Achaogen is a technology company.
Achaogen is a technology company.
Achaogen has raised $117.0M across 4 funding rounds.
Achaogen has raised $117.0M in total across 4 funding rounds.
Achaogen was a biotechnology company founded in 2004 in South San Francisco, California, focused on discovering and developing small-molecule antibiotics to treat serious bacterial infections, particularly those caused by multi-drug resistant (MDR) gram-negative pathogens.[1][4] Its lead product, plazomicin, targeted MDR Enterobacteriaceae including carbapenem-resistant strains, while other programs like the SOS-pathway (inhibiting bacterial resistance with fluoroquinolones), aminoglycoside compounds, and C-Scape (an oral combination of clavulanate and ceftibuten for beta-lactamase producers) aimed to address hospital-acquired infections.[1][3] The company raised $115.9M but ceased operations in March 2021 after clinical and financial challenges discontinued its pipeline, including plazomicin.[1][3]
Achaogen emerged in 2004 amid rising concerns over antibiotic-resistant "superbugs," positioning itself to tackle gram-negative bacterial infections where few treatments existed.[1][4] Key details on specific founders are not detailed in available records, but the company quickly advanced multiple programs: its SOS-pathway for resistance inhibition, aminoglycoside efforts against resistant pathogens, and internal hospital-acquired infection initiatives.[1] Pivotal early traction included plazomicin's development for MDR Enterobacteriaceae and clinical trials starting as early as 2017, alongside government grants supporting its biotech mission.[1][3][5] It went public under ticker AKAO, operating from 1 Tower Pl. in South San Francisco.[4]
Achaogen rode the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis, a global health threat amplified by hospital superbugs like MDR Enterobacteriaceae, where market forces favored novel antibiotics amid regulatory incentives like FDA Qualified Infectious Disease Product designation.[1][3] Its timing aligned with post-2000s pharma pullback from antibiotics, filling a void in gram-negative treatments—a trend still critical as resistance surges.[1] Though it ceased operations, Achaogen influenced the ecosystem by advancing plazomicin to market (pre-bankruptcy approval) and highlighting biotech risks in antibiotics, spurring investor caution and policy pushes for sustainable funding.[1][3][5]
Achaogen's 2021 shutdown underscores biotech pitfalls in antibiotics—high R&D costs, reimbursement hurdles, and trial failures despite promising science like plazomicin.[1][3] No revival is evident post-closure, with assets likely acquired or shelved.[1] Shaping its legacy: escalating AMR trends will boost demand for similar innovations, potentially evolving its tech through acquirers, tying back to its core fight against untreatable infections.[1]
Achaogen has raised $117.0M in total across 4 funding rounds.
Achaogen's investors include 5AM Ventures, Kleiner Perkins, Oak HC/FT, SR One, Venrock.
Achaogen has raised $117.0M across 4 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $19.0M Series D in March 2013.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 1, 2013 | $19.0M Series D | 5AM Ventures, Kleiner Perkins, Oak HC/FT, SR One, Venrock | |
| Apr 1, 2010 | $56.0M Series C | 5AM Ventures, Kleiner Perkins, Oak HC/FT, SR One, Venrock | |
| Oct 1, 2006 | $26.0M Series B | 5AM Ventures, Kleiner Perkins, Oak HC/FT, SR One, Venrock | |
| Jul 1, 2004 | $16.0M Series A | Kleiner Perkins, Oak HC/FT, Venrock |