# Dracen Pharmaceuticals

Startup profile on Capital Atlas: https://capitalatlas.ai/startups/dracen-pharmaceuticals

- Industry: Pharmaceuticals
- Headquarters: San Diego, US
- Website: www.dracenpharma.com
- Total disclosed funding: $41M
- Latest round: Series A (Mar 22, 2018)
- Investors on record: 3

## About

Dracen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., based in the US, is focused on developing innovative cancer therapies that utilize immuno-metabolism to address glutamine-dependent tumors, aiming to enhance patient outcomes in challenging cancer types.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 has successfully raised USD 2.00 mn in total funding, with the most recent funding round occurring on June 11, 2023. The LATEST_ROUND was VENTURE DEBT, involving USD 2.29 mn from OUP (Osage University Partners).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’s products are primarily marketed within the United States and may extend to other regions as they progress through clinical trials and regulatory approvals.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. The flagship product, sirpiglenastat, is positioned to play a significant role in these revenue-generating activities as it advances through clinical trial phases.In the future, Dracen Pharmaceuticals plans to further develop its innovative treatment options, focusing on enhancing its lead product, sirpiglenastat. The recent VENTURE DEBT funding round of USD 2.29 mn, raised on June 11, 2023, will be allocated toward advancing the development of this treatment. 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.

## Funding rounds

- Series A, Mar 22, 2018, $41M — OUP (Osage University Partners), Deerfield Management, i&i Prague

## Investors

- OUP (Osage University Partners) (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/oup-osage-university-partners) — Series A
- Deerfield Management (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/deerfield-management) — Series A
- i&i Prague — Series A