Fountain Healthcare Partners

Fountain Healthcare Partners is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Dublin, Ireland, with an additional office in New York. Established in 2008, the firm specializes in investments within the life sciences sector, focusing on areas such as biotechnology, biopharmaceuticals, specialty pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and diagnostics. Fountain Healthcare Partners primarily invests in early-stage and mid-stage companies, typically committing between €0.5 million and €10 million. The firm predominantly directs its capital towards opportunities in the United States and Europe, with a particular emphasis on Ireland, where it often seeks to lead or co-lead investments. The firm aims to exit its investments within three to five years, typically through an initial public offering or trade sale, and actively seeks a seat on the board of its portfolio companies.

Ruthanne Monaghan

CFO

Tania Papkovskaia

Associate

Ena Prosser

Partner

41 past transactions

Dualyx

Series A in 2023
Dualyx engages in the discovery and development of biologicals for the treatment of autoimmune and rare diseases.

MMI

Series B in 2022
MMI S.r.l manufactures and develops micro instruments to support surgical interventions at a dimensional scale. The company develops wristed micro instruments and their fabrication process. The company also develops and offers robotic platform. The company's proprietary robotic platform and wristed micro instruments simplifies reconstruction procedures after traumatic injuries and after tumor removal in breast, head, and bones. The company was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Calci, Italy.

Ermium Therapeutics

Series A in 2022
Ermium Therapeutics is a biotech company developing innovative therapies for auto-immune diseases, based on a breakthrough discovery showing that CXCR4 is a master regulator of inflammation. Ermium Therapeutics was founded in June 2019 by Jean-Philippe HERBEUVAL, Kurma Partners, Idinvest Partners, Domain Therapeutics and Erganeo. The company is based in Paris and has signed a worldwide exclusive license agreement on intellectual property from CNRS and University Paris Descartes (France) through an agreement with Erganeo, which supported the maturation of the project in an academic setting. In addition, Ermium Therapeutics recently won the innovation i-Lab 2019 award from the French Ministry of Research and Higher Education.

Vivasure Medical

Series D in 2022
Vivasure Medical Limited is a medical device company based in Galway, Ireland, focused on the research, development, and manufacturing of arterial and venous closure devices utilizing its proprietary PerQseal technology. The company specializes in creating polymer implants and delivery systems aimed at facilitating minimally invasive vessel closures in cardiology, interventional radiology, and vascular surgery. Its flagship product is an absorbable patch-based large-bore percutaneous closure device, specifically designed to close large arteriotomies during transcatheter procedures like transcatheter aortic valve replacement and endovascular aneurysm repair. Established in 2008, Vivasure Medical aims to enhance patient outcomes in vascular access procedures through innovative medical solutions.

Calypso Biotech

Series A in 2021
Calypso Biotech is an innovative biopharmaceutical company based in Geneva, Switzerland and founded in 2013 as a spin-off from Merck Serono, a global leader in auto-immune diseases and biologics. Calypso Biotech was initially financed through a 2.5 million euro seed-fund managed by MS Ventures.A highly experienced management team with strong expertise in drug development and an extensive scientific and industry network manages Calypso Biotech. They operate as a nimble, semi-virtual organization in order to create substantial added value for their investors from a portfolio of unique proprietary antibody candidates.

NeRRe Therapeutics

Series B in 2021
NeRRe Therapeutics Ltd. is a biotechnology company based in Stevenage, United Kingdom, established in 2012. The company specializes in the development of neurokinin (NK) receptor antagonists, focusing on treatments for conditions related to intense pruritus, particularly in patients undergoing targeted anti-cancer therapies. Its lead asset, orvepitant, is an oral NK-1 antagonist designed to alleviate this specific symptom. Additionally, NeRRe is advancing other candidates, including NT-814, a dual NK-1 and NK-3 antagonist, and NT-949, which is ready for Phase I trials. The company also has NT-432, a clinical candidate targeting NK-1 receptors. NeRRe Therapeutics aims to address unmet medical needs through its innovative therapeutic approaches.

Mainstay Medical

Private Equity Round in 2021
Mainstay Medical Holdings plc is a medical device company based in Dublin, Ireland, with operations in the United States and Australia. Founded in 2008, the company is dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative therapies for chronic low back pain, a condition affecting a significant portion of the population. Its flagship product, ReActiv8, is an implantable neurostimulation system that aims to restore control to the muscles stabilizing the lumbar spine. Mainstay Medical collaborates with scientists and clinical experts to address the unmet needs of patients suffering from debilitating back pain, combining expertise in engineering and clinical development to deliver effective solutions in this challenging medical area.

