Devon Park Bioventures

Cardeas Pharma is focused on developing an innovative antibiotic formulation that combines two drugs to target highly resistant Gram-negative bacilli, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii, as well as carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. This formulation is designed to treat serious respiratory infections in critical care settings, particularly those caused by antibiotic-resistant organisms. Additionally, it demonstrates efficacy against Gram-positive pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and has activity on biofilms. The delivery system utilizes a single-patient use, vibrating-plate nebulizer compatible with all ventilators, which generates small, uniform aerosol droplets that effectively reach the small airways and alveoli. By integrating this novel antibiotic formulation with advanced drug-delivery technology, Cardeas Pharma aims to achieve substantial clinical improvements over current treatment standards.

Proteon Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies for patients with renal and vascular diseases. Founded in 2001 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, the company is known for its lead product candidate, vonapanitase, which is designed to improve hemodialysis vascular access outcomes. Vonapanitase, a recombinant human elastase, has successfully completed Phase II and Phase III clinical trials for patients suffering from chronic kidney disease and is currently being evaluated in a Phase I clinical trial for peripheral artery disease. The company aims to leverage its understanding of tissue remodeling to create effective treatments that address significant medical needs in these patient populations.

ZS Pharma, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Coppell, Texas, specializing in the development and commercialization of non-absorbed drugs aimed at treating renal, cardiovascular, liver, and metabolic diseases. Founded in 2008, the company focuses on creating highly selective ion-trap therapies using its proprietary zirconium silicate technology, which allows for the reduction of toxic electrolyte levels while maintaining overall electrolyte balance. Its lead product, ZS-9, is an insoluble, non-absorbed zirconium silicate currently in Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of hyperkalemia, a serious condition characterized by elevated potassium levels in the blood, often affecting patients with chronic kidney disease, hypertension, diabetes, or heart failure. As of December 2015, ZS Pharma operates as a subsidiary of Zeneca, Inc.

Inotek Pharmaceuticals is developing molecules with novel mechanisms of action to fulfill major unmet medical needs in significant diseases of the eye. Complete loss of vision or vision impairment currently affects 3.3 million people over the age of 40 in the United States, with the most common diseases including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, cataract and diabetic retinopathy. With the continued aging of the population, the National Eye Institute projects that this number will grow to 5.5 million people by the year 2020.

Inotek Pharmaceuticals is developing molecules with novel mechanisms of action to fulfill major unmet medical needs in significant diseases of the eye. Complete loss of vision or vision impairment currently affects 3.3 million people over the age of 40 in the United States, with the most common diseases including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, cataract and diabetic retinopathy. With the continued aging of the population, the National Eye Institute projects that this number will grow to 5.5 million people by the year 2020.

MicuRx Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing novel antibiotics to combat drug-resistant bacterial infections. Founded in 2007 and based in Palo Alto, California, MicuRx operates with research and development facilities in both San Francisco, California, and Shanghai, China. The company's portfolio includes MRX-I, an oral antibiotic effective against multi-drug resistant gram-positive pathogens such as methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant enterococci; MRX-IV, a water-soluble prodrug form of MRX-I for intravenous use; MRX-V, an injectable antibiotic targeting gram-negative bacteria; and MRX-VIII, a polymyxin for gram-negative infections. Additionally, MicuRx's pipeline includes other antibacterial drugs designed to combat both gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial pathogens. The company employs a hybrid U.S./China business model, leveraging U.S. research and development with cost-efficient scientific resources in China. Shanghai MicuRx commercializes the agent contezolid in China, while global clinical studies are ongoing.

ZS Pharma, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Coppell, Texas, specializing in the development and commercialization of non-absorbed drugs aimed at treating renal, cardiovascular, liver, and metabolic diseases. Founded in 2008, the company focuses on creating highly selective ion-trap therapies using its proprietary zirconium silicate technology, which allows for the reduction of toxic electrolyte levels while maintaining overall electrolyte balance. Its lead product, ZS-9, is an insoluble, non-absorbed zirconium silicate currently in Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of hyperkalemia, a serious condition characterized by elevated potassium levels in the blood, often affecting patients with chronic kidney disease, hypertension, diabetes, or heart failure. As of December 2015, ZS Pharma operates as a subsidiary of Zeneca, Inc.

