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Dignify Therapeutics

Research Triangle Park, US · Founded 2013 · Delaware LLC · 3 known investors

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Dignify Therapeutics is developing drug programs that induce on-demand defecation and urination to treat functional bowel and bladder disorders, including incontinence and retention associated with neurological conditions and aging. Its candidates are intended to reduce reliance on bladder catheters, manual bowel programs, and adult wearables, and to lower the risk of related infections and hospitalization.

Founders & leadership

Dignify Therapeutics was founded in 2013 by Edward C Burgard and Karl Thor.

EC
Edward C BurgardCo-founder
KTKarl Thor
Karl ThorChief Scientific Officer
BWBenny Ward
Benny WardChief Executive Officer, Co-Founder and Board Member2014–2017Benny Ward is an executive with experience spanning pharmaceutical and medical device companies at various stages, including serving as CEO of an early-stage venture-backed pharmaceutical development company, EVP of business development at a public specialty pharmaceutical firm, and leadership roles in device companies through IPO and acquisition.
AD
Anthony DiTonnoCEO
EB
Ed BurgardPresident
JW
Jeff WelchChief Operating Officer
LM
Lesley MarsonVP of Preclinical Research
DR
Dan RiccaVP of Chemistry
MA
Mary A KatofiascDirector of Operations

Board

FE
Fred EshelmanBoard directorPrincipal at Eshelman Ventures, LLC
HP
Howard PalefskyBoard director
DJ
Daniel J RiccaBoard director

Investors · 3

Reported raises · per SEC filings

Form D private placements

$4.2M disclosed across 2 rounds · 2014–2026

▶$800KraisedSep 2026 · 2 investors · Pharmaceuticals
Rule 506(b)
Officers, directors & promoters on the filing
  • Anthony DiTonnoExecutive Officer, Director
  • Edward C. BurgardDirector
  • Eric GreenDirector
  • Karl B. ThorDirector
  • Neil KurtzDirector
  • Howard PalefskyDirector
Offering amount
$3M
Amount sold
$800K
First sale
Sep 2026
Incorporated
Limited Liability Company, Delaware
Federal exemptions
06b
Full filing on SEC EDGAR ↗
▶$3.4MraisedFeb 2015 · 7 investors · Pharmaceuticals
Rule 506(c)
Officers, directors & promoters on the filing
  • Mary KatofiascPromoter
  • Tatyana TouzovaPromoter
  • Karl B ThorExecutive Officer, Director, Promoter
  • Edward C BurgardExecutive Officer, Director, Promoter
  • Benny WardExecutive Officer, Director, Promoter
  • Daniel J RiccaDirector, Promoter
  • Ebrahim VersiDirector, Promoter
  • Florenta Aura KullmannPromoter
  • Fred EshelmanDirector
  • Venkateswarlu KarichetiPromoter
  • Lesley MarsonPromoter
Offering amount
$3.4M
Amount sold
$3.4M
Minimum investment
$100K
Proceeds to insiders
$1M
First sale
Oct 2014
Incorporated
Limited Liability Company, Delaware, 2013
Federal exemptions
06c
Full filing on SEC EDGAR ↗

Source: SEC EDGAR Form D. Amounts as filed; amended filings shown once at their latest values.

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Companies working in the same space as Dignify Therapeutics.

Non-dilutive funding · 18 SBIR/STTR awards

Federal grants — no equity taken
AgencyPhaseYearAmount
National Institutes of Health (NIH)National Institutes of HealthPhase I2023$541.9K
National Institutes of Health (NIH)National Institutes of HealthPhase II2020$3M
National Institutes of Health (NIH)National Institutes of HealthPhase II2020$1.4M
National Institutes of Health (NIH)National Institutes of HealthPhase ISTTR2020$394.8K
National Institutes of Health (NIH)National Institutes of HealthPhase I2020$244.1K
National Institutes of Health (NIH)National Institutes of HealthPhase I2019$901.4K
National Institutes of Health (NIH)National Institutes of HealthPhase I2019$299.6K
National Institutes of Health (NIH)National Institutes of HealthPhase ISTTR2019$269.4K
National Institutes of Health (NIH)National Institutes of HealthPhase II2018$2M
National Institutes of Health (NIH)National Institutes of HealthPhase II2017$1.8M
National Institutes of Health (NIH)National Institutes of HealthPhase I2017$300K
National Institutes of Health (NIH)National Institutes of HealthPhase I2017$300K
National Institutes of Health (NIH)National Institutes of HealthPhase II2016$1.5M
National Institutes of Health (NIH)National Institutes of HealthPhase IISTTR2016$1.4M
National Institutes of Health (NIH)National Institutes of HealthPhase I2016$275.7K
National Institutes of Health (NIH)National Institutes of HealthPhase ISTTR2015$224.9K
National Institutes of Health (NIH)National Institutes of HealthPhase I2015$199.2K
National Institutes of Health (NIH)National Institutes of HealthPhase I2014$159.3K

Source: SBIR.gov award data (U.S. Small Business Administration). SBIR/STTR awards are competitive federal R&D grants and contracts — non-dilutive capital alongside any venture rounds above.

In the news

Frequently asked questions

What does Dignify Therapeutics do?
Dignify Therapeutics is developing drug programs that induce on-demand defecation and urination to treat functional bowel and bladder disorders, including incontinence and retention associated with neurological conditions and aging. Its candidates are intended to reduce reliance on bladder catheters, manual bowel programs, and adult wearables, and to lower the risk of related infections and hospitalization.
Who founded Dignify Therapeutics?
Dignify Therapeutics was founded by Edward C Burgard, Karl Thor in 2013.
Who are Dignify Therapeutics's investors?
Dignify Therapeutics's investors include Eshelman Ventures, LLC, RA Capital, Montreux Equity Partners.
How much funding has Dignify Therapeutics raised?
Dignify Therapeutics has disclosed $4.2M raised across 2 rounds.
Where is Dignify Therapeutics headquartered?
Dignify Therapeutics is headquartered in Research Triangle Park, US.