DLA Piper advise Pfizer Ventures on strategic investment into Artios

DLA Piper has advised Pfizer Ventures, the venture capital arm of Pfizer Inc., on its strategic investment into Artios Pharma Limited (Artios) as part of Artios’ oversubscribed USD115 million D financing.

Artios is a biopharmaceutical company developing cancer medicines that selectively target vulnerabilities in the way tumor cells repair DNA damage. The Series D proceeds will be used to advance Artios’ clinical pipeline, including its lead programme, alnodesertib, which has recently been granted U.S. FDA Fast Track Designation.

Pfizer Ventures invests globally in innovative companies at all stages of development, with a strong focus on early-stage life-science opportunities that align with Pfizer's strategic areas. In addition to providing capital, Pfizer Ventures partners with its portfolio companies by offering strategic guidance and access to Pfizer's scientific and development expertise.  

The DLA Piper team advising Pfizer Ventures was led by Corporate partner Luca Gori, supported by Senior Associate Alex Potop and Associate Annisa Chan.

Luca Gori, commenting on the deal, said: “This investment in Artios reflects Pfizer Ventures’ commitment to backing cutting-edge science with the potential to improve outcomes in difficult-to-treat cancer. We are proud to be continuing our support to Pfizer Ventures in enabling this kind of innovation.”