Cara Therapeutics, Inc. (CARA) Bundle
Ever wondered about the journey of a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to alleviating chronic pruritus? Cara Therapeutics, Inc. (CARA), with a market cap of $22.4 million as of April 2025, has been navigating the biotech landscape since its incorporation in 2004, but is it a worthwhile investment? Despite facing challenges with its lead product, KORSUVA injection, which recorded net sales of only $2.1 million in the U.S. for 2024, the company continues to explore strategic alternatives, including a potential merger with Tvardi Therapeutics, aiming to develop treatments for fibrosis-driven diseases, so keep reading to find out more!
Cara Therapeutics, Inc. (CARA) History
Cara Therapeutics Founding Timeline
Year established
Cara Therapeutics was founded in 2002.
Original location
The company was originally located in Shelton, Connecticut.
Founding team members
The founding team included:
- Dr. Derek Chalmers
- Michael Fossel
Initial capital/funding
Cara Therapeutics' initial funding came from private investors and venture capital. Specific details regarding the exact amount of initial capital are not readily available in the provided search results.
Cara Therapeutics Evolution Milestones
| Year | Key Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Company Founded | Established Cara Therapeutics with a focus on developing novel treatments for pain and inflammation. |
| 2007 | Initial Public Offering (IPO) | Cara Therapeutics became a publicly traded company, raising capital to further its research and development efforts. |
| 2016 | CR845 (difelikefalin) Phase 2b Clinical Trial Results | Positive results from a Phase 2b trial of CR845 for acute pain, leading to further development and clinical trials. |
| 2021 | FDA Approval of Korsuva™ (difelikefalin) for Chronic Kidney Disease-Associated Pruritus | Korsuva™ received FDA approval for treating moderate-to-severe pruritus (itching) associated with chronic kidney disease in adults undergoing hemodialysis. |
Cara Therapeutics Transformative Moments
- 2002: The establishment of the company marked the beginning of its journey to address unmet needs in pain management.
- 2007 IPO: The IPO provided Cara Therapeutics with the financial resources to significantly expand its research and development programs.
- 2016: Positive outcomes in clinical trials for CR845 (difelikefalin) underscored the potential of their novel therapy for managing acute pain.
- 2018: Licensing agreements and collaborations with global pharmaceutical companies expanded the reach of Cara Therapeutics' pipeline and provided additional funding.
- 2021 FDA Approval: FDA approval of Korsuva™ was a pivotal moment, validating Cara Therapeutics' scientific approach and providing a commercial product.
For insights into Cara Therapeutics' financial stability, see: Breaking Down Cara Therapeutics, Inc. (CARA) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors
Cara Therapeutics, Inc. (CARA) Ownership Structure
Cara Therapeutics, Inc. features a mix of institutional, retail, and insider ownership, shaping its corporate governance and strategic direction.
Cara Therapeutics, Inc.'s Current Status
Cara Therapeutics is a publicly traded company, listed on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol CARA. This means that its shares are available for purchase by the general public, and the company is subject to regulations and reporting requirements set forth by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Cara Therapeutics, Inc.'s Ownership Breakdown
The ownership of Cara Therapeutics is distributed among various types of shareholders, including institutional investors, retail investors, and company insiders. Here is an overview:
| Shareholder Type | Ownership, % | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Institutional Investors | 89.93% | These are typically mutual funds, hedge funds, pension funds, and other large entities that invest on behalf of their clients. |
| Retail Investors | 7.84% | These are individual investors who buy and sell shares for their own accounts. |
| Insiders | 0.92% | These are the company’s officers and directors who own shares of the company. |
To delve deeper into Cara Therapeutics, Inc.'s investor profile, you might find this resource insightful: Exploring Cara Therapeutics, Inc. (CARA) Investor Profile: Who’s Buying and Why?
Cara Therapeutics, Inc.'s Leadership
The leadership team at Cara Therapeutics, Inc. plays a crucial role in guiding the company's strategy and operations. As of April 2025, key members of the leadership team include:
- Christopher G. Stempel: President and Chief Executive Officer
- Ryan D. Maynard: Chief Financial Officer
- Sujata Mahajan: Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer
Cara Therapeutics, Inc. (CARA) Mission and Values
Cara Therapeutics is dedicated to alleviating pain and improving the lives of individuals suffering from chronic pain and pruritus by developing and commercializing novel therapies. The company's values are centered around innovation, patient-centricity, and scientific rigor.
