Cambridge biotech startup NodThera, which is working on new treatments for chronic inflammation diseases, has raised $40 million growth capital in a completed Series A round. NodThera is based at Chesterford Research Park.

The Series A second closing was co-led by leading healthcare investors Sofinnova Partners and 5AM Ventures, with further participation from Epidarex Capital and F-Prime Capital Partners. 

NodThera was created and seed funded by life science investor, Epidarex Capital in 2016 based on earlier research conducted at Selvita, a Polish drug discovery company which remains a shareholder in NodThera. 

Henrijette Richter, PhD, managing partner of Sofinnova Partners and Scott Rocklage, PhD, founding partner of 5AM Ventures will both join the board with Richter serving as chair.

Alan Watt (pictured), chief scientific officer and acting CEO, said: “Selective NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition represents one of the most exciting and promising approaches to treating diseases caused by chronic inflammation.
 
“We believe this approach has the potential to transform the treatment of patients suffering from these diseases where there are limited or no treatment options available. 

“NodThera is committed to discovering and developing first-in-class molecules in our core disease areas and working with the best partners in this space to address other chronic inflammation driven therapeutic areas.

“Together with our highly experienced management team, a strong scientific advisory board and the support of our international blue-chip investors, we are fully equipped to achieve our future goals.”

NodThera is developing small molecule inhibitors of the NLRP3 inflammasome, a multi-protein complex which initiates an innate immune response in the body.

Its next generation approach could bring new treatment options to patients in areas where current standard of care is sub-optimal or non-existent across a wide range of therapeutic areas related to chronic inflammation. 

The NodThera strategy is to develop its leading drug candidate through to proof-of-concept in humans in an inflammatory disease and to bring forward further drug candidates specifically addressing high unmet medical needs such as neurodegenerative diseases and certain cancers.

In addition to its Chesterford Research Park base, NodThera has offices in  Seattle WA and Boston MA.