Alexandria Venture Investments

Alexandria Venture Investments, LLC is a venture capital firm established in 1996 and located in Pasadena, California. As a subsidiary of Alexandria Real Estate Equities, the firm specializes in seed, early-stage, and growth capital investments primarily within the healthcare sector. Its focus areas include biopharma, diagnostics, life sciences, research tools, agrifood technology, and technology. By leveraging its extensive industry expertise and a robust network of relationships with leading investors and scientific advisors, Alexandria Venture Investments aims to support innovative companies that are developing breakthrough technologies and therapies to enhance human health.

Hunter Reed

Vice President

Stephen A. Richardson

Co-CEO

Past deals in Pharmaceuticals

Radiant Biotherapeutics

Series A in 2024
Radiant Biotherapeutics is an innovative company focused on developing a modular platform for multi-valent and multi-specific therapeutics. This platform aims to advance antibody engineering by producing multi-functional biologics capable of addressing challenging diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. By leveraging enhanced binding power and multi-specificity, Radiant Biotherapeutics seeks to create potent therapeutics that have the potential to significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients. The company is committed to delivering transformative therapies through its cutting-edge approach to antibody technology.

Clasp Therapeutics

Series A in 2024
Clasp Therapeutics is focused on advancing cancer treatment through its innovative immunotherapeutics platform. The company develops precision medicines designed to enhance the immune system's ability to identify and eliminate challenging tumors that possess common driver mutations, irrespective of the tumor type. By enabling the targeting of cancer-specific markers, Clasp Therapeutics aims to allow for precise and selective destruction of tumor cells, thereby improving therapeutic outcomes in the field of immuno-oncology.

Alto Neuroscience

Series C in 2023
Alto Neuroscience is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on improving mental health treatment through personalized medicine. By utilizing an AI-enabled biomarker platform, Alto integrates detailed patient data regarding brain activity and behavior to develop effective therapeutics for specific populations. The company aims to transform the traditional trial-and-error approach in psychiatry by matching the appropriate treatment to individual patients, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of interventions. Alto's clinical-stage assets include various products targeting conditions such as depressive disorders and schizophrenia, identified through independent brain-based biomarkers. Through its innovative approach, Alto Neuroscience seeks to redefine psychiatric care at a critical time for mental health.

DEKA Biosciences

Series B in 2023
DEKA Biosciences is an early-stage biotechnology company focused on developing next-generation cytokine therapeutics aimed at treating cancer and inflammatory diseases. The company is dedicated to creating life-changing medicines with disease-specific applications that enhance patient outcomes. By leveraging improved pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, DEKA Biosciences aims to deliver dual and complementary cytokines directly to affected tissues or cells. This targeted approach seeks to provide patients with curative treatment options for a range of conditions, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases.

Solu Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2023
Solu Therapeutics is a precision medicine company dedicated to developing innovative therapeutics aimed at eliminating cells responsible for driving diseases. Utilizing a unique cytotoxicity-targeting chimera platform, Solu Therapeutics focuses on oncology and also addresses inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. By targeting these disease-driving cells, the company's approach seeks to assist medical professionals in reducing the risks associated with various oncological conditions, ultimately improving patient outcomes and advancing therapeutic options in the healthcare sector.

Radiant Biotherapeutics

Seed Round in 2023
Radiant Biotherapeutics is an innovative company focused on developing a modular platform for multi-valent and multi-specific therapeutics. This platform aims to advance antibody engineering by producing multi-functional biologics capable of addressing challenging diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. By leveraging enhanced binding power and multi-specificity, Radiant Biotherapeutics seeks to create potent therapeutics that have the potential to significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients. The company is committed to delivering transformative therapies through its cutting-edge approach to antibody technology.

TORL BioTherapeutics

Series B in 2023
TORL BioTherapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative antibody-based medicines aimed at improving outcomes for cancer patients. The company specializes in creating antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to address oncologic diseases that exhibit significant unmet medical needs. TORL BioTherapeutics employs a strategic approach that includes target identification and early discovery work, allowing them to license promising drug programs and develop proprietary therapies with optimized characteristics. Through this pipeline, TORL BioTherapeutics is positioned to advance novel treatments that could significantly enhance patient care in oncology.