Cardeas Pharma is focused on developing an innovative antibiotic formulation that combines two drugs to target highly resistant Gram-negative bacilli, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii, as well as carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. This formulation is designed to treat serious respiratory infections in critical care settings, particularly those caused by antibiotic-resistant organisms. Additionally, it demonstrates efficacy against Gram-positive pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and has activity on biofilms. The delivery system utilizes a single-patient use, vibrating-plate nebulizer compatible with all ventilators, which generates small, uniform aerosol droplets that effectively reach the small airways and alveoli. By integrating this novel antibiotic formulation with advanced drug-delivery technology, Cardeas Pharma aims to achieve substantial clinical improvements over current treatment standards.

Cara Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Stamford, Connecticut, specializing in the development and commercialization of innovative therapeutics for pain and pruritus. The company primarily focuses on its lead product candidate, CR845 (difelikefalin), which is designed to selectively target kappa opioid receptors and is currently undergoing Phase III clinical trials for treating moderate-to-severe chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Cara is also advancing Oral KORSUVA, which has completed Phase II trials for pruritus in chronic kidney disease and is in trials for pruritus associated with chronic liver disease and atopic dermatitis. Furthermore, the company is developing CR845/difelikefalin Injection for acute postoperative pain, having completed Phase II/III trials. Cara Therapeutics collaborates with Maruishi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Chong Kun Dang Pharmaceutical Corporation for the development and commercialization of its product candidates in Japan and South Korea, respectively. Founded in 2004, Cara Therapeutics aims to leverage its proprietary drug screening technology to create a pipeline of first-in-class therapeutics.

Vascular Magnetics, Inc. is a company focused on developing a novel therapy known as Vascular Magnetic Intervention (VMI) for peripheral artery disease (PAD), a prevalent condition that causes obstruction of the arteries in the legs. VMI employs a magnetic targeting catheter that generates a uniform magnetic field around the leg, combined with biodegradable magnetic particles that deliver a drug designed to prevent artery re-obstruction. This innovative approach serves multiple purposes: it enhances the implantation of new stents by ensuring effective drug delivery to the arterial wall, allows for the re-treatment of previously implanted stents that have become restenosed, and provides a treatment option for arteries that do not require stenting. Established in 2010, Vascular Magnetics is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Proteon Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies for patients with renal and vascular diseases. Founded in 2001 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, the company is known for its lead product candidate, vonapanitase, which is designed to improve hemodialysis vascular access outcomes. Vonapanitase, a recombinant human elastase, has successfully completed Phase II and Phase III clinical trials for patients suffering from chronic kidney disease and is currently being evaluated in a Phase I clinical trial for peripheral artery disease. The company aims to leverage its understanding of tissue remodeling to create effective treatments that address significant medical needs in these patient populations.

Inotek Pharmaceuticals is developing molecules with novel mechanisms of action to fulfill major unmet medical needs in significant diseases of the eye. Complete loss of vision or vision impairment currently affects 3.3 million people over the age of 40 in the United States, with the most common diseases including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, cataract and diabetic retinopathy. With the continued aging of the population, the National Eye Institute projects that this number will grow to 5.5 million people by the year 2020.

Cara Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Stamford, Connecticut, specializing in the development and commercialization of innovative therapeutics for pain and pruritus. The company primarily focuses on its lead product candidate, CR845 (difelikefalin), which is designed to selectively target kappa opioid receptors and is currently undergoing Phase III clinical trials for treating moderate-to-severe chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Cara is also advancing Oral KORSUVA, which has completed Phase II trials for pruritus in chronic kidney disease and is in trials for pruritus associated with chronic liver disease and atopic dermatitis. Furthermore, the company is developing CR845/difelikefalin Injection for acute postoperative pain, having completed Phase II/III trials. Cara Therapeutics collaborates with Maruishi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Chong Kun Dang Pharmaceutical Corporation for the development and commercialization of its product candidates in Japan and South Korea, respectively. Founded in 2004, Cara Therapeutics aims to leverage its proprietary drug screening technology to create a pipeline of first-in-class therapeutics.

