The post Latigo Biotherapeutics Appoints Neha Krishnamohan as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Business Officer first appeared on Latigo Biotherapeutics.
]]>Veteran biotech leader with more than 15 years of experience joins as Latigo advances non-opioid pain pipeline
Appointment comes as Latigo builds toward late-stage development and broader corporate milestones
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — March 3, 2026 — Latigo Biotherapeutics, Inc. (Latigo), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to developing innovative non-opioid pain medicines designed to stop the transmission of pain without the risk of addiction, today announced that Neha Krishnamohan has been appointed as chief financial officer (CFO) and chief business officer. Ms. Krishnamohan brings more than 15 years of experience in healthcare investment banking, corporate finance, and strategic leadership, with deep expertise in driving value for growth-stage biopharmaceutical companies. Until recently, she was the audit committee chair on Latigo’s board of directors.
“Latigo is advancing a differentiated pipeline of non-opioid pain programs that has the potential to meaningfully improve patient outcomes while simultaneously addressing the devastating societal problem of opioid addiction,” said Nima Farzan, chief executive officer of Latigo. “Neha’s financial stewardship, strategic insight, and experience across corporate strategy, business development, capital markets and leading companies through high-impact corporate milestones will be critical as we progress our clinical programs and build long-term shareholder value.”
“I am honored and energized to join the team at Latigo at a pivotal time for the company and to contribute to the company’s next phase of growth,” said Ms. Krishnamohan. “Latigo has the potential to transform pain management with a differentiated pipeline of non-opioid pain programs. I look forward to partnering with Latigo’s talented management team and board to advance Latigo’s strategic and financial objectives.”
Before her appointment at Latigo, Ms. Krishnamohan most recently served as chief financial officer (CFO) and executive vice president (EVP) of corporate development at Artiva Biotherapeutics, Inc., a publicly traded clinical-stage company developing off-the-shelf NK cell therapy for autoimmune disease, where she led financial operations, business development, and investor relations and communications functions, including the company’s transition to a public company and $179 million initial public offering.
Prior to Artiva, Ms. Krishnamohan served as CFO and EVP of corporate development at Kinnate Biopharma Inc., a clinical-stage precision oncology company, where she led the company’s financial operations, business development, and investor relations and communications functions. She played a lead role in Kinnate’s exploration of strategic alternatives, which resulted in a successful asset sale to Pierre Fabre Laboratories and the sale of Kinnate to XOMA Corporation.
Earlier in her career, Ms. Krishnamohan was a vice president in the Healthcare Investment Banking Group and a member of the Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) Group within the Investment Banking Division at Goldman Sachs. While at Goldman Sachs, she established herself as a senior leader in the healthcare coverage group, working with a variety of biopharmaceutical boards and management teams on a broad range of strategic financial matters, executing financings as well as leading M&A transactions.
Ms. Krishnamohan has successfully executed more than $100 billion in transactions in the biopharmaceutical, medical technology, and tools and diagnostics sectors. Until recently, she was the audit committee chair on Latigo’s board of directors and is currently on the board of Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Inc., serving as a member of its audit committee. She holds a B.S.E in biomedical engineering and economics from Duke University.
Latigo Biotherapeutics is a private clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to developing innovative non-opioid pain medicines designed to stop the transmission of pain without the risk of addiction, with the goal to provide effective, rapid-acting pain relief. Latigo is supported by leading investors, including Westlake Village BioPartners, Foresite Capital, 5AM Ventures, and Blue Owl Capital. Latigo’s lead program is LTG-001, an oral, selective Nav1.8 inhibitor in development to treat acute pain. For more information, please visit www.latigobio.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
Investor Contact:
Neha Krishnamohan
Latigo Biotherapeutics, Inc.
[email protected]
Media Contact:
Kathy Vincent
Greig Communications Inc.
[email protected]
The post Latigo Biotherapeutics Appoints Neha Krishnamohan as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Business Officer first appeared on Latigo Biotherapeutics.
]]>The post Latigo Biotherapeutics Closes $150 Million in Series B Financing to Advance Non-Opioid Pain Therapeutics first appeared on Latigo Biotherapeutics.
]]>Financing led by funds managed by Blue Owl Capital; Senior Managing Director Kevin Raidy joins Latigo’s board
Proceeds support advancement of company’s Nav1.8 inhibitor clinical programs and development of broader pipeline
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – March 17, 2025 – Latigo Biotherapeutics (“Latigo”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing best-in-class non-opioid pain treatments that target pain at its source, today announced it has closed $150 million in a Series B financing. Proceeds from the financing will support the advancement of the company’s highly selective Nav1.8 inhibitors currently in clinical development for the non-opioid treatment of pain, as well as the development of Latigo’s broader pipeline.
The financing was led by funds managed by Blue Owl Capital, with participation from Deep Track Capital, Access Biotechnology, Qatar Investment Authority, Cormorant Asset Management, Sanofi Ventures, Rock Springs Capital, UPMC Enterprises, and Kern Capital. Existing investors Westlake Village BioPartners, Foresite Capital, 5AM Ventures, and Alexandria Venture Investments also participated in the financing round, reaffirming their commitment to Latigo’s mission to develop safer, more effective pain treatments.
“The need for non-opioid pain treatments has never been more urgent, and this financing allows us to accelerate the development of our robust portfolio of pain medicines that have the potential to transform the treatment landscape,” said Nima Farzan, chief executive officer of Latigo Biotherapeutics. “We appreciate the support of our new and existing investors as we work to bring best-in-class, non-addictive pain treatments to patients.”
As part of the financing, Kevin Raidy, senior managing director at Blue Owl Capital, has joined Latigo’s board of directors. “The field of pain management is long overdue for innovation beyond opioids, and we believe Latigo is well-positioned to advance novel, non-addictive treatments that could make a real difference for patients,” Raidy said.
“We are pleased to welcome Kevin to the board. His experience in life sciences investing and strategic growth will be invaluable as Latigo continues to scale,” said Timothy P. Walbert, chair of Latigo’s board. “With this financing and the continued support of world-class investors, we will be able to rapidly advance our pipeline of non-opioid treatments for chronic and acute pain.”
Latigo recently reported positive Phase 1 results for LTG-001, its lead potential best-in-class non-opioid pain medicine candidate. LTG-001 is an oral, selective Nav1.8 inhibitor in development to treat acute pain at its source. In the Phase 1 first-in-human clinical trial, data showed that LTG-001 was well tolerated with rapid absorption.
LTG-305, oral, selective Nav1.8 inhibitor, currently in Phase 1 clinical trials, is a potential best-in-class non-opioid therapeutic candidate for the treatment of chronic pain. The Phase 1 trial is designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of LTG-305 in healthy volunteers through single-ascending dose and multiple-ascending dose cohorts.
Latigo Biotherapeutics is a private clinical-stage biotechnology company developing innovative non-opioid pain medicines with potential best-in-class profiles that directly target the source of pain. Latigo’s goal is to provide effective, rapid-acting pain relief without the risk of addiction. For more information, please visit www.latigobio.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
Media Contact:
Kathy Vincent
Greig Communications Inc.
[email protected]
The post Latigo Biotherapeutics Closes $150 Million in Series B Financing to Advance Non-Opioid Pain Therapeutics first appeared on Latigo Biotherapeutics.
]]>The post Latigo Biotherapeutics Granted FDA Fast Track Designation for LTG-001, Potential Best-in-Class Nav1.8 Inhibitor for the Non-Opioid Treatment of Acute Pain first appeared on Latigo Biotherapeutics.
]]>LTG-001 demonstrated favorable safety and tolerability profile with predictable pharmacokinetics in Phase 1 trial
Fast Track designation will facilitate development and expedited regulatory review of LTG-001
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., March 3, 2025 – Latigo Biotherapeutics (“Latigo”) today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track designation (FTD) to LTG-001, the company’s oral, investigational selective Nav1.8 inhibitor for the treatment of acute pain. LTG-001 works by blocking peripheral sensory neurons responsible for pain signals, thus preventing the transmission of these pain signals to the central nervous system. The FTD follows positive Phase 1 results which demonstrated a favorable safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic profile for LTG-001.
“We are pleased the FDA has granted Fast Track designation to LTG-001, recognizing its potential to transform the treatment landscape for acute pain by targeting pain at its source,” said Nima Farzan, chief executive officer of Latigo. “This marks an important milestone for Latigo and reinforces the promise of LTG-001 as a highly selective, well-tolerated non-opioid approach for treating pain. With this designation, we look forward to working closely with the FDA to accelerate development and bring this much-needed non-opioid medicine to patients rapidly.”
“Receiving Fast Track designation for LTG-001 underscores the serious unmet medical need in patients suffering from acute pain conditions,” said Neil Singla, M.D., chief medical officer of Latigo. “Given the significant need for safe and effective non-opioid treatments for acute pain, we look forward to advancing the clinical program for LTG-001.”
Fast Track designation is designed to help drugs reach patients faster by facilitating the development and expediting the review of drugs with the potential to fill an unmet medical need and treat serious or life-threatening conditions. Programs receiving FTD benefit from early and frequent interactions with the FDA during the clinical development process and, if relevant criteria are met, the FDA may consider reviewing portions of a marketing application before the sponsor submits the complete application.
