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Ventoux Biosciences

novel, first-line treatments for dupuytren's disease

About Us

Revolutionizing dupuytren's treatment

Ventoux Biosciences is working to transform treatment for Dupuytren’s disease. Founded by a Dupuytren’s patient and propelled by a team with expertise from bench to bedside – we are driven to advance treatment options for Dupuytren’s and related immune-fibrotic diseases with significant unmet need.

We are working to advance VEN-201, our lead compound, based upon positive anti-fibrotic effects and a positive safety profile in pre-clinical research.
Meet the team

Founder Story: Inspired by Patients, Powered by Purpose

Our founder has had Dupuytren’s and Ledderhose disease for about 15 years and his father has had it for over 30 years. Kurt Harrington started Ventoux Biosciences to embrace the challenges this disease presents and to seek novel, first-line, disease slowing treatment for millions of fellow patients and future generations faced with this debilitating, chronic, and progressive disease.

leadership

Kurt Harrington

CEO and Founder

Kurt is an experienced pharmaceutical executive and a Dupuytren’s and Ledderhose patient. He formed Ventoux Biosciences to help address the significant unmet medical need in Dupuytren’s Disease – a common, disabling, fibroproliferative hand disease with few treatment options. 

Kurt is an accomplished leader with over 25 years of Biopharmaceutical experience. Prior to starting Ventoux Biosciences, Kurt served as a consultant and advisor supporting leadership, founders, and operators ranging from large-cap multinational companies to early stage start ups on commercialization, corporate strategy, business development, market access and product development. Kurt served in various positions of increasing responsibility at AstraZeneca, Biogen, Amylin (acquired by BMS), Cadence Pharmaceuticals (acquired by Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals), and Avanir (acquired by Otsuka Pharmaceutical).  

Kurt received his M.B.A. in Pharmaceutical Marketing from Saint Joseph’s University and B.S. in Marketing from Western Michigan University. 

Ken Lipson, Ph.D.

Chief Scientific Officer and Vice President Corporate Strategy

Dr. Lipson has more than 30 years of experience in biotechnology and multinational pharmaceutical companies, including FibroGen, 3M Pharmaceuticals, Pharmacia, SUGEN and CIBA-Geigy (now Novartis).  Most of his career has focused on discovery and research of drugs for treatment of fibrosis and cancer, during which he made key contributions to several agents that are marketed or are currently in development. Dr. Lipson received awards from two of the companies at which he worked for his seminal contributions. In addition to the fibrosis and oncology therapeutic areas, he also has experience in cardiovascular, neuromuscular, inflammation, metabolic and infectious diseases, which are represented in his more than 100 publications in peer-reviewed journals, review articles and book chapters, and patent applications. 

Prior to his industry experience, Dr. Lipson served on the faculty of the department of Pathology at Temple University Medical School.  Dr. Lipson earned two simultaneous BS degrees in Biology and Chemistry from the University of Toledo, and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Case Western Reserve University.  His postdoctoral studies at Sloan-Kettering Institute and Temple University Medical School provided additional training in biochemistry, pharmacology, cell biology and molecular biology.

Laxma G. Reddy, PhD

Vice President, Product Development

Dr. Laxma Reddy is the Vice President of Product Development for Ventoux Biosciences. Dr. Reddy is a biochemist, protein chemist, and pharmaceutical development scientist with >30 years of experience in drug discovery, preclinical development, and sustained-release drug delivery product development. Dr. Reddy brings extensive experience in the development of sustained-release drug delivery dosage forms including injectables and parenteral formulations for biologics, peptide therapeutics and small molecule drugs. Prior to Ventoux Biosciences, he served as Senior Director of Drug Product Development at Drug Delivery Experts (acquired by Pace Life Sciences) where he led sustained-release drug delivery projects from feasibility to preclinical GLP-PK studies.

Dr. Reddy holds a B.Sc. in Biology and Chemistry from Osmania University and an M.Sc. in Biochemistry/ Life Sciences from the University of Hyderabad. Dr. Reddy earned a PhD. in Biochemistry and Biophysics from the Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Molecular Neurobiophysics at the University of California, San Diego. 

Ventoux Biosciences

Scientific advisory board
Our Scientific Advisory Board provides expert guidance on clinical development, product development, and clinical optimization of the Ventoux Biosciences pipeline. A pipeline dedicated to advancing treatment options for patients with Dupuytren’s, Ledderhose, and other chronic, progressive, fibrotic diseases.

