Ep. 262, Chapter 4: The Founding And Operation Of Courage Therapeutics With Roger Cone, Ph.D.

26:48 – 38:10

Courage Therapeutics was born out of a collaboration between Dr. Roger Cone and entrepreneur Dan Hausman to develop next-generation melanocortin compounds. Hausman handles business aspects while Dr. Cone serves as the scientific founder. The company's strategy involved the University of Michigan granting Courage Therapeutics an option agreement for specific IP from Dr. Cone's lab.

Courage Therapeutics was initially funded through a combination of Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants and angel investments. The STTR grants also provided subcontracts to Dr. Cone's lab, helping to further generate IP. The company recently secured a $7.8 million seed investment from Arsenal Bridge Ventures, which is being used to finalize a full license agreement with the University of Michigan for all the generated IP. The university has been highly supportive of the spin-out, providing a conflict-of-interest management plan and offering financial support through the Michigan Biomedical Ventures Fund. The university's tech transfer office also helps with patent filings.