Neurent Medical

Series B in 2021
Neurent Medical Limited develops medical device for treating rhinitis. The company offers a single-use device for ENT surgeons to treat both allergic and non-allergic rhinitis. The company was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Galway, Ireland.

XyloCor Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2021
XyloCor Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing gene therapies for cardiovascular diseases, particularly for patients with advanced coronary artery disease. Founded in 2013 and based in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, the company is working on innovative treatments such as XC001, an investigational gene therapy aimed at patients suffering from refractory angina who have limited treatment options. Another product in development, XC002, targets the regeneration of cardiac tissue in individuals with impaired heart function due to previous heart attacks and heart failure. XyloCor's therapies aim to stimulate the formation of new coronary blood vessels, providing essential blood supply to areas of the heart that are currently underserved, ultimately offering a more effective and less painful solution for those affected by these serious conditions.

Neuromod Devices

Series B in 2020
Neuromod Devices Limited is a medical device company based in Dublin, Ireland, established in 2010. It focuses on the research and development of neuromodulation treatments, specifically targeting chronic tinnitus, a condition that affects approximately 10% of adults. The company's flagship product, the mutebutton, is a bi-modal neuromodulation device designed to promote positive therapeutic changes in the nervous system. Neuromod aims to provide effective treatments for underserved patient populations suffering from chronic and debilitating conditions, enabling them to manage their health more effectively. The company has developed and patented its bi-modal neuromodulation technology, which is also being explored for other neurological disorders.

Priothera

Series A in 2020
Priothera Ltd is a clinical-stage company focused on developing orally administered sphingosine 1 phosphate (S1P) receptor modulators aimed at treating haematological malignancies. Founded in 2020 and based in Dublin, Ireland, with an additional location in Saint Louis, France, the company seeks to improve patient outcomes by enhancing the curative potential of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Its lead product, mocravimod, is designed to reduce the egress of specific T cell subsets from lymphatic tissues, thereby providing dual inhibition of graft versus host disease while promoting graft versus leukemia effects. Through this innovative approach, Priothera aims to deliver significant advancements in the treatment of patients with blood cancers.

Syndesi Therapeutics

Series A in 2020
Syndesi Therapeutics is developing molecules that uniquely modulate the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, which plays a central role in synaptic transmission (the communication between neurons in the brain). Regulating synaptic transmission represents a promising approach to treating Alzheimer’s Disease and other disorders with cognitive impairment. Syndesi has an exclusive license to its platform technology from UCB, the leading company in SV2A research.

Inotrem

Series B in 2020
Inotrem S.A. is a biotechnology company based in Paris, France, specializing in the discovery and development of innovative treatments for inflammatory pathologies, particularly in critical care settings. Founded in 2013, the company focuses on immunotherapy and has created a novel immunomodulation approach targeting the TREM-1 pathway to manage excessive inflammation. Its lead product, nangibotide (also known as LR12), is a first-in-class TREM-1 inhibitor designed to address severe conditions such as septic shock and myocardial infarction. Inotrem is also advancing a program aimed at treating chronic inflammatory diseases, leveraging its proprietary technology platform to develop new therapeutic modalities.

Neuromod Devices

Series A in 2019
Neuromod Devices Limited is a medical device company based in Dublin, Ireland, established in 2010. It focuses on the research and development of neuromodulation treatments, specifically targeting chronic tinnitus, a condition that affects approximately 10% of adults. The company's flagship product, the mutebutton, is a bi-modal neuromodulation device designed to promote positive therapeutic changes in the nervous system. Neuromod aims to provide effective treatments for underserved patient populations suffering from chronic and debilitating conditions, enabling them to manage their health more effectively. The company has developed and patented its bi-modal neuromodulation technology, which is also being explored for other neurological disorders.

Velicept Therapeutics

Series B in 2018
Velicept Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical development company, develops and commercializes drugs that have the potential to improve patients’ lives by transforming the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Its lead program include Solabegron, a differentiated and selective compound that relaxes the bladder smooth muscle by stimulating beta 3-adrenoceptors, which is being investigated for OAB and IBS conditions that affect the quality of life. The company was founded in 2015 and is based in Malvern, Pennsylvania.

