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Sideris Pharmaceuticals is a technology company.
Sideris Pharmaceuticals develops therapeutic compounds addressing transfusion-related iron overload, a critical issue for patients receiving frequent blood transfusions. Its primary asset, SP-420, is a small molecule iron chelator engineered to selectively bind and remove accumulated iron from the body. This approach aims to prevent and treat organ damage and associated morbidities caused by chronic iron excess.
The company originated from the academic research of its founder, Raymond Bergeron, an emeritus graduate research professor of medicinal chemistry at the University of Florida. Bergeron’s profound understanding and work with iron-binding compounds provided the foundational scientific insight. This expertise directly led to SP-420's initial development, establishing Sideris as a University of Florida spinoff.
Sideris Pharmaceuticals targets patient populations with conditions requiring ongoing blood transfusions, such as thalassemia, who face high risks of iron accumulation. The company commits to enhancing patient outcomes by offering effective iron chelation therapies. Its vision centers on delivering transformative treatments that significantly improve health and longevity for individuals with severe hematologic disorders.
Sideris Pharmaceuticals has raised $32.0M across 1 funding round.
Sideris Pharmaceuticals has raised $32.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Sideris Pharmaceuticals has raised $32.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Sideris Pharmaceuticals's investors include MPM Capital, Osage University Partners, SR One.
Sideris Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company developing therapeutics for transfusion-related iron overload, primarily through its lead candidate SP-420, an oral iron chelator designed to bind and remove excess iron from the body.[1][3][6] It targets patients with conditions like transfusion-dependent thalassemia, addressing a critical need in managing iron buildup from frequent blood transfusions, with operations in Boston, MA, and Gainesville, FL.[1][3] The company raised $32.6M in a Series A round in 2013, led by MPM Capital, and secured an option agreement with Novartis potentially worth up to $300M, but is now listed as "Dead" with no recent activity or approvals.[1][3][6]
Founded by Prof. Raymond Bergeron, a Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of Florida, Sideris emerged from research supported by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and the University of Florida, focusing on novel iron chelators for transfusional iron overload.[3][6] Thomas Neenan, PhD, served as co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, emphasizing SP-420's potential as a best-in-class therapy based on animal studies showing strong iron binding and safety.[3][6] Pivotal early traction came in October 2013 with a $32M Series A financing led by MPM Capital (including Ansbert Gadicke, MD, and Kazumi Shiosaki, PhD, joining the board) and participation from Hatteras Venture Partners and Osage University Partners, alongside Novartis granting an exclusive acquisition right for SP-420.[1][3]
Sideris rode the early 2010s wave of biopharma innovation in rare disease therapeutics, particularly iron chelation for hematologic disorders like thalassemia, where market forces included rising awareness of transfusion complications and demand for oral alternatives to injectables.[1][3][4] Timing aligned with VC interest in academic spinouts from institutions like the University of Florida, influencing the ecosystem by validating small-molecule iron binders and attracting big pharma like Novartis to orphan drug spaces.[3][6] Though inactive now, it exemplified how targeted funding and partnerships accelerated preclinical assets toward clinical trials in underserved markets.[1]
Sideris appears defunct post-2013, with its pipeline (e.g., petadeferitrin/SP-420 for thalassemia) discontinued at preclinical stages and no further news, likely absorbed or shelved under the Novartis option.[1][4] Emerging trends in gene therapies and next-gen chelators for iron overload may overshadow its legacy, but advances in rare disease funding could revive similar assets. Its story underscores biopharma risks—strong early momentum yielding no commercialization—tying back to its promise as a potential best-in-class iron remover that never reached patients.[1][3]
Sideris Pharmaceuticals has raised $32.0M across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $32.0M Series A in October 2013.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 1, 2013 | $32.0M Series A | MPM Capital, Osage University Partners, SR One |