Wednesday, October 21, 2009 Cara Therapeutics "Developing Morphine 2.0"

Presentation followed by networking, refreshments & wine bar

Cara Therapeutics is an emerging biotechnology company focused on developing novel therapeutics to treat human diseases associated with pain and inflammation. Cara's most advanced patented compound, CR845, is currently undergoing Phase 2 clinical testing for acute pain and pruritis.

CR845 belongs to a class of molecules that activate peripheral opioid receptors present on sensory nerves, but are also largely excluded from the brain. Such compounds are thought to have the potential to provide pain relief (peripheral opioid analgesia) without producing significant central nervous system side effects, such as respiratory depression, nausea, and sedation.

Cara aims to develop a future pipeline of first-in-class molecules at novel analgesic and anti-inflammatory targets using its proprietary drug screening technology. The company announced in July 2008 that it had closed on $12.3 million of funding in addition to $24 million of Series C financing completed in 2007. To date, the company has raised $42 million in equity-based financing and aims to partner its novel analgesics with suitable development and marketing partners after clinical proof-of-concept.

The Yale BioHaven Entrepreneurship Series features presentations designed to showcase regionally developed life science technologies that have progressed along the path to commercialization.  Speakers at the BioHaven events represent both the scientific and business side of the enterprises.

The programs focus on key success factors of each company, scientific or technological advantage, business model, and lessons learned in starting and developing the business. The series also provides social networking opportunities for scientists/researchers in the Yale community.

For a calendar of all the 2009-10 BioHaven events, click here.

Speaker