Venrock

Tenax Therapeutics, Inc. is a specialty pharmaceutical company dedicated to the identification, development, and commercialization of products aimed at addressing cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases with significant unmet medical needs. Headquartered in Morrisville, North Carolina, Tenax focuses on levosimendan, a pharmaceutical product designed to reduce morbidity and mortality in cardiac surgery patients at risk for low cardiac output syndrome. The company is also actively conducting a Phase 2 clinical trial to explore the efficacy of levosimendan in treating pulmonary hypertension associated with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Additionally, Tenax is involved in developing novel formulations of imatinib mesylate, a kinase inhibitor with the potential to serve as a disease-modifying therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension. Founded in 1967, Tenax Therapeutics underscores its commitment to advancing treatments within these critical therapeutic areas.

Cullinan Therapeutics is a developer of an externally sourced cancer therapeutics intended to end a drug program quickly if the early research suggests it won't work. The company's therapeutics are developed via assets sourced internally through dry lab or externally through business, academic and pharma collaborations, enabling researchers to get a highly diversified portfolio of oncology therapeutics with a unique, cost-efficient business model.

Enliven Therapeutics is a clinical-stage precision oncology company based in Boulder, Colorado, focused on developing small molecule therapies aimed at improving patients' lives. Founded in July 2019 by Sam Kintz, Joe Lyssikatos, and Anish Patel, the company employs a discovery process that integrates clinically validated biological targets with advanced chemistry to create innovative oncology therapeutics. Enliven's product candidates include ELVN-001, a selective small molecule kinase inhibitor targeting the BCR-ABL gene fusion associated with chronic myeloid leukemia, and ELVN-002, an irreversible HER2 inhibitor designed to penetrate the central nervous system and combat wild-type HER2. The company's therapeutic programs address critical challenges in oncology, such as tolerability, resistance, and disease escape, particularly in patients with brain metastases.

Applied Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in New York, focused on developing innovative therapies for serious medical conditions with significant unmet needs. The company's lead product candidate, AT-007, is in phase I/II clinical trials for the treatment of galactosemia, while AT-001 is undergoing phase II trials for diabetic cardiomyopathy and phase I trials for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Additionally, AT-003 is in phase I trials for diabetic retinopathy. The company also has preclinical candidates, such as AT-104, aimed at treating orphan hematological oncology conditions. Founded in 2016, Applied Therapeutics leverages advancements in technology and regulatory processes to create drugs targeting well-established molecular mechanisms.

Cogent Biosciences is a biotechnology company focused on developing precision therapies for genetically defined diseases, utilizing proprietary T-cell engineering technology alongside tumor-targeting antibodies to harness the body’s immune system in the fight against cancer. The company designs targeted treatments aimed at addressing the underlying causes of diseases, thereby improving patient outcomes. One of its key programs, CGT9486, is a selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor that specifically targets the KIT D816V mutation and other mutations in KIT exon 17. This mutation is predominantly linked to Systemic Mastocytosis, a severe condition resulting from the uncontrolled growth of mast cells, and is also associated with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Cogent Biosciences is advancing its lead program, which is expected to enter Phase I clinical trials to evaluate safety and efficacy.

Mineralys Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company that provides hypertension treatment. They also bring a targeted approach to the management of hypertension.

Astria Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, dedicated to developing innovative therapies for rare and niche allergic and immunological diseases. The company focuses on bringing life-changing treatments to patients and families affected by these conditions. Its lead program, STAR-0215, is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits plasma kallikrein and is currently in preclinical development for hereditary angioedema. Additionally, Astria is developing STAR-0310, a monoclonal antibody OX40 antagonist, which is also in preclinical stages and targets atopic dermatitis, an immune disorder characterized by compromised skin barrier function and associated itching.

