A biotech startup chases the $10 billion market for diabetes treatments, and Artifact Uprising is snapped up by another photography startup.
AntriaBio raises $7 million, clears hurdle. Biopharmaceutical company AntriaBio announced this week it has raised about $7 million in a private placement. The company develops extended release therapies, and currently is at work on a form of insulin that people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes could inject once a week.
AntriaBio believes the addressable market for its diabetes drug could be as high as $10 billion.
That drug, AB101, is going through pre-clinical trials in animals. AntriaBio also announced this week it had passed a series of in vitro and multi-species animal studies testing the “receptor pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics” of the drug. The company is conducting toxicology studies that would be the next step before clinical studies in patients with type 1 diabetes. AntriaBio would like to start that trial this year.
The new investment will be used to fund the initiation of phase 1 clinical studies, a press release said. AntriaBio raised more then $18 million through equity financings in 2014, the company also said.
AntriaBio conducts its research, development, and manufacturing in Louisville, which is outside Boulder. The company is headquartered in Menlo Park, CA, but everyone except its CEO works out of Louisville.
VSCO buys Artifact Uprising. Denver-based startup Artifact Uprising announced this week it has been acquired by VSCO for an undisclosed price.
Artifact Uprising helps photographers turn digital pictures into high-quality prints and photo books. VSCO makes apps for photographers and raised a $40 million Series A round last year.
VSCO said it will keep the 14 members of Artifact Uprising’s team, including founder and CEO Jenna Walker.
A post on Artifact Uprising’s blog said the two companies have been regular collaborators and shared the same vision to help artists. The deal gives Artifact Uprising a better chance to fulfill that vision.
“Joining the VSCO family allows Artifact Uprising to reach its fullest potential and grow into the company we’ve always meant to become,” the post said. “Walking alongside VSCO, we can accelerate innovation and refine the processes and experiences that bring your photos to permanence.”
