Breakthroughs in Motion
The incidence and mortality of systemic vascular disease has risen consistently over the last 50 years.
Numerous vascular pathologies are associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc).
Sero Pharmaceuticals was formed to advance a 5-HT2B antagonists discovered at the Vanderbilt University Warren Center.
Our team has developed a next generation, highly specific, and peripherally restricted 5-HT2B antagonist.
We are advancing our lead candidate, SER101, toward clinical evaluation to address major unmet cardiovascular morbidity.
Secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) is a severe vascular complication associated with connective tissue diseases, particularly systemic sclerosis (SSc).
It affects 15–20% of patients with SSc (about 0.5–1 million people in the U.S.), mainly women aged 30–60. The condition causes chronic pain and disability, yet current treatments offer only symptomatic relief. There is a significant unmet need for therapies that prevent or reverse vascular damage, particularly in populations overlapping with SSc and pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Screening of a vast library using SAR, DMPK, and in vitro / in vivo selection.
Highly selective antagonist with required bioavailability.
Favorable toxicity results.
We are advancing our candidate through formulation.
Primary: Lifestyle changes to retain warmth and reduce triggers
Secondary: Ca2+ blockers, nitrates, PDE5 inhibitors
Tertiary: Prostaglandins, bosentan, Botox
Surgery
Raynaud’s is a vasculopathy that shares etiology and morphology with other diseases.
There is no approved treatment for Raynaud’s; all medicinal therapies are off-label.
We believe the FDA will allow a smaller registration study as compared to PAH.
Secondary Raynaud’s is an orphan indication, more severe than primary Raynaud’s.
Study endpoints would be straightforward and quantitative: VAS and nail fold capillary imaging.
The Orphan Drug designation will be attractive to large pharma and provide an expedited pathway.
Sero’s science is built on world-class research in GPCR biology, mechanobiology, and translational vascular medicine.
Our founding team brings together experts from Vanderbilt University with deep experience in drug discovery, immunology, and clinical development.
Bryan Roth, MD, PhD, is a professor of pharmacology at UNC Chapel Hill and a leading expert in GPCR biology and drug discovery, known for developing chemogenetic tools like DREADDs. His work has advanced the understanding of neuropsychiatric drug mechanisms and off-target effects.
Jorg Distler, MD, PhD, is a clinical pharmacologist and researcher specializing in translational medicine and early-phase drug development, with a focus on immunology and inflammatory diseases. He has held leadership roles in academic and pharmaceutical settings, bridging bench research and clinical application.
Sero Pharmaceuticals is forging the next generation of therapies for rare vascular diseases.
Whether you’re an investor, collaborator, or member of the research community, we welcome the opportunity to connect and explore partnerships that accelerate impact.
Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Nickols is a biotech/medtech executive and neuroscientist with expertise in company formation, translational science, and venture-backed therapeutics.
He has led multiple life science companies from early-stage development through strategic partnerships and acquisitions. Graduate of Vanderbilt PhD (Neuroscience) and MBA programs.
University Professor of Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Chemistry
William K. Warren, Jr. Chair in Medicine
Executive Director, Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery
Dr. Lindsley is a leading medicinal chemist with extensive experience in drug discovery, particularly in neuroscience and GPCR-targeted therapeutics.
