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PHARMACOSMOS GROUP ACQUIRES ABFERO PHARMACEUTICALS
November 11, 2021
PHARMACOSMOS GROUP ACQUIRES BOSTON BASED CLINICAL STAGE ABFERO PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
Leader in Anemia Acquires All Rights for AbFero’s SP-420 to Advance Iron Chelation Therapies
Holbaek, Denmark (November 11, 2021) Pharmacosmos Group, a leader in the development of innovative treatments for patients suffering from iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia, today announced the acquisition of AbFero Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Boston based, privately-held clinical stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to treating diseases of iron overload.Pharmacosmos A/S, through a US subsidiary, will acquire all assets of AbFero Pharmaceuticals under a share purchase agreement for a total consideration of up to $225M when combining upfront payments, regulatory and commercial milestones, and royalties.
“Given Pharmacosmos’s research focus and expertise within iron metabolism and its international commercial presence, the acquisition of AbFero constitutes a perfect strategic fit. We look forward to completing the development of SP-420 in order to bring new treatment options for patients suffering from transfusional iron overload and other iron mediated conditions,” said Lars Christensen, CEO of Pharmacosmos A/S.
“The role of iron in disease has been vastly underappreciated. As a leader in iron metabolism disorders, Pharmacosmos is uniquely positioned to realize the full potential of our chelation platform,” said AbFero CEO and Co-Founder Thomas X. Neenan. “We are grateful to Prof. Ray Bergeron of the University of Florida, the inventor of our technology platform, and to our management and investors for their commitment to our mission. We now look forward to joining forces with Pharmacosmos to deliver much-needed therapeutic options to patients.”
ABOUT IRON CHELATION THERAPY AND SP-420
Patients with hematological diseases such as ß-thalassemia, sickle-cell disease, and myelofibrosis often require chronic blood transfusions. Transfusional iron overload (TIO) puts patients at risk for serious complications such as liver disease, heart failure, and diabetes mellitus. Many patients fail to meet recommended treatment guidelines with currently available therapies. AbFero’s lead compound, SP-420, belongs to a novel class of orally active iron chelators and is a potentially safer alternative with greater efficacy, higher tolerability, and excellent oral bioavailability.
ABOUT PHARMACOSMOS GROUP
Pharmacosmos Group, headquartered in Holbaek, Denmark, and founded in 1965, is a highly specialised company focused on carbohydrate chemistry and a global leader in the development of innovative treatments for patients suffering from iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia. With companies in the UK, Nordics, Germany, the USA and China, as well as through partners, Pharmacosmos markets its products across the world. With a strong and ongoing commitment to R&D, Pharmacosmos is able to leverage a unique carbohydrate production platform along with deep expertise in the synthesis of iron-carbohydrate complexes.
ABOUT ABFERO PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
AbFero Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Boston, MA, and Harwell, UK) is a privately-held clinical stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to treating diseases of iron overload. Our therapeutic platform addresses transfusional iron overload (TIO) and iron accumulation associated with diseases of aging such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and Parkinson’s disease. For more information, visit: https://www.abferopharmaceuticals.com.
Pharmacosmos Contact Information
Tobias S. Christensen, COO
+45 5948 5959, info@pharmacosmos.com
ABFERO ANNOUNCES FUNDING FROM KYTO TECHNOLOGY AND LIFE SCIENCE, INC.
May 20, 2021
Funding follows recently announced trial in transfusion related iron overload
Boston, MA (May 20, 2021) – AbFero Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a privately-held clinical stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to treating diseases of iron overload, today announced the addition of a new investor, KYTO Technology and Life Science, Inc. The Los Altos Hills based firm is a public specialized investor in early stage technology and life science companies, and it joins UF Innovate I Ventures, DeepWork Capital, and lead investor Longwall Ventures.
“We are pleased to expand our roster of investors with KYTO, who share our vision of the important role of iron across a variety of serious conditions,” said AbFero Founder and CEO Thomas X. Neenan, Ph.D. “With the initiation of our recently announced trial in transfusion related iron overload, we continue to make progress in reaching our goal of developing best-in-class, next generation chelators. The addition of another focused and specialized investor like KYTO propels us closer to that goal.”
“KYTO is delighted to participate in this critical AbFero Pharmaceuticals financing to help advance unique solutions to the multiple diseases and medical conditions impacted by iron overload. We are happy to become long-term partners in this exciting endeavor,” said KYTO Chairman and CEO Paul Russo, PhD.
