Series D brings in $40mm for Aileron Therapeutics; second tranche added

New investors SR One and Excel Medical Fund have co-led Aileron Therapeutics' (developing drug candidates for cancer and inflammation as well as immune, metabolic, and infectious diseases) oversubscribed $40mm Series D venture round. Other first-time backers Lilly Ventures and Roche Venture Fund were joined by returning shareholders Apple Tree Partners and Novartis Venture Fund. SR One and Excel will each contribute one board member. The company will use the proceeds to advance the lead compound from its stapled (synthetically locked) peptides programs into clinical studies next year for either solid tumors or blood cancer. The company has brought in about $61mm since it was formed over four years ago.