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Apellis Pharmaceuticals

Biotech & Life Sciences · Waltham, United States · Founded 2008 · IPO 2017

Apellis Pharmaceuticals was founded in 2009 by Cedric Francois and Pascal Deschatelets, two visionaries with a deep commitment to advancing medical science. Their mission was to develop innovative therapies targeting the complement system, a part of the immune system that plays a crucial role in inflammation and disease. The company quickly gained attention for its pioneering work in complement inhibition, focusing on diseases with significant unmet medical needs. Apellis's approach was to develop therapies that could precisely target and modulate the complement cascade, offering new hope for patients with rare and debilitating conditions. A significant milestone in Apellis's journey was its Initial Public Offering (IPO) in November 2017. This event marked a new chapter for the company, providing the financial resources needed to accelerate its research and development efforts. The IPO was a testament to the confidence investors had in Apellis's innovative approach and potential for growth. In 2025, Apellis made headlines again with a strategic partnership with Sobi, a Swedish biopharmaceutical company. This deal, valued at up to $300 million, involved the sale of ex-US royalties for Apellis's drug Aspaveli. The partnership not only provided Apellis with substantial capital but also expanded its reach in the global market. Today, Apellis Pharmaceuticals continues to push the boundaries of medical science, driven by a commitment to improve the lives of patients worldwide. Its journey from a small startup to a leader in complement therapies is a testament to the power of innovation and strategic partnerships in the biopharmaceutical industry.