About this raise: Sarcomatrix, with a valuation of $14.25 million, is raising funds on StartEngine. The company is developing assets for the treatment of muscle diseases using innovative techniques. Sarcomatrix is in the pre-revenue and pre-commercialization stages of development, with two major assets nearing first-in-human clinical trials. The company aims to target the root causes of neuromuscular disorders rather than only addressing the symptoms and has received NIH grants for its research. David Craig founded Sarcomatrix in May 2022. The current crowdfunding campaign has a minimum target of $15,000 and a maximum target of $1.24 million. The campaign proceeds will be used for research and development, inventory, company employment, and working capital.
Investment Overview
Invested $52,275 :
Deal Terms
Company & Team
Company
- Year Founded
- 2022
- Industry
- Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
- Tech Sector
- Distribution Model
- B2B2C
- Margin
- Medium
- Capital Intensity
- High
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Synopsis
Neuromuscular disorders such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) are debilitating conditions that significantly impact the quality of life for many individuals. Traditional treatments often focus on alleviating symptoms rather than addressing the underlying causes of these diseases. Sarcomatrix Therapeutics aims to change this paradigm by developing innovative treatments that target the root causes of muscle diseases.
Sarcomatrix is currently in the pre-revenue and pre-commercialization stages of development. Two of its major treatments are nearing clinical trials, marking a significant milestone in its development journey. Sarcomatrix has garnered support from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), receiving $8 million in grants, including $2 million specifically allocated for completing pre-clinical research. This financial backing highlights the potential impact and scientific merit of Sarcomatrix's research.
The company's approach is to go beyond symptom management and directly address the root causes of neuromuscular disorders. This strategy could potentially transform treatment possibilities and improve the lives of those affected by these conditions. Sarcomatrix is also in pursuit of a license agreement for certain intellectual property with the University of Nevada, Reno, which could further bolster its research and development efforts.
Price
Sarcomatrix is raising funds on StartEngine through the issuance of common equity at a pre-money valuation of $14.25 million. The price per share is set at $2.50. Given that Sarcomatrix is in the pre-revenue and pre-commercialization stages, the valuation is based on the potential of its innovative techniques for treating muscle diseases, including two treatments nearing clinical trials. The company has secured $8 million in NIH grants and has received a verbal commitment from Nevada's Battle Born Venture Fund to match up to $1 million in funding, which adds credibility to its research and development efforts.
To achieve a 10X return, Sarcomatrix would need to reach a valuation of approximately $142.5 million. This would likely require successful clinical trials, regulatory approvals, and significant market adoption of its treatments for neuromuscular disorders. Thus, the company may be considered slightly overvalued given the high level of risk. Sarcomatrix will need to navigate the complexities of drug development and commercialization to capture the market and reach a 10x valuation.
Given the high capital intensity level of the healthcare and pharmaceuticals industry, Sarcomatrix will require significant ongoing investment to advance its clinical trials and bring its products to market. Investors should carefully consider the risks associated with early-stage biotech investments, including the potential for dilution in future funding rounds. However, the company's strong support from NIH grants and potential matching funds from Battle Born Venture Fund provide a solid foundation for its ambitious goals.
Overall, while the valuation may seem high given the company's pre-revenue status, the potential for significant returns exists if Sarcomatrix can successfully navigate its clinical and commercialization milestones. Investors should weigh the high risks against the high potential rewards when considering an investment in Sarcomatrix.
Market
Sarcomatrix operates within the healthcare and pharmaceuticals industry, focusing on the treatment of muscle diseases, particularly neuromuscular disorders. The increasing number of diagnosed cases globally expands the potential market for drugs designed to manage and treat the disease. Enhanced awareness campaigns and improved diagnostic tools leading to earlier detection are also crucial, as early intervention can significantly improve patient outcomes and drive demand for innovative treatment solutions.
Additionally, orphan drug designation incentives, such as market exclusivity, tax credits, and grants, further stimulate the development of new treatments for rare diseases like Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Sarcomatrix's development of assets in the pre-revenue and pre-commercialization stages, with two major assets nearing clinical trials, positions it well to capitalize on these market drivers.
The 2024 US Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy drugs market is valued at approximately $999 million and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.16%. This high growth rate underscores the urgent need for effective treatments. That said, the current market is very limited and may prevent Sarcomatrix investors from significant return on investment. Only if the company can expand to treat other disorders is a large return a strong possibility.