Tiamat Sciences

Seed Round in 2023
Tiamat Sciences is a start-up focused on producing affordable, animal-free growth factors and biomolecules through innovative plant-based bioreactor technology. By leveraging its proprietary platform, the company manufactures a diverse array of high-value proteins, including antigens and growth factors, achieving significant cost reductions—up to 10 times lower than traditional methods, with potential for a 1000-fold decrease at scale while maintaining high growth margins. Tiamat's approach not only enhances production efficiency but also aligns with sustainability goals by providing ecological alternatives for the pharmaceutical industry, allowing for the reduction or replacement of animal-derived materials. With low facility investment requirements, Tiamat positions itself as an ideal partner for scaling production in emerging markets such as cellular agriculture and cell and gene therapy.

Dantari

Series A in 2022
Developer of a pharmaceutical platform and drugs created for the treatment of the central nervous system. The company's platform and therapies specialize in the research and development of small and large molecule therapeutics across the blood-brain barrier, enabling clients to have rapidly advance therapies to treat the patients and provide meaningful medical improvement in their lives.

Cajal Neuroscience

Series A in 2022
Cajal Neuroscience is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. By integrating human genetics, functional genomics, and advanced microscopy, the company aims to identify novel therapeutic targets. Cajal utilizes a range of cutting-edge technologies, including high-throughput functional genomics and multi-omics approaches, to screen for targets that significantly influence the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. This comprehensive methodology supports the development of precision medicine, ultimately aiding healthcare professionals in treating patients affected by these conditions.

Rezo Therapeutics

Series A in 2022
Rezo Therapeutics is a biotechnology company that focuses on developing precision therapeutics by mapping disease networks. Utilizing its proprietary Sequence to Systems to Drugs (SSD) platform, Rezo integrates various technologies, including proteomics, genetics, structural biology, chemistry, and bioinformatics, to create comprehensive molecular maps of diseases. This innovative approach enhances the identification of novel targets and therapies, particularly in oncology, where Rezo initially concentrates its efforts. The company aims to expand its therapeutic focus through collaborations and partnerships, positioning itself at the forefront of advancing treatment options across multiple disease areas.

DEM BioPharma

Series A in 2022
DEM BioPharma is an immuno-oncology company that is working to eradicate cancer by targeting novel innate immune system checkpoints.

Eclipse Bioinnovations

Series A in 2022
Eclipse Bioinnovations, founded in 2017 based on technology from the University of California, San Diego, specializes in RNA genomics. The company aims to advance RNA medicines and scientific discovery through its innovative platform technologies. Eclipse has developed eCLIP, a unique and efficient method for identifying RNA binding protein partners and gene maps. Its suite of RNA genomics technologies includes eCLIP-RBP for mapping RNA binding proteins, miR-eCLIP for studying the miR-interactome, m6A-eCLIP for RNA modifications, End-Seq for 5' and 3' mapping, and FLI-Seq for facilitating CRISPR library preparation. Eclipse offers these products as both services and kits, tailored for biopharma companies and academic researchers, enabling them to enhance their research and develop new therapies for various human diseases.

Creyon Bio

Series A in 2022
Creyon Bio is a pre-clinical stage company reimagining drug development as it should be, using a data-first approach for generating uniquely powerful datasets and developing machine learning models to uncover the engineering principles that make precision oligonucleotide-based medicines possible for patient populations of all sizes.

Parthenon Therapeutics

Series A in 2021
Parthenon Therapeutics is inventing a novel class of anti-cancer therapies that reprogram the tumor microenvironment (TME). The interplay between cancer cells and their surrounding microenvironment is relevant in drug development as manycancers use the TME to build barriers that shield immune system attack. One approach, PRTH-101, breaks these barriers to overcome recalcitrant cancers. Based on research, the company is designing a portfolio of drug candidates to treat the right patients at the right time.

Nitrase Therapeutics

Series A in 2021
Nitrase Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical platform company focused on developing therapies targeting a newly identified class of enzymes known as Nitrases. Initially concentrating on Parkinson’s disease, the company aims to create drugs that may slow or halt the progression of this and other related neurodegenerative conditions. By leveraging its expertise in nitration, Nitrase Therapeutics seeks to explore the therapeutic potential of biochemical modifications of proteins, particularly through the identification of nitro-substrates and their involvement in various diseases. This approach positions the company to potentially expand its platform to address a broader range of medical conditions in the future.

