cAMPfield Launches with $180 Million Series A to Target IBD with Prifemilast, a Selective PDE4B Inhibitor
Company Launch and Investment Round
cAMPfield Therapeutics, a San Diego-based biotech founded by Mountainfield Venture Partners, officially launched on June 18, 2026, with a $180 million Series A financing. The round included participation from leading investors such as Frazier Life Sciences, Deep Track Capital, Forbion, Abingworth, Venrock, Longitude Capital, Novo Holdings, and RA Capital. CEO Bill Gerhart leads the company, and the founding team includes Asit Parikh (formerly of Takeda, who led the development of Entyvio), Keith Usiskin (formerly of Celgene/BMS, who advanced Otezla and Zeposia), and Mark Stenhouse (formerly VP at AbbVie, involved in the commercialization of Humira). This represents a convergence of key personnel with experience in developing blockbuster IBD drugs.
Pipeline: Prifemilast (HY1999/HPP737)
Prifemilast is a once-daily oral phosphodiesterase 4B selective inhibitor. By inhibiting PDE4, it increases intracellular cAMP levels, reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines. Prifemilast selectively inhibits the PDE4B isoform, which mediates its anti-inflammatory effects, while exhibiting lower affinity for PDE4D, which is associated with dose-limiting adverse effects. This is designed to improve the safety profile compared to existing PDE4 inhibitors. Originally developed by vTv Therapeutics, the Chinese and Southeast Asian rights were transferred to Newsoara Biopharma, and cAMPfield has secured exclusive global rights outside of China.
Existing Clinical Data and Future Plans
The drug has been administered to over 700 clinical trial participants, with safety data accumulated from over 250 individuals over a 52-week period. It has demonstrated robust efficacy in a Phase 3 trial for plaque psoriasis and has also generated positive Phase 2 proof-of-concept data in ulcerative colitis (UC). The company plans to initiate a global Phase 2b trial in moderate-to-severe UC and a global Phase 2 trial in Crohn's disease using the proceeds from this financing.
Competitive Landscape and Differentiation
The existing PDE4 inhibitor, Otezla (apremilast, Amgen), is approved for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis but has failed to expand its indications to IBD due to significant gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and weight loss. The PDE4B selectivity of prifemilast is intended to address these GI-related issues. In the IBD space, Abivax (ABVX) has successfully completed Phase 3 ABTECT induction and maintenance trials with obefazimod and plans to submit an NDA to the FDA in the fourth quarter of 2026. Spyre Therapeutics (SPYR) is expected to sequentially release Phase 2 proof-of-concept data for its three long-acting antibodies targeting Ξ±4Ξ²7, TL1A, and IL-23 by 2026. Teva/Sanofi is also strengthening its IBD pipeline with $400 million in funding from Blackstone, creating a competitive environment.
The global IBD therapeutics market is estimated at approximately $25 billion to $31 billion in 2026 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4% to 6%, reaching $32 billion to $42 billion in 2034. This indicates a significant unmet need for oral, novel therapies with improved safety profiles. Prifemilast, with its clinical validation from over 700 participants, 52-week safety data, and successful Phase 3 trial in psoriasis, represents a de-risked asset for IBD expansion. Its differentiated approach of overcoming the GI side effect limitations of existing PDE4 inhibitors through PDE4B selectivity is noteworthy. The presence of key development and commercialization personnel from blockbuster IBD drugs such as Entyvio, Humira, Otezla, and Zeposia in the founding team suggests strong capabilities in clinical trial design and regulatory strategy execution. The participation of Frazier, Novo Holdings, and RA Capital, prominent healthcare venture capital firms, indicates that the company has passed rigorous institutional due diligence. However, the development timeline is crucial, as late-stage competitors such as Abivax (NDA expected in Q4 2026) and Spyre (multiple Phase 2 PoCs in progress) may enter the market earlier.
Source: BioPharma Dive (rss)
https://www.biopharmadive.com/news/campfield-series-a-launch-immune-drugs/823259/