On November 29, 2017 Apexian Pharmaceuticals, an Indiana-based clinical stage biotechnology company developing novel compounds to treat cancer, reported that they are closing their Series A round (Press release, Apexian Pharmaceuticals, NOV 29, 2017, View Source [SID1234522371]). This financing follows previous investments as well as numerous grants and awards by the company since its founding. Proceeds will be used to initiate their phase 1 clinical study for APX3330 a novel first in class oral treatment for patients with cancer.
Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:
Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing
Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!
APX3330, the lead molecule for Apexian has a unique dual biological role targeting the APE1/Ref-1 protein. The APE1 protein is a critical molecular "switch" controlling the activity of cancer regulatory proteins, including transcription factors HIF-1-alpha, STAT3, NF-kappa B, and AP-1. The Investigational New Drug application was issued based on robust non-clinical data and a safety database of over 422 patients in non-cancer studies. In addition, the data identified APE1/Ref-1 protein also plays a critical role in the repair of neuronal DNA that has been damaged through oxidative mechanisms which are common with platinum-containing chemotherapy agents. Apexian has developed robust non-clinical data demonstrating APX3330 prevents and/or reverses such damage and is the basis for pursuing an indication for Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN).
Elevate Ventures, a venture development organization based in Indiana, committed funding through their Indiana 21st Century Research & Technology Fund, a direct investment vehicle overseen by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation positioned to support early-stage high-growth companies. "Apexian Pharmaceuticals has an impressive body of preclinical work in an exciting new target to treat cancer," said Elevate Ventures Chief Executive Officer Chris LaMothe. "We look forward to joining other sophisticated investors to see this molecule tested in the clinical setting."
Apexian Pharmaceuticals President and Chief Executive Officer Steve Carchedi commented: "We are very pleased to have an Indiana group, like Elevate Ventures join with others to enable this key data to be generated for our lead molecule. Developing a first-in-class oral molecule to treat pancreatic, colon and other difficult to treat cancers, is at the core of our mission. Cancer patients are truly waiting for novel treatments to attack these deadly diseases."