Brixton Biosciences
Overview
Brixton Biosciences is a pioneering clinical-stage life sciences company specializing in developing novel, drug-free therapies for managing chronic and acute pain. Established in 2018 as a spin-out from Massachusetts General Brigham, the company is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Brixton focuses on innovative pain management solutions, with its flagship platform Neural Ice™ aiming to revolutionize pain treatment through non-addictive, long-lasting nerve block injections. The company has successfully raised $33 million in a Series B funding round, led by Schooner Capital, with notable participation from investors such as SV Health Investors and Catalyst Health Ventures.
Recent Developments
- May 14, 2024: Brixton Biosciences announced it secured $33 million in a Series B funding round. The capital is aimed at advancing its Neural Ice™ technology, focusing on clinical trials for knee-related pain both in osteoarthritis and post-surgery scenarios. Key personnel appointments, such as Dr. Michael Fishman as Chief Medical Officer, were also made to spearhead these endeavors.
- October 25, 2023: The company's Coolio™ Therapy, now branded as Neural Ice™, received the Breakthrough Device Designation from the FDA. This recognition highlighted the potential of its innovative, non-invasive therapy to transform both chronic and acute pain management practices.
- First-In-Human Study 2023: Brixton conducted its first clinical study leveraging the Neural Ice™ platform, reported to achieve a 94% response rate among patients with severe knee osteoarthritis. This study marks a significant milestone in the field of pain management by offering a long-lasting nerve block solution that bypasses traditional systemic medications.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2018 |
| Headquarters | Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA |
| Founders | Founded as a spin-out from Massachusetts General Brigham |
| Revenue | Not publicly disclosed |
| Profits | Not publicly disclosed |
| Key Investors | Schooner Capital, SV Health Investors, Catalyst Health Ventures, Sparta Group, Excelestar Ventures |
| Industry | Biotech, Pain Management |
| Number of Employees | Not publicly disclosed |
Early History
Brixton Biosciences was established in 2018 as a spin-off from Massachusetts General Brigham, driven by a mission to transform pain management through innovative, device-based therapies. The foundational work took place at Massachusetts General Hospital, where Brixton's leading technology, Neural Ice™, was conceptualized. This device primarily aims to address the limitations of traditional pain management, such as the reliance on short-acting anesthetics and opioids. Initial research was rooted in exploiting existing knowledge in localized nerve desensitization, leading to the development of a potentially groundbreaking, long-lasting pain relief solution.
Company Profile and Achievements
Brixton Biosciences operates as a clinical-stage biotech company focusing on developing therapies that promise non-invasive, drug-free pain relief. The company's flagship product, Neural Ice™, is positioned to offer several advantages over traditional pain medications, emphasizing its long-term efficacy and safety.
- Neural Ice™ Platform: Designed to offer an ultra-long-lasting nerve block, Neural Ice™ aims to provide significant relief for months with a simple injection. Early studies report a high response rate, underscoring its potential impact on pain management.
- Funding and Investment: A $33 million Series B funding round, completed in May 2024, emphasizes Brixton's growth and the industry's confidence in its innovations. Funds will support further clinical trials, focusing initially on knee pain.
- Collaborations and Leadership: Brixton's strategic partnerships and the engagement of industry veterans like Dr. Michael Fishman reflect its commitment to achieving clinical and market success. The company continually expands its focus beyond knee-related pain management, exploring applications in other musculoskeletal conditions.
Current Operations and Market Position
Brixton Biosciences is at the forefront of devising alternatives to opioid and traditional analgesics, addressing a critical gap in contemporary pain treatment. Its operations, based primarily in Cambridge, leverage research and clinical partnerships to expand the Neural Ice™ platform's indications to broader pain areas, including potential applications for shoulder pain post-knee expansion. The venture's strategic move into pivotal clinical trials signifies its firm position and future potential in the biotech industry, promising a transformative shift in how acute and chronic pain is addressed globally.
Conclusion
Brixton Biosciences exemplifies innovation in pain management, promising an innovative future for treating chronic and acute pain through its Neural Ice™ platform. As the company moves towards robust clinical validations and potential FDA approvals, its influence is poised to grow, potentially setting a new standard in pain management, addressing significant gaps currently filled by opioids and short-action anesthetics. Brixton's progress reflects not only in its scientific advancements but also in its strategic business developments, underscored by its substantial investment backing.