“Emerging data continues to suggest iron accumulation plays a key role in neurodegenerative diseases and conditions and diseases of aging,” Neenan notes. “AbFero has a particular interest in the role of iron in those diseases – specifically Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, macular degeneration and myelodysplastic syndrome – which are rising along with the growth of the aging population. Our novel, brain-penetrant, small molecule chelator platform may prove to be an important addition to existing therapies.”
About AbFero
AbFero Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a privately-held clinical stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to treating diseases of iron overload. AbFero’s technology is based upon the discoveries of a pioneer in the field of iron chelator medicinal chemistry, Professor Raymond Bergeron, University of Florida. Our therapeutic platform addresses transfusional iron overload (TIO) and iron accumulation associated with diseases of aging such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and Parkinson’s disease. AbFero has completed three clinical trials with the company’s lead iron chelator, SP-420. AbFero Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is based in Boston, Massachusetts, and our subsidiary, AbFero, Ltd., is located in Harwell, UK. For more information, visit: AbferoPharmaceuticals.com.
Investor & Media Contact:
Mih-Ho Cha
mcha@abfero.com
ABFERO ANNOUNCES INITIATION OF PHASE 1 STUDY FOR LEAD IRON CHELATOR
February 23, 2021
Study to Examine Safety of SP-420 in MDS and MF
Boston, MA, (February 23, 2021) – AbFero Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a privately-held clinical stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to treating diseases of iron overload, today announced the initiation of a Phase 1 study of its lead iron chelator, SP-420, in myelodysplastic (MDS) and myelofibrosis patients (MF) with transfusional iron overload (TIO).
“The opening of this trial in MDS and MF marks another critical step forward on the development path for SP-420,” said AbFero CEO Thomas X. Neenan. “Following the recently awarded Parkinson’s research grants from EUREKA Eurostars and Cure Parkinson’s, this trial is an additional building block in our strategy of developing safe chelators for both hematological indications and diseases of aging where iron is implicated.”
“Transfusional Iron overload, from chronic red blood cell transfusion, remains a serious problem for the many patients with chronic leukemia and chronic bone marrow disorders,” explained Dr. Ruben Mesa, executive director of the Mays Cancer Center at The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio. “The Mays Cancer Center is grateful for the first opportunity to offer the innovative approach to iron chelation from SP-420 from AbFero to patients with MDS and MF,” he said.
The study, to be conducted by Dr. Elizabeth Bowhay-Carnes, Director of the Adult Non-Malignant Hematology Program at the health science center, also called UT Health San Antonio, will examine the safety of SP-420 in this important population of patients with TIO and will provide the basis for further expansion into longer efficacy studies. The trial is expected to provide key safety data in 2021.
About AbFero
AbFero Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a privately-held clinical stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to treating diseases of iron overload. AbFero’s technology is based upon the discoveries of a pioneer in the field of iron chelator medicinal chemistry, Professor Raymond Bergeron, University of Florida. Our therapeutic platform addresses transfusional iron overload (TIO) and iron accumulation associated with diseases of aging such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and Parkinson’s disease. AbFero has completed three clinical trials with the company’s lead iron chelator, SP-420. AbFero Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is based in Boston, Massachusetts, and our subsidiary, AbFero, Ltd., is located in Harwell, UK. For more information, visit: AbferoPharmaceuticals.com.
Investor & Media Contact:
Mih-Ho Cha
mcha@abfero.com
ABFERO Announces Funding from Cure Parkinson’s for lead compound SP-420
February 17, 2021
Second Parkinson’s Grant to Clinical Stage Pharmaceutical Company Developing Iron Chelators
Harwell, UK, [February 17, 2021] – AbFero Ltd., a subsidiary of AbFero Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a privately-held clinical stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to treating diseases of iron overload, today announced the award of a grant from Cure Parkinson’s for the development of their lead, brain-penetrant iron chelating agent, SP-420, as a disease modifying therapy for Parkinson’s disease (PD).
The funding will be used to develop biomarkers to demonstrate that SP-420 is an effective targeted therapy for Parkinson’s. This is the second grant AbFero has received to support development of SP-420 for the condition, following recent funding from Eureka EUROSTARS.
