FPWR's Venture Philanthropy program makes direct investments in early stage companies focused on advancing the development of new treatments to address some of the most challenging symptoms associated with PWS. FPWR identifies and invests in companies with the aim of de-risking and accelerating drug development. Unlike venture capitalists, whose primary objective is a financial return, FPWR is willing to take on a higher-level of risk because our objective is to provide the assistance needed to develop new treatments for PWS.
Companies interested in funding may submit a preliminary application along with scientific detail on their work. Applications are reviewed by both scientific and biotech experts who provide a recommendation to FPWR's Venture Philanthropy Committee, comprised of individuals with highly relevant drug development expertise.
Investments to date:
Inversago Pharma
Inversago is focused on the development of peripherally-restricted CB1 receptor (CB1) antagonists / inverse agonists for the treatment of Prader-Willi Syndrome. Their compound, INV-10, currently in pre-clinical testing, targets hyperphagia and some behavioral aspects of PWS. A phase I trial is planned for later this year.
Beryl Therapeutics
Beryl Therapeutics is an early stage company focused on bone density/strength in PWS. Beryl has licensed two compounds, Oleoyl Serine (OS, HU639) and methyl-OS (M-OS, HU671), previously shown by FPWR funded researcher, Yossi Tam, to improve bone density and strength in PWS models, and will be moving these compounds through the drug development pipeline.
Additional investments coming soon!
If you are interested in learning more about this program or possibly investing please contact our CEO, John Walter john.walter@fpwr.org. Companies wishing to submit an application may complete this form and return to john.walter@fpwr.org.
