What is Imara?
Imara, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical firm dedicated to the development of novel therapeutics for patients suffering from sickle cell disease and other hemoglobinopathies. The company's primary asset, IMR-687, is a highly selective, potent small molecule inhibitor of PDE9. This therapeutic candidate is engineered to mitigate red blood cell sickling and reduce the adherence of white blood cells to vascular walls, thereby addressing the underlying pathology of vaso-occlusive crises. Currently, the firm is advancing IMR-687 through multi-national Phase 2a clinical trials, with expansion plans targeting pediatric populations and patients with beta thalassemia, positioning the company as a critical player in the hematology innovation landscape.
How much funding has Imara raised?
Imara has raised a total of $94M across 2 funding rounds:
Series A
$31M
Series B
$63M
Series A (2016): $31M with participation from Alexandria Venture Investments., Lundbeckfond Ventures, New Enterprise Associates, and Bay City Capital
Series B (2019): $63M, investors not publicly disclosed
Key Investors in Imara
Alexandria Venture Investments
A real estate investment trust specializing in properties for the life sciences industry, providing essential infrastructure for pharmaceutical and biotechnology research entities.
Lundbeckfond Ventures
A commercial research foundation based in Denmark that manages an international portfolio of venture capital investments focused on biomedical and brain research.
New Enterprise Associates
A prominent venture capital firm established in 1977 that provides strategic support and capital to entrepreneurs building transformative businesses across various sectors.
What's next for Imara?
With the recent capital injection, Imara is well-positioned to accelerate its clinical development roadmap. The strategic focus remains on the successful execution of ongoing Phase 2a studies and the initiation of pediatric clinical trials. As the company matures, the emphasis will likely shift toward regulatory milestones and potential commercialization strategies for IMR-687. The firm's ability to maintain its development momentum will be pivotal in establishing a new standard of care for patients with chronic blood disorders, ultimately driving long-term value for stakeholders and improving patient outcomes in the global life sciences market.
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