San Carlos, Calif. company Alvine Pharmaceuticals recently added $5 million to its first venture round, bringing total funding to $26 million, according to VentureWire.
Alvine's research focuses on treatment for autoimmune and gastrointestinal diseases, and it started clinical trials in February for its treatment of celiac sprue, a condition that stems from the inability to process gluten. Backers include Cargill Ventures, Flagship Ventures, InterWest Partners, Prospect Venture Partners and Sofinnova Ventures.