Team
Sarcomatrix is led by CEO David Craig, who brings an impressive 36 years of biotechnology and pharmaceuticals experience to the company. Craig's extensive background in healthcare and pharmaceuticals is a significant asset as Sarcomatrix develops innovative treatments for muscle diseases. His high-level managerial skills, including a business degree, are crucial for steering Sarcomatrix through its pre-revenue and pre-commercialization stages.
Although the team is small, consisting of only three members, their collective expertise is complementary and includes experts in the field. Chief Science Officer, Dr. Ryan Wuebbles, holds a PhD in developmental biology. And the team has garnered significant interest thusfar in terms of grant funding. The company has secured $8 million from the NIH, including $2 million specifically for completing pre-clinical research. This financial support underscores the credibility and potential impact of Sarcomatrix's work in targeting the root causes of neuromuscular disorders.
Overall, the leadership of David Craig, combined with the team's specialized knowledge and the backing of significant NIH grants, positions Sarcomatrix as a promising player in the field of muscle disease treatment.
Differentiation
Sarcomatrix Therapeutics is differentiating itself in the healthcare and pharmaceuticals industry by focusing on the treatment of muscle diseases, specifically targeting the root causes of neuromuscular disorders rather than merely addressing symptoms. This approach positions Sarcomatrix as a potentially disruptive player in the market, offering a fundamentally different solution compared to established treatments like glucocorticoids.
Sarcomatrix has two major assets nearing clinical trials. This progress is supported by substantial traction, including $8 million in NIH grants in partnership with Strykagen and a verbal commitment from Nevada's Battle Born Venture Fund to match up to $1 million in funding. Additionally, Sarcomatrix has over 75 patents pending and active Orphan Drug applications, which could provide significant competitive advantages and market exclusivity if approved.
Despite being in the pre-revenue and pre-commercialization stages, Sarcomatrix has secured exclusive worldwide product licensing and is pursuing a license agreement for certain intellectual property with the University of Nevada, Reno. This strategic focus on securing IP and funding underscores the company's commitment to remaining differentiated in the market and blocking potential new competitors.
Performance
Sarcomatrix is currently in the pre-revenue and pre-commercialization stages of development. An investment at this stage is high risk, as many pharma companies take significant time to clear regulatory hurdles and commercialize. That said, Sarcomatrix has hit other impressive milestones in terms of performance that could indicate future success.
The company is focusing on developing innovative treatments for muscle diseases, targeting the root causes of neuromuscular disorders rather than merely addressing symptoms. Sarcomatrix has two major treatments that are nearing clinical trials, indicating significant progress in its product development pipeline.
Financially, Sarcomatrix has secured $8 million in NIH grants in collaboration with its research partner, Strykagen. This funding is a strong indicator of the company's research potential and the viability of its techniques. Additionally, the company has a verbal commitment from Nevada's Battle Born Venture Fund to match up to $1 million in funding, which could provide further financial support as the company moves towards clinical trials.
The company's current cash on hand stands at $36,803, with a monthly burn rate of $8,614. While the available cash reserves are limited, the secured grants and potential matching funds from Battle Born Venture Fund could help sustain operations and support ongoing research and development activities.
Sarcomatrix has over 75 patents pending and active Orphan Drug applications, which could provide significant competitive advantages and market exclusivity if approved. The company is also pursuing a license agreement for certain intellectual property with the University of Nevada, Reno, further strengthening its intellectual property portfolio.
In terms of partnerships, Sarcomatrix has a significant collaboration with Strykagen, which has been instrumental in securing NIH grants and advancing the company's research efforts.
Risk
Investing in Sarcomatrix brings several distinctive risks that potential investors should take into account. Firstly, Sarcomatrix is in the pre-revenue and pre-commercialization stages, with its primary assets nearing clinical trials. This early development stage presents significant uncertainties, including the success of clinical trials, regulatory approvals, and eventual market adoption.
The company operates in the high-risk pharmaceutical sector, dealing specifically with innovative treatments for neuromuscular disorders. Regulatory approval for new drugs is a lengthy, complex, and costly process. The company faces high market approval and license regulations, and any delays or failures in obtaining necessary approvals from bodies like the FDA could severely impact its progress and financial stability.
