FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — Tortugas Neuroscience announced its launch alongside $106 million in combined seed and Series A financing to support development of treatments for neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.
The company said the funding will be used to advance its clinical-stage pipeline, including completing Phase 2 trials for two lead drug candidates. The financing was led by Cure Ventures, which also co-led the Series A round with The Column Group and AN Venture Partners.
Tortugas is focused on developing therapies for conditions including schizophrenia, tinnitus, focal epilepsy, and reversible encephalopathies. The company’s pipeline consists of small molecule compounds with what it describes as “derisked” mechanisms of action, licensed from Eisai Co., Ltd. and Jiangsu Hansoh Pharmaceutical Group Ltd.
“I am confident that with our team’s demonstrated drug development capabilities, we will deliver on our promise to patients in need,” said Jeff Jonas, M.D., chief executive officer of Tortugas Neuroscience.
The company is led by Jonas and Al Robichaud, Ph.D., president and head of research and development, both of whom previously held leadership roles at Sage Therapeutics. Tortugas said its strategy centers on developing treatments with clear regulatory pathways and the potential to deliver meaningful clinical benefits.
“We believe each of our programs are well-positioned for differentiation in the marketplace,” Jonas said. “Tortugas curated its pipeline for innovative therapeutics that have high potential for clinical differentiation and of reaching their target patient markets. I am confident that with our team’s demonstrated drug development capabilities, we will deliver on our promise to patients in need.”
“We are driven to improve treatment options for patients suffering with CNS disorders,” Robichaud said. “The unmet patient need is indeed immense and we are deeply appreciative of this financial support to help us achieve our goals.”
