New Haven biotech Trevi Therapeutics is developing a treatment for chronically unscratchable itches – its oral drug is an extended release opioid meant to treat a number of pruritic conditions. These can be quite serious, after all – chronic itching can lead to a markedly reduced quality of life in a number of dermatologic, metabolic, hematologic and neuropathic conditions. It’s often classified as chronic pain.
The startup just closed an additional $11 million in its Series B, bringing the total round to $26 million. It’s led by TPG Biotech, the life sciences venture investing arm of private equity firm TPG Capital.
Its opioid drug, Nalbuphine ER, is currently marketed only as an injection of nalbuphine hydrochloride with the trade name Nubain. Though classified a narcotic, it’s been found by independent researchers to work against itching conditions. No oral version is available on the market, however.
When Investment Rhymes with Canada
Canada has a proud history of achievement in the areas of science and technology, and the field of biomanufacturing and life sciences is no exception.
Trevi is focusing on two indications: Uremic pruritus and prurigo nodularis. The company will use the funding as it continues to enroll U.S. patients in its uremic pruritus trial, and will begin enrolling Europeans by the close of the year. It expects results from the 360-patient study by the middle of 2015, Trevi said in a statement. Here’s an illustration of its pipeline:
