Dracen Pharmaceuticals
Latest round
- Series A
Last raised
- Mar 2018
Total raised
- $41M
Investors
- 3
About Dracen Pharmaceuticals
Founded in 2016, Dracen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. operates from its headquarters in San Diego, California, US. The company specializes in creating treatments for cancer, particularly targeting hard-to-treat tumors. Jonathan Powell is the founder, while Tom Estok serves as the CEO.Dracen Pharmaceuticals specializes in the development of innovative cancer therapies that leverage immuno-metabolism to target "glutamine-addicted" tumors. The company’s lead product, sirpiglenastat (DRP-104), is a novel broad-acting glutamine antagonist designed to irreversibly inhibit all known enzymes involved in glutamine metabolism. This unique mechanism aims to not only shrink tumors but also remodel the tumor microenvironment, enhancing the efficacy of immuno-oncology approaches and improving patient outcomes, particularly in hard-to-treat cancers such as fibrolamellar carcinoma and non-small cell lung cancer. The primary end-users of these therapies include adult patients with advanced solid tumors, specifically targeting those resistant to existing treatments.Dracen Pharmaceuticals operates primarily in the biopharmaceutical sector, generating revenue through clinical collaborations and research partnerships, notably with major pharmaceutical companies like Merck. Transactions typically involve direct collaborations on clinical trials, where Dracen’s products are tested alongside established therapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors. These partnerships are structured to leverage shared expertise and resources, ultimately aiming to accelerate the development of new treatment protocols. The company's revenue model is driven by milestones achieved in clinical development, regulatory approvals, and potential licensing agreements, forming a strategic partnership framework that enhances product visibility and market penetration.In the future, Dracen Pharmaceuticals plans to further develop its innovative treatment options, focusing on enhancing its lead product, sirpiglenastat. The company is also exploring opportunities to expand into additional geographic regions, aiming for broader market penetration as clinical trials progress and regulatory approvals are obtained.
Who invested in Dracen Pharmaceuticals
3 investors across 1 round
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Funding rounds
Series A
Mar 22, 2018
Amount
$41M
Investors
Questions about Dracen Pharmaceuticals
Who invested in Dracen Pharmaceuticals?
Dracen Pharmaceuticals has 3 investors on record across 1 venture round. Sign up free to see every VC on the cap table and the rounds they joined.
How much funding has Dracen Pharmaceuticals raised?
Dracen Pharmaceuticals has raised 1 venture round. Sign up free to see how much each round raised and the total.
When did Dracen Pharmaceuticals last raise money?
Dracen Pharmaceuticals's most recent round on record is a Series A, in Mar 2018.
What does Dracen Pharmaceuticals do?
Founded in 2016, Dracen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Where is Dracen Pharmaceuticals headquartered?
Dracen Pharmaceuticals is headquartered in San Diego, US.
Which VCs invest in companies like Dracen Pharmaceuticals?
Among active investors with capital left to deploy, Andreessen Horowitz, Founders Fund, Accel and Thrive Capital back pharmaceuticals companies at Dracen Pharmaceuticals's stage. Their profiles are linked below.
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