Financially, Sarcomatrix has limited cash on hand ($36.8k) and a relatively high monthly burn rate ($8.6k), which may not be sustainable over the long term without additional funding. The company has no revenue to date, and its continued reliance on external funding, such as NIH grants and crowdfunding campaigns, poses a significant risk. Failure to secure future funding rounds could jeopardize the company’s operations and development plans.
The company’s high likelihood of facing legal issues due to the stringent regulatory environment in the pharmaceutical industry is another risk. Compliance with extensive regulations and potential legal challenges can result in unexpected costs and delays.
Lastly, the competitive landscape, although sparse, includes common and trusted drugs like Elevidys, Duvyzat, and Glucocorticoids. Sarcomatrix must demonstrate clear advantages over these established treatments to gain market traction. The high barriers to entry in the pharmaceutical industry further complicate this challenge, requiring substantial capital and time to bring new products to market.
Bullish Outlook
Sarcomatrix is addressing neuromuscular disorders with an approach that targets the root causes rather than just the symptoms. This strategy has the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes and transform the treatment landscape for muscle diseases. The company's two major assets are nearing clinical trials, marking crucial milestones in its development journey. This progress is supported by substantial NIH grants totaling $8 million, including $2 million specifically allocated for completing pre-clinical research. Such backing from a reputable institution underscores the scientific validity and promise of Sarcomatrix's research.
The company's pursuit of a license agreement for certain intellectual property with the University of Nevada, Reno, further strengthens its position in this field. With patents in place, Sarcomatrix is building a robust intellectual property portfolio that can safeguard its innovations and provide a competitive edge.
Despite being in the pre-revenue and pre-commercialization stages, Sarcomatrix's strategic initiatives and significant NIH grant funding position it well for future growth. With a valuation of $14.25 million, Sarcomatrix presents an interesting investment opportunity, particularly for those looking to support cutting-edge medical research with the potential for substantial impact. The company's focus on neuromuscular disorders, coupled with strong financial backing and a strategic roadmap, provides a solid foundation for long-term growth and success.
Bearish Outlook
Sarcomatrix faces several significant challenges that contribute to a bearish outlook. Sarcomatrix has yet to generate any revenue and remains in the pre-commercialization stage, which inherently carries substantial risks. The company’s valuation of $14.25 million appears high given its current financial and developmental status. While the company has received NIH grants totaling $8 million, including $2 million to complete pre-clinical research, the transition from research funding to commercial viability remains a substantial obstacle.
Financially, Sarcomatrix is in a precarious position with only $36,803 in cash on hand and a monthly burn rate of $8,614. This limited cash runway suggests that the company may require additional funding soon to sustain its operations and continue research and development activities.
Additionally, the market for DMD treatment is quite small, at $999 million domestically. The small market may significantly limit the upside potential for investors in Sarcomatrix, unless the company can branch into treatments for other conditions, which will take significant time and resources.
Executive Summary
Sarcomatrix Therapeutics is a company focused on developing treatments for muscle diseases, particularly targeting the root causes of neuromuscular disorders. Operating in the healthcare and pharmaceuticals industry, Sarcomatrix is currently in the pre-revenue and pre-commercialization stages, with two major assets nearing clinical trials. The company's mission is to enhance the lives of those with muscle diseases through groundbreaking techniques and therapies.
One of Sarcomatrix's significant achievements is securing $8 million in NIH grants in collaboration with its research partner, Strykagen. This funding underscores the potential and credibility of Sarcomatrix's research efforts. The company has also received verbal commitments from Nevada's Battle Born Venture Fund to match up to $1 million in funding, further bolstering its financial foundation.
With 75+ patents pending and active Orphan Drug applications, Sarcomatrix is well-positioned to capitalize on the incentives provided for orphan drugs, such as market exclusivity, tax credits, and grants. Despite these milestones, there are a number of risks associated with investing in a pharmaceutical company before any of the offerings have gone through clinical trials. Investors should carefully weigh these concerns when considering investment.
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Company Funding & Growth
Funding history
- Total Prior Capital Raised
- $125,600
- Grants
- $8,000,000
- VC Backed?
- No
Growth Charts
Revenue History
Note: Revenue data points reflect the latest of either the most recent fiscal year's financials, or updated revenues directly from the founder, at each raise's close date.
Valuation History
Price per Share History
Note: Share prices shown in earlier rounds may not be indicative of any stock splits.