DEKA Biosciences

Series A in 2021
DEKA Biosciences is an early-stage biotechnology company focused on developing next-generation cytokine therapeutics aimed at treating cancer and inflammatory diseases. The company is dedicated to creating life-changing medicines with disease-specific applications that enhance patient outcomes. By leveraging improved pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, DEKA Biosciences aims to deliver dual and complementary cytokines directly to affected tissues or cells. This targeted approach seeks to provide patients with curative treatment options for a range of conditions, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases.

Mozart Therapeutics

Series A in 2021
Mozart Therapeutics is a biotechnology startup dedicated to developing disease-modifying therapies for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The company focuses on a novel regulatory CD8 T cell network to create innovative CD8 Treg modulators aimed at treating a range of autoimmune conditions. By targeting a specific subset of T-lymphocytes, Mozart aims to restore long-term immune balance and prevent the progression of damage caused by autoreactive immune responses. Its pipeline includes first-in-class CD8 Treg modulators designed to delay the onset of autoimmune diseases and improve patient outcomes through advanced treatment options.

IpiNovyx Bio

Seed Round in 2021
IpiNovyx Bio is a biopharmaceutical company focused on creating a novel platform of immunoproteasome-modulating therapeutics aimed at improving the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The company's innovative approach involves developing inhibitors that selectively target the immunoproteasome, which plays a critical role in regulating specific immune cell types. By modulating these immune responses, IpiNovyx Bio seeks to enable patients to recover more effectively from their conditions and enhance their overall health.

Disc Medicine

Series B in 2021
Disc Medicine, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded in 2017. The company focuses on developing human genetics-based therapeutics aimed at addressing ineffective red blood cell production in hematologic diseases. Its innovative pipeline includes therapies such as bitopertin for treating erythropoietic porphyrias and Diamond-Blackfan anemia. Disc Medicine targets the hepcidin metabolism axis and aims to modify fundamental biological pathways related to red blood cell formation and function, including heme biosynthesis and iron homeostasis. Through its portfolio of clinical and preclinical product candidates, the company strives to transform the lives of patients suffering from severe hematologic disorders.

Asher Bio

Series B in 2021
Asher Biotherapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, founded in 2019. The company specializes in the development of immunotherapy drugs aimed at effectively treating cancer. Its innovative therapies are designed to enhance the immune system's ability to target and eliminate cancer cells while minimizing side effects. This focus allows healthcare providers to deliver effective treatments to patients in a shorter timeframe, aiming to improve overall outcomes in cancer care.

Effector Therapeutics

Post in 2021
eFFECTOR Therapeutics Inc is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in San Diego, California. Established in 2012, the company specializes in developing selective translation regulators for cancer and other serious diseases. Its innovative approach involves small molecule drugs known as selective translation regulator inhibitors (STRIs), which target the eIF4F complex and its associated kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinase 1/2 (MNK 1/2). This complex plays a crucial role in the translation of specific messenger RNA into proteins linked to cancer progression. eFFECTOR's lead product candidate, tomivosertib, is currently being evaluated in a Phase 2b trial in combination with pembrolizumab for non-small cell lung cancer. Additionally, zotatifin, an inhibitor of eIF4A, is undergoing dose-escalation trials with plans for further expansion. The company also collaborates with Pfizer to develop inhibitors targeting eIF4E. Through these efforts, eFFECTOR aims to address the challenges of tumor growth, survival, and immune evasion in cancer treatment.

Thryv Therapeutics

Series A in 2021
Thryv Therapeutics is a precision medicine company focused on developing innovative therapies for Long QT Syndrome and various arrhythmias. The company employs a precision medicine approach to address both genetic and drug-induced long QT syndrome, atrial fibrillation, and treatment-resistant cancers. Thryv Therapeutics is dedicated to creating potent and selective inhibitors of Serum Glucocorticoid Inducible Kinase, aiming to reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death and enhance the quality of life for affected patients. Through its targeted therapeutic development, the company seeks to provide effective solutions for serious cardiovascular and oncological conditions.

Deep Genomics

Series C in 2021
Deep Genomics recruits from among the top 1% of recent graduates and seasoned experts at the intersection of genomics, drug development and AI.

