BIRMINGHAM – A Huntsville “small pharma” company is the big winner in Alabama Launchpad’s Life Sciences Track competition.
Kalm Therapeutics won $100,000 in non-dilutive funding, Alabama Launchpad, a program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama in partnership with Innovate Alabama, announced today.
According to a news release, in addition to the funding, company founder AJ Singhal will receive access to follow-on mentorship and exposure to Alabama’s growing network of investors and innovation partners.
Kalm Therapeutics is developing the first naturally-derived prescription eczema and psoriasis patch to protect and treat skin. Its new treatment modality will protect the skin from scratching, environmental irritants, moisture-loss, and infection while delivering a natural medicine to the epidermis, the news release said.
“This award will allow Kalm to treat more patients and run more biomarker tests during our upcoming clinical trial for people suffering with chronic eczema,” said Singhal. “We are excited about having impact in patients’ lives and the clinical trial data, which will drive advancement of Kalm’s drug products.
‘”As a small pharma company from Alabama, this award from EDPA really makes us feel the love from Sweet Home Alabama!”
The finalists pitched their ventures behind closed doors to a panel of seasoned judges: Nancy Wenger Keller, MBA candidate at MIT Sloan School of Management, who has worked in biotech throughout her career; Jamie Tyler, Ph.D., professor of neuroscience at UAB; and Kellie Clark, former healthcare practice chair of gener8tor board member of Health Rounds.
“As a judge, it was exciting to see the energy coming from startup founders in Alabama,” said Keller. “Each finalist showed a passion for addressing pressing needs in the life sciences, and I look forward to seeing their companies continue to grow.”
Cycle 2 2025 marked the second round under Alabama Launchpad’s newly restructured format, which includes three industry-specific tracks, $2,500 upfront funding for each finalist, and a 12-week mentorship program designed to better support Alabama’s most promising startups, the news release said.
The Alabama Launchpad Cycle 2 Tech Track awarded Caroline and Trey McMeans, founders of Homepoint, $70,000 on Oct. 26; and $50,000 to Stephane Lee, founder of VRobotics, on Oct. 28.
For more information on Alabama Launchpad and upcoming cycles, visit www.alabamalaunchpad.com.
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