LTG-001 is an oral, investigational selective inhibitor of Nav1.8, a key sodium channel involved in pain signaling. LTG-001 works by blocking peripheral sensory neurons responsible for pain signals, thus preventing the transmission of these pain signals to the central nervous system. As a result, LTG-001 may provide effective pain relief without the risks associated with opioids. The Phase 1 first-in-human clinical trial was designed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of single- and multiple-ascending oral doses, relative bioavailability, and food effect of LTG-001 versus placebo in healthy subjects. Results from the trial with 72 healthy subjects showed that LTG-001 was well tolerated and demonstrated rapid absorption with a Tmax of about 1.5 hours and predictable pharmacokinetics. Exposure was proportional across the dose range. Rapid onset of pain relief is critical for both acute and chronic pain management and achieving a Tmax in under two hours in this study indicates this may be possible.
Latigo Biotherapeutics is a private clinical-stage biotechnology company developing innovative non-opioid pain medicines with potential best-in-class profiles that directly target the source of pain. Latigo’s goal is to provide effective, rapid-acting pain relief without the risk of addiction. Latigo is supported by leading investors including Westlake Village BioPartners, 5AM Ventures, Foresite Capital, and Corner Ventures. For more information, please visit www.latigobio.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
Media Contact:
Kathy Vincent
Greig Communications Inc.
[email protected]
The post Latigo Biotherapeutics Granted FDA Fast Track Designation for LTG-001, Potential Best-in-Class Nav1.8 Inhibitor for the Non-Opioid Treatment of Acute Pain first appeared on Latigo Biotherapeutics.
]]>The post Latigo Biotherapeutics Appoints Industry Veteran Timothy P. Walbert as Board Chair first appeared on Latigo Biotherapeutics.
]]>Former Horizon Therapeutics chairman & CEO brings 30 years of biopharmaceutical industry experience
Walbert led recent acquisition of Horizon Therapeutics by Amgen for $28.3 billion
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., November 19, 2024 – Latigo Biotherapeutics (“Latigo”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing best-in-class non-opioid pain medicines that target pain at its source, today announced the appointment of Timothy P. Walbert as chair of its board of directors. With three decades of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, he brings extensive leadership and strategic expertise to Latigo. Mr. Walbert replaces Nancy Stagliano, Ph.D., who will continue to remain as a board member.
Mr. Walbert most recently served as chairman, president, and chief executive officer (CEO) of Horizon Therapeutics, where he created and led the company through a transformative era that culminated in its acquisition by Amgen for $28.3 billion. Currently, he is a senior advisor at Amgen.
“Tim is an exceptional leader with a wealth of experience in biopharma that will be instrumental as we advance our pipeline of potential best-in-class non-opioid Nav1.8 inhibitors,” said Nima Farzan, CEO of Latigo. “His proven track record in building successful biopharma companies and his commitment to patient-centered innovation align seamlessly with our mission to provide effective and safer alternatives for people suffering from acute and chronic pain.”
Mr. Farzan added, “On behalf of Latigo’s board of directors, I wish to thank Nancy for serving as board chair over the past four years. We look forward to having Nancy continue to provide her leadership and expert counsel as board member as we advance Latigo’s programs.”
“I am honored to join Latigo Biotherapeutics as board chair and support the company’s vision of addressing significant unmet needs in chronic and acute pain management,” said Mr. Walbert. “Latigo’s focus on pioneering non-opioid therapies resonates deeply with my commitment to advancing science-driven, patient-centered solutions.”
Before his tenure at Horizon, Mr. Walbert served as president, CEO, and director of IDM Pharma Inc., leading the company to its acquisition by Takeda America Holdings in 2009. He also held senior positions at NeoPharm Inc., and Abbott (now AbbVie), where he led the global development and launch of HUMIRA®, a groundbreaking biologic for multiple indications. His earlier career includes key roles at G.D. Searle & Company, Merck & Co., and Wyeth, contributing to the launch and commercialization of many acute and chronic pain medicines, including CELEBREX®.
In addition to his executive experience, Mr. Walbert serves on the boards of Mirum Pharmaceuticals, Century Therapeutics, Sagimet Biosciences, Odyssey Therapeutics and Cour Pharmaceuticals. He is a member of the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) Advisory Board, the Wall Street Journal CEO Council, and the board of trustees of Muhlenberg College, where he earned a bachelor of arts in business. His previous board experience includes Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, Exicure (chairman), Assertio (chairman), Raptor Pharmaceutical Corp., XOMA Corporation, and Sucampo Pharmaceuticals. Mr. Walbert is also actively involved in the Economic Club of Chicago, the Commercial Club of Chicago, and the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago.
Latigo Biotherapeutics is a private clinical-stage biotechnology company developing innovative non-opioid pain medicines with potential best-in-class profiles that directly target the source of pain. Latigo’s goal is to provide effective, rapid-acting pain relief without the risk of addiction. Latigo is supported by leading investors including Westlake Village BioPartners, 5AM Ventures, Foresite Capital, and Corner Ventures. For more information, please visit www.latigobio.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
Media Contact:
Kathy Vincent
Greig Communications Inc.
