Aristea Therapeutics

Aristea Therapeutics was a clinical-stage immunology drug development company established in December 2018 as a spin-out from AstraZeneca. The company was founded by James M. Mackay, Ph.D., who also served as its President and CEO. Mackay, a veteran with over 25 years in the pharmaceutical industry, previously led Ardea Biosciences post-acquisition by AstraZeneca and held senior roles at AstraZeneca, contributing to multiple drug approvals. His extensive background in drug development and commercialization shaped Aristea's strategy to in-license and develop promising molecules discarded by larger pharmaceutical companies.

The San Diego-based company focused on developing novel therapies for serious, neutrophil-mediated inflammatory and orphan diseases with significant unmet medical needs. Its business model centered on acquiring exclusive global rights to clinical assets and advancing them through development. Aristea launched with a $15 million Series A financing from Novo Holdings. A significant milestone was a July 2021 strategic collaboration with Arena Pharmaceuticals, which included a $60 million upfront payment and a $10 million equity investment as part of a larger $63 million Series B round. This agreement gave Arena an exclusive option to acquire Aristea upon the completion of a Phase 2b study for its lead drug candidate.

Aristea's lead product, RIST4721, was an orally administered small molecule designed to antagonize the CXCR2 receptor, which plays a critical role in recruiting inflammatory neutrophils to tissue sites. The company acquired exclusive global rights to RIST4721 from AstraZeneca. The drug was being investigated for several debilitating conditions, including palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP), hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), familial Mediterranean fever, and Behcet's disease. However, in February 2023, Aristea announced the discontinuation of the RIST4721 development program due to undisclosed safety findings observed in its Phase 2 clinical trials. Following an exploration of strategic alternatives, the board concluded that dissolving the company was the most prudent business decision, leading to the cessation of all operations.

Keywords: Aristea Therapeutics, immunology, inflammatory diseases, orphan diseases, James M. Mackay, AstraZeneca spin-out, Novo Holdings, Arena Pharmaceuticals, RIST4721, CXCR2 antagonist, palmoplantar pustulosis, clinical trials, drug development, neutrophil-mediated, biotech dissolution, Series B financing, biopharmaceutical, San Diego biotech