Cyrus Biotechnology

Venture Round in 2021
Cyrus Biotechnology, Inc. specializes in developing software tools for protein structure prediction and design, aiming to enhance research in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. The company's flagship product, Rosetta, allows for the design of biologically active proteins that can address critical health issues, such as brain cancer treatment and gluten breakdown in Celiac Disease patients. Additionally, Cyrus Bench offers an enterprise version of the Rosetta toolkit, equipped with a variety of bio-molecular computation tools. The company also provides Cyrus CryoEM services, which include advanced structure refinement and model building. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Cyrus Biotechnology serves a diverse clientele, including pharmaceutical companies, venture-backed startups, and mid-sized biotech firms focused on therapeutic discovery and industrial biotechnology innovation.

Veralox Therapeutics

Series A in 2021
Veralox Therapeutics develops small molecule therapeutics that treat the underlying pathologies of thrombosis and type one diabetes. Based on an understanding of the molecular mechanisms of these diseases, these efforts will lead to new treatment paradigms and better outcomes for patients.

Kojin Therapeutics

Series A in 2021
Kojin Therapeutics, founded by Stuart Schreiber, Benjamin Cravatt, Stephanie Dougan, and Vasanthi Viswanathan, focuses on advancing a drug discovery platform that links complex cell states to established biochemical processes, specifically ferroptosis, which involves iron-dependent cell death. This innovative approach enables the development of targeted therapies for a wide range of challenging diseases that are often difficult to treat. The company's biology platform aims to identify disease-specific targets, ensuring that patients receive effective treatments tailored to their specific conditions. Kojin Therapeutics is supported by a diverse group of investors, including Polaris Partners, Newpath Partners, and AbbVie, among others.

miRecule

Venture Round in 2021
miRecule, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, established in 2016. The company specializes in developing a microRNA-based drug discovery platform, DREAmiR, aimed at addressing challenges in cancer therapy and muscular dystrophy. This innovative platform leverages genomic and outcome data from thousands of patients to identify genetic abnormalities associated with diseases. miRecule formulates RNA therapeutics that can directly target and correct these genetic issues. The platform integrates genomic sequencing, expression, and prognostic data from numerous cancer patients with high throughput screening of microRNA candidates for replacement therapy. miRecule is focused on creating highly tailored therapeutics, with lead programs targeting Head & Neck Cancer and Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy, ultimately striving to improve the quality of life for patients suffering from debilitating conditions.

TwinStrand Biosciences

Series B in 2021
TwinStrand Biosciences specializes in advanced DNA sequencing technologies, significantly enhancing the accuracy of mutation detection beyond conventional methods. Their proprietary Duplex Sequencing technology enables the identification of mutations that are often undetectable by standard approaches, making it valuable in various fields such as oncology, infectious disease, organ transplantation, reproductive and genetic health, and forensics. The company is dedicated to improving diagnostic capabilities and advancing research through its innovative sequencing solutions. TwinStrand is also involved in biopharmaceutical development, focusing on the discovery and commercialization of biological drugs aimed at treating life-threatening diseases, particularly cancers. Their product pipeline includes recombinant protein-based prodrugs designed for activation by matrix metalloproteinases associated with solid tumors.

Ventus Therapeutics

Series B in 2021
Ventus Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing novel small molecule medicines aimed at treating autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, and cancer by targeting the innate immune system. The company employs a structural immunology platform that provides deep insights into the mechanisms and molecular structures involved in immune responses. This platform integrates proprietary protein engineering capabilities with advanced rational and structure-based drug design tools, allowing for precise targeting of the innate immune system. Ventus is actively building a pipeline of drug programs that address critical targets within this system, particularly proteins involved in inflammasome and nucleic acid-sensing signaling pathways, thereby enabling the treatment of both acute and chronic inflammatory and immune-related conditions.

Vera Therapeutics

Series C in 2021
Vera Therapeutics, a biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, specializes in developing innovative biologic therapeutics aimed at treating serious immunological diseases and genetic disorders. Founded in 2016 and renamed in March 2020, the company's research focuses on transformative treatments that can significantly improve patient outcomes. One of its key product candidates is atacicept, a fusion protein designed for self-administration via a weekly subcutaneous injection. Atacicept works by inhibiting both B lymphocyte stimulator and a proliferation-inducing ligand, which are involved in the production of autoantibodies that contribute to various autoimmune diseases. Additionally, Vera Therapeutics is exploring gene-editing technologies that hold the potential to address conditions such as sickle cell disease and cystic fibrosis.