“The role of iron in neurodegenerative diseases grows more compelling every day. Cure Parkinson’s has been a strong proponent of iron chelation for Parkinson’s, so this grant is particularly meaningful. It further accelerates AbFero’s drive towards our first clinical study in Parkinson’s,” said AbFero CEO Thomas Neenan.
Removal of excess brain iron via chelation has long been considered an attractive disease modifying approach, but a therapy with sufficient safety and proven efficacy remains lacking. AbFero expects SP-420 will limit iron accumulation in the brain, reducing iron-related oxidative stress, iron related neuronal death (i.e., ferroptosis), and alpha-synuclein aggregation, well-known neuropathological hallmarks of Parkinson’s.
Dr Richard Wyse, Director of Research & Development at Cure Parkinson’s said: “Iron chelation is an extremely promising line of investigation in Parkinson’s. Our funding for this project adds new impetus and expands our long-standing interest in the future relevance of this approach in slowing or stopping long-term neurodegeneration in patients with Parkinson’s disease.”
The grant will fund ongoing development of the small molecule in the laboratory of Professor David Devos, MD, PhD, University of Lille, CHU of Lille, INSERM. “We believe SP-420 is one of the greatest iron chelators, given it has excellent kinetics, high oral bioavailability and biodistribution, and no evidence to date of inappropriate competition with the native iron transport and storage mechanisms of the body,” Dr. Devos notes.
“AbFero is working urgently to develop best-in-class, next generation iron chelators that will slow progression and improve the quality of life for the nearly 10 million people living with Parkinson’s today,” Neenan adds. “We’re grateful to Cure Parkinson’s for their support as we press forward.”
About AbFero, Ltd.
AbFero, Ltd., is a subsidiary of AbFero Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a privately-held clinical stage pharmaceutical dedicated to treating diseases of iron overload. AbFero’s technology is based upon the discoveries of a pioneer in the field of iron chelator medicinal chemistry, Professor Raymond Bergeron, University of Florida. Our therapeutic platform addresses transfusional iron overload (TIO) and iron accumulation associated with retinal and neurologic diseases including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and traumatic brain injury (TBI). AbFero has completed three clinical trials with the company’s lead chelator, SP-420. AbFero Ltd., is located in Harwell, UK. For more information, visit https://www.abferopharmaceuticals.com.
Investor & Media Contact:
Mih-Ho Cha
mcha@abfero.com
ABFERO TO receive € 2M Eurostars funding for parkinson’s disease therapy
December 1, 2020
Clinical stage pharmaceutical company forms multi-national research consortium to establish iron chelating compounds as disease modifying therapy for Parkinson’s disease
Harwell, UK (December 1, 2020) – AbFero Ltd., a subsidiary of AbFero Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a privately-held clinical stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to treating diseases of iron overload, today announced the funding of approximately € 2M from EUREKA Eurostars for the development of iron chelating compounds including their lead agent, SP-420, as a disease modifying therapy for Parkinson’s disease.
“This grant is an important step forward for AbFero as we test our portfolio of iron chelating compounds in central nervous system indications,” said AbFero CEO Thomas Neenan. “With three Phase 1 clinical trials complete, this funding will accelerate our drive to a Phase 2 trial of SP-420 in Parkinson’s patients, for whom disease modifying agents remain much needed.”
The programme objective is to complete pre-clinical proof-of-performance of SP-420 in Parkinson’s. AbFero expects the small molecule will reverse the accumulation of iron in the brain, reducing iron-related oxidative stress, ferroptosis, and alpha-synuclein aggregation, well-known neuropathological hallmarks of the condition. Removal of excess brain iron via chelation has long been considered an attractive disease modifying approach, but the field lacks a therapy with sufficient safety and proven efficacy.
AbFero formed a multinational consortium of leading Parkinson’s researchers for this effort: Prof. Pier G. Mastroberardino, Erasmus Medical Center (Netherlands); Prof. David Devos, University Hospital of Lille (France); and Dr. Jan Kehr, Pronexus Analytical AB (Sweden). Pharmaceutical industry veteran and Parkinson’s patient advocate David Ashford Jones will manage the project, “Novel Parkinson’s Disease Therapy Targeting Iron-related Cell Death and Alpha-synuclein Aggregation.”
“This exciting research is a huge step forward in the development of targeted therapies for Parkinson’s. Not only does this particular therapy hold promise, but it will also increase our knowledge of what causes Parkinson’s, and it will help us identify more treatments to improve the lives of people with the condition,” said Professor David Dexter, Associate Director of Research at Parkinson’s UK. “We look forward to seeing developments coming out of this research.”
