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Septerna discovers and develops novel small molecule medicines targeting G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). The company employs a proprietary Native Complex Platform® to unlock previously difficult-to-drug GPCRs, enabling the identification and optimization of oral small molecule drug candidates. This technical approach drives a diverse pipeline.
Septerna was founded in 2022 by a distinguished team of scientific experts: Nobel laureate Robert Lefkowitz, Arthur Christopoulos, PhD, Patrick Sexton, PhD, DSc, and CEO Jeffrey Finer. Their combined understanding of GPCR biology provided the insight to launch a company dedicated to leveraging these critical biological targets for therapeutic innovation.
Septerna’s programs target patients with significant unmet medical needs in therapeutic areas including endocrinology, immunology and inflammation, and metabolic diseases. The company's mission is to advance a robust portfolio of GPCR-targeted therapies with novel mechanisms, aspiring to deliver impactful new medicines.
Septerna has raised $250.0M across 2 funding rounds.
Septerna has raised $250.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Septerna is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing oral small-molecule therapies targeting G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) using its proprietary Native Complex Platform™.[1][2][3][5] It focuses on unmet needs in endocrinology, immunology and inflammation, and metabolic diseases, with a pipeline advancing into Phase 1 trials, such as SEP-631 for mast cell-driven diseases; the company went public on NASDAQ (SEPN) in October 2024 and employs about 75-140 people in South San Francisco.[1][2][3] Led by CEO and co-founder Jeffrey Finer, MD, PhD, Septerna aims to unlock ~75% of undrugged GPCRs, which represent one-third of FDA-approved drugs historically, through industrial-scale discovery of agonists, antagonists, and allosteric modulators.[1][3][5]
Septerna was co-founded by Jeffrey Finer, MD, PhD (current CEO), alongside scientific founders Robert Lefkowitz, MD (Nobel laureate in GPCR research), Arthur Christopoulos, PhD, and Patrick Sexton, PhD, DSc, leveraging their expertise in GPCR biology.[2] The idea emerged from developing proprietary technologies to isolate and reconstitute GPCRs in native complexes outside cells, addressing limitations in traditional drug discovery for this vital receptor family.[2][5] Early traction built on this platform's ability to enable high-resolution structures via cryo-EM and massive screening of billions of molecules, leading to a deep pipeline; the company IPO'd on October 25, 2024, marking a pivotal milestone amid rapid growth from 107 employees in Q4 2024 to 140 by Q1 2025.[1][3]
Septerna rides the wave of advanced structural biology and AI-driven drug discovery, targeting GPCRs—the most successful drug class yet underexplored at 75% potential—amid rising demand for precision oral therapies in immunology, metabolism, and beyond.[3][5] Timing aligns with post-IPO momentum in 2024-2025, fueled by biotech funding recovery and tech like cryo-EM enabling "undruggable" targets, positioning Septerna to expand GPCR medicines beyond the one-third of FDA drugs they already dominate.[1][5] It influences the ecosystem by pioneering scalable platforms, potentially accelerating therapies for high-unmet-need diseases and inspiring similar tech-biotech hybrids.[2][3]
Septerna's platform positions it to deliver first-in-class GPCR modulators, with near-term catalysts like Q3 2025 financials, Jefferies conference updates, and Phase 1 data from SEP-631 driving pipeline expansion into neurology and cardiovascular areas.[1][3] Trends like AI-optimized screening and allosteric modulation will shape its trajectory, potentially growing its 2025 revenue momentum (e.g., Q1 at $54.98M) toward blockbuster approvals.[1] Influence may evolve from discovery innovator to ecosystem leader, scaling impact for patients as GPCR tech matures—echoing its mission to pioneer a new era in drug discovery.[2][3]
Septerna has raised $250.0M across 2 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $150.0M Series B in July 2023.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 1, 2023 | $150M Series B | Jake Simson | Samsara BioCapital, Sanofi Ventures, Third Rock Ventures, BVF Partners, Casdin Capital, Catalio Capital, Deep Track Capital, Driehaus Capital Management, Goldman Sachs, Invus, Logos Capital, Mirae Asset, Solus Capital, Vertex Ventures HC, Woodline Partners | Announced |
| Jan 1, 2022 | $100M Series A | Third Rock Ventures | RA Capital, Samsara BioCapital, BVF Partners, Casdin Capital, Catalio Capital, Invus Financial Advisors, Logos Capital | Announced |
Septerna has raised $250.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Septerna's investors include Jake Simson, Samsara BioCapital, Sanofi Ventures, Third Rock Ventures, BVF Partners, Casdin Capital, Catalio Capital Management, Deep Track Capital, Driehaus Capital Management, Goldman Sachs, Invus, Logos Capital.