Gotham is a pioneer in the field of RNA biology, translating novel biological discoveries from the lab of Samie Jaffrey, M.D., Ph.D., co-founder of Gotham and now an advisor to 858. To accelerate the development of its pipeline, 858 has acquired Gotham Therapeutics for undisclosed terms. The platform includes a suite of proprietary in vitro biochemical and biophysical assays, as well as cellular assays. Until now, however, it has been challenging to address many of these enzyme targets because of a dearth of assays and challenges in creating chemical matter with drug-like properties.Ĩ58 has built a platform to assess the impact of RNA-modifying proteins on disease biology and has generated a pipeline of small molecules against priority targets. There is an increasing appreciation that RNA modifications play a large role in numerous forms of cancer due to their direct influence on gene expression, tumorigenesis and immune-sensing pathways. RNA modulation as a broad and untapped field “We are also pleased to have such strong support from NEA, Cormorant, and Logos as we develop an internal pipeline of precision oncology drug candidates.” "The launch of 858 builds on our long-standing relationship with Versant in San Diego and leverages our prior experiences in both nucleic acid metabolism and innate immunity,” said Dr. Behind these, the company is pursuing emerging cancer targets in other pathways. The management team has been responsible for the discovery of over 20 drug candidates that have advanced into clinical trials, including the approved drugs Votrient TM (pazopanib) and Nesina TM (alogliptin).Ĩ58’s lead programs focus on the emerging fields of RNA modulation and innate immune pathways in cancer and expand upon insights from over 10 years of work by the founders at predecessor companies. Amira developed anti-fibrotic small molecules and was acquired by Bristol-Myers Squibb in 2011. Quanticel developed DNA-modulating drug candidates and was acquired by Celgene in 2015. Jecure developed therapies against innate immunity targets to treat serious inflammatory diseases and was acquired by Genentech in 2018. They previously held leadership roles at three other San Diego-based discovery companies co-founded by Versant including Jecure Therapeutics, Quanticel Pharmaceuticals and Amira Pharmaceuticals. Proceeds are being used to develop a portfolio of small molecules directed against novel therapeutic targets in oncology, including proteins that regulate RNA and the innate immune response.Ĩ58’s founding team includes CEO Jeffrey Stafford, Ph.D., CSO James Veal, Ph.D., and VP of Biology Gretchen Bain, Ph.D.
MODO 801 RELEASE SERIES
SAN DIEGO-( BUSINESS WIRE)-858 Therapeutics today exited stealth mode with a $60 million Series A financing led by founding investor Versant Ventures, with participation from NEA, Cormorant Asset Management and Logos Capital.