Aeovian Pharmaceuticals
Overview
Aeovian Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development of targeted therapies for rare and age-related diseases. Founded in 2012 by Stelios Tzannis, Ph.D., and Brian Kennedy, Ph.D., the company is based in Berkeley, California. As of 2024, Aeovian has successfully raised over $87.8 million from investors including Hevolution Foundation and Apollo Health Ventures. Their flagship development candidate, AV078, aims to treat neurological conditions associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) by selectively inhibiting mTORC1 pathway, a therapeutic target in cellular metabolic quality control.
Recent Developments
In the last year, Aeovian Pharmaceuticals has made significant strides in its operations:
- March 2024: Aeovian raised another $50 million in a follow-on funding round led by Hevolution Foundation, increasing the total Series A financing extension to $87 million. The funds are earmarked for completing Phase 1 human clinical trials of their lead candidate AV078, intended to treat seizures in TSC patients.
- March 2024: The company announced the dosing of the first cohort of participants in their Phase 1 clinical trial for AV078. This marks a crucial step towards developing an effective treatment for TSC refractory epilepsy.
- March 2024: Aeovian expanded its leadership with William Greene, M.D., and Justin Gover joining the board, bringing substantial industry expertise and experience.
- November 2023: Hevolution Foundation's investment in Aeovian was part of its broader mandate to advance therapeutic solutions for aging and related disorders, signaling pronounced confidence in Aeovian’s potential contributions to geroscience.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2012 |
| Headquarters | Berkeley, California |
| Founders | Stelios Tzannis, Ph.D., Brian Kennedy, Ph.D. |
| Revenue | Not publicly disclosed |
| Profits | Not publicly disclosed |
| Key Investors | Hevolution Foundation, Apollo Health Ventures |
| Industry | Drug Discovery |
| Number of Employees | 9 |
Early History
Aeovian Pharmaceuticals was originally known as Delos Pharmaceuticals, incubated at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging. The founders envisioned a company focusing on innovative approaches to treating rare genetic diseases and age-associated conditions, leveraging breakthroughs in selective inhibition of mTORC1 pathway. Over the years, Aeovian has developed proprietary compounds aimed at restoring cellular metabolic control, which has been central to their mission of addressing unmet medical needs in orphan neurological conditions.
Company Profile and Achievements
Aeovian Pharmaceuticals operates as a clinical-stage biotechnology company engaged in the discovery and development of innovative therapeutics designed to treat rare and age-related diseases. Their operational model is centered on novel small, highly selective molecules targeting dysfunctional cellular pathways. Key milestones include:
- 2012: Company founded and began developing its proprietary therapeutic platform.
- 2019: Completed Series A financing round, raising $37 million to advance mTORC1 inhibitors into clinical trials for rare diseases.
- 2023-2024: Strengthened leadership and advisory boards with industry veterans, including former GW Pharmaceuticals CEO.
- 2024: Launched Phase 1 clinical trial for AV078, aiming to offer more effective treatment options for TSC refractory epilepsy by selectively targeting mTORC1.
Current Operations and Market Position
Aeovian's current focus is on advancing its lead candidate AV078 through clinical trials, aiming to address significant therapeutic gaps in TSC-driven epilepsy. The company holds a distinct position in the niche market of targeted therapies for rare neurological conditions, supported by robust financial backing and strategic partnerships with entities like Hevolution Foundation. Aeovian's strength lies in its scientifically rigorous approach to drug development, with prospective applicability beyond TSC to broader age-related disorders due to their innovative therapeutic platform.
Conclusion
Aeovian Pharmaceuticals stands at the forefront of therapeutic research and development for rare genetic and age-related disorders. With sustained financial and strategic support, the company is poised to redefine treatment paradigms for conditions associated with mTORC1 hyperactivation, particularly in TSC-backed epilepsy. Going forward, Aeovian’s progress in clinical trials and potential market entry represents a significant leap in offering alternative solutions in the fields of age-related disease management.