Inventera Pharmaceuticals

Inventera Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a South Korean biotechnology company established in November 2018 by founder and CEO Tae-hyun Shin. The company specializes in developing novel medical imaging and diagnostic solutions, focusing on a new generation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) contrast agents.

Inventera's core technology revolves around an iron (Fe) based T1-MRI contrast agent, designed as a safer and more effective alternative to conventional gadolinium (Gd) based agents, which have raised concerns about toxicity and retention in the body. The company's proprietary nanostructure platform technology enables the development of contrast agents that offer high-resolution imaging (around 100 micrometers), long-circulating pharmacokinetics for extended scanning windows, and thorough renal excretion to ensure safety. This technology is protected by patents in major markets, including the United States, Japan, China, and Europe.

The company's development pipeline targets specific clinical unmet needs where traditional imaging is insufficient. Key products include INV-002 (brand name: NEMO-103), a contrast agent for musculoskeletal imaging, particularly for Magnetic Resonance Arthrography (MRA), which is in late-stage clinical trials. Another primary candidate is INV-001, designed for lymphovascular imaging to diagnose conditions like lymphedema, which is also progressing through clinical phases. These agents are considered first-in-class as they are specifically developed for these applications, unlike the off-label use of existing agents.

Inventera operates on a business model centered on the research, development, and eventual commercialization of its proprietary drug pipeline. It has successfully raised significant capital through multiple funding rounds, including a Series A of ₩5 billion in 2020, a Series B of ₩10 billion in 2022, and a Series C of ₩18.5 billion in 2024, attracting investments from venture capitals and pharmaceutical companies like Dongkook Lifescience and DongKook Pharmaceutical. The company has established strategic partnerships for manufacturing and commercialization, signing an API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) production agreement with LG Chem and a sales and marketing contract with Dongkook Lifescience. Inventera is preparing for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the KOSDAQ market, having passed its technology evaluation for a special listing.

Keywords: MRI contrast agents, T1-MRI, gadolinium-free, medical imaging, drug development, biotechnology, nanotechnology, musculoskeletal imaging, lymphovascular imaging, diagnostic agents, iron-based contrast agent, clinical trials, pharmaceutical R&D, INV-002, INV-001, Tae-hyun Shin, KOSDAQ IPO, molecular imaging, nanomedicine, diagnostic pharmaceuticals