Taysha Gene Therapies, Inc. is a gene therapy company based in Dallas, Texas, established in 2019, focused on developing adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapies for monogenic diseases affecting the central nervous system (CNS). The company’s product pipeline includes several therapies currently in development, such as TSHA-101 for GM2 gangliosidosis, TSHA-118 for CLN1 disease, TSHA-102 for Rett syndrome, TSHA-103 for SLC6A1 haploinsufficiency disorder, and TSHA-104 for Surfeit locus 1 deficiency. Taysha Gene Therapies aims to translate innovative treatments from research to clinical practice efficiently, leveraging a strategic partnership with The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center to enhance its development and commercialization capabilities. The company's mission is to create curative medicines that target both rare and prevalent CNS conditions, thereby addressing severe and life-threatening diseases.

ORIC Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies to overcome resistance in cancer treatments. Founded in 2014 and based in South San Francisco, the company’s lead product candidate, ORIC-101, is a small molecule antagonist of the glucocorticoid receptor, which is associated with resistance to various cancer therapies in solid tumors. Its second candidate, ORIC-533, is an orally bioavailable small molecule inhibitor of CD73, targeting a critical component of the adenosine pathway linked to resistance against chemotherapy and immunotherapy. In addition to these products, ORIC is advancing multiple precision medicines aimed at addressing other mechanisms of cancer resistance. The company’s founders, Charles Sawyers and Scott Lowe, have extensive experience in identifying novel cancer targets that have led to innovative therapies.

Pharvaris is a clinical-stage company dedicated to the discovery and development of therapies for rare diseases, particularly focusing on hereditary angioedema (HAE) and other conditions mediated by bradykinin. The company is advancing an oral bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist, with its lead candidate, PHA121, currently undergoing Phase 1 clinical trials. Pharvaris aims to provide new treatment options that offer alternatives to injected therapies for all sub-types of HAE. The company was co-founded by key individuals involved in the development of icatibant, a previously established treatment for HAE, ensuring a strong foundation in this therapeutic area.

Upstream Bio is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to developing antibody therapies for inflammatory diseases, particularly severe asthma and other respiratory disorders. The company's lead candidate, verekitug, is a monoclonal antibody that acts as an antagonist to the Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin (TSLP) receptor. TSLP is a key cytokine that drives inflammatory responses and is strategically positioned upstream of various signaling pathways influencing immune cells. Upstream Bio aims to address unmet medical needs in the treatment of severe respiratory conditions by leveraging this validated target to create effective therapies.

Abivax is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in France that develops therapeutics aimed at harnessing the body's natural immune response to treat autoimmune diseases, viral infections, and cancer. The company is currently evaluating its drug candidate, obefazimod, in Phase 3 clinical trials for the treatment of adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis. Abivax focuses on addressing significant unmet medical needs in chronic inflammatory diseases, particularly inflammatory bowel diseases, which include ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Through its innovative drug development platforms, Abivax aims to provide novel and effective treatment options for patients suffering from these conditions.

VectivBio AG is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Basel, Switzerland, founded in 2019 as a spinout from Therachon. The company specializes in developing innovative treatments for severe rare diseases with significant unmet medical needs. Its primary product candidate, Apraglutide, is a long-acting synthetic analog of glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) designed to enhance the intestine's ability to absorb fluids and nutrients, thereby reducing the reliance on parenteral support. VectivBio aims to deliver transformational therapies that significantly improve the lives of patients and their families, rather than offering only incremental benefits over existing treatments.

Abivax is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in France that develops therapeutics aimed at harnessing the body's natural immune response to treat autoimmune diseases, viral infections, and cancer. The company is currently evaluating its drug candidate, obefazimod, in Phase 3 clinical trials for the treatment of adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis. Abivax focuses on addressing significant unmet medical needs in chronic inflammatory diseases, particularly inflammatory bowel diseases, which include ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Through its innovative drug development platforms, Abivax aims to provide novel and effective treatment options for patients suffering from these conditions.

Terns Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that focuses on discovering and developing molecularly targeted, oral small-molecule drugs aimed at treating cancer and liver diseases. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Foster City, California, with additional offices in Shanghai, China, Terns is dedicated to advancing a pipeline of innovative therapeutic candidates. Its notable products include TERN-101, a potent farnesoid X receptor agonist, and TERN-201, an amine oxidase inhibitor. The company leverages its expertise in disease biology and medicinal chemistry, along with a capital-efficient drug discovery model and robust clinical development capabilities, to address significant unmet medical needs in both China and the global market.

