The double-barreled approach

Newly formed PainCeptor Pharma Corp. brings together two small Canadian pain companies, each of which was focused on a different target. NeuroCeptor Inc., a spinout from Queens University, was studying the role of neurotrophins, specifically nerve growth factor (NGF), in pain. Antalium Inc., a spinout from McGill University, was focused on acid sensing ion channels (ASICs).

The impetus for the merger came from Louis Lamontagne, former president and CEO of Neurochem Inc. (TSE:NRM; NRMX, Montreal, Quebec), who knew both companies and knew both were looking for funding. Lamontagne helped the companies merge and raised C$23 million ($17.2 million) in venture funding, becoming president and CEO of the combined company...