Source: Mid Atlantic Bio Angels

Recensa Therapeutics Wins “Best in Show” at 1st Pitch Life Science Competition

NEW YORK, June 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mid Atlantic Bio Angels (MABA) announces today that Recensa Therapeutics (http://www.recensatherapeutics.com), which is developing a topical psoriasis treatment designed to reduce oxidative stress, was named “Best in Show” by the audience and “Most Fundable” by the investor panel at MABA's 1st Pitch Life Science event held on May 25, 2017 at Rockefeller University in New York City.

“We are honored to be chosen as winner of both ‘Best in Show’ and ‘Most Fundable,’” said Matt Handel, President of Recensa Therapeutics. “Recensa’s co-founder, Dr. Oscar Perez, and I are dedicated to improving the lives of patients with psoriasis by developing the first topical pharmaceutical to target oxidative stress in this disease. We are gratified that the panel validated our approach. We will now use the excellent questions and comments from the audience and the insightful feedback from the experts to improve our communications and development plan.”

Philadelphia-based Recensa Therapeutics is developing proprietary, first-in-class small molecules that activate the transcription factor Nrf2, a key mediator of the oxidative response.  Rather than modulating the immune system, Recensa’s Nrf2 activators leverage the body’s own antioxidants to stop the inflammatory cycle. The company’s current investigational molecules are designed to target mild-to-moderate psoriasis, with the possibility of becoming adjunct therapy for moderate-to-severe psoriasis in combination with systemic treatments.

“Recensa offered a well-structured pitch, describing a clear medical need, the limitations of existing treatments and the distinct advantages of their product,” said Stephen M. Goodman, co-founder of MABA and a partner at the law firm of Pryor Cashman LLP.  “I would expect that with some refinement of the pitch, the company will likely garner investor interest.”

About 1st Pitch Life Science
At a 1st Pitch event (http://www.1stpitchlifescience.com), early stage life sciences and healthcare companies make a 15-minute presentation to a panel of experienced life science investors and consultants, followed by a 15-minute audience Q&A. However, where actual investors would then ask the presenting company to leave the room during their subsequent discussion, presenting companies at 1st Pitch are invited to hear the panel constructively critique the company's presentation, business model and perceived viability in the market.

About MABA
Mid Atlantic Bio Angels (http://bioangels.net) is a group of active angel investors, which meets in New York City monthly (except July and August) solely to hear from pre-screened early-stage life science companies. MABA members consist of individuals from Delaware to Massachusetts with significant expertise and experience in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, including former and current corporate executives, doctors and Ph.D. scientists with product development backgrounds, successful medical entrepreneurs and analyst/investors focused on life sciences. MABA's goal is to create an environment where the depth of investors' knowledge coupled with the pre-screening of presenting companies enhances the potential for meaningful investment.