Annexon Biosciences is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies for patients suffering from classical complement-mediated disorders affecting the body, brain, and eye. The company's research is centered around its platform technology that targets classical complement-mediated autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases associated with the abnormal activation of C1q, a key molecule in the classical complement pathway. Annexon's lead product candidate, ANX005, is a full-length monoclonal antibody intended for intravenous use in treating autoimmune and neurodegenerative disorders. Another candidate, ANX007, is a monoclonal antibody Fab formulated for intravitreal administration aimed at neurodegenerative ophthalmic conditions. The company employs a disciplined, biomarker-driven development strategy to ensure its therapies effectively engage the target at tolerable doses within the intended patient tissues, while also exploring additional indications within both orphan and larger market segments.

DBV Technologies is a global clinical stage biopharmaceutical company founded by pediatricians and entrepreneurs who believed that food allergies could one day be treated safely and effectively. With this mission driving their commitment to the advancement of treatments in this field, they are investigating a potential new class of immunotherapy that aims to activate the immune system of patients through the skin.

Celcuity Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, focused on advancing cancer treatment through innovative diagnostics. The company's CELsignia diagnostic platform utilizes living tumor cells to uncover specific cellular processes that drive cancer in individual patients. This approach enables the identification of new cancer sub-types that traditional molecular diagnostics may overlook, ultimately expanding therapeutic options. Celcuity is developing the CELsignia HSF test to diagnose two new sub-types of HER2-negative breast cancer and the CELsignia MP test for diagnosing 11 sub-types across various cancers, including breast, lung, colon, ovarian, kidney, and bladder. The company is also advancing its lead therapeutic candidate, gedatolisib, a pan-PI3K and mTOR inhibitor, currently being evaluated in a Phase 3 clinical trial for patients with advanced HR+/HER2- breast cancer.

Apogee Therapeutics is a biotechnology company that offers therapies for immunological and inflammatory disorders. The company aims to advance novel therapies to address patients’ needs. Based in San Francisco, California, Apogee Therapeutics was founded in 2022.

Ablaze Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing targeted radiotherapy (TRT) treatments for cancer patients. The company aims to introduce innovative TRT products to the Chinese market, leveraging the founders' extensive experience and networks in cross-border product development and deal-making. By focusing on advanced therapeutic solutions, Ablaze Pharmaceuticals seeks to improve the outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients in China.

Aadi Bioscience, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Pacific Palisades, California, focused on developing precision therapies for genetically-defined cancers. The company specializes in mTOR inhibitors, particularly ABI-009, aimed at treating patients with alterations in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes, where existing mTOR inhibitors have limitations in pharmacology, drug delivery, or safety. Aadi's primary focus is on providing transformational therapies for patients with ultra-rare cancers, such as perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComa). Since its founding in 2011, Aadi Bioscience has aimed to address significant unmet medical needs in oncology and related therapeutic areas.

GH Research PLC is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that aims to transform the treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders. The company is primarily focused on developing novel and proprietary therapies based on 5-MeO-DMT, a compound known as Mebufotenin, to address the needs of patients suffering from Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD). Through its innovative approach, GH Research seeks to provide new therapeutic options for individuals who have not responded to conventional treatments.

Amunix is a biopharmaceutical company intended to discover, design, and develop novel biologics, protein, and peptide therapeutics. The company is focused on developing prodrugs to bring the promise of potent immune-activating biotherapeutics to patients with solid tumor cancers. By delivering breakthrough therapies that can safely harness the immune system, it aims to conquer cancer and save lives. Its pipeline products are based on its proprietary XTEN half-life extension, XDC drug-conjugate delivery, and ProTIA pro-drug, bispecific T cell engager platform and have ongoing collaborations with biopharma corporations harnessing these delivery technologies over a wide range of therapeutic areas, delivering improved pharmaceutical technologies. Amunix was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in Mountain View, California.

