Catena Pharmaceuticals Inc.
This article was originally published in Start Up
Executive Summary
Catena Pharmaceuticals is seeking anti-angiogenic GPCR-antagonist compounds, and has a license to one that targets a subset of GPCRs specific for lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). LPA is one of a family of fatty molecules called lysophospholipids that is generating increasing interest among scientists for their role in cell proliferation and inflammation. The company says its small molecules have shown early promise in a number of indications, from oncology to fibrosis and neuropathic pain. Catena will concentrate initially on developing antagonists to LPA receptors for the treatment of solid tumors.
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Start-Up Previews (02/2009)
A preview of the emerging health care companies profiled in the current issue of Start-Up. This month's profile group, "Building the Next-Generation of GPCR-Targeting Drugs," features profiles of Catena Pharmaceuticals, Dimerix Bioscience, Heptares Therapeutics and Trevena. Plus these Start-Ups Across Health Care: Carmat, Glycan Biosciences, Itero and MaRVis Technologies.
Trevena Inc.
Trevena has carved out a niche in seeking so-called 'biased ligands'--GPCR-binding compounds that selectively activate just one (or a few) of the many biological pathways mediated via a particular GPCR complex. By identifying a ligand that hits the pathways responsible for a medicine's benefits, and avoiding those behind the ill effects, the company hopes to develop safer and more effective therapies, initially in CNS and cardiovascular disease.
Building the Next Generation of GPCR-Targeting Drugs
One-third of marketed drugs hit G-protein coupled receptors, a group of cell-membrane bound receptors that are involved in almost every possible biological system. Drugs targeting GPCRs span most therapy areas, specialist or primary care, and may be small molecules, peptides, or large proteins. Despite their ubiquity, there's plenty of untapped potential too. Small wonder that start-ups continue to appear in this field, each with its own approach to improving existing drugs and finding new ones. We profile four in this issue.