Top 20 Biotech Venture Capital Deals of 2009

By Maureen Martino and Liz Jones

Welcome to our annual report on the top biotech venture capital deals. 2009 was an incredibly difficult year for biotech companies to raise venture funding, as the financial crisis caused firms to become more cautious with their money. But for companies with groundbreaking technology and exciting programs, there was still money to be had. 

With the help of data provided by the National Venture Capital Association, we've put together a list that examines some of the most promising companies in the field, and details technology that garnered investor attention even as many other companies in the industry folded. Take a look at the top 20 U.S. companies that raised big money in 2009.

1. Clovis Oncology - $146.30 million
2. Zogenix - $70.96 million
3. BioVex Group - $70 million
4. Pacific Biosciences - $68 million
5. Hyperion Therapeutics - $68 million
6. Anacor Pharmaceuticals $50 million
6. Proteon Therapeutics $50 million
6. PTC Therapeutics $50 million
9. Virdante Pharmaceuticals - $47.75 million
10. Cempra Pharmaceuticals - $46 million
11. Complete Genomics - $45 million
11. SFJ Pharmaceuticals - $45 million
13. Amyris Biotechnologies - $41.75 million
14. Kolltan Pharmaceuticals - $40.50 million
15. Ironwood Pharmaceuticals - $40 million
15. Epizyme - $40 million
15. Adamas Pharmaceuticals - $40 million
15. Aileron Therapeutics - $40 million
15. Regado Biosciences - $40 million
20. GlycoMimetics - $38.98 million