[email protected]
The post Latigo Biotherapeutics Appoints Industry Veteran Timothy P. Walbert as Board Chair first appeared on Latigo Biotherapeutics.
]]>The post Latigo Biotherapeutics Doses First Participant in Phase 1 Clinical Trial of LTG-305 for Non-Opioid Treatment of Pain first appeared on Latigo Biotherapeutics.
]]>Potential best-in-class non-opioid Nav1.8 inhibitor, LTG-305 aims to provide safer treatment for chronic pain by targeting underlying mechanisms of pain at its source
Trial will evaluate safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of LTG-305 in healthy volunteers through single- and multiple-ascending dose cohorts
Company anticipates reporting topline results in mid-2025
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – October 16, 2024 – Latigo Biotherapeutics, Inc. (“Latigo”) today announced that the first participant has been dosed in its Phase 1 clinical trial of LTG-305, a potential best-in-class non-opioid therapeutic candidate for the treatment of chronic pain. This Phase 1 trial (NCT06554574) is designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics (PK) of LTG-305 in healthy volunteers through single-ascending dose (SAD) and multiple-ascending dose (MAD) cohorts.
LTG-305 is a Nav1.8 inhibitor designed to target the underlying mechanisms of pain at its source. This novel small molecule offers a potential non-opioid therapeutic approach to managing chronic pain, providing patients a safer and more targeted treatment option. Nav1.8, a voltage-gated sodium channel, plays a crucial role in the transmission of pain signals. By selectively inhibiting Nav1.8, LTG-305 aims to provide effective pain relief while avoiding central nervous system side effects associated with existing therapies, such as addiction, dizziness and somnolence.
“This important milestone in the clinical development of LTG-305 adds another potential best-in-class Nav1.8 inhibitor to our portfolio of non-opioid pain medicines in our pipeline,” said Neil Singla, M.D., chief medical officer of Latigo Biotherapeutics. “We recently announced positive Phase 1 results for our candidate, LTG-001, which we are developing in acute pain, and advancing LTG-305 into the clinic reflects our confidence in the potential of Nav1.8 inhibitors in treating acute and chronic pain.”
The Phase 1 trial will assess LTG-305 in healthy participants across multiple dose levels, with the primary objective of evaluating safety and tolerability. Latigo anticipates topline results from this study in mid-2025.
In the SAD portion of the study, healthy volunteers will receive a single dose of LTG-305 at increasing dose levels to assess its safety, tolerability, and PK. Following the SAD, the MAD portion will involve participants receiving multiple doses of LTG-305 over a defined period.
Chronic pain affects approximately 57 million people in the U.S. as a result of conditions such as diabetic neuropathy, osteoarthritis, migraine, and lower back pain. The current standard of care involves opioids and gabapentinoids contributing to 150 million prescriptions annually, of which half are opioids. Chronic pain patients often suffer from inadequate pain relief and experience debilitating side effects from existing therapies, including dizziness and somnolence. Moreover, 80% of individuals using illicit opioids or heroin initially started with prescription opioids, underscoring the critical need for safer, more effective pain management strategies.
Latigo Biotherapeutics is a private clinical-stage biotechnology company developing innovative non-opioid pain medicines with potential best-in-class profiles that directly target the source of pain. Latigo’s goal is to provide effective, rapid-acting pain relief without the risk of addiction. Latigo is supported by leading investors, including Westlake Village BioPartners, 5AM Ventures, Foresite Capital, and Corner Ventures. For more information, please visit www.latigobio.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
Media Contact:
Kathy Vincent
Greig Communications Inc.
[email protected]
The post Latigo Biotherapeutics Doses First Participant in Phase 1 Clinical Trial of LTG-305 for Non-Opioid Treatment of Pain first appeared on Latigo Biotherapeutics.
]]>The post Latigo Biotherapeutics Appoints Tim Lugo as Chief Financial Officer and Adds Beth Seidenberg and Jim Tananbaum to Board of Directors first appeared on Latigo Biotherapeutics.
]]>Former William Blair partner and group head, Lugo has facilitated raising more than $6 billion in capital through 40-plus transactions, including IPOs
Veteran venture capitalists Drs. Seidenberg and Tananbaum will help scale and accelerate the development of Latigo’s pipeline of non-opioid pain medicines
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – September 9, 2024 – Latigo Biotherapeutics Inc. (“Latigo”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing best-in-class non-opioid pain medicines that target pain at its source, today announced the appointment of Tim Lugo as chief financial officer (CFO). In addition, Latigo has appointed Beth Seidenberg, M.D., and Jim Tananbaum, M.D., to its board of directors. These appointments bring deep expertise and leadership as Latigo scales to rapidly advance its lead clinical programs.
