Shire

Shire is a prominent biotechnology company headquartered in Ireland, dedicated to addressing the needs of individuals with rare diseases. With a strong global presence, it operates in key markets including the United States, Canada, the UK, and several major European countries. Shire's product portfolio is diverse, encompassing therapies for genetic diseases, neuroscience, internal medicine, hematology, immunology, and oncology. The company has expanded significantly through strategic mergers and acquisitions, such as the purchase of Transkaryotic Therapies, ViroPharma, NPS Pharma, Baxalta, and Dyax, which have bolstered its capabilities in various therapeutic areas. Shire emphasizes a patient-centered culture that fosters innovation, accountability, and ethical practices, aiming to enhance the quality of life for patients with life-altering conditions. The organization prioritizes employee development within a collaborative environment, enabling quick decision-making and adaptability in its operations.

Michael Heartlein

Vice President, Research

28 past transactions

Rani Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2018
Rani Therapeutics, LLC is a clinical-stage biotherapeutics company focused on developing oral delivery systems for large drug molecules, including peptides, proteins, and antibodies. The company has created the RaniPill capsule, a novel and patented technology designed to replace traditional subcutaneous or intravenous injections with an oral dosing method. This capsule is engineered to automatically release a precise therapeutic dose of medication in the small intestine, aiming to enhance patient compliance and comfort. Rani Therapeutics has conducted several preclinical and clinical studies to assess the safety, tolerability, and bioavailability of the RaniPill, contributing to a robust intellectual property portfolio. The company's therapeutic offerings include treatments for inflammatory disorders, osteoporosis, growth deficiencies, and multiple sclerosis, among others. Founded in 2012 and based in San Jose, California, Rani Therapeutics seeks to improve patient outcomes by providing a convenient alternative to painful injections.

Baxalta

Acquisition in 2016
Baxalta Incorporated is a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development of therapies aimed at addressing various medical needs, particularly in the areas of hemophilia, immunology, and oncology. The company offers a range of biopharmaceutical products for the treatment of bleeding disorders, immune deficiencies, and chronic conditions, with its therapies available in over 100 countries. Baxalta operates biological manufacturing across 12 facilities, focusing on recombinant production and plasma fractionation. Through its commitment to innovation and excellence, Baxalta strives to improve patient outcomes by providing differentiated therapies that meet specific health challenges.

Dyax

Acquisition in 2015
Dyax Corp. is a biopharmaceutical company that specializes in the development and commercialization of treatments for hereditary angioedema (HAE) and other plasma-kallikrein-mediated disorders. Its primary product, KALBITOR (ecallantide), is approved for the treatment of acute HAE attacks in patients aged 16 and older and is distributed through various wholesale, hospital, and specialty pharmacy channels in the United States. Dyax is also developing DX-2930, a human monoclonal antibody designed to provide prophylactic treatment for HAE, which is currently in Phase 1b clinical trials. The company has formed partnerships with various organizations to expand the reach of KALBITOR and other treatments in multiple regions, including agreements with CVie Therapeutics and Novellus Biopharma AG for commercialization in Asia and Latin America, respectively. Additionally, collaborations with CMIC Co., Ltd. and Sigma-Tau Rare Diseases S.A. aim to develop subcutaneous ecallantide for HAE treatment in Japan and other territories worldwide. Founded in 1989, Dyax Corp. is headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts, and operates as a subsidiary of Shire Pharmaceuticals International.

Foresight Biotherapeutics

Acquisition in 2015
Foresight Biotherapeutics is a clinical-stage drug development company focused on creating innovative therapies for unmet needs in ophthalmology and otolaryngology. The company has developed a proprietary platform based on Povidone-Iodine (PVP-I) technology, which offers significant advancements in the treatment of ocular and otic inflammation, including infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi. PVP-I is a well-established broad-spectrum antiseptic that is notable for its lack of microbial resistance. Foresight's approach allows for the formulation of PVP-I in combination with various anti-inflammatory agents, enhancing its therapeutic potential.

Meritage Pharma

Acquisition in 2015
Meritage Pharma, Inc. is a pharmaceutical company based in San Diego, California, specializing in the development of prescription products aimed at treating gastrointestinal and atopic diseases. Founded in 2008, the company focuses on innovative therapies for conditions such as eosinophilic esophagitis, an allergic inflammation of the esophagus. Its lead product candidate is an oral formulation of budesonide, a glucocorticoid steroid known for its effectiveness in managing allergic reactions and inflammation. Additionally, Meritage Pharma offers budesonide as an active pharmaceutical ingredient for various conditions, including pediatric asthma, allergic rhinitis, and Crohn’s disease, thereby addressing a range of health issues associated with allergic inflammation.

