FPWR Venture Philanthropy Program

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:

Essentialis (now Soleno Therapeutics)

Soleno Therapeutics is developing novel therapeutics for rare diseases. Their lead drug, DCCR, has completed a phase 3 trial in PWS and shows promise in addressing hyperphagia, as well as several other symptoms such as aggressive/destructive behaviors, fat mass, and abnormal lipid profiles.

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.

Lipidio Pharmaceuticals

Focused on developing drugs to treat diseases associated with excess body fat and its lead program, GDD3898, is being investigated for the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH),  Prader Willi syndrome (PWS) and anti-psychotic drug induced weight gain (AIWG).

Aardvark Therapeutics

Aardvark Therapeutics, Inc. is focused on small molecule therapeutics that activate innate homeostatic pathways. Their lead product, ARD-101,  has demonstrated safety and efficacy in a number of metabolic and inflammatory disease models and is now entering a Phase 2 study in Prader-Willi syndrome. ARD-101 is a first-in-class oral therapeutic that is gut restricted, yet conveys systemic effects via activation of gut peptide hormone secretion. 

Additional investments coming soon!

If you are interested in learning more about this program or possibly investing please contact Theresa Strong, director of research programs.  Companies wishing to submit an application may complete this form and return to Theresa.Strong@fpwr.org