Korro Bio

Series A in 2020
Korro Bio Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that specializes in developing nucleic acid-based therapeutics aimed at editing RNA to treat rare and prevalent diseases. Founded in 2018, the company has created a proprietary platform that allows for efficient and selective RNA editing, leveraging natural processes found in multicellular organisms. This innovative approach enables precise modifications to messenger RNA, allowing for targeted changes in protein structure and function across various tissues. By focusing on RNA instead of DNA, Korro Bio aims to enhance the precision and adaptability of genetic medicines, expanding their potential applications in treating a range of medical conditions.

TARA Biosystems

Series A in 2020
Tara Biosystems provides predictive, in vitro human cardiac tissue models for use in drug discovery, safety assessment and translational medicine. Tara Biosystems offers a high-fidelity solution that is based on human stem cell-derived cardiac tissue matured to physiologically relevant adult-like levels and provides direct measures of cardiac functionality, including contractile force. The company is dedicated to pioneering predictive cardiac tissue models that enable the faster, safer, and more reliable development of new medicines.

Autobahn Therapeutics

Series B in 2020
Autobahn Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, focused on developing small molecule therapies for central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Since its incorporation in 2017, Autobahn has aimed to address significant unmet needs in neuropsychiatry and neuroimmunology through its innovative brain-targeting chemistry platform. The company's leading candidate, ABX-002, is a thyroid hormone receptor beta agonist being investigated as a potential treatment for multiple sclerosis and adrenomyeloneuropathy, as well as an adjunctive therapy for major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder depression. Autobahn Therapeutics emphasizes precision tuning of CNS exposure, targeting validated clinical and biological markers to enhance therapeutic opportunities and patient outcomes.

Nitrase Therapeutics

Series A in 2020
Nitrase Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical platform company focused on developing therapies targeting a newly identified class of enzymes known as Nitrases. Initially concentrating on Parkinson’s disease, the company aims to create drugs that may slow or halt the progression of this and other related neurodegenerative conditions. By leveraging its expertise in nitration, Nitrase Therapeutics seeks to explore the therapeutic potential of biochemical modifications of proteins, particularly through the identification of nitro-substrates and their involvement in various diseases. This approach positions the company to potentially expand its platform to address a broader range of medical conditions in the future.

MOMA Therapeutics

Series A in 2020
MOMA Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded in 2019. The company focuses on discovering precision medicines by targeting molecular machines that are fundamental to human disease. MOMA Therapeutics utilizes a unique platform that leverages the common features of the ATPase target class, which includes significant conformational changes and energy-driven mechanics. By combining these insights with advancements in structural biology and small-molecule drug discovery, MOMA Therapeutics aims to develop drugs targeting previously challenging enzymes, contributing to the next generation of targeted therapies. The company was formerly known as ATPases NewCo, Inc. before rebranding in March 2020.

Silverback Therapeutics

Series B in 2020
Silverback Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Seattle, Washington, that specializes in developing tissue-targeted therapeutics aimed at treating cancer, chronic viral infections, and other serious diseases. The company’s lead product candidate, SBT6050, is currently undergoing a Phase I/Ib clinical trial; it is a TLR8 agonist conjugated to a HER2-directed monoclonal antibody, targeting tumors such as breast, gastric, and non-small cell lung cancers. Additionally, Silverback is advancing SBT6290, which is in preclinical development and targets Nectin4, found in bladder, triple-negative breast, head and neck, and non-small cell lung cancers. The company is also developing SBT8230, aimed at treating chronic hepatitis B virus infection, and exploring other agents that utilize its proprietary technology to modulate pathways in oncology and fibrosis indications. Silverback's innovative ImmunoTAC platform enables the design of therapies that are systemically delivered but act specifically at disease sites, unlocking previously inaccessible pathways for treatment.

Kallyope

Series C in 2020
Kallyope Inc. is a biotechnology company based in New York City that focuses on the gut-brain axis to develop innovative therapeutics and consumer products aimed at enhancing human health. Founded in 2014, Kallyope employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating technologies such as sequencing, computational biology, neural imaging, and human genetics to deepen the understanding of gut-brain biology. This comprehensive understanding enables the company to create effective and well-tolerated oral medications targeting various health issues, including diabetes, obesity, gut disorders, inflammatory diseases, migraines, and allergies. With a team of experienced scientists and a strong foundation in drug discovery, Kallyope aims to address significant unmet medical needs through its research and development efforts.