NPS Pharmaceuticals

Acquisition in 2015
NPS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Bedminster, New Jersey, focused on developing therapeutic products for gastrointestinal and endocrine disorders, particularly rare diseases. The company’s primary offerings include Gattex and Revestive, which are used to treat adult patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS) who rely on parenteral support. Additionally, NPS Pharmaceuticals is advancing Natpara, a bioengineered hormone replacement therapy for hypoparathyroidism, and NPSP795, a calcilytic agent in Phase II clinical trials aimed at treating disorders associated with increased calcium receptor activity. The company operates a global pipeline of innovative therapies, emphasizing patient-centered care for conditions with significant unmet medical needs. Founded in 1986, NPS Pharmaceuticals has established collaborations and licensing agreements with several major pharmaceutical companies to further its mission of providing effective treatments for rare diseases. As of early 2015, it operates as a subsidiary of Shire Pharmaceutical Holdings Ireland Limited.

Promethera Biosciences

Series C in 2014
Promethera Biosciences is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies for liver diseases. Founded in 2009 and based in Mont-Saint-Guibert, Belgium, with an office in Tokyo, Japan, the company specializes in cell therapy products, notably HepaStem and H2Stem, which utilize allogeneic progenitor cells derived from healthy human adult livers. Promethera is actively working on treatments for a range of conditions, including acute-on-chronic liver failure, hemophilia, liver fibrosis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, liver-based metabolic diseases, and urea cycle disorders. The company also engages in strategic alliances to further its research and development efforts, enhancing its capacity to discover and commercialize effective cell therapies for liver-related ailments.

Lumena Pharmaceuticals

Acquisition in 2014
Lumena Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing oral therapeutics for rare liver diseases, particularly cholestatic liver disease. Its lead candidate, LUM001, targets a specific transporter in the intestine, which reduces the risk of systemic toxicities by being minimally absorbed in the body. LUM001 has been extensively studied across 12 clinical trials involving over 1,400 subjects, positioning it for rapid advancement in both pediatric and adult patients. While Lumena's primary objective is to provide novel treatments for rare liver diseases, its therapeutic approach also holds potential for addressing metabolic diseases affecting the liver, which are increasingly recognized as significant health concerns in both children and adults.

Naurex

Series C in 2014
Naurex Inc. is a clinical-stage company based in Evanston, Illinois, focused on developing innovative therapies for depression and other central nervous system disorders. The company is pioneering a new mechanism of action for modulating the N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR), resulting in the creation of a novel class of compounds known as glycine-site functional partial agonists (GFPAs). These compounds offer a different approach to receptor modulation compared to existing NMDAR agents. Naurex's drug development pipeline includes the first-generation molecule GLYX-13, as well as the second-generation NRX-1050 small molecule series and additional compounds derived from its platform of novel NMDAR modulators. The company's mission is to address unmet needs in psychiatry and neurology by providing safe and effective treatment options.

Fibrotech Therapeutics

Acquisition in 2014
Fibrotech Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company based in Wonga Park, Australia, focused on developing novel drug candidates aimed at treating fibrosis associated with various chronic conditions. Established in 2006, the company is dedicated to addressing unmet medical needs in diseases such as diabetic nephropathy, kidney disorders, heart failure, pulmonary fibrosis, and arthritis. Through its innovative approach, Fibrotech Therapeutics seeks to provide effective therapeutic options for patients suffering from these debilitating conditions.

Proclara Biosciences

Series D in 2014
Proclara Biosciences, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies for chronic neurodegenerative diseases, particularly amyloidoses, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Established in 2006 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company specializes in a protein disaggregation platform that targets and recognizes misfolded proteins associated with these conditions. Proclara's approach aims to create disease-modifying treatments that could significantly improve patient outcomes. The company was previously known as NeuroPhage Pharmaceuticals, Inc. before rebranding in September 2016. Through its research and development efforts, Proclara strives to address unmet medical needs in the field of neurodegeneration and related disorders.

ViroPharma

Acquisition in 2013
ViroPharma Incorporated is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing treatments for serious diseases, particularly those that require specialized medical attention in hospital settings. The company has two marketed products, including Vancocin HCl capsules, an oral formulation of vancomycin hydrochloride approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Vancocin is utilized for treating antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis caused by Clostridium difficile infections and enterocolitis linked to Staphylococcus aureus, including resistant strains. In addition to its marketed products, ViroPharma also has three ongoing development programs targeting various diseases, including cytomegalovirus and picornavirus infections.

Proclara Biosciences

Series C in 2013
Proclara Biosciences, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies for chronic neurodegenerative diseases, particularly amyloidoses, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Established in 2006 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company specializes in a protein disaggregation platform that targets and recognizes misfolded proteins associated with these conditions. Proclara's approach aims to create disease-modifying treatments that could significantly improve patient outcomes. The company was previously known as NeuroPhage Pharmaceuticals, Inc. before rebranding in September 2016. Through its research and development efforts, Proclara strives to address unmet medical needs in the field of neurodegeneration and related disorders.

