Proteon Therapeutics announced it has successfully completed a $38 million Series B equity financing, started a Phase 1/2 clinical trial with its lead product, PRT-201, and has entered into an option agreement with Novartis for purchase of the company upon completion of a successful phase 2 trial.
Series B Details:
The Series B financing includes new investors, the MPM Bio IV NVS Strategic Fund L.P. and the Vectis Healthcare & Life Sciences Fund, along with existing investors TVM Capital, Skyline Ventures, Prism VentureWorks, Intersouth Partners and several of Proteon’s original angel investors. Concurrent with the investment, Proteon also announced the addition of Dr. Steven St. Peter, Managing Director of MPM Capital, to the Proteon Therapeutics Board of Directors.
Novartis Option Agreement Details:
Proteon further bolstered its cash reserves by entering into an agreement with Novartis whereby Novartis has been granted an exclusive option to acquire Proteon following the successful completion of a Phase 2 clinical study of PRT-201 with a potential secondary right to a global license under pre-agreed conditions. Including the initial acquisition payment plus potential additional regulatory milestone payments, the deal with Novartis could exceed $550 million.
PRT-201 Details: The compound is a recombinant human elastase that is being studied for its ability to improve arteriovenous fistula (AVF) surgery outcomes in patients requiring chronic hemodialysis. PRT-201 has been shown to cause dilation of segments of arteries and veins following topical intraoperative application in animals. Vessel dilation and increased blood flow through the fistula may decrease AVF maturation failure rates. Improved maturation rates may lead to fewer corrective surgical procedures, hospitalizations, lower costs, and less suffering for dialysis patients. PRT-201 also will be studied for its ability to prolong the patency of arteriovenous grafts (AVGs).
Proteon Therapeutics Completes $38M Equity Financing; Initiates Phase 1/2 Clinical Study of PRT-201 in Hemodialysis Patients and Signs Option Agreement With Major Pharmaceutical Company
(Via PR Newswire: Biotechnology.)
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