Cempra is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering and developing innovative medicines aimed at curing bacterial infections and enhancing the quality of life for individuals with chronic illnesses. The company focuses on creating antibiotics specifically designed to treat multi-drug resistant bacterial infections, offering advanced treatment options for patients both in hospitals and within the community. Cempra is currently advancing the development of its lead product, CEM-101, while simultaneously investing in new technologies to discover the next generation of antibiotics. Through this dual approach, Cempra aims to address the growing challenge of drug resistance in bacterial infections.

Proteon Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies for patients with renal and vascular diseases. Founded in 2001 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, the company is known for its lead product candidate, vonapanitase, which is designed to improve hemodialysis vascular access outcomes. Vonapanitase, a recombinant human elastase, has successfully completed Phase II and Phase III clinical trials for patients suffering from chronic kidney disease and is currently being evaluated in a Phase I clinical trial for peripheral artery disease. The company aims to leverage its understanding of tissue remodeling to create effective treatments that address significant medical needs in these patient populations.

Cara Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Stamford, Connecticut, specializing in the development and commercialization of innovative therapeutics for pain and pruritus. The company primarily focuses on its lead product candidate, CR845 (difelikefalin), which is designed to selectively target kappa opioid receptors and is currently undergoing Phase III clinical trials for treating moderate-to-severe chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Cara is also advancing Oral KORSUVA, which has completed Phase II trials for pruritus in chronic kidney disease and is in trials for pruritus associated with chronic liver disease and atopic dermatitis. Furthermore, the company is developing CR845/difelikefalin Injection for acute postoperative pain, having completed Phase II/III trials. Cara Therapeutics collaborates with Maruishi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Chong Kun Dang Pharmaceutical Corporation for the development and commercialization of its product candidates in Japan and South Korea, respectively. Founded in 2004, Cara Therapeutics aims to leverage its proprietary drug screening technology to create a pipeline of first-in-class therapeutics.

Diasome Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical stage diabetes therapeutics company focused on designing and developing innovative insulin-based therapies for the treatment of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Founded in 2004, the company is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. Diasome's flagship product, the hepatocyte directed vesicle (HDV), is a nanoscale carrier that delivers multiple insulin molecules directly to the liver and is compatible with all commercially available insulin delivery methods, including insulin pumps. The company also offers Oral HVD-I, a targeted oral insulin in pill or gel cap form, and injectable insulin options such as HDV-I, a short-acting formulation, and HDV-B, a long-acting formulation. Through its proprietary technology, Diasome aims to improve glycemic control and optimize insulin delivery systems for diabetes patients.

Sopherion Therapeutics, LLC is a privately held biopharmaceutical company based in Princeton, New Jersey, with additional offices in Cheshire, Connecticut, and Estero, Florida, as well as a subsidiary in Toronto, Canada. The company specializes in the development and commercialization of oncology therapies, notably Myocet™, a liposome-encapsulated doxorubicin-citrate complex designed to reduce cardiotoxicity. Sopherion holds an exclusive licensing agreement with Cephalon, Inc. for Myocet™ in the United States and Canada. The firm is currently conducting a Phase III global trial to evaluate Myocet™ in combination with Herceptin® and Taxol for treating invasive, metastatic breast cancer. This trial, which aims to recruit 363 patients across twelve countries, builds on promising Phase II results that demonstrated a 96% response rate and a median progression-free survival of two and a half years. Myocet™ is already registered for use in Canada and Europe in combination with cyclophosphamide for similar indications. Sopherion is also exploring additional oncology agents through its Minicell Peptide Display screening technologies.

Proteon Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies for patients with renal and vascular diseases. Founded in 2001 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, the company is known for its lead product candidate, vonapanitase, which is designed to improve hemodialysis vascular access outcomes. Vonapanitase, a recombinant human elastase, has successfully completed Phase II and Phase III clinical trials for patients suffering from chronic kidney disease and is currently being evaluated in a Phase I clinical trial for peripheral artery disease. The company aims to leverage its understanding of tissue remodeling to create effective treatments that address significant medical needs in these patient populations.