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Omthera Pharmaceuticals has raised $41.0M across 2 funding rounds.
Key people at Omthera Pharmaceuticals.
Omthera Pharmaceuticals has raised $41.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Omthera Pharmaceuticals specialized in the development of novel pharmaceutical therapies targeting lipid disorders, particularly dyslipidemia characterized by elevated triglyceride levels. The company's primary focus was on advancing treatments for cardiovascular diseases, with its key product, Epanova, an omega-3 fatty acid-based medication, designed to address these critical health concerns. Their approach centered on rigorous clinical development to bring these specialized treatments to market.
Founded in 2008 by Jerry Wisler and Michael Davidson, Omthera Pharmaceuticals emerged from an understanding of the significant unmet medical need in treating abnormal blood lipid profiles. Wisler, serving as CEO and Co-Founder, along with Davidson, steered the company towards innovative pharmacological solutions. Their collective expertise underpinned the company's efforts to create targeted treatments for a widespread health challenge.
The company served patients globally who suffered from elevated triglyceride levels and were at an increased risk of cardiovascular complications. Omthera Pharmaceuticals' vision was to improve patient outcomes by providing effective pharmaceutical options for managing dyslipidemia and related cardiovascular conditions. Their long-term objective involved expanding the availability of scientifically advanced therapies to address a critical aspect of public health.
Omthera Pharmaceuticals has raised $41.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Omthera Pharmaceuticals's investors include David Mott, Mott Family Capital, Soffinova Partners.
Omthera Pharmaceuticals was a specialty pharmaceutical company developing therapies for dyslipidemia (abnormal blood lipid levels) and cardiovascular diseases, primarily targeting patients with elevated triglycerides to reduce cardiovascular risk.[1][2][4] Its lead product, Epanova, an omega-3 fatty acid, completed Phase III trials and aimed to address mixed dyslipidemia.[1][3] Founded in 2008 in Princeton, New Jersey, the company raised $64M before being acquired by AstraZeneca in 2013 for further development and commercialization.[1][2][3]
Omthera served patients with high triglycerides unresponsive to statins, solving unmet needs in lipid management through a pure EPA/DHA formulation backed by licensing deals with Chrysalis Pharma and manufacturing with BioVectra.[1][2] Post-acquisition, it operated as an AstraZeneca subsidiary, with Epanova advancing toward FDA submission.[1][3]
Omthera Pharmaceuticals was founded in 2008 in Princeton, New Jersey, as an emerging biotech focused on dyslipidemia therapies.[1][2] Specific founders are not detailed in available records, but the company quickly gained traction through venture backing from firms like NEA and preparations for an IPO, emphasizing commercialization of blood lipid treatments.[4][5][6]
A pivotal moment came with Epanova's Phase III completion, leading to strategic partnerships for development and manufacturing.[1] By 2013, executive leadership, including figures like Christian Schade (former EVP and CFO), positioned it for acquisition by AstraZeneca amid growing demand for cardiovascular innovations.[2][3]
Omthera rode the early 2010s wave of cardiovascular biotech innovation, targeting dyslipidemia amid rising global awareness of triglycerides' role in heart disease beyond cholesterol management.[1][2][3] Timing aligned with post-statin era needs, as mixed dyslipidemia affected millions, with market forces like aging populations and omega-3 trial data (e.g., REDUCE-IT influences later) favoring targeted lipid therapies.[1][3]
It influenced the ecosystem by validating peer-to-peer acquisitions in biotech—sold to AstraZeneca for Epanova integration—accelerating therapies from startup to market while attracting VC like NEA to lipid-focused ventures.[2][3][4]
Post-2013 acquisition, Omthera integrated into AstraZeneca, with Epanova pursuing FDA approval (filed ~2013) though outcomes like full approval or pivots remain tied to large pharma pipelines.[1][3] Next steps likely involve Epanova's commercialization or expansion into combo therapies amid ongoing triglyceride research.
Shaping trends include precision lipid management, AI-driven trial design, and GLP-1 cardio-metabolics, potentially evolving Omthera's legacy through AstraZeneca's portfolio—reinforcing its role as a dyslipidemia pioneer acquired at peak momentum.[2][3] This trajectory underscores biotech's high-stakes path from Princeton startup to global impact.
Key people at Omthera Pharmaceuticals.
Omthera Pharmaceuticals has raised $41.0M across 2 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $34.0M Series B in March 2011.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 1, 2011 | $34M Series B | David Mott | Mott Family Capital, Soffinova Partners | Announced |
| Mar 1, 2010 | $7M Series A | Soffinova Partners | — | Announced |
