Cirius Therapeutics Inc., of San Diego, reported preclinical data showing stellate cell activation and expression of markers of fibrosis were reduced when mitochondrial pyruvate carrier was deleted from liver cells or when mitochondrial pyruvate carrier was attenuated with Cirius’ drug MSDC-0602K, which modulates the entry of pyruvate into the mitochondria.

SAN FRANCISCO - The biopharma sector is on pace for a record year in terms of raising capital after experiencing a slower period of fundraising in 2016. While the majority of the traditional sources of capital are contributing to the total raised to date, there also has been a significant increase in the availability of funds from alternative sources such as crowdfunding and charitable foundations. That is good news for companies looking to navigate the so-called "valley of death," those early stage firms who are below the radar for venture capital funding until their technologies have proved their worth. A panel at the BIO Investor Forum examined the rationale and investment philosophies of those sources of capital.