Loading organizations...

§ Private Profile · 190 Everett Avenue, Chelsea, MA 02150
Biopharmaceutical company developing inhaled levodopa for Parkinson's disease OFF episodes using its ARCUS dry powder platform.
Civitas Therapeutics was a Chelsea, Massachusetts-based biopharmaceutical company focused on developing inhaled therapeutics using its proprietary dry powder pulmonary delivery platform. The organization primarily targeted neurological disorders, with its lead program, CVT-301, designed to treat OFF episodes in Parkinson's disease patients through an inhaled levodopa formulation. Prior to its acquisition, the company secured significant venture capital financing, including a $20 million Series A round in 2011 and a $38 million Series B round in 2013 to fund its clinical trials and manufacturing operations. These funding rounds were backed by prominent institutional investors such as Alkermes plc, Bay City Capital, and Canaan Partners. In 2014, the business was acquired by Acorda Therapeutics, which subsequently advanced the inhalation powder through further clinical trials. Civitas Therapeutics was founded in 2009 by Glenn Batchelder, Richard Batycky, and Martin Freed.
Civitas Therapeutics has raised $113.0M across 3 funding rounds.
Civitas Therapeutics has raised $113.0M in total across 3 funding rounds.
Civitas Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company specializing in inhaled neurological therapies using its proprietary ARCUS dry powder technology.[1][2][3] It developed Inbrija, an FDA-approved inhalation powder for Parkinson's disease "off" episodes, and supported production of respiratory medications, including for COVID-19 patients during the pandemic.[1][4] The company serves patients with neurological disorders like Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis (via related products Ampyra/Fampyra), addressing unmet needs in rapid symptom relief through non-invasive delivery.[1][4] Acquired by Acorda Therapeutics in 2014, it operates a research, development, and small-scale manufacturing facility in Chelsea, MA, with growth driven by clinical advancements and regulatory approvals.[1]
Civitas Therapeutics emerged as a privately-held biopharmaceutical firm focused on innovative inhaled therapeutics, with roots in developing the ARCUS platform for pulmonary delivery.[2][3][6] Prior to its 2014 acquisition by Acorda Therapeutics, the company advanced its pipeline, including Inbrija (formerly CVT-301), which entered clinical trials in 2015 and gained FDA manufacturing approval.[1] A pivotal moment came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Civitas pivoted its Chelsea, MA facility to produce urgently needed respiratory medications, despite initial regulatory hurdles for equipment expansion.[1] This acquisition and adaptation highlighted its evolution from R&D-focused startup to a key player in neurological and respiratory manufacturing.[1][6]
Civitas rides the trend of advanced drug delivery systems, particularly inhaled therapies that bypass gastrointestinal limitations for faster neurological impact, amid rising neurodegenerative disease prevalence.[2][3] Timing aligns with post-2014 biopharma consolidation and pandemic-driven respiratory manufacturing needs, amplifying its role in agile production.[1] Market forces like aging populations and demand for non-invasive Parkinson's treatments (affecting ~1M Americans) favor ARCUS tech, while influencing the ecosystem through tech licensing potential and Acorda's expanded neurology portfolio.[1][4][6]
Civitas' ARCUS platform positions it for pipeline expansion into additional inhaled therapies amid growing neurology markets. Trends like precision medicine and respiratory innovations will shape its path, potentially through new indications or partnerships. Post-acquisition integration with Acorda could evolve its influence toward broader biopharma impact, building on Inbrija's momentum and manufacturing adaptability.[1][2][4]
Civitas Therapeutics has raised $113.0M in total across 3 funding rounds.
Civitas Therapeutics's investors include 5AM Ventures, Canaan Partners, Pivotal bioVenture Partners, Sofinnova Investments, SR One Capital Management, Adage Capital Management, Alkermes, Bay City Capital, Mark Iwicki, Fountain Healthcare Partners, Longitude Capital, OrbiMed.
Civitas Therapeutics has raised $113.0M across 3 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $55.0M Series C in August 2014.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 1, 2014 | $55M Series C | — | 5AM Ventures, Canaan Partners, Pivotal BioVenture Partners, Sofinnova Investments, SR ONE, Adage Capital Management, Alkermes, BAY City Capital, Canaan Partners, Mark Iwicki, Fountain Healthcare Partners, Longitude Capital, OrbiMed, Partner Fund Management, RA Capital Management, Rock Springs Capital, Wellington Management | Announced |
| Sep 1, 2013 | $38M Series B | ROB Hopfner | 5AM Ventures, Canaan Partners, Pivotal BioVenture Partners, Sofinnova Investments, SR ONE, Alkermes, Canaan Partners, Fountain Healthcare Partners, Longitude Capital, Rajeev Shah | Announced |
| Jan 1, 2011 | $20M Series A | Canaan Partners, Longitude Capital | 5AM Ventures, Canaan Partners | Announced |