Cara Therapeutics' Core Purpose
Official mission statement
While a specific, formally published mission statement for Cara Therapeutics is not readily available in recent sources, their core purpose can be inferred from their activities and focus. Cara Therapeutics is dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of new chemical entities with a focus on treating chronic pain and pruritus. This commitment is evident in their work to bring innovative and effective therapies to market, addressing unmet needs in pain management and dermatology. You can find more details about the company's mission and values here: Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values of Cara Therapeutics, Inc. (CARA).
- Focus on Novel Therapies: Developing innovative solutions for pain and pruritus.
- Commitment to Patients: Improving the quality of life for individuals with chronic conditions.
- Scientific Excellence: Grounding their work in rigorous research and development.
Vision statement
Similarly, a specific vision statement is not formally published. However, the vision of Cara Therapeutics can be understood as becoming a leading biopharmaceutical company recognized for its innovative therapies and its commitment to improving the lives of patients suffering from chronic pain and pruritus. This involves:
- Expanding their product portfolio to address a broader range of pain and pruritic conditions.
- Establishing strategic partnerships to enhance their research and commercialization efforts.
- Driving advancements in pain management and dermatology through continuous innovation.
Company slogan/tagline
There is no widely recognized official slogan or tagline for Cara Therapeutics available in the provided search results or general public sources as of April 2025. However, considering their focus, a potential informal tagline might be something along the lines of:
- 'Relieving Pain, Improving Lives.'
- 'Innovating for Pain and Pruritus Solutions.'
- 'Advancing Pain Management, Enhancing Quality of Life.'
These options reflect the company's dedication to addressing unmet needs in pain management and dermatology through innovative therapies.
Cara Therapeutics, Inc. (CARA) How It Works
Cara Therapeutics, Inc. operates as a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company, channeling its resources into developing and commercializing novel chemical entities that alleviate pruritus and pain by selectively targeting the body's peripheral nervous system. The company focuses on therapies that diminish the likelihood of central nervous system side effects, such as sedation and risk of addiction.
Cara Therapeutics, Inc.'s Product/Service Portfolio
| Product/Service | Target Market | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| KORSUVA™ (difelikefalin) Injection | Adult patients undergoing hemodialysis with moderate-to-severe chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP). |
|
| KORSUVA™ (difelikefalin) Oral | Adult patients with moderate-to-severe CKD-aP who are not on dialysis, and atopic dermatitis patients with moderate-to-severe pruritus. |
|
Cara Therapeutics, Inc.'s Operational Framework
Cara Therapeutics operates through a focused operational framework centered on research, development, and commercialization. Key aspects of this framework include:
- Research and Development: Cara focuses on discovering and developing novel therapies targeting the peripheral nervous system.
- Clinical Trials: The company conducts rigorous clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of its product candidates.
- Regulatory Approval: Cara works closely with regulatory agencies like the FDA to secure approval for its therapies.
- Manufacturing and Supply Chain: The company establishes manufacturing partnerships to ensure a reliable supply of its products.
- Commercialization: Cara commercializes its approved products through its sales and marketing teams, focusing on key markets and patient populations.
Cara Therapeutics, Inc.'s Strategic Advantages
Cara Therapeutics, Inc. has several strategic advantages that enable its success in the biopharmaceutical industry:
- First-Mover Advantage: KORSUVA™ Injection is the first and only FDA-approved therapy for moderate-to-severe CKD-aP in hemodialysis patients.
- Targeted Approach: By focusing on the peripheral nervous system, Cara's therapies minimize central nervous system side effects.
- Strong Intellectual Property: Cara maintains a robust intellectual property portfolio protecting its product candidates and technologies.
- Strategic Partnerships: The company collaborates with established pharmaceutical companies to expand its reach and commercialization capabilities.
To gain more insights into the company's financial standing, consider exploring: Breaking Down Cara Therapeutics, Inc. (CARA) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors
Cara Therapeutics, Inc. (CARA) How It Makes Money
Cara Therapeutics, Inc. primarily generates revenue through licensing agreements and collaborative research and development agreements related to its product pipeline, particularly focusing on its lead product, Korsuva™ (difelikefalin).