“We’re grateful to the Eurostars programme and the EUREKA national funding bodies for this award,” Neenan added. “Their support makes it possible to solve complex problems like Parkinson’s by integrating international skill-sets and expertise. AbFero is proud to be in the Eurostars programme.”
About AbFero
, Ltd.
AbFero, Ltd., is a subsidiary of AbFero Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a privately-held clinical stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to treating diseases of iron overload. AbFero’s technology is based upon the discoveries of a pioneer in the field of iron chelator medicinal chemistry, Professor Raymond Bergeron, University of Florida. Our therapeutic platform addresses transfusional iron overload (TIO) and iron accumulation associated with retinal and neurologic diseases including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and traumatic brain injury (TBI). AbFero has completed three clinical trials with the company’s lead iron chelator, SP-420. AbFero, Ltd., is located in Harwell, UK. For more information, visit https://www.abferopharmaceuticals.com.
Contact:
Mih-Ho Cha
mcha@abfero.com
ABFERO ANNOUNCES PK STUDY RESULTS FOR SP-420 IN TRANSFUSIONAL IRON OVERLOAD — PROCEEDS WITH PHASE 1-2 TRIAL OF IRON CHELATOR
October 6, 2020
AbFero Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a privately-held clinical stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to treating diseases of iron overload, today announced it completed analysis of a 12-patient normal volunteer pharmacokinetic (PK) trial of its lead iron chelator, SP-420. The PK data confirmed that the doses of SP-420 planned for the company’s upcoming Phase 1-2 trial in patients with transfusional iron overload (TIO) should provide sufficient drug exposure for the desired therapeutic effect.
The Phase 1-2 trial is a 12-month, open-label, dose-escalation design in patients with TIO due to myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or myelofibrosis (MFS). The trial design is of sufficient size and duration to establish SP-420 safety and efficacy in reducing liver iron content (LIC) caused by chronic red blood cell transfusions. The trial is expected to provide key data in 2021.
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“This is an important mile-marker for SP-420,” said AbFero CEO Thomas X. Neenan. “It brings AbFero’s lead iron chelator one step closer to the patients who need it the most.”
Additionally, AbFero anticipates conducting a Phase 3 pivotal trial in patients with MDS, MFS, β-thalassemia and sickle cell disease using the FDA-approvable endpoint of LIC as measured by MRI.
Kevin H.M. Kuo, MD, University of Toronto hematologist and clinical researcher from University Health Network, who was not involved in the study, commented: “All of the currently approved iron chelators have significant toxicity and side-effect profiles, which are major barriers in establishing good adherence. This represents a promising direction in the treatment of iron overload, which remains an area of largely unmet need.”
AbFero believes SP-420 has utility in additional iron-overload conditions, including other rare anemias that require transfusion, non-transfusion dependent thalassemia, and genetic hemochromatosis (in those unwilling to undergo phlebotomy) and may pursue clinical studies in these areas as follow-on indications.
About AbFero AbFero Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a privately-held clinical stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to treating diseases of iron overload. Our therapeutic platform addresses transfusional iron overload (TIO) and iron accumulation associated with retinal and neurologic diseases including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Parkinson’s disease, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). AbFero has completed three clinical trials with the company’s lead iron chelator, SP-420. AbFero Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is based in Boston, Massachusetts, and our subsidiary, AbFero, Ltd., is located in Harwell, UK. For more information, visit: https://www.abferopharmaceuticals.com.
Contact:
Mih-Ho Cha
mcha@abfero.com
DeepWork Capital Announces Investment in Iron Overload Biotech AbFero Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
September 2, 2020
AbFero’s therapeutic platform addresses transfusional iron overload and iron accumulation associated with retinal and neurologic diseases including age-related macular degeneration, Parkinson’s disease, and traumatic brain injury. AbFero has completed three clinical trials with SP-420, its lead iron chelator molecule.
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AbFero, based in Boston and UK, commercializes iron chelation technologies developed in Florida. The technology was developed by University of Florida Professor Emeritus Raymond Bergeron, widely recognized as a pioneer in this field. “Given our long-standing collaborative relationship with the University of Florida, this additional support from a prominent Florida investor like DeepWork is meaningful,” said AbFero CEO Thomas X. Neenan, PhD.
