What is Zafgen?
Founded in 2005, Zafgen operates at the intersection of advanced biotechnology and metabolic health. The company focuses on the research and development of novel therapeutics designed to treat complex conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. By leveraging a deep understanding of metabolic pathways, Zafgen aims to provide transformative medical solutions for patients with significant unmet needs. Its market position is bolstered by a robust history of financing from top-tier life science investors, enabling the company to transition from early-stage discovery to more advanced clinical development phases.
How much funding has Zafgen raised?
Zafgen has raised a total of $248.2M across 7 funding rounds:
Series A
$5.2M
Series B
$28M
Series C
$33M
Series D
$21M
Other Financing Round
$45M
Debt
$20M
Stock Offering
$96M
Series A (2006): $5.2M with participation from GreatPoint Energy and Atlas Ventures
Series B (2010): $28M led by Third Rock Ventures, GreatPoint Energy, and Atlas Ventures
Series C (2011): $33M supported by Atlas Venture and Third Rock Ventures
Series D (2012): $21M featuring Third Rock Ventures, Atlas Ventures, and Alta Partners
Other Financing Round (2013): $45M backed by Alta Partners, RA Capital Management, Venrock, and Brookside Capital
Debt (2014): $20M with participation from Oxford Finance, LLC and MidCap Financial, LLC
Stock Issuance/Offering (2014): $96M, investors not publicly disclosed
Key Investors in Zafgen
Atlas Venture
A pioneering early-stage venture capital firm focused on creating and building breakthrough biotechnology companies that translate cutting-edge science into life-changing medicines.
Third Rock Ventures
A healthcare venture firm focused on disruptive areas of science and medicine to discover, launch, and build companies that make a dramatic difference in people's lives.
Alta Partners
A prominent venture capital firm specializing in healthcare and life sciences, dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs in building impactful companies since 1996.
What's next for Zafgen?
Following the recent infusion of capital, Zafgen is positioned to accelerate its core therapeutic programs. The strategic focus remains on optimizing clinical trial outcomes and refining its drug development platform to meet regulatory milestones. As the company matures, the emphasis will likely shift toward scaling its operational capabilities and exploring potential commercialization pathways. The continued support from its established investor base provides the necessary runway to navigate the high-risk, high-reward landscape of biopharmaceutical innovation, ensuring that the firm remains at the forefront of metabolic disease research.
See full Zafgen company page
