Ziarco, a Canterbury, UK-based clinical-stage biotechnology company developing innovative therapeutics targeting inflammatory and allergic diseases, has completed a Series A financing.
The amount of the funding was not disclosed.
The round was led by Biotechnology Value Fund L.P. and other affiliates of BVF Partners L.P., with participation from Pfizer Venture Investments.
The company intends to use the capital to advance the research and development of novel therapeutic agents to address inflammatory and allergic diseases.
Founded by Dr Mike Yeadon, President and CEO, formerly Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer of Pfizer’s Allergy and Respiratory Research Unit, and three former Pfizer colleagues, Dr Steve Liu, Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer, Dr Lynn Purkins, Vice President and Head Clinical Development, and Dr Arif Shivji, Vice President and Head Development Operations and Business Development, Ziarco is advancing:
– a histamine H4 receptor antagonist programme, with a lead compound that has completed a Phase 1 multiple ascending dose study; a clinical stage cytosolic phosholipase A2 (cPLA2) inhibitor;
– histamine H3 receptor antagonists possessing CNS-sparing properties, with a lead compound in advanced preclinical development; as well as
– early-stage spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) inhibitor molecules suitable for topical administration.
The company has also entered into an agreement with Pfizer Inc. for the exclusive worldwide rights to commercialize a portfolio of clinical, preclinical and research assets. In return, Pfizer will receive equity as well as certain product-based milestone and royalty payments.
FinSMEs
05/11/2012