Startups, Pharma

J&J’s venture arm invests in “liquid shot” to treat hangovers, colds

Following in the vein of Five Hour Energy, FAST is purveying a series of "liquid shots" that treat common maladies like colds, pain, heartburn and hangovers. J&J's venture arm invested in a $24 million round.

Johnson & Johnson’s venture arm, J&J Innovation, just led a $24 million Series C round into First Aid Shot Therapy – a consumer-facing startup that purveys over-the-counter “liquid shots” that treat pain, hangovers, heartburn and colds.

In terms of product packaging and demographic, it fits solidly with the Five Hour Energy cocktails of the world. The idea to use a shot is to get the product in the bloodstream, faster.

FAST Liquid Relief products can be found in a number of grocery stores around the country, and the C round will help expand into more. The company was notably launched by Jay Pasricha, a neurogastroenterology professor at John Hopkins University.

The berry-flavored pain relief shot contains choline salicylate, an NSAID that’s similar to aspirin but faster-acting, and caffeine. The hangover shot contains the same ingredients, but with a citrus taste. Colds are treated with a commonly used cough suppressant, dextromethorphan hydrobromide and the decongestant phenylephrine. Tastes like elderberries and menthol, which works as an analgesic. The heartburn relief shot is, in essence, liquid Tums.

JJDC typically invests in biopharma, medical devices and diagnostics – but also makes investments in consumer products. Other investors include Lumira Capital, Sofinnova Ventures, Redmile Group and HealthQuest Capital.

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