Catalyst Biosciences raises $40 million

Catalyst Biosciences, a pioneer in the discovery and development of engineered proteases known as Alterase therapeutics, has raised $40.4 million in a series C financing. New investor Essex Woodlands Health Ventures led the round, with participation from existing investors Burrill & Co, HealthCare Ventures, Johnson & Johnson Development Corporation, Morgenthaler Ventures, Novartis BioVentures and Sofinnova Ventures.

"We are very pleased to have received such strong support from our investors and to add Essex Woodlands to this premier group," said Nassim Usman, chief executive of Catalyst Biosciences. "The financing provides us with several years of funding that will allow us to build our pipeline of Alterase therapeutics including advancing our lead protease, CB 813, an improved factor VIIa product for the treatment of acute bleeding in hemophiliacs, through Phase I/II proof-of-concept studies in patients," he added.

In conjunction with the financing, Jeff Himawan, from Essex Woodlands will join Catalyst Biosciences' board.