Cerexa Pharmaceuticals

Addressing MRSA and other serious bacterial infections with a novel antibiotic therapeutic

Cerexa focused on next-generation antibiotics to treat the rising threat of bacterial resistance to conventional antibiotics. The company’s lead compound (ceftaroline) is a 5th-generation cephalosporin that exhibits bactericidal activity against highly resistant strains of gram-positive bacteria, including MRSA. Following positive clinical proof-of-concept, Cerexa was acquired by Forest Laboratories in 2007. Following acquisition, Forest gained FDA approval in 2010 (brand name Teflaro) and EU approval in 2012 (brand name Zinforo) for treatment of complicated skin and soft tissue infections and community-acquired pneumonia.

Status
Acquired by Forest Pharmaceuticals in 2007
Year of Investment
2005
Strategy
Life Sciences
Location
Bay Area, California
Frazier Team