“Tim’s extensive experience in biotechnology finance and equity research and business development will be invaluable as we continue to scale the company and advance our pipeline,” said Nima Farzan, chief executive officer of Latigo Biotherapeutics. “With the addition of venture capital veterans Drs. Seidenberg and Tananbaum to our board, Latigo is well-positioned to achieve our mission of providing effective, non-addictive pain relief to millions of patients in need.”
“I am excited to join Latigo at such a pivotal time,” said Lugo. “Our goal is to ensure that our innovative pipeline of non-opioid pain medications reaches the patients who need them as quickly as possible. I look forward to applying my experience in biotech finance, financial markets, and business development to help Latigo become a global leader in non-opioid pain management.”
“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to develop medicines that can dramatically improve patient outcomes while simultaneously helping solve the devastating societal problem of opioid addiction,” said Dr. Seidenberg, founding managing director of Westlake Village BioPartners. “I am honored to join Latigo’s board and work with such an innovative team. The company’s focus on addressing one of the most critical public health issues of our time – opioid addiction – through non-opioid pain medicines is truly transformative.”
“Latigo’s approach to pain management is both innovative and essential in today’s healthcare landscape,” said Dr. Tananbaum, founder and chief executive officer of Foresite Capital. “I look forward to working alongside my fellow board members and Latigo’s world-class leadership team to help drive the company’s growth and success and fulfill its mission of relieving pain and restoring health.”
Tim Lugo brings two decades of experience as a financial analyst covering the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors to Latigo as its first chief financial officer. Most recently, he was a partner and group head of biotechnology equity research at William Blair, where he focused on covering small and mid-sized biotechnology companies. Under his leadership, the team grew to cover more than 100 companies and was consistently named a Top 5 research team in the small and mid-sized biotechnology sector by Greenwich Associates LLC. Lugo has also been recognized as a top stock picker and earnings estimator by Thomson Reuters during his tenure as an analyst. His expertise in the sector facilitated the raising of more than $6 billion in capital through 40-plus transactions, including initial public offerings (IPOs) and other significant deals for both private and public companies. Before joining William Blair, he worked at Pacific Growth Equities as a junior analyst, served as a healthcare consultant focused on reimbursement and pricing of new therapies, and engaged in business development at a genomics startup. In addition to his work in the biotechnology sector, Lugo sits on the board of trustees at Children’s Day School in San Francisco. He holds a B.A. in molecular and cellular biology (with an emphasis in genetics) and a B.A. in economics, both from the University of California, Berkeley.
Beth Seidenberg, M.D., is the founding managing director of Westlake Village BioPartners. She was a general partner at Kleiner Perkins and has incubated and invested in more than 40 biotech companies across many therapeutic areas and modalities since 2005. She currently sits on the public company boards of Vera Therapeutics, Progyny, Kyverna Therapeutics, Sagimet Biosciences, and Acelyrin.
Previously, Seidenberg served in leadership roles at Bristol-Myers Squibb, Merck Research Laboratories and Amgen, where she was chief medical officer and head of global development. In these roles, she developed new treatments for AIDS, arthritis, asthma, cancer, psoriasis, cardiovascular, metabolic, neurological, and renal disorders for more than 20 years, introducing 10 innovative products to market. Seidenberg received her M.D. from the University of Miami School of Medicine, completed her medical residency at Johns Hopkins University and George Washington University, and her fellowship at the National Institutes of Health. She received a B.A. in biology and anthropology from Barnard College.
Jim Tananbaum, M.D., is the founder and chief executive officer of Foresite Capital, a U.S.-focused healthcare investment firm with approximately $3.5 billion in assets under management. Tananbaum has been a thought partner for impactful and fast-growing companies, including 10x Genomics, Amerigroup, and Jazz Pharmaceuticals.
Tananbaum’s career in healthcare investment spans more than three decades. He has founded and led multiple successful companies, including GelTex Pharmaceuticals, which brought two drugs to market and was acquired for $1.4 billion, and Theravance Inc., which has a market capitalization exceeding $4 billion. Tananbaum holds an M.D. from Harvard University, an M.B.A. from Harvard while playing rugby, and a B.S. and B.S.E.E. in applied math and electrical engineering/computer science from Yale University.
Acute pain typically arises from post-operative surgical procedures or non-surgical injuries. The primary treatments include NSAIDs and opioids, with approximately 40 million opioid prescriptions written each year for acute pain management. Opioids carry a significant risk of long-term dependency, with 19% of patients exposed to opioids potentially developing dependency. Four million Americans each year transition to chronic opioid use after initially being prescribed opioids for low-risk surgeries.