KaNDy Therapeutics

Series C in 2018
KANDY THERAPEUTICS LIMITED develops non-hormonal treatment for multiple symptoms of the menopause including hot flashes and night time awakening. The company offers NT-814, a drug for common, chronic debilitating female sex-hormone related treatment. It provides non-hormonal therapy to treat moderate to severe post-menopausal vasomotor symptoms, enabling patients to receive treatment, and reduce symptoms of hormone related conditions. The company was founded in 2017 and is based in Stevenage, United Kingdom. KANDY THERAPEUTICS LIMITED operates as a subsidiary of Bayer Aktiengesellschaft.

Neurent Medical

Seed Round in 2018
Neurent Medical Limited develops medical device for treating rhinitis. The company offers a single-use device for ENT surgeons to treat both allergic and non-allergic rhinitis. The company was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Galway, Ireland.

MMI

Series A in 2018
MMI S.r.l manufactures and develops micro instruments to support surgical interventions at a dimensional scale. The company develops wristed micro instruments and their fabrication process. The company also develops and offers robotic platform. The company's proprietary robotic platform and wristed micro instruments simplifies reconstruction procedures after traumatic injuries and after tumor removal in breast, head, and bones. The company was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Calci, Italy.

Syndesi Therapeutics

Series A in 2018
Syndesi Therapeutics is developing molecules that uniquely modulate the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, which plays a central role in synaptic transmission (the communication between neurons in the brain). Regulating synaptic transmission represents a promising approach to treating Alzheimer’s Disease and other disorders with cognitive impairment. Syndesi has an exclusive license to its platform technology from UCB, the leading company in SV2A research.

Mainstay Medical

Post in 2018
Mainstay Medical Holdings plc is a medical device company based in Dublin, Ireland, with operations in the United States and Australia. Founded in 2008, the company is dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative therapies for chronic low back pain, a condition affecting a significant portion of the population. Its flagship product, ReActiv8, is an implantable neurostimulation system that aims to restore control to the muscles stabilizing the lumbar spine. Mainstay Medical collaborates with scientists and clinical experts to address the unmet needs of patients suffering from debilitating back pain, combining expertise in engineering and clinical development to deliver effective solutions in this challenging medical area.

NeRRe Therapeutics

Series B in 2017
NeRRe Therapeutics Ltd. is a biotechnology company based in Stevenage, United Kingdom, established in 2012. The company specializes in the development of neurokinin (NK) receptor antagonists, focusing on treatments for conditions related to intense pruritus, particularly in patients undergoing targeted anti-cancer therapies. Its lead asset, orvepitant, is an oral NK-1 antagonist designed to alleviate this specific symptom. Additionally, NeRRe is advancing other candidates, including NT-814, a dual NK-1 and NK-3 antagonist, and NT-949, which is ready for Phase I trials. The company also has NT-432, a clinical candidate targeting NK-1 receptors. NeRRe Therapeutics aims to address unmet medical needs through its innovative therapeutic approaches.

Inflazome

Series A in 2016
Inflazome Ltd. is a biotechnology company focused on developing orally available drugs that target inflammasomes to treat a range of inflammatory diseases. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, Inflazome aims to address unmet clinical needs in conditions such as orphan diseases, neurological disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, systemic inflammatory diseases, and certain types of cancer. By blocking inflammasome signals, the company's therapeutics aim to tackle the underlying causes of inflammation, offering targeted treatment options for conditions including cardiovascular issues, arthritis, and gastrointestinal disorders. Inflazome operates as a subsidiary of Roche Holding AG, with additional offices in the United Kingdom.

Chrono Therapeutics

Series B in 2016
Chrono Therapeutics Inc., a digital transdermal drug delivery company, develops SmartStop, a digital nicotine replacement therapy. Its wearable solution tailors the timing and dose sizes of drugs, preempts predictable peak disease, and addiction symptoms with a device. The company was incorporated in 2003 and is based in Hayward, California.

Vivasure Medical

Series C in 2016
Vivasure Medical Limited is a medical device company based in Galway, Ireland, focused on the research, development, and manufacturing of arterial and venous closure devices utilizing its proprietary PerQseal technology. The company specializes in creating polymer implants and delivery systems aimed at facilitating minimally invasive vessel closures in cardiology, interventional radiology, and vascular surgery. Its flagship product is an absorbable patch-based large-bore percutaneous closure device, specifically designed to close large arteriotomies during transcatheter procedures like transcatheter aortic valve replacement and endovascular aneurysm repair. Established in 2008, Vivasure Medical aims to enhance patient outcomes in vascular access procedures through innovative medical solutions.

