# Inspirna

Startup profile on Capital Atlas: https://capitalatlas.ai/startups/inspirna

- Industry: Biotechnology
- Headquarters: New York, US
- Website: www.inspirna.com
- Total disclosed funding: $136M
- Latest round: Series D (Jun 24, 2022)
- Investors on record: 12

## About

Inspirna Inc. is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing innovative cancer therapeutics using its proprietary RNA-DRIVEr™ platform, targeting previously untreatable common cancers with a focus on improving patient outcomes.Founded in 2010 and headquartered in New York, US, Inspirna Inc. specializes in cancer therapeutics. The company has raised a total of USD 55.00 mn across five funding rounds, with Series D being the latest round completed on June 24, 2022. The CEO and co-founder, Masoud Tavazoie, has previously been involved in the biotechnology sector, contributing to the strategic direction of the company. Inspirna has not undergone significant pivots in its business strategy.Inspirna, Inc. focuses on developing first-in-class cancer therapeutics aimed at addressing previously untreatable common cancers through its proprietary RNA-DRIVEr™ platform. The company's main products currently under development include two oral small molecules: ompenaclid (RGX-202), which is in Phase 2 trials targeting RAS mutant colorectal cancer, and abequolixron (RGX-104), which is in Phase 1b/2 trials for non-small cell lung cancer and endometrial cancer. Ompenaclid works as an inhibitor of SLC6A8, inducing apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells, while abequolixron acts as an activator of LXR/APOE, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis and enhancing the immune response. Additionally, Inspirna is developing RGX-019-MMAE, a monoclonal antibody-drug conjugate targeting MERTK to selectively eliminate cancer cells. These products are primarily aimed at oncologists and healthcare institutions in North America and Europe, where they seek to provide practical treatment options that improve patient survival without compromising quality of life.Inspirna's revenue model is primarily centered around partnerships and collaborations with larger pharmaceutical companies, focusing on co-development and licensing agreements for its therapeutic candidates. The company has recently announced a partnership with Merck KGaA, which includes a USD 45.00 mn upfront payment for an exclusive license and co-development option for ompenaclid. This transaction structure indicates that Inspirna may engage in negotiations with other global pharmaceutical companies as well, providing pathways for additional revenue through collaborations. The company’s flagship products, namely ompenaclid and abequolixron, are anticipated to generate revenue through sales to healthcare providers, hospitals, and oncologists who will incorporate these innovative therapies into their treatment regimens. As Inspirna progresses through clinical trials, the potential for revenue increases with successful product advancement and subsequent market approvals.In June 2022, Inspirna Inc. raised USD 55.00 mn in Series D funding co-led by new investors Sands Capital Ventures and Vivo Capital, with participation from Dreavent and returning investors. The company will utilize this funding to support the clinical development of its drug candidates targeting lung cancer and endometrial cancer. Inspirna plans to expand its product offerings and aims to launch ompenaclid and abequolixron into new markets, specifically targeting North America and Europe by 2025. The successful development and market approval of these therapies will significantly enhance its revenue potential.

## Funding rounds

- Series D, Jun 24, 2022, $55M — Sofinnova Partners, Novo Holdings, Vivo Capital, Lepu Medical Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd, Partnership Fund for New York City, Sands Capital Alternatives, Sixty Degree Capital, Dreavent
- Series C, Sep 27, 2018, $40M — Sofinnova Partners, Alexandria Venture Investments, Lepu Medical Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd, Novo Holdings, Partnership Fund for New York City, Oceanpine Capital, Wuxi AppTec Group
- Series B, Jun 3, 2016, $33M — Sofinnova Partners, Alexandria Venture Investments, Novo Holdings, Partnership Fund for New York City, Conegliano Venture
- Series A, Jul 31, 2015, $8M — Alexandria Venture Investments, Partnership Fund for New York City, Conegliano Venture

## Investors

- Alexandria Venture Investments (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/alexandria-venture-investments) — Series A, Series B, Series C
- Partnership Fund for New York City (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/partnership-fund-for-new-york-city) — Series A, Series B, Series C, Series D
- Conegliano Venture — Series A, Series B
- Sofinnova Partners (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/sofinnova-partners) — Series B, Series C, Series D
- Novo Holdings — Series B, Series C, Series D
- Lepu Medical Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd — Series C, Series D
- Oceanpine Capital (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/oceanpine-capital) — Series C
- Wuxi AppTec Group — Series C
- Vivo Capital (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/vivo-capital) — Series D
- Sands Capital Alternatives (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/sands-capital-alternatives) — Series D
- Sixty Degree Capital (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/sixty-degree-capital) — Series D
- Dreavent (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/dreavent) — Series D