Deep Creek Pharma receives BioNest grant

A pharmaceutical development startup born from local cancer research will receive a grant to provide a boost for its next phase of growth from the Greater Winston-Salem Inc.’s BioNest Fund.

Deep Creek Pharma is developing a novel chemotherapy that could replace the current standard of care for many solid tumor indications, the company said. Beginning with metastatic colon cancer, Deep Creek anticipates having its first FDA-approved medication in approximately five years. 

Deep Creek was founded by William Gmeiner, Ph.D., professor of cancer biology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.

“This treatment is based on novel fluoropyrimidine polymers and is designed to improve outcomes and reduce systemic toxicities in cancer patients,” Gmeiner said.

Currently, targeted therapies for colorectal, pancreatic, and other types of malignancies are not available and immunotherapy is not effective. The new treatment is anticipated to increase the long-term survival rates for these diseases.

“This grant allows us to accelerate critical research and development as we move closer to clinical validation,” said Christopher B. Kelly, CEO of Deep Creek Pharma. “We remain committed to growing in Winston-Salem as we translate research from the lab to the bedside.”

As Deep Creek Pharma progresses toward Phase I clinical trials, the company expects to invest in scientific equipment and laboratory space over the next three years, in addition to creating up to eight new jobs spanning both scientific and administrative roles.

To date, the company has secured more than $2.5 million in federal funding through the National Institutes of Health Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants, along with a $150,000 Small Business Research Loan from the North Carolina Biotechnology Center in January 2025. 

BioNets grants provide up to $25,000 to stimulate growth for life sciences firms relocating to or expanding in Winston-Salem. The BioNest Fund supports the growth of life sciences companies relocating to or expanding in Winston-Salem and is made possible with support from the Whitaker Park Development Authority. 

In December 2025, Plakous Therapeutics, another NCBiotech portfolio company, received a BioNest grant.