Investment in biopharmaceuticals

History

2021: Investment increased by 26%

In 2021, investments in biopharmaceutical companies grew by 26%, breaking the 2020 record. Industry companies raised $28.5 billion, according to a report by Evaluate Vantage, which was published in mid-April 2022.

According to Evaluate Vantage, in 2021, 216 rounds of fundraising equaled or exceeded $50 million, while in 2020 there were 173. Almost 100 rounds equaled or exceeded $100 million, compared with 63 in 2020, and in 2017 only 16 rounds. The Evaluate Vantage report also notes that even some venture capitalists admit that slowing growth is not so bad.

Investments increased by 26%

• Abogen Biosciences

RNA-based vaccine developers have been extremely popular in recent years. In 2021, the biotechnology company raised $92 million in Series B to develop its vaccine in partnership with Walvax Biotechnology and the PLA Academy of Military Sciences.

• ElevateBio

ElevateBio in the framework of the round of series C raised $525 million in 2021. The cell and gene therapy specialist plans to use the funding to expand its platform and production capacity, as well as to maintain partnerships.

• EQRx

With $1.7 billion in the bank at the end of 2021, EQRx raised $500 million. Investor interest reflected confidence that EQRx was close to FDA approval for the two products.

• Neumora

By entering into a deal with Amgen and combining biotechnology, including BlackThorn Therapeutics, Neumora entered the market and raised $500 million and a pipeline of eight promising neurobiological drugs.

• Laronde Therapeutics

Laronde Therapeutics raised $440 million by separating from the founder of Flagship Pioneering, hoping to achieve its ambitious goal of developing 100 new RNA-based drugs by 2032.

• Adagio Therapeutics

Adagio Therapeutics appeared on stage with great fanfare, promising to create a therapy against coronaviruses, both new and old. The company raised $336 million in 2021.

• Sotio Biotech

Czech Sotio Biotech in 2021 attracted public attention, having conducted one of the largest rounds of individual financing in Europe, receiving in December $315.9 million. A biotechnology company owned by the Czech investment firm PPF Group has created a combat fund due to a stir around its portfolio of immuno-oncology drugs.

• Altos Labs

Biotechnology-based Altos Labs is developing cellular rejuvenation programs and aims to reverse disease, injury and disability. In 2021, the company raised $270 million.

• Sonoma Biotherapeutics

Sonoma Biotherapeutics in 2021 raised $265 million in Series B, which is almost four times the amount raised during the first round. Inspiration is caused by the development of regulatory T cells. The company hopes to use these immune guards, which exist in every type of tissue, to treat autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

• Insilico Medicine

Insilico Medicine raised significant funds of $255 million, the mechanism for searching for drugs based on artificial intelligence announced a number of partnerships in various areas of disease on a wide list of indications. The company is expanding the list of medicinal goals and therapeutic drugs ready for use in the clinic.^[1]

Notes