Dr. daiva bajorunas

Daiva Bajorunas MD is an endocrinologist with more than 25 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry.

Dr. Keith Denkler

Dr. Denkler is an accomplished, board certified plastic surgeon with expertise in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery.

Latha Satish,M.Sc, M.Phil, Ph.D

Dr. Satish is a trained biotechnologist with several years of experience in cell and molecular biology.

Matt Cravets

Mr. Cravets is an accomplished industry leader in biostatistics with extensive experience in program design and analysis. 

Johnny Randel

Johnny Randel is a senior finance executive who has more than 30 years of experience in financial institutions including over 17 in private equity.
Learn more about dupuytren's disease

Dupuytren's disease

Dupuytren's Disease (Palmar Fibromatosis)

A Chronic, Progressive, Debilitating, Irreversible Disease

Dupuytren’s disease is a fibrotic disease that impacts the connective tissue of the hands and can lead to pain and disability.  Dupuytren’s is frequently under-treated due to few and predominantly surgical treatment options.
Dupuytren's Contracture

How Does Dupuytren's Impact Patients

Decreased / Loss of Hand Function

Disease causes fingers to bend inwards towards the palm. Affected fingers can not straighten, thus significant impact on hand function.

Loss of Hand Mobility

Fibrosis from Dupuytren's may also move laterally across the palm, impacting ability to spread hand / fingers.

Activities of Daily Living

Typically simple activities can be difficult or impossible for Dupuytren's patients - from shaking hands to putting on gloves or throwing a football.

Reduced Quality of Life (QoL)

Dupuytren's disease affects both performance of activities and patient QoL.

Work Loss / Economic Implications

Loss of hand function / range or hand motion are key limiters for some patients to perform work tasks.

Other Symptoms

Patients with Dupuytren's may also experience pain, tenderness, burning, pressure / tension, tightness, and itching.

Significant unmet Medical need & Large addressable population

>40 million

Estimated Prevalence in United States and Europe

Up to 85%

Post Operative Disease Recurrence

o

Approved first-line, disease modifying pharmacologic treatment options

Pipeline

Powered by purpose

a pipeline inspired by patients

We are targeting under-served, localized fibrotic diseases that are chronic, progressive, and debilitating. Our focus with our lead investigational compound VEN-201 is on addressing the significant unmet medical need that remains with Dupuytren’s Disease and Ledderhose Disease.
dupuytren's disease

Pipeline

VEN-201, an investigational compound, demonstrated key anti-fibrotic actions and a positive safety profile in a pre-clinical in vivo study using an established dermal fibrosis (scleroderma) model. Based on the demonstrated anti-fibrotic effects we are working to advance VEN-201 as our lead developmental candidate targeting Dupuytren’s and Ledderhose disease. 

The investigational products listed on this page are not approved by the FDA or have not been approved for the above referenced indication, and the safety and effectiveness of such has not been established.
VEN-201 was initially identified via targeted scientific evaluation, expert opinion, and leveraging articifial intelligence data. Our goal was to identify previously approved treatments that have new potential as anti-fibrotic treatments for Dupuytren’s disease. The reference compound for VEN-201 has been previously approved by the FDA and EMEA for use in other indications for over 20 years, with a proven safety profile. Based upon our pre-clinical evaluation of VEN-201 as a potential anti-fibrotic agent, we are working to advance the compound as a repurposed, reformulated, disease modifying agent with a novel route of administration – via an expedited regulatory pathway.
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Investors

About Us

Ventoux Biosciences, Inc. is working to transform under-served immuno-fibrotic diseases with a lead program in Dupuytren's disease. pre-clinical stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to transforming the treatment landscape for Dupuytren's disease, a common yet underserved immuno-fibrotic condition. Founded in October 2022 by a patient directly impacted by Dupuytren's, our mission is to develop innovative, first-line pharmacologic therapies designed to delay disease progression and improve post-operative outcomes. At the forefront of our efforts is VEN-201, a patented, first-in-class immuno-fibrotic modulator. This innovative therapy aims to disrupt the pathological cycle driving fibrosis, potentially offering a disease-modifying treatment for Dupuytren’s at various stages, including reducing post-operative recurrence. Our award-winning team unites leading fibrosis and oncology drug discoverers, internationally recognized Dupuytren's researchers, clinical development and regulatory experts, and esteemed treatment specialists. Together, we leverage cutting-edge science, including multi-omic analysis, to address the significant unmet needs of patients worldwide.