Chronic pain affects approximately 57 million people in the U.S. as a result of conditions such as diabetic neuropathy, osteoarthritis, migraine, and lower back pain. The current standard of care involves opioids and gabapentinoids contributing to 150 million prescriptions annually, of which half are opioids. Chronic pain patients often suffer from inadequate pain relief and experience debilitating side effects from existing therapies, including dizziness and somnolence. Moreover, 80% of individuals using illicit opioids or heroin initially started with prescription opioids, underscoring the critical need for safer, more effective pain management strategies.
Latigo Biotherapeutics is a private clinical-stage biotechnology company developing innovative non-opioid pain medicines with potential best-in-class profiles that directly target the source of pain. Latigo’s goal is to provide effective, rapid-acting pain relief without the risk of addiction. Latigo is supported by leading investors, including Westlake Village BioPartners, 5AM Ventures, Foresite Capital, and Corner Ventures. For more information, please visit www.latigobio.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
Media Contact:
Kathy Vincent
Greig Communications Inc.
[email protected]
The post Latigo Biotherapeutics Appoints Tim Lugo as Chief Financial Officer and Adds Beth Seidenberg and Jim Tananbaum to Board of Directors first appeared on Latigo Biotherapeutics.
]]>The post Latigo Biotherapeutics Announces Positive Phase 1 Data for Lead Non-Opioid Pain Medicine Candidate and Appoints Neil Singla, M.D., Chief Medical Officer first appeared on Latigo Biotherapeutics.
]]>Positive Phase 1 results for LTG-001, Latigo’s potential best-in-class non-opioid Nav1.8 inhibitor, demonstrated it to be well tolerated with rapid absorption
Dr. Singla brings world-class expertise in analgesics, pain management, and clinical development to accelerate Company’s pipeline of non-opioid pain medicines
Opioid addiction is a national public health concern – 3.75 million Americans go on to long-term chronic opioid use after low-risk surgery as up to 19% of patients exposed to opioids develop dependency
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – August 19, 2024 – Latigo Biotherapeutics Inc. (“Latigo”) today announced positive Phase 1 results for LTG-001, its lead potential best-in-class non-opioid pain medicine candidate. In a Phase 1 first-in-human clinical trial, data showed that LTG-001 was well tolerated with rapid absorption. LTG-001 is an oral, selective Nav1.8 inhibitor in development to treat acute and chronic pain at its source. The Company also announced the appointment of world-renowned analgesic scientist Neil Singla, M.D., as chief medical officer.
“Opioid addiction is a national public health concern and Latigo Bio is dedicated to being part of the solution. Latigo intends to develop non-opioid drugs that have meaningful efficacy, rapid onset of action, and superior safety to standard of care with no central nervous system effects, thereby reducing the risk of addiction,” said Nima Farzan, Latigo’s chief executive officer. “These positive Phase 1 results of LTG-001 in healthy volunteers are encouraging and give us tremendous confidence we are moving in the right direction. We look forward to continuing to progress the clinical program for LTG-001 along with our robust pipeline so that we can provide alternatives for patients that reduce dependency and offer effective pain relief.”
Results from the Phase 1 clinical trial in 72 healthy subjects showed that LTG-001 was well tolerated and demonstrated rapid absorption with a Tmax of about 1.5 hours and predictable pharmacokinetics. Exposure was proportional across the dose range. Rapid onset of pain relief is critical for both acute and chronic pain management and achieving a Tmax in under two hours in this study indicates this may be possible. Additionally, no food effect was shown in the studied doses.
Latigo’s Phase 1 first-in-human clinical trial was designed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of single- and multiple-ascending oral doses, relative bioavailability, and food effect of LTG-001 versus placebo in healthy subjects.
Latigo also announced the appointment of world-renowned analgesic scientist Neil Singla, M.D., as chief medical officer. Dr. Singla is the founder and past chief executive officer of Lotus Clinical Research, a world-renowned analgesic site and Clinical Research Organization combination. An expert in analgesic protocol design and implementation with a deep focus on minimizing variability in clinical trials with subjective endpoints, Dr. Singla has been instrumental in pioneering methodologies that enhance the rigor and outcomes of pain management studies.
“Dr. Singla’s extensive experience in analgesic protocol design and implementation will be invaluable as we work to address opioid addiction – one of the most critical public health issues of our time,” said Mr. Farzan. “We look forward to Neil’s leadership in advancing our pipeline of non-opioid pain medicines.”
“Latigo’s innovative approach to pain management can play a significant role in providing effective non-opioid therapies to patients,” said Dr. Singla. “Latigo’s mission aligns with my passion for advancing treatments for pain management, without the risk of dependency. I am honored to have the opportunity to work with the Latigo team to deliver these life-changing non-opioid alternatives to people who desperately need them.”
Dr. Singla’s innovative approach includes the development of novel patient education techniques that reduce placebo responses and increase effect sizes, significantly improving the quality of clinical trials in pain management. His work developing the abdominoplasty model for acute postoperative pain studies has set a new standard in the field, becoming a cornerstone for numerous new drug approvals.
