Osage University Partners has returned to back a series C1 round for Antiva, which is developing treatments for HPV and is based on research at UC San Diego.
Antiva Biosciences, a US-based human papilloma virus (HPV) therapy developer spun out from University of California (UC) San Diego, raised $15m in a series C1 round yesterday featuring spinout-focused investment firm Osage University Partners.
Hillhouse Capital Management led the round, while Brace Pharma, the investment division of pharmaceutical firm EMS, Sirona Capital, Canaan Partners, Sofinnova Ventures and Lumira Capital also took part.
Founded in 2012, Antiva is developing topical therapeutics for conditions caused by HPV infection. Antiva’s lead candidate, ABI-1968, is currently undergoing two phase 1b clinical studies for precancerous conditions affecting the cervix and the anus, respectively.
The funding will enable Antiva to launch additional clinical trials for both indications and prepare phase 2 studies in the second half of 2019.
The spinout is commercialising research by Karl Hostetler, professor of medicine emeritus at UC San Diego’s School of Medicine. Hillhouse Capital Management will appoint a representative to Antiva’s board of directors.
Antiva raised $22m in a series C round in March 2017 led by Brace Pharma, with participation from Osage University Partners, NS Investment, Canaan, Sofinnova and Alexandria Venture Investments, the VC arm of real estate investment trust Alexandria Real Estate Equities.
Canaan and Sofinnova previously co-led a $16m series B round in 2015, after Antiva had obtained a total of $4m from undisclosed backers in 2013 and 2014.
