Antiva Biosciences, a US-based human papilloma virus (HPV) therapy developer, raised $15m yesterday in a series C1 round featuring Brace Pharma Capital, the investment arm of pharmaceutical firm EMS.
Hillhouse Capital Management led the round, while spinout-focused investment firm Osage University Partners, Sirona Capital, Canaan Partners, Sofinnova Ventures and Lumira Capital also took part.
Founded in 2012, Antiva is developing topical therapeutics for conditions caused by HPV infection. Its lead candidate, ABI-1968, is currently undergoing two phase 1b clinical studies for precancerous conditions affecting the cervix and the anus, respectively.
The funding will enable the company to launch additional clinical trials for both indications and prepare phase 2 studies for the second half of 2019. Hillhouse will appoint a representative to Antiva’s board of directors in connection with its investment.
Antiva is commercialising research by Karl Hostetler, professor of medicine emeritus at University of California San Diego,’s School of Medicine.
Brace Pharma led Antiva’s $22m series C round in March 2017, investing with Osage University Partners, NS Investment, Canaan, Sofinnova and Alexandria Venture Investments, the VC arm of real estate investment trust Alexandria Real Estate Equities.
Canaan and Sofinnova previously co-led the company’s $16m series B round in 2015, after it had secured a total of $4m from undisclosed backers in 2013 and 2014.
– The original version of this article appeared on our sister site, Global University Venturing.