TwinStrand Biosciences

Series A in 2020
TwinStrand Biosciences specializes in advanced DNA sequencing technologies, significantly enhancing the accuracy of mutation detection beyond conventional methods. Their proprietary Duplex Sequencing technology enables the identification of mutations that are often undetectable by standard approaches, making it valuable in various fields such as oncology, infectious disease, organ transplantation, reproductive and genetic health, and forensics. The company is dedicated to improving diagnostic capabilities and advancing research through its innovative sequencing solutions. TwinStrand is also involved in biopharmaceutical development, focusing on the discovery and commercialization of biological drugs aimed at treating life-threatening diseases, particularly cancers. Their product pipeline includes recombinant protein-based prodrugs designed for activation by matrix metalloproteinases associated with solid tumors.

Triplet Therapeutics

Series A in 2019
Triplet Therapeutics, Inc. is focused on developing innovative therapies for repeat expansion disorders, which include conditions such as Huntington’s disease, myotonic dystrophy, and spinocerebellar ataxias. Founded in 2018 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company aims to address these disorders at their source by utilizing a unique approach that involves targeting the DNA Damage Response pathway through a single oligonucleotide. This biotherapeutic technology is designed to provide a comprehensive treatment solution for multiple repeat expansion disorders, enabling healthcare professionals to better manage these complex conditions.

ImCheck Therapeutics

Series B in 2019
ImCheck Therapeutics is a developer of immuno-modulatory antibodies designed for the treatment of cancer and other immune-related diseases. The company's services are engaged in the discovery and development of immunomodulators for treating breast cancer, gastric, ovarian cancer cells and other solid solid tumours.

Immunitas Therapeutics

Series A in 2019
Immunitas is unlocking human immunology using novel single cell analyses to develop targeted therapeutics for patients with challenging, complex cancers. Translating findings from laboratory research to meaningful clinical advances in humans is a longstanding challenge in the oncology field. Immunitas was founded to directly address this problem and unlock a variety of novel drug targets based on discovery rooted in human biology. They are pursuing this goal with a team of pioneers in these areas across their scientific founders, management, and investors. At Immunitas, they employ a single cell sequencing platform to dissect the biology of immune cells in human tumors. Their focus on human samples allows us to start with and stay closer to the most relevant and translatable biology for patients and accelerates the pace of their research. They are identifying novel, exciting oncology targets and, importantly, developing key biomarkers to guide the selection of patients who may benefit from their new drugs. They are leveraging expertise in antibody discovery and engineering to create powerful therapies that modulate these targets, and are currently advancing a number of programs toward early human studies.

miRecule

Venture Round in 2019
miRecule, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, established in 2016. The company specializes in developing a microRNA-based drug discovery platform, DREAmiR, aimed at addressing challenges in cancer therapy and muscular dystrophy. This innovative platform leverages genomic and outcome data from thousands of patients to identify genetic abnormalities associated with diseases. miRecule formulates RNA therapeutics that can directly target and correct these genetic issues. The platform integrates genomic sequencing, expression, and prognostic data from numerous cancer patients with high throughput screening of microRNA candidates for replacement therapy. miRecule is focused on creating highly tailored therapeutics, with lead programs targeting Head & Neck Cancer and Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy, ultimately striving to improve the quality of life for patients suffering from debilitating conditions.

Boundless Bio

Series A in 2019
Boundless Bio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies for the treatment of aggressive cancers linked to extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA). Founded in 2018 and based in La Jolla, California, the company aims to address the significant unmet medical needs of patients with oncogene amplified tumors, which affect over 14% of cancer patients. By targeting ecDNA, a key factor in oncogene amplification, Boundless Bio seeks to provide transformative treatments for previously difficult-to-treat cancers. One of its leading candidates, BBI-355, is an oral, selective inhibitor of checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1), designed to manage the replication and transcription of ecDNA in cancer cells.

