AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--TFF Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (TFF), an early-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing new inhalation drug products for the treatment of chronic respiratory diseases and lung conditions, today announced it has closed an $8.17 million offering of Series A Preferred Stock. The proceeds from this transaction will provide additional funding for the progress of the Company’s current research and development programs.
TFF Pharmaceuticals’ initial focus is on dry powder drugs for inhalation of both biologic and small molecule drugs that currently cannot be formulated for dry powder delivery by other means. TFF’s technology, which is a combination of more than 30 patents and applications, is licensed exclusively from the University of Texas at Austin.
“We are grateful to our investors for their continued support of our groundbreaking efforts to create new treatments of pulmonary diseases and conditions, like lung transplant, severe asthma, COPD and pulmonary infections,” said Glenn Mattes, CEO of TFF Pharmaceuticals.
National Securities Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of National Holdings Corporation (Nasdaq: NHLD), is acting as sole placement agent for the offering. The Liquid Venture Partners group at National Securities Corporation was responsible for sourcing and executing the offering.
Expansion of Leadership Team and Board of Directors
The Company is pleased to announce the expansion of its leadership team with the appointment of Kirk Coleman as Chief Financial Officer. Since 2012, Mr. Coleman has also served as an executive officer of Steelhead Capital Management, LLC, and Bios Partners, LP, a venture capital firm focused on investment in early-stage and growth-stage biotech and medical device companies. From 1998 to 2008, he was Treasurer for EFO Holdings, LP, a family office. Mr. Coleman has over 20 years of experience in venture capital investments. He received a BBA in Accounting from Texas Christian University in 1995.
Mr. Coleman said, “I am very excited to be working with TFF Pharmaceuticals. The company’s breakthrough technology, strong foundation, seasoned leadership and loyal investors have brought them rapid progress and early success. I look forward to contributing even more to that success.”
The Company also announced that Randy Thurman has been appointed to the Board of Directors and will serve as chairman of TFF’s audit committee. Mr. Thurman is an accomplished industry and board veteran with more than 30 years of leadership experience in the life sciences industry. He is currently a senior healthcare operating executive with BC Partners, and chairman of both Zest Dental Solutions Inc. and Outlook Pharmaceuticals, Inc (Nasdaq: OTLK).
Previously, Mr. Thurman served as Founder, Chairman and CEO of VIASYS Healthcare, Inc., which he led to a $1.5 billion acquisition by Cardinal Health. Before that Mr. Thurman had served as President of both Rorer Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Rhone-Polenc Rorer Pharmaceuticals Inc.; Executive Chairman of Enzon Corporation, where he led a successful turnaround; and CEO of Corning Life Sciences. Additionally, Mr. Thurman has been a member of the board for more than 15 public and private companies, completed over 30 acquisitions and led 5 IPOs and public financings.
“I look forward to lending my industry experience to TFF Pharmaceuticals in order to continue their growth trajectory and make a positive impact on their progress,” said Randy Thurman.
CEO Glenn Mattes said, “Kirk and Randy will add significant value to our company and our growth initiatives. Kirk’s strategic and financial expertise and Randy’s leadership experience in healthcare technology will assist TFF in taking full advantage of the enormous opportunities ahead of us.”
About TFF Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
TFF Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an early-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of new inhalation products for the treatment of chronic respiratory diseases and lung conditions. In early testing the Thin Film Freezing (TFF) proprietary platform significantly improved the solubility of drugs that have poor water solubility.
The Company has generated numerous formulations for dry powder delivery to the lungs. The initial focus is on dry powder drugs for inhalation of both biologic and small molecule drugs that currently cannot be formulated for dry powder delivery by other means. TFF Pharmaceuticals expects that these dry powder formulations, which can be delivered directly to the lungs via inhaler, will avoid certain negative side effects that come from delivering these drugs systematically. For more information, visit TFF Pharmaceuticals.
