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§ Private Profile · Montréal, QC, Canada
Biotechnology company developing peripherally-restricted CB1 receptor inverse agonists for metabolic disorders, regulating metabolism and.
Inversago Pharma was a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Montreal, Canada, specializing in the development of peripherally-restricted CB1 receptor inverse agonists/antagonists for various metabolic disorders. Its primary therapeutic focus was on conditions like obesity, type 1 and 2 diabetes, Diabetic Kidney Disease, and NASH, with its lead candidate, INV-202, designed to regulate metabolism and appetite. The company successfully raised substantial venture capital, including a $7 million Series A in 2018, a $35 million Series B in 2020, and a $70 million Series C in 2022. This financial backing, with key investors such as Forbion, Genesys Capital, and Amorchem, ultimately led to its acquisition by Novo Nordisk for up to $1.075 billion in August 2023. Inversago Pharma was established in 2015 by co-founders Francois Ravenelle and Maxim Ranger.
Inversago Pharma has raised $111.0M across 3 funding rounds.
Inversago Pharma has raised $111.0M in total across 3 funding rounds.
Inversago Pharma is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, not a general technology company, focused on developing peripherally-acting CB1 receptor (CB1r) blockers to treat metabolic and fibrotic diseases such as diabetic kidney disease, obesity, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, hyperlipidemia, pulmonary fibrosis, and systemic sclerosis.[1][2][4] Its lead product, INV-202—an oral CB1 inverse agonist—targets complications of diabetes and obesity by blocking CB1 receptors in peripheral tissues like adipose, liver, kidneys, and pancreas, serving patients with cardiometabolic disorders where current treatments fall short.[1][4][5] The company, based in Montreal, Canada, demonstrated early promise with weight loss in Phase 1b trials and advanced INV-202 into Phase 2 studies before its acquisition by Novo Nordisk in August 2023 for up to $1.075 billion USD, contingent on milestones, marking strong validation of its pipeline's potential.[4][5]
Inversago Pharma emerged from an experienced team of scientists and drug developers leveraging expertise in next-generation CB1r blockers, with a focus on peripheral action to avoid central nervous system side effects seen in prior therapies.[1][2] Key leadership included CEO Dr. François Ravenelle, who highlighted the strategic fit with Novo Nordisk upon acquisition; CFO Micheline Coulombe, with over 30 years in biotech finance and involved in the deal; and clinical operations head Karine Lalonde, with 20 years across diabetes, oncology, and rare diseases.[2][5] The company gained early traction through private funding, including a Series C round in 2022 led by New Enterprise Associates (NEA) and support from Forbion and Quebec government programs, building a pipeline for metabolic complications before the pivotal 2023 Novo Nordisk acquisition.[3][5]
Inversago rode the surge in cardiometabolic therapies amid rising global obesity and diabetes rates, where CB1 modulation offers a novel mechanism beyond GLP-1 agonists like those from Novo Nordisk, targeting peripheral regulation of appetite, metabolism, and fibrosis.[4][5] Timing was ideal post-2022 funding, aligning with Big Pharma's push into next-gen obesity drugs; its acquisition amplified this trend, integrating CB1 blockers into Novo Nordisk's portfolio to expand options for metabolic syndrome patients.[4][5] Market forces like unmet needs in diabetic kidney disease (affecting millions) and fibrosis favored Inversago's science, influencing the ecosystem by validating peripheral CB1 as a viable platform and accelerating venture interest in Canadian biotech.[1][3][5]
Post-acquisition, Inversago's assets like INV-202 will advance under Novo Nordisk's resources, likely accelerating Phase 2 readouts for obesity and DKD while exploring fibrosis applications, potentially yielding new therapies by late 2020s.[4][5] Trends in personalized cardiometabolic treatments and combo therapies (e.g., with GLP-1s) will shape its trajectory, evolving its influence from indie biotech to a cornerstone in Novo Nordisk's fight against chronic diseases. This deal underscores peripheral CB1's promise, tying back to Inversago's mission of transforming lives in metabolic disorders through innovative blockade.[1][5]
Inversago Pharma has raised $111.0M across 3 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $69.0M Series C in October 2022.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 1, 2022 | $69M Series C | NEW Enterprise Associates | Accel, Advent Life Sciences, AmorChem, Atlas Venture, Benchmark, Bond, Forbion, Longwood Fund, Matrix, ED Mathers, Novartis Venture Fund, Soffinova Partners, Sofinnova Investments, Admare Bioinnovations, Amgen Ventures, Genesys Capital, JDRF | Announced |
| Sep 1, 2020 | $35M Series B | Forbion | AmorChem, Atlas Venture, Longwood Fund, ED Mathers, Admare Bioinnovations, Anges Québec Capital, Genesys, JDRF T1D Fund | Announced |
| Jul 1, 2018 | $7M Series A | AmorChem, Jamie Stiff | Forbion, ED Mathers, Accel RX Health Sciences Accelerator, Anges Québec, JDRF T1D Fund, Tarnagulla Ventures | Announced |
Inversago Pharma has raised $111.0M in total across 3 funding rounds.
Inversago Pharma's investors include New Enterprise Associates, Accel, Advent Life Sciences, Amorchem, Atlas Venture, Benchmark, Bond, Forbion, Longwood Fund, Matrix, Ed Mathers, Novartis Venture Fund.