Aitia

Series D in 2019
Aitia specializes in applying Causal AI and Digital Twins to advance drug discovery and development. The company utilizes multi-omic patient data and high-performance computing to uncover the underlying biological mechanisms of diseases, creating Digital Twins for conditions such as oncology, neurodegenerative disorders, and immunology. Their Gemini Digital Twins are actively employed to explore new therapies and expedite research and development in areas like multiple myeloma, prostate cancer, Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and Huntington's Disease, with additional projects in the pipeline. Aitia collaborates with seven of the top ten pharmaceutical companies, academic research institutions, medical societies, multi-omic data firms, and patient advocacy organizations, positioning itself as a leader in the innovative intersection of technology and healthcare.

Blackthorn Therapeutics

Series B in 2019
Blackthorn Therapeutics, based in South San Francisco, California, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing precision medicine for neurobehavioral disorders. Founded in 2013, the company utilizes a proprietary computational platform that integrates advances in computational and clinical neuroscience to better understand the relationship between brain function and behavior. By targeting dysfunctional brain circuits, Blackthorn aims to address longstanding challenges in drug discovery and development. The company’s approach involves identifying novel therapeutic targets, small molecule drug candidates, and biologically-based patient subgroups that are most likely to benefit from treatment, thereby enhancing the precision of therapeutic interventions in the central nervous system.

Imara

Series B in 2019
Imara, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Massachusetts, focused on developing and commercializing therapeutics for rare genetic disorders of hemoglobin, including sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia. Founded in 2016, the company is advancing its lead product candidate, IMR-687, which is a highly selective small molecule inhibitor of PDE9. IMR-687 is designed as an oral, once-a-day treatment that aims to modify disease through a multimodal mechanism of action affecting various cell types, including red and white blood cells. Imara is dedicated to addressing the unmet medical needs of patients suffering from these serious hemoglobinopathies.

Karuna Therapeutics

Series B in 2019
Karuna Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Massachusetts, dedicated to developing innovative therapies for neuropsychiatric disorders and pain. Its lead product candidate, KarXT, is an oral modulator that has completed a Phase II clinical trial for treating acute psychosis in schizophrenia patients and is undergoing a Phase Ib clinical trial for various central nervous system disorders, including cognitive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s, and dementia-related psychosis. The company is also developing additional muscarinic-targeted drug candidates to address unmet medical needs in these areas. Founded in 2009, Karuna Therapeutics has established partnerships with organizations such as Eli Lilly and Company and PureTech Health LLC, focusing on advancing its drug discovery efforts through collaborations with Charles River Laboratories and PsychoGenics Inc.

Applied Therapeutics

Series B in 2019
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.

Relay Therapeutics

Series C in 2018
Relay Therapeutics is a clinical-stage precision medicine company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on transforming the drug discovery process, particularly in targeted oncology. Utilizing its innovative Dynamo platform, the company combines advanced computational techniques with experimental methods to enhance small molecule therapeutic discovery. Relay Therapeutics is developing several product candidates, including RLY-1971, an oral inhibitor targeting the SHP2 protein, currently in Phase 1 trials for advanced solid tumors; RLY-4008, a selective inhibitor for patients with FGFR2 alterations; and RLY-PI3K1047, aimed at cancer-associated mutations of the PI3K alpha protein. Founded in 2015, Relay Therapeutics is dedicated to addressing complex diseases through its unique approach to drug discovery.

Kallyope

Series B in 2018
Kallyope Inc. is a biotechnology company based in New York City that focuses on the gut-brain axis to develop innovative therapeutics and consumer products aimed at enhancing human health. Founded in 2014, Kallyope employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating technologies such as sequencing, computational biology, neural imaging, and human genetics to deepen the understanding of gut-brain biology. This comprehensive understanding enables the company to create effective and well-tolerated oral medications targeting various health issues, including diabetes, obesity, gut disorders, inflammatory diseases, migraines, and allergies. With a team of experienced scientists and a strong foundation in drug discovery, Kallyope aims to address significant unmet medical needs through its research and development efforts.

Caraway Therapeutics

Series A in 2018
Caraway Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative treatments for neurodegenerative diseases through the modulation of mitophagy and autophagy. By targeting genetically defined pathways, the company aims to create small molecules that restore cellular balance and address the underlying mechanisms of diseases such as Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Founded in 2018 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Caraway Therapeutics seeks to improve the lives of patients affected by these debilitating conditions by leveraging its expertise in cellular degradation processes. The company was previously known as Rheostat Therapeutics, Inc. before rebranding in October 2019.

