Drugmaker Strides Pharma Science has invested $15m in the first close of a series B round with a $100m target, bringing the first tranche to $35m.

India-based biopharmaceutical developer Stelis Biopharma has raised $35m in a first close of a targeted $100m series B round with a commitment from drug developer Strides Pharma Science.

The first tranche also featured unnamed, existing investors. Strides Pharma provided $15m.

Stelis, formerly Strides’ biopharmaceutical subsidiary, provides R&D, scale-up and manufacturing services. Its three lead products are used for osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and insulin analogues therapies, respectively.

In 2014, Strides Pharma agreed to sell a 25.1% stake in Stelis to GMS Holdings for…