Afferent raises $23M, in-licenses Roche program

Afferent Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Boston, Mass.) raised $23 million in a series A round co-led by Third Rock Ventures and Pappas Ventures. Domain Associates and New Leaf Venture also participated. Afferent also received exclusive, worldwide rights from Roche (SIX:ROG; OTCQX:RHHBY) to the pharma's P2X3 receptor program. The program's lead compound, AF-219 (formerly RG1646/RO 4926219), is a P2X3 antagonist expected to start Phase II testing for pain and pain-related conditions next year. Financial terms were not disclosed. ...