Caisson Biotech seeks buyer for HEPtune drug-delivery platform

The proprietary platform centers on the use of a naturally occurring sugar polymer, heparosan, which is produced by the body and is naturally biodegradable.

The platform includes a robust US and international patent portfolio and has been proven in hemophilia. Additional opportunities are potentially available in a range of established, billion-dollar biologic therapeutics markets, as well as for improved delivery of small molecules via nanocarriers.

“The sale is designed to accelerate broad industry adoption of heparosan and deliver its clinical benefits to the maximum number of patients possible,” Caisson said.

Pickwick Capital Partners managing director Paul Bundschuh said: “Caisson’s HEPtune platform has been demonstrated to improve proteolytic activity and half-life for hemophilia Factor VII compared to unconjugated FVII or FVII conjugated with polyethylene glycol (PEG). Additionally, HEPtune enables new patent protection for drug conjugates, can lower costs, and reduce the growing concern of immunogenicity with PEG conjugates.

“Many therapeutic protein market opportunities exist that could benefit from HEPtune. Pickwick is excited to leverage our life sciences/biotech team of experienced bankers and subject-matter experts to help Caisson find the ideal buyer/s.

HEPtune was developed by Caisson and Dr. Paul DeAngelis, at the University of Oklahoma.

Caisson is funded and managed by Austin-based Emergent Technologies.

Pickwick Capital Partners, LLC, helps innovative companies in the lower middle-market achieve their strategic objectives though M&A and capital raising.