for Endpoints News:

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