Artiva Biotherapeutics is a biotech company focused on developing and manufacturing cellular immunotherapies for cancer patients. Founded in 2019 and based in San Diego, California, Artiva specializes in off-the-shelf, allogeneic natural killer (NK) cell therapies aimed at treating various hematologic cancers and solid tumors. The company's product pipeline targets specific antigens, including CD20 and CD19 for B-cell lymphomas, as well as HER2 for certain solid tumors. Artiva's approach emphasizes the therapeutic potential of NK cells and aims to overcome challenges in scaling and manufacturing these therapies. The company is committed to delivering safe, effective, and readily accessible cell therapies to benefit cancer patients. Artiva operates as a subsidiary of Green Cross Holdings Corporation.

Centessa Pharmaceuticals is a next-generation biopharmaceutical company that aims to reshape the traditional drug development process. The company applies an asset-centric R&D model at scale to advance a portfolio of highly validated programs led by industry-leading teams. Each program is developed by a Centessa Subsidiary and supported by a centralized infrastructure and the Centessa management team.

Cullinan Therapeutics is a developer of an externally sourced cancer therapeutics intended to end a drug program quickly if the early research suggests it won't work. The company's therapeutics are developed via assets sourced internally through dry lab or externally through business, academic and pharma collaborations, enabling researchers to get a highly diversified portfolio of oncology therapeutics with a unique, cost-efficient business model.

LianBio’s mission is to catalyze the development and accelerate availability of paradigm-shifting medicines to patients in China and major Asian markets through partnerships that provide access to the best science-driven therapeutic discoveries. LianBio collaborates with world-class partners across a diverse array of therapeutic and geographic areas to build out a pipeline based on disease relevance and the ability to impact patients with transformative mechanisms and precision-based therapeutics.

Kinnate Biopharma Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in San Diego, California, focused on developing small molecule kinase inhibitors for the treatment of genomically defined cancers. Founded in 2018, the company aims to create precision oncology therapeutics to address the needs of underserved patient populations. Kinnate's lead product candidate, KIN002787, is a rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma inhibitor currently in preclinical development for lung cancer, melanoma, and other solid tumors. Additionally, the company is working on KIN003, which targets specific alterations in the FGFR2 and FGFR3 genes, and has other small molecule research programs, including a Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 12 inhibitor. Kinnate Biopharma employs expertise in structure-based drug discovery and translational research to advance its pipeline of candidates aimed at treating cancers associated with specific oncogenic alterations.

Taysha Gene Therapies, Inc. is a gene therapy company based in Dallas, Texas, established in 2019, focused on developing adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapies for monogenic diseases affecting the central nervous system (CNS). The company’s product pipeline includes several therapies currently in development, such as TSHA-101 for GM2 gangliosidosis, TSHA-118 for CLN1 disease, TSHA-102 for Rett syndrome, TSHA-103 for SLC6A1 haploinsufficiency disorder, and TSHA-104 for Surfeit locus 1 deficiency. Taysha Gene Therapies aims to translate innovative treatments from research to clinical practice efficiently, leveraging a strategic partnership with The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center to enhance its development and commercialization capabilities. The company's mission is to create curative medicines that target both rare and prevalent CNS conditions, thereby addressing severe and life-threatening diseases.

Cogent Biosciences is a biotechnology company focused on developing precision therapies for genetically defined diseases, utilizing proprietary T-cell engineering technology alongside tumor-targeting antibodies to harness the body’s immune system in the fight against cancer. The company designs targeted treatments aimed at addressing the underlying causes of diseases, thereby improving patient outcomes. One of its key programs, CGT9486, is a selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor that specifically targets the KIT D816V mutation and other mutations in KIT exon 17. This mutation is predominantly linked to Systemic Mastocytosis, a severe condition resulting from the uncontrolled growth of mast cells, and is also associated with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Cogent Biosciences is advancing its lead program, which is expected to enter Phase I clinical trials to evaluate safety and efficacy.