“The role of iron as a therapeutic target has been underappreciated to date, but emerging data implicates iron in a range of hematological, neurodegenerative and age-related diseases,” said Neenan. “AbFero’s portfolio of iron-binding molecules could be an important addition to existing therapies.”
“The amount of prior work done with SP-420 makes this a unique opportunity to quickly get a lifesaving product to the patient,” said Benjamin Patz, Managing Partner at DeepWork Capital. “We’re pleased to co-invest with Longwall Ventures and the University of Florida Innovate Fund on this unique opportunity.”
About DeepWork Capital
DeepWork Capital invests professionally managed committed venture capital in growth-oriented early- stage companies in the technology and life science sectors in Florida and surrounding areas. The Fund prefers to take a lead or co-lead investor role while working closely with other investment groups and takes a hands-on approach with its portfolio companies. For additional information please see http://www.deepworkcapital.com.
About AbFero Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
AbFero Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a privately-held clinical stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to treating diseases of iron overload. Our therapeutic platform addresses transfusional iron overload (TIO) and iron accumulation associated with retinal and neurologic diseases including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Parkinson’s disease, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). AbFero has completed three clinical trials with the company’s lead iron chelator, SP-420. AbFero Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is based in Boston, Massachusetts, and our subsidiary, AbFero, Ltd., is located in Harwell, UK. For more information, go to: https://www.abferopharmaceuticals.com.
ABfero appoints jeff harder VP for Administration and General Counsel
August 31, 2020
AbFero, Inc., a privately-held clinical stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to treating diseases of iron overload, today announced the appointment of Jeff Harder as Vice President for Administration and General Counsel. Mr. Harder, who as a Texas-based attorney has more than 30 years’ experience working with venture capitalists, technology and life science companies, and entrepreneurs, brings a deep expertise in public and private financings, corporate compliance, and overall business matters to AbFero.
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“We welcome Jeff, who is coming aboard as we’re rapidly approaching an inflection point,” said Thomas X. Neenan, CEO of AbFero. “Until recently, the role of iron as a therapeutic target has been underappreciated, but emerging data is refocusing attention on potential therapies. With our small molecule clinical stage pipeline, AbFero is developing iron chelators for multiple indications. Jeff’s depth of experience is mission critical to AbFero at this juncture.”
SP-420, AbFero’s lead chelator, has completed three Phase 1 clinical safety trials. The company’s initial focus is in transfusion related iron overload (TIO). With SP-420’s ability to cross the blood-brain and blood-retinal barriers, AbFero has expanded its pipeline to include therapeutic approaches to local iron overload implicated in neurodegenerative and retinal diseases.
“I’m delighted to join AbFero’s committed leadership team, in particular because the company’s technology is based upon discoveries by University of Florida Professor Ray Bergeron, whom I’ve worked with before,” Jeff Harder said. “Bergeron technology coupled with AbFero’s strategic expansion of its pipeline from transfusion related iron-overload to neurodegenerative and retinal indications made this a compelling opportunity. My corporate development experience will help AbFero achieve its mission of developing novel therapies for iron overload conditions.”
Mr. Harder brings extensive experience in corporate development and governance to AbFero’s management team. He was VP for Corporate Development and General Counsel at The ForeFront Group, Inc., a Nasdaq listed public company that he took public. Under his leadership, Forefront subsequently sold to CBG Group PLLC for nearly $160 million. He also served on the board of several public and private companies, including Repros Therapeutics, Inc., and Sun BioPharma, Inc. Mr. Harder obtained his undergrad degree at Valparaiso University with highest distinction and his juris doctor at the University of Illinois.
About AbFero
AbFero Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a privately-held clinical stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to treating diseases of iron overload. Our therapeutic platform addresses transfusional iron overload (TIO) and iron accumulation associated with retinal and neurologic diseases including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Parkinson’s disease, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). AbFero has completed three clinical trials with the company’s lead iron chelator, SP-420. AbFero Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is based in Boston, Massachusetts, and our subsidiary, AbFero, Ltd., is located in Harwell, UK.
Investor & Media Contact:
Mih-Ho Cha
mcha@abfero.com
UF Innovate Ventures Invests in AbFero Pharmaceuticals (UF Innovate)
July 2020
The University of Florida’s newly established venture fund, directed by UF Innovate | Ventures, has invested part of its inaugural fund in AbFero Pharmaceuticals, Inc. UF Innovate Ventures is acting as a follow-on investor to the lead investor Longwall Ventures from the United Kingdom.
