Azitra, a Phase 1-ready dermatology biotech developing engineered bacteria therapies, filed on Tuesday with the SEC to raise up to $17 million in an initial public offering.
Azitra is focused on developing engineered proteins and live biotherapeutic products that can be applied topically to treat diseases of the skin. The company has a microbial library comprised of approximately 1,500 unique bacterial strains that can be screened for unique therapeutic characteristics. Azitra's initial focus is on the development of genetically engineered strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis. Its pipeline is currently led by ATR-12, a genetically modified strain of S. epidermidis being developed for orphan disease Netherton syndrome that is expected to enter a Phase 1b trial in the 1H23. The company also has a joint development agreement with Bayer to investigate and develop two strains of bacterial microbes for consumer/cosmetic products.
The Branford, CT-based company was founded in 2014. The company has not selected a listing exchange or symbol yet (RC ticker: AZTR.RC). ThinkEquity is the sole bookrunner on the deal. No pricing terms were disclosed.
