Catena Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Catena Pharmaceuticals is seeking anti-angiogenic GPCR-antagonist compounds, and has a license to one that targets a subset of GPCRs specific for lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). LPA is one of a family of fatty molecules called lysophospholipids that is generating increasing interest among scientists for their role in cell proliferation and inflammation. The company says its small molecules have shown early promise in a number of indications, from oncology to fibrosis and neuropathic pain. Catena will concentrate initially on developing antagonists to LPA receptors for the treatment of solid tumors.