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§ Private Profile · South San Francisco, CA, USA
Biotechnology company developing direct-acting antiviral medicines targeting viral diseases like RSV and Hepatitis C.
Alios BioPharma was a South San Francisco, California-based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing targeted antiviral therapies for respiratory syncytial virus, hepatitis C, and other emerging pathogens. Founded in 2008 by Lawrence M. Blatt, the privately held biotechnology firm raised approximately $74 million in venture capital funding from notable institutional investors, including SR One and Novo Ventures. The organization dedicated its early clinical research and drug development efforts to advancing a pipeline of direct-acting antiviral agents optimized for patient safety, potency, and tolerability. In November 2014, the enterprise was acquired by the major healthcare conglomerate Johnson & Johnson for $1.75 billion in cash and integrated into its Janssen Pharmaceuticals division. Following the acquisition, the parent organization faced clinical holds and ultimately discontinued the development of the acquired company's lead respiratory viral drug candidate, lumicitabine, in 2018.
Alios BioPharma has raised $74.0M across 4 funding rounds.
Alios BioPharma has raised $74.0M in total across 4 funding rounds.
Alios BioPharma has raised $74.0M in total across 4 funding rounds.
Alios BioPharma's investors include Apollo Health Ventures, Red Tree Venture Capital, Roche Venture Fund, dRx Capital, Novo Ventures, Roche, SR One, Vivo Capital.
Alios BioPharma was a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel antiviral therapies for viral diseases, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), hepatitis B and C, HIV, influenza, and emerging pathogens like SARS.[1][2][3][4] Headquartered in South San Francisco, CA, it built therapies using platform technologies such as small molecule activators of innate immunity (e.g., RNase L activation), phosphate-protected nucleotide prodrugs, and glycoprotein-engineered interferons (Glycoferon).[1][2] The company served patients with high unmet needs in acute and chronic viral infections, particularly infants with RSV—the last major pediatric disease without effective therapy at the time—and raised $73M before its acquisition.[1][3] Its lead asset, AL-8176, reached Phase 2 for RSV, with other candidates like AL-794 and AL-611 advancing but later discontinued post-acquisition.[3][6]
Founded in 2006 (with some sources noting 2007), Alios BioPharma emerged from experienced biotech leaders addressing gaps in antiviral treatments.[1][5] Key figures included scientists like Dr. B., who progressed from Amgen (leading interferon research and FDA-approved Infergen) to VP roles at SIRNA (Ribozyme Pharmaceuticals) and National Genetics Institute, driving transitions to siRNA tech acquired by Merck.[2] Other contributors had backgrounds at Enanta Pharmaceuticals, Mitotix, and Ribozyme, with expertise in drug discovery, chemistry, and startups like Akikoa Pharmaceuticals.[2] The idea stemmed from unmet needs in viral diseases; early traction built through innovative platforms targeting respiratory viruses and chronic infections, culminating in a $1.75B acquisition by Johnson & Johnson in November 2014.[1][3][7]
Alios rode the early 2010s wave of antiviral innovation, amid rising focus on respiratory viruses (RSV, influenza) and chronic infections (HCV, HBV) as global health threats, accelerated by pandemics like SARS and H1N1.[1][2][3] Timing was ideal: pre-2014, RSV lacked therapies despite affecting most children, while HCV treatments evolved rapidly; Alios's platforms complemented big pharma pipelines.[3] Market forces favored it—biotech M&A boomed, with J&J acquiring to strengthen Janssen's infectious disease area amid unmet pediatric needs.[3] Post-acquisition, it influenced Janssen's ecosystem by integrating AL-8176 and HCV assets, though many programs (e.g., AL-794, NVR-3-778) were discontinued, highlighting acquisition risks in volatile antiviral R&D.[6]
Since its 2014 acquisition by Johnson & Johnson for $1.75B, Alios BioPharma no longer operates independently; its assets integrated into Janssen, with AL-8176 advancing RSV efforts but others discontinued.[1][3][6] Next steps for its legacy involve Janssen's ongoing infectious disease pipeline, potentially reviving platforms amid post-COVID antiviral demand. Trends like mRNA vaccines and novel RSV approvals (e.g., recent market entries) could reshape influences, but Alios's story underscores biotech's high-stakes path—from viral therapy pioneer to absorbed innovator—tying back to its core mission of filling critical gaps in antiviral medicine.[3]
Alios BioPharma has raised $74.0M across 4 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $41.0M Series B in April 2014.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 1, 2014 | $41M Series B | — | Apollo Health Ventures, RED Tree Venture Capital, Roche Venture Fund, DRX Capital, Novo Ventures, Roche, SR ONE | Announced |
| Jan 1, 2010 | $1M Series U | — | Vivo Capital | Announced |
| Jun 1, 2009 | $24M Series A | — | RED Tree Venture Capital, Roche Venture Fund | Announced |
| Feb 1, 2009 | $8M Series A | — | RED Tree Venture Capital, Roche Venture Fund | Announced |