Ziarco is a technology company.
Ziarco has raised $33.0M across 1 funding round.
Ziarco has raised $33.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Ziarco has raised $33.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Ziarco's investors include New Enterprise Associates.
Ziarco Pharma Ltd is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapeutics for inflammatory, allergic, and dermatological diseases, such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) and psoriasis.[1][2][3] Its lead product, ZPL-389, is an oral histamine H4 receptor antagonist in Phase 2 trials for moderate-to-severe eczema and psoriasis, while ZPL-521 is a topical cPLA2 inhibitor targeted at inflammatory skin conditions.[2][3] The company serves patients with chronic skin and inflammatory disorders lacking effective oral treatments, addressing unmet needs in disease management through first-in-class mechanisms.[3][4] Ziarco was acquired by Novartis in 2016, integrating its pipeline into a major pharma portfolio to accelerate development.[3]
Ziarco was founded in October 2012 in Discovery Park, Sandwich, UK, by a team of former Pfizer executives: Dr. Mike Yeadon (CEO), Dr. Steve Liu (VP and Chief Scientific Officer), Dr. Lynn Purkins (VP Head of Clinical Development), and Dr. Arif Shivji (VP Head of Development Operations and Business Development).[2][4][5] The idea emerged from recognizing gaps in treatments for inflammatory and allergic diseases, leading to an early agreement with Pfizer for exclusive worldwide rights to a portfolio of anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic assets in exchange for equity, milestones, and royalties.[4] Backed by investors including Biotechnology Value Fund, Pfizer Venture Investments, New Enterprise Associates, Lundbeckfond Ventures, and Amgen Ventures, Ziarco gained early traction with Phase 2a studies for ZPL-389 (fully recruited in atopic dermatitis by 2016) and planned trials for ZPL-521.[2][4]
Ziarco rides the wave of precision immunology in biotech, targeting specific inflammatory pathways amid rising demand for non-steroidal treatments for chronic skin diseases affecting millions worldwide.[3] Timing was ideal in the mid-2010s, as eczema and psoriasis markets expanded with biologic approvals, yet oral small-molecule gaps persisted—ZPL-389 positioned as a potential first-in-class H4 antagonist filled this void.[2][3] Market forces like increasing prevalence of atopic dermatitis (linked to quality-of-life impacts like sleep loss) and investor interest in dermatology pipelines favored Ziarco, influencing the ecosystem by validating H4R and cPLA2 as viable targets post-acquisition by Novartis.[3][4] This bolstered Big Pharma's innovation in immunology, accelerating similar small-molecule pursuits.
Post-2016 Novartis acquisition, Ziarco's assets like ZPL-389 likely advanced within Novartis' dermatology portfolio, potentially nearing later-stage trials or commercialization by now, though specific updates are limited in available data.[3] Trends in JAK inhibitors and oral biologics alternatives will shape its legacy, with H4 antagonists influencing next-gen eczema therapies amid a market projected to grow with personalized medicine. Its influence may evolve through Novartis integration, inspiring biotech spinouts targeting niche immunology pathways and reinforcing UK biotech's role in global pharma M&A. Ziarco exemplifies how targeted innovation in underserved diseases can scale via strategic exits.
Ziarco has raised $33.0M across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $33.0M Series B in November 2014.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 1, 2014 | $33.0M Series B | New Enterprise Associates |