why invest

Ventoux Biosciences is dedicated to delivering exceptional investor value by pioneering innovative treatments for underserved fibrotic diseases, with a strategic focus on Dupuytren's disease. This common, chronic, and progressive condition currently lacks approved pharmacologic therapies to delay disease progression, leaving millions of patients without effective solutions. The current seed round is pivotal, as it focuses on evaluating our patented lead candidate, VEN-201, in human Dupuytren's tissue for proof of concept. This critical study aims to validate VEN-201’s anti-fibrotic activity in an ex vivo model—a key milestone as we advance toward IND-enabling studies and a Phase 1b trial. In parallel, this round will drive optimization and evaluation of VEN-201’s long-acting formulation, support key regulatory planning and FDA engagement, and strengthen our intellectual property portfolio. With these initiatives, Ventoux Biosciences is uniquely positioned to achieve a significant inflection point in the development of VEN-201 while laying the groundwork for long-term commercial success.

Estimated Patients with Dupuytren's Disease
m
Prevalance of Rheumatoid Arthritis
> x
Increase in Patients Treated (1998-2011)
> %
VEN-201 Represents a Potential Novel, First-Line Tx Option
10 st

Join our mission

Join us in transforming Dupuytren's disease treatment. Whether you are an accredited investor, first-time investor, or passionate supporter, there's a way for you to be part of this groundbreaking journey. Please select the option below that best matches your investment goals.

Accredited Investment (Red D)

$25,000 minimum investment. Direct equity ownership opportunity. Schedule an introductory meeting to learn more. 

Schedule Meeting

Community InvesTment (Reg CF)

$100 minimum investment.  Own equity through WeFunder’s special purpose vehicle. 

Community Site

Support Our Research

$5 minimum donation. Every contribution helps advance our mission. 

Donate

Be Part of the Momentum

We are at a key stage in developing transformational treatments for Dupuytren’s disease. Join our growing community through multiple paths: 

  • Invest in innovation through equity ownership (Reg-D or Reg-CF)
  • Support our GoFund Me through direct donations
  • Listen to “Hands of Change” podcast – a Dupuytren’s disease podcast, supported by Ventoux Biosciences
  • Shop the “Hands of Change” store to help raise disease awareness. Sale proceeds support Ventoux Bioscieces research
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contact us

Address

315 S. Coast Highway 101 Suite U245 Encinitas, CA 92024

contact

760.621.8562
info@VentouxBio.com

Investor Relations

IR@VentouxBio.com

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Johnny Randel

Johnny Randel is a senior finance executive who has more than 30 years of experience in financial institutions including over 17 in private equity.

Mr. Randel recently retired as the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) of StepStone Group. Inc (Nasdaq: STEP), a global private markets specialist firm delivering tailored investment solutions, advisory services, and impactful, data-driven insights to the world’s investors with $678B of capital responsibility. Mr. Randel spent over 13 years leading the corporate and investment finance and accounting teams and was the CFO for the lead up and execution of the company’s initial public offering in 2020.

Previously, Mr. Randel held the role of Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Citigroup Private Equity overseeing financial and operational activities for the company and its coinvestment, mezzanine, and fund of fund investment programs. Mr. Randel also held a previous role as Assistant Treasurer within Citigroup Inc.’s Treasury department where he managed rating agency relationships and fixed income client relations. Mr. Randel also held various finance roles supporting corporate finance and strategy over the course of his career. Mr. Randel received his B.G.S. from the University of Kansas and MBA from the University of Southern California.

Matt Cravets

Mr. Cravets is an industry leader in biostatistics with extensive experience in program design and analysis. He currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Biometrics at Gossamer Bio. Prior to joining Gossamer Bio, Mr. Cravets was Vice President of Biometrics at Heron Therapeutics Inc. from 2016 to 2018, where he played a key role in the late-stage development programs for Zynrelef for the treatment post-surgical pain and Cinvanti for the prevention of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting. Before joining Heron, Mr. Cravets was Executive Director of Biometrics at Receptos Inc. from 2014 to 2016, where he built the biostatistics and data management functions while contributing to mid- and late-stage development programs for ozanimod (Zeposia) in multiple sclerosis (MS) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Before joining Receptos, Mr. Cravets was the head of biostatistics at Ardea Biosciences from 2011-2014, building the biostatistics function while also making significant contributions to the designs and analyses of late-stage studies of lesinurad (Zurampic) for the treatment of gout. From 2003-2011 Mr. Cravets served in roles of increasing responsibility in the biostatistics group at Biogen Idec Inc., contributing to the successful regulatory approvals of rituximab (Rituxan) in both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). From 1996 to 2003, Mr. Cravets was in the biostatistics group at Amgen, Inc., working on multiple products across various neurology, rheumatology, cardiovascular, and bone disease indications. Mr. Cravets began his career in the pharmaceutical products division of Abbott Laboratories in 1994 after completing his master’s degree in statistics at the University of Michigan and his bachelor’s degree in mathematics at UCLA.