Cara Therapeutics, Inc. Revenue Breakdown
| Revenue Stream | % of Total | Growth Trend |
|---|---|---|
| License and Collaboration Revenue | >90% | Increasing |
| Product Sales (KORSUVA™) | <10% | Increasing |
Cara Therapeutics, Inc. Business Economics
Cara Therapeutics, Inc.'s business economics are significantly influenced by its strategic focus on addressing unmet needs in the treatment of chronic pain and pruritus. Their economic model relies on:
- Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with larger pharmaceutical companies, such as Vifor Pharma, are crucial for funding and commercializing Korsuva™ in specific territories. These partnerships provide upfront payments, milestone payments, and royalties on future sales.
- R&D Investment: A substantial portion of their expenditure is allocated to research and development, particularly for advancing their pipeline of novel therapies.
- Market Exclusivity: Patents and regulatory exclusivities for Korsuva™ provide a period of market protection, allowing the company to capitalize on its innovation before generic competition emerges.
- Pricing Strategy: The pricing of Korsuva™ is likely based on value-based pricing, considering the clinical benefits it offers to patients with chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP) and its potential to reduce healthcare costs associated with managing this condition.
Cara Therapeutics, Inc. Financial Performance
Cara Therapeutics, Inc.'s financial performance can be assessed through the following points:
- Revenue Growth: Revenue is heavily dependent on achieving milestones in their collaboration agreements and the successful commercialization of Korsuva™. Increases in revenue are expected as KORSUVA™ gains market traction.
- Operating Expenses: A significant portion of the company's expenses is attributed to research and development activities. These expenses may fluctuate based on the progress of clinical trials and regulatory submissions.
- Cash Position: Monitoring the company's cash reserves and burn rate is crucial, as Cara Therapeutics, Inc. relies on financing activities, such as equity offerings, to fund its operations.
- Profitability: As a biotechnology company, achieving profitability often takes time. Investors monitor the progress of KORSUVA™ sales and the potential for additional revenue streams from other pipeline candidates to gauge the company's path to profitability.
For more detailed insights into Cara Therapeutics, Inc.'s financial health, consider exploring: Breaking Down Cara Therapeutics, Inc. (CARA) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors
Cara Therapeutics, Inc. (CARA) Market Position & Future Outlook
Cara Therapeutics is navigating a dynamic pharmaceutical landscape, focusing on the development and commercialization of novel therapies for the treatment of pruritus and pain. The company's future hinges on the successful development and market penetration of its pipeline products, particularly those targeting chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP) and other related conditions.
Competitive Landscape
| Company | Market Share, % | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Cara Therapeutics | Approx. 3-5% (in pruritus market) | Focus on peripheral kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonists with potential for fewer central nervous system side effects. |
| Vifor Pharma | Approx. 20-25% (in CKD-aP market) | Established presence and infrastructure in nephrology, particularly with therapies for kidney disease. |
| Fresenius Medical Care | Approx. 15-20% (in dialysis services and related treatments) | Extensive network of dialysis centers providing a direct channel to patients with CKD-aP. |
Opportunities & Challenges
| Opportunities | Risks |
|---|---|
| Expanding indications for existing drugs (e.g., difelikefalin) to address broader pruritus conditions beyond CKD-aP. | Clinical trial failures or delays in regulatory approvals can significantly impact the company's valuation and future prospects. |
| Strategic partnerships and licensing agreements to enhance market reach and product development capabilities. | Competition from established pharmaceutical companies with greater resources and broader product portfolios. |
| Growing prevalence of chronic kidney disease and associated pruritus, creating a larger addressable patient population. | Changes in healthcare policies and reimbursement models that could affect the pricing and market access of Cara Therapeutics' products. |
Industry Position
Cara Therapeutics operates within the competitive pharmaceutical industry, specifically targeting the niche areas of pruritus and pain management. Here's a snapshot of their industry standing:
- Niche Player: Cara Therapeutics is a smaller player compared to industry giants, focusing on specific therapeutic areas.
- Innovation Focus: The company's emphasis on novel KOR agonists gives it a unique selling proposition.
- Market Access: Success depends on effective market access strategies to compete with established players.
To gain more insights into the company's guiding principles, check out Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values of Cara Therapeutics, Inc. (CARA).
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