What is Cempra?
Cempra, Inc. is dedicated to addressing the unmet needs in infectious disease treatment within North America. The company's primary focus is on solithromycin, an anti-infective currently in Phase III trials for community-acquired bacterial pneumonia in both adult and pediatric populations, as well as for ophthalmic infections. Additionally, Cempra is developing fusidic acid, another antibiotic in Phase III trials for acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections. Beyond these core candidates, the company is exploring broader applications for its macrolide platform, including non-infectious disease programs and treatments for conditions such as diabetic gastroparesis and gastroesophageal reflux disease. The company was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
How much funding has Cempra raised?
Cempra has raised a total of $194M across 8 funding rounds:
Series B
$10M
Private Equity
$25.5M
Series C
$46M
Debt
$5M
Stock Offering
$50.4M
Private Equity
$25.1M
Private Equity
$10M
Series A
$22M
Series B (2007): $10M with participation from Aisling Capital, I. Wistar Morris III, Intersouth Partners, and Optimer Pharmaceuticals
Private Equity (2009): $25.5M, investors not publicly disclosed
Series C (2009): $46M, investors not publicly disclosed
Debt (2011): $5M, investors not publicly disclosed
Stock Issuance/Offering (2012): $50.4M, investors not publicly disclosed
Private Equity (2012): $25.1M, investors not publicly disclosed
Private Equity (2016): $10M led by Toyama Chemical
Series A (2020): $22M supported by Intersouth Partners and I. Wistar Morris
Key Investors in Cempra
Aisling Capital
Aisling Capital is a prominent investment firm focused on innovative healthcare products and services, with a specialization in biopharmaceutical development. They invest in companies targeting areas like genomically defined cancers and neuroscience compounds.
Toyama Chemical
Toyama Chemical Co., Ltd., a Fujifilm Group company, is dedicated to developing innovative medicines in infectious diseases, neurological diseases, and inflammatory diseases, aiming to enhance global healthcare through new drug development.
Intersouth Partners
Intersouth Partners is a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage companies, particularly within the healthcare and technology sectors, providing strategic guidance and capital to foster growth.
What's next for Cempra?
With the recent infusion of major strategic capital, Cempra is poised to advance its robust pipeline. The enterprise-level backing suggests confidence from investors in the company's therapeutic approach and the potential market impact of solithromycin and fusidic acid. Future developments will likely center on completing pivotal Phase III trials, seeking regulatory approvals, and preparing for the commercial launch of its key drug candidates. Continued investment in its macrolide platform may also lead to diversification and expansion into new therapeutic areas, solidifying Cempra's position in the competitive pharmaceutical landscape.
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