WRAL Tech Wire

Triangle VC Pappas joins National Venture Capital Association board

Art Pappas, one of the deans of the venture capital industry in North Carolina, is among five VCs named to the board of the National Venture Capital Association.

 CoLucid, FDA settle on next steps in migraine drug trial

CoLucid has raised more than $41 million in venture funding since its launch in 2005. Pappas Ventures, which is based in the Triangle, launched the company. Funds raised a year ago were targeted for use in a Phase 3 trial of its lead candidate.

 Despite surge in tech startups, VCs see little chance of a 'bubble'

With all the recent programs rolling out to support the launch and growth of new companies, funding remains scarce. If nothing else, lack of cash will keep a damper on entrepreneurs' hopes of flaming beyond control.

 VCs remain optimistic despite tough deal numbers

Two new reports on the state of venture capital paint a grim picture for deal making in North Carolina. So what's happening out there? Several VCs offer their thoughts.

 Update: Pappas raising new fund but not $300M

PEHub says veteran venture capitalist Art Pappas and colleagues at Pappas Ventures are raising a new fund. However, the size is about half what the website reported, WRAL Tech Wire is told.

 RTP startup focused on diabetes raises $2.5M

Lumena's investors are venture capital firms Pappas Ventures and RiverVest Venture Partners. The new capital means the company can proceed to human tests for its novel type 2 diabetes treatment, which aims to develop a pill to help patients regulate their blood sugar.

 Triangle may draw interest from more life science investors

Talk can be cheap, of course, and investors who look to Research Triangle Park have been pretty predictable over the years. But some new faces showed up at the CED Life Science Conference - and some familiar ones returned.

 Co-founder of CoLucid Pharmaceuticals in Durham dies

Dr. James White, a long-time pharmaceutical executive, launched CoLucid in 2005 along with Art Pappas of Pappas Ventures in Durham.

 Startup Chimerix reports positive test news for transplant drug

The company is studying the compound for the prevention of cytomegalovirus diseases, or CMV, in patients who have had stem cell transplants.

 CeNeRx CEO looks for partner, gears for more clinical trials

The Cary-based company has closed on a fundraise of $4.8 million that the company will apply to its portfolio of central nervous system drug candidates, chiefly TriRima, which is set to complete phase 2b trials early next year. Existing investors Perseus Soros Biopharmaceutical Fund, L Capital Partners, Pappas Ventures and Omega Funds all participated in the latest round. CeNeRx has raised more than $55 million to date.

 Cary-based CeNeRx lands $4.85M, advances Alzheimer's drug

Pappas Ventures is among the funders for the company that is focused on central nervous system diseases. CeNeRx also files a new drug application for a potential Alzheimer's treatment.

 Will personalized medicine deliver on its promises?

There is no shortage of companies angling for financial backing of new therapies and diagnostics in personalized medicine. But will challenges of regulations, reimbursements, costs and technical requirements be overcome?

 Belief in biotech founder delivers big dividends for Pappas Ventures

At the Durham-based venture capital firm's annual life science symposium, guests hear the inside story about California-based Plexxikon, its $935 million acquisition and personalized medicince drive led by CEO Peter Hirth.

 CoLucid raises $7.5M in new funding, targets $2M more

The Durham-based startup launched by Pappas Ventures is looking for a partner to advance its lead pain reliever to Phase 3 clinical trials.

 Durham-based CoLucid looking for drug development partners

The startup, which is backed by Triangle-based Pappas Ventures, receives FDA approval to proceed with Phase 3 clinical trials of lead migraine product.

 Ex-Apache combat helicopter pilot is new CEO at pharma startup

CoLucid names Thomas Mathers, a veteran of Desert Storm who has an extensive background in life sciences, to replace its founding CEO James White.

 Durham-based CoLucid raises another $1.5M in funding

The pharmaceutical startup is in the processing of raising $9 million. It closed on $2 million in February.

CoLucid's pipeline

 Chimerix secures $45M round for antiviral medicines

New funding is aimed at further development of vitally important new antiviral medicines for the treatment of life-threatening diseases.

 Venture-backed CeNeRx raises $13M in new funding

RTP-based Pappas Ventures participates in the round. CeNeRx plans to use the funds for a clinical trial of its antidepressant drug candidate.

 VCs just say 'no' to possible tax changes, but W.H. not listening

In a letter, VCs from the Triangle, southeast and across U.S. call on Senate to deep six a proposal that would change how VCs are taxed. Rep. Barney Frank offers help for VCs plus angels – and IPOs. However, White House has different view.