SARcode Bioscience

Acquisition in 2013
SARcode Bioscience is a private biopharmaceutical company based in San Francisco, focused on developing a novel class of small molecule lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) antagonists. These antagonists are designed to serve as topical agents for addressing significant unmet medical needs in ophthalmology, dermatology, and other inflammatory diseases. By targeting LFA-1, SARcode aims to create innovative therapeutic solutions to improve patient outcomes in these areas.

Premacure

Acquisition in 2013
Premacure develops and commercializes insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) for unmet medical needs for the neonate. It develops IGF-I together with or without its IGFBP-3 natural binding protein for the prevention of complications of preterm birth.

ArmaGen

Series A in 2012
ArmaGen, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, specializing in the development of therapies for severe neurological diseases. The company focuses on lysosomal storage disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, including Hunter syndrome, Hurler syndrome, Sanfilippo A syndrome, and metachromatic leukodystrophy. ArmaGen's innovative product candidates, such as AGT-182 and AGT-181, are designed to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, allowing for more effective treatment of neurological complications associated with these conditions. Founded in 2001, ArmaGen aims to improve the quality of life for patients suffering from these challenging disorders through its targeted therapeutic approaches.

Promedior

Series D in 2012
Promedior, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Lexington, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative therapeutics for rare fibrotic diseases and retinal fibrovascular conditions. The company targets conditions such as myelofibrosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Promedior's portfolio includes PRM-151, a recombinant form of human pentaxin-2 protein designed for intravenous injection, and PRM-167, a variant formulated for intravitreal delivery. Promedior employs a novel drug discovery platform that aims to regulate monocyte-derived cell populations, which are critical in inflammatory, fibrotic, and autoimmune diseases. By specifically addressing these cells at the injury site, Promedior seeks to treat the underlying causes of immune system dysregulation, promote tissue healing, and minimize systemic side effects associated with traditional therapies. The company's commitment to addressing severe and challenging conditions positions it as a significant player in the biopharmaceutical landscape.

Promethera Biosciences

Series B in 2012
Promethera Biosciences is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies for liver diseases. Founded in 2009 and based in Mont-Saint-Guibert, Belgium, with an office in Tokyo, Japan, the company specializes in cell therapy products, notably HepaStem and H2Stem, which utilize allogeneic progenitor cells derived from healthy human adult livers. Promethera is actively working on treatments for a range of conditions, including acute-on-chronic liver failure, hemophilia, liver fibrosis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, liver-based metabolic diseases, and urea cycle disorders. The company also engages in strategic alliances to further its research and development efforts, enhancing its capacity to discover and commercialize effective cell therapies for liver-related ailments.

Enterome

Series A in 2012
Enterome SA is a biopharmaceutical company based in Paris, France, with an additional office in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Founded in 2008, Enterome specializes in the development of disease management solutions leveraging the gut microbiome. It focuses on creating biomarkers and therapeutics for microbiome-related diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases and metabolic disorders. The company utilizes its proprietary OncoMimic technology to address cancer treatment by overcoming immune tolerance against tumors, enabling the development of off-the-shelf therapies that prompt a robust immune response. Enterome's innovative drug candidates, which include small proteins and peptides, aim to generate an endogenous CD8 T cell response and are currently advancing through Phase 2 clinical trials for challenging cancers such as glioblastoma and colorectal cancer. The company has formed a strategic collaboration with Takeda Pharmaceutical Company to enhance its research and development capabilities.

FerroKin Biosciences

Acquisition in 2012
Ferrokin Biosciences Inc. develops and markets medical devices. The company offers iron chelator for the treatment of iron-overload in patients with transfusion-dependent hereditary and acquired refractory anemias. The company is based in San Carlos, California.

Proclara Biosciences

Series B in 2012
Proclara Biosciences, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies for chronic neurodegenerative diseases, particularly amyloidoses, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Established in 2006 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company specializes in a protein disaggregation platform that targets and recognizes misfolded proteins associated with these conditions. Proclara's approach aims to create disease-modifying treatments that could significantly improve patient outcomes. The company was previously known as NeuroPhage Pharmaceuticals, Inc. before rebranding in September 2016. Through its research and development efforts, Proclara strives to address unmet medical needs in the field of neurodegeneration and related disorders.

Advanced BioHealing

Acquisition in 2011
Advanced BioHealing is an industry leader in the science of regenerative medicine. The Company is focused on the commercialization of cell-based and tissue-engineered products. It currently markets the FDA-approved product Dermagraft®, for diabetic foot ulcers. Additionally, the Company's development pipeline includes a next-generation bioengineered tissue product which is in clinical trials. ABH is a privately held company with research & development offices in New York, NY and manufacturing operations in La Jolla, CA.

