Catalyst lands $40M to combat disease-causing proteins

Catalyst Biosciences has raked in $40.4 million in third-round funding to continue engineering an enzyme called protease to fight disease-causing proteins. The technology has the potential to affect many different diseases, including cancer and hemophilia. It has R&D agreements with Wyeth Pharmaceuticals and Centocor Research & Development.

Based in South San Francisco, the company received its recent round from new investor Essex Woodlands Health Ventures and previous backers Burrill & Company, HealthCare Ventures, Johnson & Johnson… Continue Reading

Dreamerz Foods raises $10M, selling food that lets you sleep and reduces stress

Dreamerz Foods, a San Francisco natural foods company that says it seeks to induce “healthy sleep and stress reduction” with its food products, has raised $10 million in a second round of funding.

The company’s statement is here.

The financing comes from Physic Ventures, Dean Foods Company and Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd. Original investors Burrill & Company, Great Spirit Ventures, Prolog Ventures, and Unilever Ventures also participated in the financing, the company said

Dreamerz Foods says it… Continue Reading

Attune Foods raises $8.3M to expand probiotics natural food venture

Attune Foods, a San Francisco natural foods company, said it has secured $8.3 million in a second round of funding.

New investors include Fonterra, LSP BioVentures and Nestlé, along with original investors Burrill & Company, Great Spirit Ventures, Prolog Ventures and Unilever Ventures, the company said in a statement.

Attune promotes a style of health food called probiotics (see definition). The company launched its retail operations in January, with a line of chocolate and yogurt &… Continue Reading