As a respected figure in the scientific community, Dr. Singla chairs the Clinical Trials Special Interest Group for the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) and has organized and chaired prominent scientific symposia on analgesic trials for both the IASP and the American Pain Society. He earned his medical degree from Northeast Ohio Medical University.
The opioid crisis remains one of the most critical public health issues of our time, with opioid addiction, also known as opioid use disorder, posing a significant threat to millions. According to the American Medical Association, 3% to 19% of individuals in the U.S. exposed to opioids develop chronic dependency. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that more than 80% of individuals who use illicit opioids, particularly heroin, began with prescription opioids. Each year, in the U.S. approximately 10,000 people die from overdoses involving prescribed opioids, and this number increases to 75,000 when including deaths from illicit opioids. In the U.S. alone, 143 million opioid prescriptions were written in 2020, and more than 10 million people misused opioids in 2019. Additionally, 3.75 million patients transition to long-term chronic opioid use after low-risk surgeries annually. The risks associated with prescription opioids are multifaceted, encompassing accidental overdoses, the presence of unused opioids in homes, and the progression from dependency to the use of dangerous illicit drugs like heroin and fentanyl. These alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for effective, rapid-acting non-opioid pain therapeutics that provide safer pain management alternatives and mitigate the opioid epidemic.
Latigo Biotherapeutics is a private clinical-stage biotechnology company developing innovative non-opioid pain medicines with potential best-in-class profiles that directly target the source of pain. Latigo’s goal is to provide effective, rapid-acting pain relief without the risk of addiction. Latigo is supported by leading investors including Westlake Village BioPartners, 5AM Ventures, Foresite Capital, and Corner Ventures. For more information, please visit www.latigobio.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
Media Contact:
Kathy Vincent
Greig Communications Inc.
[email protected]
The post Latigo Biotherapeutics Announces Positive Phase 1 Data for Lead Non-Opioid Pain Medicine Candidate and Appoints Neil Singla, M.D., Chief Medical Officer first appeared on Latigo Biotherapeutics.
]]>The post Latigo Biotherapeutics Appoints Nima Farzan as Chief Executive Officer, Positioning Company for Rapid Growth first appeared on Latigo Biotherapeutics.
]]>Farzan brings more than two decades’ leadership experience with a strong track record in fundraising and IPOs
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – July 22, 2024 – Latigo Biotherapeutics Inc. (“Latigo”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing best-in-class non-opioid pain medicines that target pain at its source, today announced the appointment of Nima Farzan, MBA, as chief executive officer (CEO).
Mr. Farzan brings a strong track record of more than two decades of leadership experience in the biopharmaceutical industry. He replaces Desmond Padhi, Pharm.D., operating partner at Westlake Village BioPartners, who has been serving as Latigo’s interim CEO.
“The addition of Nima represents a pivotal moment for Latigo,” said Nancy Stagliano, Ph.D., chair of Latigo’s board of directors. “His extensive industry leadership and clinical development experience will propel us toward our goal of becoming a world leader in discovering and developing non-opioid pain medicines.”
“I am honored to lead Latigo Biotherapeutics at such a critical juncture,” said Farzan. “With our cutting-edge approach to pain management, I am confident in our ability to drive significant advancements in the field and enhance patient care where new, safer options are needed.”
“Desmond’s leadership has been vital during a transformative period for Latigo, setting a solid stage for our next chapter of growth,” said Stagliano. “The board extends heartfelt thanks to Desmond for his exemplary service as interim CEO.”
Nima Farzan brings more than two decades of leadership experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, including a significant tenure as chief executive officer (CEO) of Kinnate Biopharma. He joined Kinnate in 2020 and built an organization that subsequently brought three different precision oncology compounds discovered internally into the clinic. He led Kinnate’s successful initial public offering (IPO) of $270 million and eventual sale to Xoma Corporation in April 2024.
Prior to joining Kinnate, Mr. Farzan spent seven years at PaxVax, where he was most recently president and CEO. At PaxVax, he led a team of 250 people through several successful financings, the licensure from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Vaxchora® (cholera vaccine), the grant of a Priority Review Voucher from the FDA, the acquisition of several programs from Johnson & Johnson, and a number of commercial product launches. The company received a Priority Review Voucher that it sold and ultimately, he negotiated the sale of PaxVax to Emergent BioSolutions, returning nearly $500 million back to shareholders between the two transactions. Prior to PaxVax, he was at Novartis AG in a series of roles of increasing responsibility, including vice president of U.S. Marketing at Novartis’ Vaccines and Diagnostics division. Previously, he worked at DoubleTwist, a pioneering genomics company, and was a consultant with Boston Consulting Group. After the sales of PaxVax and Kinnate, Mr. Farzan was an executive-in-residence at Foresite Capital.
