Complexa

Complexa Inc. was a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company established in 2008 as a spin-out from the University of Pittsburgh. Founded by Bruce Freeman, the company focused on developing therapies for inflammatory and fibrotic diseases by leveraging its proprietary technology platform based on endogenous nitrated fatty acids (NFAs). These naturally occurring molecules act as signaling agents that regulate the body's core inflammation and fibrosis pathways.

The company's operations were centered on the research and development of drug candidates that could be applied to a variety of underserved, life-threatening conditions. Complexa's lead compound, CXA-10, an oral nitrated fatty acid, was developed to modulate key inflammatory molecules. The primary business strategy involved advancing its pipeline through clinical trials to demonstrate safety and efficacy, with the ultimate goal of securing partnerships or an exit. The company targeted orphan diseases, which are rare medical conditions, allowing for a more focused clinical development path.

Complexa's lead product, CXA-10, showed potential for disease-modifying effects in conditions where many patients did not respond to existing treatments. The therapeutic was designed to upregulate Nrf2, a critical anti-inflammatory molecule, and inhibit NF-κB, a key inflammatory molecule. The company initiated multiple clinical trials for CXA-10, targeting conditions such as Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a rare kidney disease, and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH). The initial formulation was intravenous for treating acute kidney injury, with an oral version developed for chronic conditions.

Throughout its existence, Complexa successfully raised significant capital to fund its research and clinical programs. The company secured a total of $78.9 million over nine funding rounds, with its first round in June 2012. Notable financing events include a $13 million Series B round in 2014, led by JAFCO Life Science Investment, and a substantial $62 million Series C round in 2017. This later round was led by prominent investors New Enterprise Associates (NEA) and Pfizer Venture Investments, with participation from others like HBM Healthcare Investments. Despite these milestones, including the completion of patient enrollment for a Phase 2 trial in June 2020, the company eventually ceased operations, with its website becoming inactive around July 2022.

Keywords: Complexa, biopharmaceutical, clinical-stage, Bruce Freeman, nitrated fatty acids, CXA-10, anti-inflammatory, orphan diseases, Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis, Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, fibrosis, Nrf2, NF-κB, venture capital, Pfizer Venture Investments, New Enterprise Associates, clinical trials, drug development, metabolic diseases, kidney disease, University of Pittsburgh spin-out