PHILADELPHIA, March 30, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mid-Atlantic Bio Angels (MABA) announces today that Palladio Biosciences, Inc. was voted as “Best in Show” at MABA's 1st Pitch Life Science, which took place on March 17, 2016 at the Cira Center in Philadelphia.  Palladio Biosciences is a Newtown, PA-based drug development company developing novel disease-modifying drugs for the treatment of Polycystic Kidney Disease, an inherited genetic disease which causes a progressive decline in kidney function.

“Having been chosen as ‘Best in Show’ is encouraging in that knowledgeable investors see promise in our science and unique approach to a shortened approval pathway, extended market exclusivity and the clear need of our drugs for this underserved market,”  said Lorenzo Pellegrini, Ph.D., founder and CEO of Palladio Biosciences.  “We were delighted by the depth of knowledge of the audience and would like to thank the panel for the quality of their helpful feedback.  We believe that we may be able to provide renewed hope to a patient population that has been waiting for too long for effective therapies.”

"While the company is in its early stages, our panel was impressed by the sophistication of both management and Palladio’s approach.  The safety and efficacy data for analogue drugs was compelling and clearly establishes acceptable safety and proof of concept, without minimizing potential issues.  A well-deserved win," said panelist Bernard Rudnick, co-founder of Mid Atlantic Bio Angels and a Managing Partner of Capgenic Advisors in Delaware.

“Palladio effectively conveyed the scientific evidence supporting their therapeutic hypothesis, as well as the market opportunity,” said Stephen Goodman, another co-founder and a partner at Pryor Cashman LLP in New York City.  “The company has laid an excellent foundation for future growth and investment.”

1st Pitch Life Science (http://www.1stpitchlifescience.com) has been organized by MABA, a life science investor group, to encourage and educate aspiring life science entrepreneurs who know they may be too early to seek investment but want the opportunity to practice their pitch and to receive constructive criticism from experienced and knowledgeable professionals.

About Palladio Biosciences

Palladio Biosciences is a specialty pharma company dedicated to the treatment of orphan diseases of the kidney, with specific emphasis on autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease.  Given the complexity of these diseases, the company aims to deploy a multi-pronged approach to provide much needed relief to patients suffering from these devastating diseases.  In particular, the company targets initiation of registration Phase 3 studies for its lead drug for autosomal dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease in 9 ‐ 12 months.  

About Mid Atlantic Bio Angels

Mid Atlantic Bio Angels (http://bioangels.net) is a group of active angel investors, which meets in New York City monthly (except July and August) solely to hear from pre-screened early-stage life science companies. MABA members consist of individuals from Delaware to Massachusetts with significant expertise and experience in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, including former and current corporate executives, doctors and Ph.D. scientists with product development backgrounds, successful medical entrepreneurs and analyst/investors focused on life sciences. MABA's goal is to create an environment where the depth of investors' knowledge coupled with the pre-screening of presenting companies enhances the potential for meaningful investment.