Mr. Farzan is a director of Keros Therapeutics and was a member of the founding board of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). He holds an MBA from the Harvard Business School and a BA in human biology with honors from Stanford University.
Latigo Biotherapeutics Inc., is a privately held clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing non-opioid pain medicines targeting the fundamental mechanisms of pain transduction. Utilizing advanced technologies, the company innovates novel drugs validated by human genetics. Supported by leading investors like Westlake Village BioPartners, 5AM Ventures, Foresite Capital, and Corner Ventures, Latigo is committed to redefining pain management. For more information, please visit www.latigobio.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
Media Contact:
Kathy Vincent
Greig Communications Inc.
[email protected]
The post Latigo Biotherapeutics Appoints Nima Farzan as Chief Executive Officer, Positioning Company for Rapid Growth first appeared on Latigo Biotherapeutics.
]]>The post Pharmacologic Characterization of LTGO-33, a Selective Small Molecule Inhibitor of the Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel NaV1.8 with a Unique Mechanism of Action first appeared on Latigo Biotherapeutics.
]]>The post Pharmacologic Characterization of LTGO-33, a Selective Small Molecule Inhibitor of the Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel NaV1.8 with a Unique Mechanism of Action first appeared on Latigo Biotherapeutics.
]]>The post Latigo Biotherapeutics Debuts with $135 Million Series A Financing to Develop Non-Opioid Pain Medicines first appeared on Latigo Biotherapeutics.
]]>Potential best-in-class lead program targets Nav1.8, a validated human target for pain
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., February 14, 2024 – Latigo Biotherapeutics Inc. (“Latigo”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing best-in-class non-opioid pain medicines that target pain at its source, today announced its emergence from stealth with a $135 million Series A financing. Westlake Village BioPartners (“Westlake”) incubated the company. Westlake led the Series A financing with 5AM Ventures and Foresite Capital as co-leads with participation from Corner Ventures.
The company has appointed Desmond Padhi, Pharm.D., operating partner at Westlake as interim chief executive officer (CEO) and Nancy Stagliano, Ph.D., CEO of Neuron23, Inc., as chair of the board. Proceeds from the financing will support the continued advancement of Latigo’s portfolio of novel pain therapeutics and the growth of the company and its platform.
The Thousand Oaks-based company was founded by Westlake in 2020, reinforcing Westlake’s commitment to building world-class biotech companies in the Los Angeles area. Recruiting local talent with expertise in neuroscience, pain, and drug discovery allowed Latigo to innovate and quickly advance to a clinical stage.
“It is particularly gratifying for me to participate in the evolution of Latigo over the past several years since its inception,” said Dr. Padhi. “With a strong syndicate of investors and the significant capital we’ve raised, we are well positioned to build a company that provides new therapeutic options to patients with pain. Latigo’s targets are identified by human genetics, grounded in human biology, and characterized using state-of-the-art human model systems. This combination increases our probability of success across the development continuum.”
Latigo’s lead program, LTG-001, is an oral, selective Nav1.8 inhibitor currently in a Phase 1 clinical trial in healthy volunteers and intended to treat acute and chronic pain. LTG-001 has the potential to be best-in-class with a rapid onset, meaningful efficacy, and superior safety to standard of care with no central nervous system effects. In addition to LTG-001, the company has a suite of Nav1.8 inhibitors, enabling Latigo to address the broad potential of such a target in the clinic.
Beyond Nav1.8, the company has a pipeline of novel, genetically identified targets with small molecule programs at the discovery stage.
“Until recently, there was little innovation in pain therapeutics. Current treatments have significant liabilities – opioids carry the risk of dependency, while NSAIDs can be poorly tolerated with long term use,” said Dr. Stagliano. “Today, with a potentially best-in-class clinical-stage Nav1.8 inhibitor as our lead program, Latigo is fulfilling its vision of developing non-opioid therapies for patients suffering from acute and chronic pain where there is a significant high unmet need for new treatments.”
Latigo Biotherapeutics Inc., headquartered in Thousand Oaks, CA, is a privately held clinical-stage biotechnology company developing best-in-class non-opioid pain medicines that target the fundamental mechanism of pain transduction. The company’s proprietary, in-house technology generates novel drugs against targets validated by human genetics using the most advanced artificial intelligence, machine learning, structure-based, and knowledge-based design techniques to optimize potency and selectivity. The company is backed by top-tier investors, including Westlake Village BioPartners, 5AM Ventures, Foresite Capital, and Corner Ventures. For more information, please visit https://latigobio.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
Media contact:
Kathy Vincent
Greig Communications Inc.
[email protected]
The post Latigo Biotherapeutics Debuts with $135 Million Series A Financing to Develop Non-Opioid Pain Medicines first appeared on Latigo Biotherapeutics.
]]>