Zedira GmbH, a Darmstadt, Germany-based biotech company which focuses on celiac disease and consequently also on the transglutaminases family of enzymes, has recieved a minority investment from R-Biopharm AG.
High-Tech Gründerfonds, which in September 2007 led the Series A financing round of the company, has further invested in the company. Zedira also received funding by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.
With this strategic investment, R-Biopharm AG has secured exclusive access to the celiac disease specialist’s products.
Zedira develops, produces and markets products for research and development as well as for diagnostics. Based on its patented family of low-molecular transglutaminase blockers, the company is establishing an active ingredient pipeline covering the primary indication of celiac disease. Zedira is also working on new approaches to thrombosis prophylaxis.
Founders of the company are Dr. Martin Hils and Dr. Ralf Pasternack.
Commenting on the reason behind the investment, Dr Ralf Dreher, R-Biopharm AG’s managing director, was quoted as saying: “Zedira has positioned itself as a producer of high-quality diagnostic antigens, paired with comprehensive scientific understanding of celiac disease.
“Its work at the interface between diagnostics and therapy generates products that are of interest to R-Biopharm because of their unique selling propositions”.
FinSMEs
23/05/2010