Prexa Pharmaceuticals

Series B in 2011
Prexa, founded in 2006, is developing oral small molecule monoamine reuptake inhibitors that act most potently at the dopamine transporter. By safely enhancing dopamine activity and, to a lesser extent norepinephrine activity, Prexa intends to improve upon current treatments for ADHD, depression and Parkinson’s disease. Prexa’s proprietary compound portfolio consists of highly differentiated reuptake inhibitors with unique dopamine-preferring neurotransmitter selectivity profiles. Prexa’s lead compound, PRX-12251, is a triple reuptake inhibitor that blocks dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin transporters. PRX-12251 is entering IND-enabling studies. Prexa’s mono and dual reuptake inhibitors are targeted for partnerships with leading biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.

Proclara Biosciences

Series B in 2011
Proclara Biosciences, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies for chronic neurodegenerative diseases, particularly amyloidoses, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Established in 2006 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company specializes in a protein disaggregation platform that targets and recognizes misfolded proteins associated with these conditions. Proclara's approach aims to create disease-modifying treatments that could significantly improve patient outcomes. The company was previously known as NeuroPhage Pharmaceuticals, Inc. before rebranding in September 2016. Through its research and development efforts, Proclara strives to address unmet medical needs in the field of neurodegeneration and related disorders.

Movetis

Acquisition in 2010
Movetis NV is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of drugs targeting gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Turnhout, Belgium, Movetis focuses on conditions such as severe chronic constipation, ascites, pediatric reflux, and complex GI motility disorders like refractory gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. The company's lead product, Resolor, is specifically developed for the symptomatic treatment of chronic constipation in women, with ongoing research to extend its use to males, children, and conditions like opioid-induced constipation and postoperative ileus. Movetis is also advancing other candidates in its pipeline, including M0002, currently in Phase II trials for ascites, and M0003, which is entering Phase II development for treating heartburn and pediatric reflux in patients resistant to proton pump inhibitors. Additionally, the company has prioritized compounds from its preclinical portfolio and maintains partnerships with several academic institutions in Belgium and the Netherlands to enhance its research capabilities.

Jerini

Acquisition in 2008
- Jerini was founded in 1994 as a spin-off from the Medical Faculty (Charité) Humboldt University Berlin to commercialize the SPOT™ technology. The evolving SPOT™ platform was marketed as fee for service projects to pharmaceutical and biotech companies (1995 to 1999). The revenues generated supported the expansion of the company and its technology development. At this stage no venture capital was raised. Due to the expanding applications of its technology platform in drug discovery and proteomics Jerini began its transformation into a drug discovery company. - To support and accelerate the drug discovery transition Jerini raised Euro 4.6 million in January 2000 in a first financing round that included local investors IBB-Bet. GmbH, bmp AG and tbg. In 2001 the company converted to an AG (joint-stock company) and closed its second, private financing round raising Euro 20 million in November 2001. The investors in this round included an international group represented by TVM, 3i, Polytechnos and Sanders Morris and Harris. - In 2000 Jerini started creating the medicinal chemistry platform PepMed™ focusing on the identification of peptide lead structures addressing difficult protein targets and their subsequent systematic transformation into drug-like molecules. - In December 2001 Jerini started its first clinical trials with Icatibant, a peptidomimetic bradykinin receptor antagonist for the indication defined as end-stage liver cirrhosis.

New River Pharmaceuticals

Acquisition in 2007
New River Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing novel medications that represent generational improvements over widely-prescribed drugs in expansive markets. The company employs its proprietary Carrierwave™ technology to create new molecular entities derived from public domain actives. Its product pipeline includes an amphetamine derivative and an opioid derivative designed to serve as effective alternatives to existing opioid medications, thereby providing patients with improved options for managing acute pain. Through its innovative approach, New River Pharmaceuticals aims to address significant healthcare needs in the pharmaceutical sector.

Bikam Pharmaceuticals

Acquisition in 2007
Bikam Pharmaceuticals is a drug discovery company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, established in 2007. The company specializes in the development of novel therapeutics aimed at treating degenerative diseases, particularly retinal disorders. It focuses on creating small molecule, non-retinoid pharmacological chaperones designed to address issues related to misfolded proteins in the retina, which are implicated in serious conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa and dry age-related macular degeneration. Bikam Pharmaceuticals has developed an orally active pharmacological chaperone that effectively binds to misfolded rod opsin, a protein associated with retinitis pigmentosa, and facilitates its proper trafficking to the surface of rod cells, thereby aiming to mitigate the effects of this rare and incurable genetic disease that leads to blindness.
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