NuFund Venture Group proudly highlights the transformative progress of Cayuga Biotech, one of its innovative portfolio companies revolutionizing the treatment of acute hemorrhage. Cayuga’s cutting-edge therapies leverage the body’s natural mechanisms to address one of the leading causes of preventable death globally.
Cayuga’s flagship therapy, CAY001, is a first-in-class polyphosphate (polyP)-based drug currently in late preclinical development. The therapy has shown unprecedented promise in overcoming extreme conditions associated with poor trauma survival, including hemodilution, acidosis, and hypothermia. Animal models have demonstrated 91% faster clotting and nearly 60% less blood loss after life-threatening injury.
The company recently presented these findings at two high-profile events:
- 19th International Symposium on Blood Substitutes (ISBS)
- 66th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting
“These data are a testament to the groundbreaking work of our team and our mission to redefine trauma care,” said Andrea Ashford-Hicks, CEO of Cayuga Biotech. “CAY001 addresses some of the most challenging clinical scenarios with a novel approach that could save countless lives. We’re excited about the journey ahead as we prepare for clinical trials and broaden our impact.”
Cayuga’s robust pipeline includes therapies addressing inherited bleeding disorders and other stages of the healing continuum, supported by a growing portfolio of intellectual property and ongoing engagement with the medical and pharmaceutical communities.
NuFund’s Role in Supporting Cayuga’s Growth
NuFund played a pivotal role in Cayuga’s journey, from initial funding to facilitating critical connections in the life sciences sector. NuFund member Steve Gormican, the deal lead for Cayuga, shared his enthusiasm for the company’s progress: “Cayuga Biotech epitomizes the type of transformative innovation NuFund seeks to back. Their approach to harnessing the body’s natural healing mechanisms is game-changing, and it’s been an honor to support their growth through NuFund’s network and resources.”
Achievements in 2024
Cayuga has made tremendous strides this year, including:
- Expanding its $3M seed note, providing an extended runway for preclinical studies.
- Filing a second-generation intellectual property portfolio.
- Preparing for the submission of its IND (Investigational New Drug) application in late 2024, paving the way for Phase 1 clinical trials.
Cayuga is also actively seeking partnerships and strategic investments as it moves toward securing Series A funding in fall 2024.
About Cayuga Biotech, Inc.
Cayuga is developing novel biomimetic therapies leveraging inorganic polyphosphate, a polymer that modulates the healing response. The company has an optimized polyP-SNP complex in late preclinical development for the treatment of acute major hemorrhage, a discovery-stage novel composition for the treatment of inherited bleeding disorders, as well as a portfolio of early-stage programs focused across the healing continuum. To learn more, please visit www.CayugaBiotech.com.
About NuFund Venture Group
NuFund Venture Group represents a new wave of angel investors, pioneering a novel fund model focused on emerging technology leaders. NuFund was formerly known as Tech Coast Angels – San Diego (TCA-SD), and the organization is one of the largest, most active, and most successful early-stage investor groups over the past 20+ years. We continually strive to foster a culture that is friendly, innovative, engaging, rewarding, and fun for all stakeholders. For more information, please visit www.NuFund.com.