Athira Pharma, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Seattle, Washington, focused on developing small molecules aimed at restoring neuronal health and addressing neurodegenerative diseases. The company's lead candidate, ATH-1017, is a small hepatocyte growth factor/MET activator designed to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and is currently undergoing various clinical trials for the treatment of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Additionally, Athira is advancing other candidates, including ATH-1019, which is in preclinical development for depression, and ATH-1018, aimed at treating peripheral neuropathy. Founded in 2011 and originally named M3 Biotechnology, Athira Pharma changed its name in April 2019 to reflect its commitment to innovative therapies that positively impact individuals affected by brain disorders.

Avadel Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq:AVDL) is a specialty pharmaceutical company that seeks to develop differentiated pharmaceutical products that are safe, effective and easy to take through formulation development, by utilizing its proprietary drug delivery technology and through in-licensing / acquiring new products; ultimately, helping patients adhere to their prescribed medical treatment and see better results. Avadel’s current portfolio of products and product candidates focuses on the urology, central nervous system (CNS) / sleep, and hospital markets. The Company is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland with operations in St. Louis, Missouri and Lyon, France. For more information, please visit www.avadel.com.

Attune Pharmaceuticals is a private biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing novel orally-administered small-molecule therapeutics for the treatment of rare diseases.

Sojournix, Inc. is a biotechnology company developing innovative medicines for women's health and endocrine disorders.

Milestone Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Montréal, Canada, focused on developing and commercializing etripamil for various cardiovascular conditions. Etripamil is a novel short-acting calcium channel blocker designed to be administered as a rapid-onset nasal spray, specifically targeting the termination of episodes of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT). The company is currently conducting Phase III clinical trials for etripamil in the treatment of PSVT and is also exploring its potential applications for atrial fibrillation, angina, and other related cardiovascular disorders. Founded in 2003, Milestone Pharmaceuticals aims to address unmet medical needs in cardiovascular disease management through innovative therapeutic solutions.

Metacrine is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on building an innovative pipeline of best-in-class drugs to treat liver and gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. The most advanced program is focused on the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) an important drug target in multiple liver and GI diseases. Beyond the FXR program, a pipeline of novel drug candidates against other drug targets is being explored by taking advantage of internal drug discovery and development capabilities.

Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing, and commercializing therapeutic medicines for patients with debilitating diseases and significant unmet medical needs. The company has a diverse pipeline of product candidates, primarily targeting autoinflammatory and autoimmune conditions. Its clinical-stage candidates include Rilonacept, currently in Phase III trials for recurrent pericarditis; Mavrilimumab, a monoclonal antibody in Phase II trials for giant cell arteritis; and KPL-716, which is undergoing Phase 2a trials for prurigo nodularis and Phase 1a trials for atopic dermatitis. Additionally, Kiniksa is developing KPL-404, a preclinical monoclonal antibody aimed at modulating T-cell-dependent and B-cell-mediated immunity. The company also has a collaboration with Kite Pharma to explore the combination of Mavrilimumab and Yescarta for patients with relapsed or refractory Large B-Cell lymphoma. Founded in 2015 and based in Hamilton, Bermuda, Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals employs a disciplined approach to identify and advance product candidates with strong biological rationales.

CytomX Therapeutics is an oncology-focused biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California. The company specializes in developing proteolytically-activated antibody therapeutics using its proprietary Probody technology platform. This innovative approach aims to create cancer immunotherapies that enhance targeting of tumor cells while minimizing effects on healthy tissues. CytomX's clinical-stage product candidates include CX-072, which targets programmed cell death ligand 1; CX-2009, a drug conjugate against CD166; and BMS-986249, a CTLA-4 Probody therapeutic for metastatic melanoma, among others. The company has established strategic collaborations with several major pharmaceutical companies, including AbbVie, Amgen, and Bristol-Myers Squibb, to further the development of its Probody therapeutics. Founded in 2008, CytomX is dedicated to providing patients with more effective and less toxic treatment options for cancer and inflammatory diseases.