myCatalyst
myCatalyst is a biotechnology company that emerged from the merger of Targacept and Catalyst Biosciences in 2015.
Profile
Develops engineered protease therapies for rare blood and immune disorders.
myCatalyst is a biotechnology company that emerged from the merger of Targacept and Catalyst Biosciences in 2015. Originally founded as Targacept in the early 2000s, the company focused on developing novel therapeutics targeting neuronal nicotinic receptors. The merger with Catalyst Biosciences, a South San Francisco-based firm specializing in engineered protease therapeutics, expanded its pipeline into hemophilia and complement-mediated diseases.
As of its last SEC filing in 2015, the combined entity had approximately 50 employees and $37 million in convertible notes. The company's lead programs included CB 813d for hemophilia B and TC-5619 for cognitive disorders, though neither has reached commercial stage as of 2026. Its research facility remains in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, leveraging academic ties to Wake Forest University.
Financial disclosures show a history of partnership revenues from AstraZeneca and GlaxoSmithKline, but no independent product revenue since inception. The 2015 merger was structured as a reverse takeover, with Catalyst Biosciences' shareholders receiving 48.5 million shares of Targacept common stock. Recent patent filings suggest ongoing work in gene therapy applications of engineered proteases, though clinical progress has been slower than initial projections.
Who buys this
- Biopharmaceutical companies seeking rare disease therapeutics
- Hospital systems treating hemophilia patients
- Research institutions studying complement system disorders
- Government health agencies funding orphan drug development
Strengths and what to watch
Strengths
- Owns proprietary protease engineering platform with demonstrated proof-of-concept in hemophilia
- Maintains key patents through 2032 on engineered Factor VIIa variants
- Has established research partnerships with major academic medical centers
Watch for
- No FDA-approved products after 15+ years in operation
- High burn rate with $37M debt load from 2015 notes
- Leadership turnover with 3 CEOs since the merger
Key Information
- Founded
- 2000
- Headquarters
- Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Frequently Asked Questions
What does myCatalyst specialize in?
myCatalyst develops engineered protease therapies targeting rare blood and immune disorders, including hemophilia and complement-mediated diseases. The company emerged from the merger of Targacept and Catalyst Biosciences in 2015, focusing on novel therapeutics for unmet medical needs.
What are myCatalyst's lead programs?
myCatalyst's lead programs include CB 813d for hemophilia B and TC-5619 for cognitive disorders. Despite promising research, neither program has reached commercial stage as of 2026, highlighting the challenges in bringing rare disease therapies to market.
How did myCatalyst originate?
myCatalyst originated from the 2015 merger of Targacept, founded in the early 2000s, and Catalyst Biosciences, a South San Francisco-based firm. The merger expanded its focus from neuronal nicotinic receptors to engineered protease therapies for rare diseases.
What is myCatalyst's financial status?
As of its last SEC filing in 2015, myCatalyst had $37 million in convertible notes and approximately 50 employees. The company has faced financial challenges, with no FDA-approved products and a high burn rate since its inception.
Who are myCatalyst's key partners?
myCatalyst collaborates with biopharmaceutical companies, hospital systems, research institutions, and government health agencies. It maintains strong research partnerships with academic medical centers, leveraging its proprietary protease engineering platform for rare disease therapeutics.
What challenges does myCatalyst face?
myCatalyst faces challenges including no FDA-approved products after 15+ years, a $37 million debt load from 2015, and leadership turnover with three CEOs since the merger. Despite these hurdles, the company continues advancing its engineered protease therapies.
Sources
- www.sec.gov — Merger details and financial structure
- www.sec.gov — Executive team and legal counsel information
- www.sec.gov — Debt financing details
- www.sec.gov — Shareholder structure post-merger