Neuromod Devices

Series A in 2015
Neuromod Devices Limited is a medical device company based in Dublin, Ireland, established in 2010. It focuses on the research and development of neuromodulation treatments, specifically targeting chronic tinnitus, a condition that affects approximately 10% of adults. The company's flagship product, the mutebutton, is a bi-modal neuromodulation device designed to promote positive therapeutic changes in the nervous system. Neuromod aims to provide effective treatments for underserved patient populations suffering from chronic and debilitating conditions, enabling them to manage their health more effectively. The company has developed and patented its bi-modal neuromodulation technology, which is also being explored for other neurological disorders.

Neuravi

Series B in 2015
Neuravi Limited is a medical device company based in Galway, Ireland, focused on developing clot retrieval devices to restore blood flow in patients who have experienced ischemic strokes caused by arterial blockages in the brain. The company offers the EmboTrap revascularization devices, which are designed for the treatment of acute ischemic strokes and are available in several European countries, including Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, and Spain. Founded in 2009, Neuravi operates in the emerging neurointerventional device market and collaborates with researchers and clinicians to advance treatment solutions for this serious condition. As of April 2017, Neuravi is a subsidiary of DePuy Ireland Unlimited Company.

Civitas Therapeutics

Series C in 2014
Civitas Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing therapies for pulmonary delivery. The company focuses on creating innovative treatments for central nervous system and respiratory disorders, with a particular emphasis on conditions such as multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries. Civitas Therapeutics aims to improve the health and quality of life for patients across the United States through its specialized drug delivery systems.

Chrono Therapeutics

Series A in 2014
Chrono Therapeutics Inc., a digital transdermal drug delivery company, develops SmartStop, a digital nicotine replacement therapy. Its wearable solution tailors the timing and dose sizes of drugs, preempts predictable peak disease, and addiction symptoms with a device. The company was incorporated in 2003 and is based in Hayward, California.

Opsona

Series C in 2013
Opsona Therapeutics is a drug development firm based in Dublin, Ireland, specializing in innovative approaches to immunology. Founded in 2004, the company focuses on developing novel therapeutic strategies that target the innate immune system, which plays a crucial role in various major human diseases. These include autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, cancer, transplant rejection, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and atherosclerosis. By modulating the human innate immune response, Opsona aims to create new drug candidates that can significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients facing these challenging health issues.

Civitas Therapeutics

Series B in 2013
Civitas Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing therapies for pulmonary delivery. The company focuses on creating innovative treatments for central nervous system and respiratory disorders, with a particular emphasis on conditions such as multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries. Civitas Therapeutics aims to improve the health and quality of life for patients across the United States through its specialized drug delivery systems.

Trino Therapeutics

Series A in 2013
Trino is a drug discovery and early drug development company focused on anti-inflammatory therapeutics. The company is developing drug candidates from a novel, proprietary, class of drugs based on indane dimers derived from a Taiwanese fern. Its lead candidate is a potential first-in-class drug for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which could be used in both ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). Trino’s drug class also offers promising candidates with a broad anti-inflammatory activity that could be suitable for applications in dermatology, pulmonary and auto-immune disease.

Opsona

Series C in 2013
Opsona Therapeutics is a drug development firm based in Dublin, Ireland, specializing in innovative approaches to immunology. Founded in 2004, the company focuses on developing novel therapeutic strategies that target the innate immune system, which plays a crucial role in various major human diseases. These include autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, cancer, transplant rejection, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and atherosclerosis. By modulating the human innate immune response, Opsona aims to create new drug candidates that can significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients facing these challenging health issues.

Mainstay Medical

Series B in 2012
Mainstay Medical Holdings plc is a medical device company based in Dublin, Ireland, with operations in the United States and Australia. Founded in 2008, the company is dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative therapies for chronic low back pain, a condition affecting a significant portion of the population. Its flagship product, ReActiv8, is an implantable neurostimulation system that aims to restore control to the muscles stabilizing the lumbar spine. Mainstay Medical collaborates with scientists and clinical experts to address the unmet needs of patients suffering from debilitating back pain, combining expertise in engineering and clinical development to deliver effective solutions in this challenging medical area.

