SFA Therapeutics, LLC
A development-stage bio-pharmaceutical startup company
Presenter: Dr Ira C. Spector, CEO
Monday, November 13, 2017
Embassy Suites, Chesterbrook, Pennsylvania (directions)
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About
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SFA Therapeutics, LLC is a development-stage bio-pharmaceutical startup company focused on a new advancement in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, targeting NF-Kb. Chronic inflammation has been implicated in a wide range of diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn's Disease, Psoriasis, Liver Disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and even cancer. SFA’s microbiome-derived drugs are derived from natural substances identified at Temple University, and enable a new platform for developing treatments potentially aimed at over 100 inflammatory diseases currently afflicting patients; with safer treatments than current therapies. Their initial focus is in Psoriasis and Liver Disease (Hepatitis B, NASH and HCC). Patents have been filed in both of these diseases, based on animal data in Liver Disease and on a small human case-controlled trial ex-US in Psoriasis. Additional patents are expected in a wide range of inflammatory diseases, including an ophthalmic disease, prenatal care and CAR-T (immuno-oncology). They are also exploring the use of their agents to prevent relapse/recurrence in several forms of cancer.
The current funding of $100K came from the founder. Their current focus is on raising $1.5M in seed capital to enable demonstration of Proof of Concept (POC) in Psoriasis, and on continuing to build their intellectual property estate. Because these drugs are derived from Generally Regarded As Safe (GRAS) substances they are not expected to require genotoxic testing, and should enable a much faster development path than traditional pharmaceuticals. Their business plan is to develop R&D and licensing partnerships with major pharmaceutical and biotech companies in each key disease indication, and to rapidly develop these into treatments for patients. Payout for these types of deals can return significant multiples on the original investments.
An alternative strategy is to build on their platform and raise a significantly higher amount of capital, to become one of the key players in the emerging microbiome-derived drugs field.
3 Major Issues
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- What is the best regulatory strategy to pursue? We can file as a supplement, as a neutraceutical, as a drug or under 5052b. Our current strategy is the drug route.
- What is the best corporate strategy to pursue? We can focus on our first product in Psoriasis or on our platform in chronic inflammatory disease. We also could pursue a rare disease. Our current focus is on funding the Phase 2A clinical trial in Psoriasis.
- What are some suggestions for additional sources of funding, especially for thr platform approach.
Program:
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6:30 - Cocktails & Dinner (Cash bar and special 2-entree buffet menu)
8:00 - Dr Ira C. Spector, CEO will deliver Greene Street's "Elevator" Pitch to the Group
8:20 - A Panel will address three major issues crucial to helping the Company reach the next level.
9:00 - Open discussion: members and guests
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