Latha Satish, M.Sc., M.Phil, Ph.D.

Dr. Satish is a trained biotechnologist with several years of experience in cell and molecular biology. Dr. Satish’s interest has been in skin research with a special focus on skin inflammation, infection, and fibrosis. The other arm of Dr. Satish’s research has been to study the molecular determinants of palmar fascial disease, Dupuytren’s contracture.

Her long-term interest has been to develop therapeutic agents to help alleviate the pain and distress of patients with Dupuytren’s. Her studies on Dupuytren’s disease were funded by a private donor, which moved the research forward to study this disease in an animal model, which was not feasible earlier. Dr. Satish’s research on Dupuytren has identified small molecules that can be used as a target to intervene with the progression and development of the disease.

Dr. Satish received her Ph.D. from a prestigious institute in India and did her post-doctoral training at the University of Pittsburgh. Currently, Dr. Satish serves as a faculty at the Division of Asthma Research, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital; named as the top hospital in the US. At Cincinnati Children’s, Dr. Satish researches Atopic Dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting children and adults. Dr. Satish has published over 50 articles in peer-reviewed journals, review articles and book chapters.

Dr. Keith Denkler

Dr. Denkler is an accomplished, board certified plastic surgeon with expertise in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Denkler is a clinical professor of plastic surgery at UCSF and has a private practice in Marin County.

He is internationally renowned for his use of multiple approaches in treating the debilitating and disabling effects of palmar fibromatosis (Dupuytren disease). Dr. Denkler is an expert in needle aponeurotomy (NA), a minimally invasive procedure that uses subcutaneous needles to release the contracture as well as use of subcutaneous injection of collagenase. He has treated over 10,000 Dupuytren’s fingers, authored >35 publications and book chapters, presented internationally and domestically and is often cited for expert opinion in national and international news discussing Dupuytren’s. HIs pioneering investigational work documenting the safety of epinephrine with local anesthesia contributed to the origination of “wide-awake hand surgery”.

Dr. Denkler trained at prestigious medical institutions in the United States and Europe. He attended Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, followed by residency training in plastic and reconstructive surgery with the Cronin, Bauer, and Biggs group, also in Houston. Additionally, Dr. Denkler completed a hand surgery fellowship with Dr. Eugene Kilgore in San Francisco and one year of fellowship training in craniofacial surgery with Dr. Paul Tessier in Paris, France.

Dr. daiva bajorunas

Daiva Bajorunas MD is an endocrinologist with more than 25 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry.  She has a strong interest in advancing therapeutic options for conditions of significant unmet medical need. 

For the past decade, Daiva has been engaged as a consultant to the pharmaceutical industry, currently as Founder and Principal, DBMD Consulting, and previously as Chief Medical Officer / Chief Scientific Officer for Vault Bioventures. She has provided her expertise to enhance large, mid-size and small pharmaceutical company product development, clinical/regulatory, and life cycle strategies for both drugs and devices, including oral, transdermal, injectable and inhalative delivery systems, working across multiple therapeutic areas and geographies. She has considerable experience chairing Data Safety Monitoring Boards.   

In the past she held various R&D positions of increasing responsibility at Rhone-Poulenc Rorer, BMS, Aventis (acquired by Sanofi), and Kos Pharmaceuticals (acquired by Abbott). Before she joined industry, she held academic appointments at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Cornell University Medical College (CUMC), and was Director of Clinical Care, Endocrinology Service, Memorial Hospital (MH), New York, NY. Daiva received her MD degree at the University of Michigan Medical School, did her residency training at St. Vincent’s Hospital & Medical Center in NY, her metabolism fellowship at Stanford University Medical Center, CA and her endocrinology fellowship at MH/CUMC, NY.