AbFero’s therapeutic platform addresses transfusion-related iron overload and iron accumulation associated with retinal and neurologic diseases including age-related macular degeneration, Parkinson’s disease, and traumatic brain injury. The Boston-based company has completed three clinical trials with SP-420, its lead iron chelator molecule.
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“We are pleased to invest part of fiscal year 2020’s venture fund in AbFero. This is particularly rewarding as Dr. Ray Bergeron, the company’s chief scientific officer and co-founder, has had a long, prolific relationship with our office, and he has dedicated his career to drug discovery and development in iron overload diseases,” said Jim O’Connell, director of UF Innovate.
“We’re delighted that UF Innovate has chosen AbFero Pharmaceuticals as one of the venture fund’s earliest investments. It’s a meaningful vote of confidence from a leader in university innovation impact, and it marks another milestone in a long-standing relationship between AbFero and Prof. Raymond Bergeron, who is a pioneer in the field of iron chelation,” says AbFero CEO Thomas X. Neenan, Ph.D.
“The role of iron as a therapeutic target has been underappreciated to date, but emerging data suggests iron accumulation plays a key role in neurodegenerative and age-related diseases,” Neenan notes. “AbFero has a particular interest in the role of iron in those diseases – specifically Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and macular degeneration. Our brain-penetrant, small molecule chelator platform may prove to be an important addition to existing therapies.”
“Iron overload is implicated in several major diseases in addition to transfusion iron overload. We are very excited about the large potential for the drug developed by Dr. Bergeron to address multiple indications,” said Jackson Streeter, M.D., director of UF Innovate | Ventures.
“We’ve long valued our collaborative relationship with UF,” adds Neenan. “We’re now looking forward to joining UF’s innovation ecosystem and, with UF Innovate’s support, AbFero is moving closer to fulfilling our mission to develop novel therapies for diseases of iron overload.”
About UF Innovate | Ventures
Since 1985, more than 200 companies have formed by licensing technologies from the University of Florida. UF Innovate | Ventures seeks to fuel consistent growth in the number and quality of technology-based startup companies. These startups move UF inventions out of the lab and into the marketplace for the global good. Ventures supports startups by developing entrepreneurs, connecting companies to potential investors, and making equity investments.
About AbFero Pharmaceuticals
AbFero Pharmaceuticals is a privately-held clinical-stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to treating diseases of iron overload. Our therapeutic platform addresses transfusion-related iron overload (TIO) and iron accumulation associated with retinal and neurologic diseases including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Parkinson’s disease, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). AbFero has completed three clinical trials with the company’s lead iron chelator, SP-420. AbFero Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is based in Boston, Massachusetts, and our subsidiary, AbFero, Ltd., is located in Harwell, UK.
About Longwall Venture Partners LLP
Longwall Venture Partners LLP invests in innovative start-up and early-stage businesses in the healthcare, science, and engineering sectors. The firm is currently making investments from its third £75M fund. Longwall is based in Harwell, UK.
Raymond J. Bergeron, Ph.D.
Internationally recognized as a pioneer of iron chelator technology, Dr. Raymond Bergeron is Chief Scientific Officer and a founder of AbFero Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Bergeron is Professor Emeritus, Medicinal Chemistry and Duckworth eminent scholar of drug development, University of Florida, and is a Charter Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). Dr. Bergeron has dedicated his career to drug discovery and development in iron overload diseases and cancer with prolific results: he has published more than 200 papers, generated more than 200 patents, and six of his discoveries have reached human clinical trials. Dr. Bergeron graduated from Clark University, earned his Ph.D. in chemistry from Brandeis University, and was a post-doctoral fellow with Nobel Laureate Konrad Bloch at Harvard University.
Media Contact:
Sara Dagen
Communications Manager
UF Innovate
saradagen@ufl.edu
(352) 294-0998
http://innovate.research.ufl.edu
UF Innovate | Ventures:
Jackson Streeter
Director
jstreeter@ufl.edu
(352) 392-8929
http://innovate.research.ufl.edu./ventures/
Company Contact:
Mih-Ho Cha
mhca@abfero.com
https://abfero.com
SP-420 INdications
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Dedicated to treating diseases of iron overload
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