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In ArmaGen, Investors Seek A Brain-Penetrating Breakthrough

 
• By Paul Bonanos

For years, traditional VCs passed on ArmaGen’s technology that pulls drugs across the blood-brain barrier to reach previously undruggable targets. But in 2012, a syndicate of corporate investors obliged, suggesting they don’t mind losing their money if they can learn more about a difficult problem.

Getting drugs across the blood-brain barrier has proven to be a challenge for many drug developers, from tiny start-ups to multinational companies. If ArmaGen Technologies Inc. has the answer – or even if it doesn’t – the pharmas that have invested in it may get their money’s worth.

“We got nowhere trying to solve this problem,” said Brian Piper, a senior director at Shire Investment Group, during a...

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