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Inipharm has raised $35.0M across 1 funding round.
Key people at Inipharm.
Inipharm has raised $35.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Based in Seattle and San Diego, United States, Inipharm is a biotech company developing genetic therapies to treat liver diseases by mimicking the protective HSD17B13 genetic variant. The company focuses on conditions including fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and rare liver diseases, aiming to prevent disease progression rather than addressing initial causes. It secured $35 million in Series A funding from lead investors Frazier Healthcare Partners, 5AM Ventures, and Wu Capital, with additional support from Jubilant Biosys Limited. Led by CEO Brian Farmer, Inipharm's approach is based on research showing the HSD17B13 variant reduced alcoholic liver disease risk by 42%. Inipharm was founded in 2018 by a team with prior experience in genetic research. Its business model centers on venture-backed biotech company funded through Series A financing and investor support.
Inipharm has raised $35.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Inipharm's investors include 5AM Ventures, Canaan Partners, Frazier Healthcare Partners, Hatteras Venture Partners, Hannah Chang.
Key people at Inipharm.
Inipharm has raised $35.0M across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $35.0M Series A in November 2020.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 1, 2020 | $35M Series A | — | 5AM Ventures, Canaan Partners, Frazier Healthcare Partners, Hatteras Venture Partners, Hannah Chang | Announced |
Inipharm is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing small-molecule inhibitors targeting the HSD17B13 protein to treat severe fibrotic liver diseases, including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH, formerly NASH). Its lead candidate, INI-822, is in Phase 1 clinical trials, demonstrating anti-fibrotic effects and improvements in liver enzymes by leveraging genetic insights that link HSD17B13 variants to reduced liver disease severity.[1][2][3][4] Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, Inipharm has raised $63.5M in funding, with its latest Series A round of $35M occurring about four years ago, positioning it as an active player in liver disease therapeutics with a pipeline including preclinical INI-678.[1][3][4]
The company serves patients with fibrotic liver conditions, addressing unmet needs in diseases like MASH where current treatments are limited, by inhibiting HSD17B13 to reduce fibrosis, alter lipid metabolism, and enhance liver health.[1][2][3] Growth momentum includes ongoing Phase 1 trials with pharmacokinetic data presented in May 2024 and 8 patents filed in hepatology and liver disease areas.[1][4]
Inipharm was founded in 2018 in Bellevue, Washington (with some records noting Delaware incorporation on July 23, 2018), emerging from genetic research validating HSD17B13 as a protective target against multiple liver diseases.[1][3][4] Key leadership includes Mike Martin, President with prior roles at Calistoga Pharmaceuticals (pioneering PI3K inhibitors) and as a founding scientist at ICOS Corporation, where he oversaw discovery and chemistry for drugs like Cialis; and other experts in non-invasive biomarkers for NAFLD and fibrosis, holding related patents.[3]
The idea stemmed from extensive evidence showing HSD17B13 genetic variants correlate with lower rates of liver disease severity, prompting Inipharm to build a pipeline of small-molecule inhibitors.[2][3] Early traction included rapid funding to Series A and advancing INI-822 into Phase 1 trials by 2023-2024, with preclinical validation of anti-fibrotic effects in human liver cells.[1][3][4]
Inipharm rides the wave of precision medicine in liver disease, capitalizing on genetic insights into HSD17B13 amid rising MASH prevalence driven by metabolic syndromes like obesity and diabetes.[1][2][3] Timing aligns with regulatory shifts emphasizing genetically validated targets and non-invasive endpoints, as MRI-PDFF gains traction in trials.[3] Market forces favor it: MASH affects millions with few approved therapies, creating demand for fibrosis-reducing agents; Inipharm influences the ecosystem by validating HSD17B13, potentially enabling combo therapies and attracting partnerships in biotech's liver-focused surge.[1][4]
Inipharm's Phase 1 data for INI-822 positions it for Phase 2 advancement in 2025-2026, with preclinical assets like INI-678 offering pipeline depth amid MASH market growth projected to exceed $20B by 2030. Trends like AI-driven genetics and biomarker adoption will accelerate its progress, potentially evolving its role from niche innovator to leader in fibrotic therapies if efficacy holds. This builds on its genetic foundation, promising targeted impact where broad approaches have faltered.[1][3][4]