Neuravi

Series A in 2012
Neuravi Limited is a medical device company based in Galway, Ireland, focused on developing clot retrieval devices to restore blood flow in patients who have experienced ischemic strokes caused by arterial blockages in the brain. The company offers the EmboTrap revascularization devices, which are designed for the treatment of acute ischemic strokes and are available in several European countries, including Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, and Spain. Founded in 2009, Neuravi operates in the emerging neurointerventional device market and collaborates with researchers and clinicians to advance treatment solutions for this serious condition. As of April 2017, Neuravi is a subsidiary of DePuy Ireland Unlimited Company.

Cappella Medical Devices

Series D in 2010
Cappella, Inc., a Dover, Del.- and Galway, Ireland-based medical device company that is developing novel solutions for the treatment of Complex Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) and specifically bifurcation vascular disease. The company was founded in 2004 by Antonio Columbo, M.D., Chief of Invasive Cardiology at San Raffaele Hospital in Milan, Italy, and Ascher Shmulewitz, M.D., Ph.D., a cardiologist, medical device entrepreneur and founder of NeoVision, Xcardia and Labcoat Ltd., and established its European headquarters in Galway in 2005.

Genable Technologies Ltd.

Series B in 2009
Genable Technologies Ltd. is a bio-pharmaceutical company based in Dublin, Ireland, focused on developing gene therapies for autosomal dominant genetic diseases. The company’s flagship product, RhoNova, targets rhodopsin (RHO)-linked autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa, a progressive form of inherited blindness caused by mutations in the RHO gene. Genable employs a novel approach that combines suppression and replacement of faulty gene copies using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors to deliver RNA interference (RNAi) molecules. This method effectively addresses the challenge of mutation variability in dominant diseases by eliminating the need to target specific mutations. Founded in 1998 and originally known as Optigen Technologies Ltd., Genable Technologies has established a robust intellectual property portfolio, with numerous patents granted and pending in the USA, EU, and other regions. As of March 2016, the company operates as a subsidiary of Spark Therapeutics, Inc.

Amarin

Post in 2009
Amarin Corporation plc is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and commercializing therapeutics for cardiovascular diseases in the United States. Its primary product, Vascepa, is a prescription omega-3 fatty acid capsule designed to reduce triglyceride levels in adults with severe hypertriglyceridemia. The company is also conducting research on the REDUCE-IT study, which targets patients with high triglyceride levels who are undergoing statin therapy. Amarin markets its products primarily to wholesalers and specialty pharmacy providers, utilizing a direct sales force. The company has partnered with Mochida Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. to further develop and commercialize products based on the active ingredient in Vascepa, eicosapentaenoic acid. Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, Amarin has a research and development facility in Mystic, Connecticut, and focuses on lipid science to enhance cardiovascular disease management.

Palyon Medical

Series A in 2009
Palyon Medical Corporation is a medical device company developing technologies for the treatment of chronic pain, spasticity and other neurological diseases.

Cappella Medical Devices

Venture Round in 2009
Cappella, Inc., a Dover, Del.- and Galway, Ireland-based medical device company that is developing novel solutions for the treatment of Complex Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) and specifically bifurcation vascular disease. The company was founded in 2004 by Antonio Columbo, M.D., Chief of Invasive Cardiology at San Raffaele Hospital in Milan, Italy, and Ascher Shmulewitz, M.D., Ph.D., a cardiologist, medical device entrepreneur and founder of NeoVision, Xcardia and Labcoat Ltd., and established its European headquarters in Galway in 2005.

Opsona

Series B in 2009
Opsona Therapeutics is a drug development firm based in Dublin, Ireland, specializing in innovative approaches to immunology. Founded in 2004, the company focuses on developing novel therapeutic strategies that target the innate immune system, which plays a crucial role in various major human diseases. These include autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, cancer, transplant rejection, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and atherosclerosis. By modulating the human innate immune response, Opsona aims to create new drug candidates that can significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients facing these challenging health issues.

Vivasure Medical

Series A in 2009
Vivasure Medical Limited is a medical device company based in Galway, Ireland, focused on the research, development, and manufacturing of arterial and venous closure devices utilizing its proprietary PerQseal technology. The company specializes in creating polymer implants and delivery systems aimed at facilitating minimally invasive vessel closures in cardiology, interventional radiology, and vascular surgery. Its flagship product is an absorbable patch-based large-bore percutaneous closure device, specifically designed to close large arteriotomies during transcatheter procedures like transcatheter aortic valve replacement and endovascular aneurysm repair. Established in 2008, Vivasure Medical aims to enhance patient outcomes in vascular access procedures through innovative medical solutions.