Stoke Therapeutics

Series B in 2018
Stoke Therapeutics, Inc. is an early-stage biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Bedford, Massachusetts, focused on developing novel antisense oligonucleotide medicines to address the underlying causes of severe genetic diseases. The company employs its proprietary TANGO (Targeted Augmentation of Nuclear Gene Output) technology to enhance gene expression by targeting RNA splicing, thereby selectively restoring protein levels. Its lead product candidate, STK-001, is currently in clinical testing for the treatment of Dravet syndrome, a serious and progressive genetic epilepsy. Established in 2014, Stoke Therapeutics also collaborates with Invitae Corporation to provide genetic testing services, further supporting its mission to advance gene-targeted therapies for patients with severe genetic conditions.

Inspirna

Series C in 2018
Inspirna is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative drug candidates that target essential drivers of cancer. The company utilizes a microRNA-based target discovery platform to identify novel RNA dysregulated cancer drivers, which can be addressed by small molecules and biologics. Inspirna's clinical programs include first-in-class oral small molecules aimed at treating patients with RAS mutant colorectal cancer (RGX-202) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (RGX-104), both currently in Phase 1b/2 trials. Through its research, Inspirna aims to provide effective treatment options that specifically target cancer metabolism and progression, offering potential advancements in cancer care.

Silverback Therapeutics

Series A in 2018
Silverback Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Seattle, Washington, that specializes in developing tissue-targeted therapeutics aimed at treating cancer, chronic viral infections, and other serious diseases. The company’s lead product candidate, SBT6050, is currently undergoing a Phase I/Ib clinical trial; it is a TLR8 agonist conjugated to a HER2-directed monoclonal antibody, targeting tumors such as breast, gastric, and non-small cell lung cancers. Additionally, Silverback is advancing SBT6290, which is in preclinical development and targets Nectin4, found in bladder, triple-negative breast, head and neck, and non-small cell lung cancers. The company is also developing SBT8230, aimed at treating chronic hepatitis B virus infection, and exploring other agents that utilize its proprietary technology to modulate pathways in oncology and fibrosis indications. Silverback's innovative ImmunoTAC platform enables the design of therapies that are systemically delivered but act specifically at disease sites, unlocking previously inaccessible pathways for treatment.

Magnolia NeuroSciences

Series A in 2018
Magnolia Neurosciences aims to discover and develop proprietary, selective, and drug-like small molecule therapeutics for the prevention of neuronal cell death, thereby providing novel treatment options for patients suffering from neurodegeneration and related conditions. Magnolia Neurosciences Corporation, created to pursue technologies developed at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Therapeutics Discovery Division and the Neurodegeneration Consortium (NDC), is a New York-based Accelerator Life Science Partner portfolio company.

Compass Therapeutics

Series A in 2018
Compass Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapeutic antibodies for solid tumors and hematological malignancies. Founded in 2014 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company utilizes its proprietary StitchMabs and common light-chain platforms to identify and develop innovative antibody therapeutics. Its lead product candidate, CTX-471, is an agonistic monoclonal antibody targeting CD137, currently undergoing Phase I clinical trials. Another significant candidate, CTX-009, is a bispecific antibody that inhibits DLL4-mediated Notch signaling and VEGF-A signaling, and has completed a Phase 1 dose escalation study. Additionally, CTX-8371, another bispecific antibody targeting PD-1 and PD-L1, is in the IND-enabling stage. Compass Therapeutics aims to engage the immune system effectively to advance its therapeutic offerings.

Antiva Biosciences

Series C in 2018
Antiva Biosciences is a biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing antiviral drugs to treat human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. Founded in 2012 and previously known as Hera Therapeutics, the company aims to prevent cancer by addressing precancerous lesions associated with HPV. Antiva's innovative approach involves localized therapeutics and small molecule antivirals designed to improve health outcomes for patients suffering from diseases linked to HPV and other viruses. The company's clinical programs target high-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasias and high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasias, utilizing a medicinal chemistry platform that emphasizes the development and commercialization of direct-acting antivirals.

Skyhawk Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2018
Skyhawk Therapeutics is a provvider of small molecule therapeutics designed to offer therapies that correct RNA expression.The company's therapeutics use proprietary technology that helps the rational design of small molecules that target specific binding pocket regions on RNA, using both sequence and structural specificity, at particular moments in the RNA splicing process, enabling physicians to target diseases driven by a type of RNA mis-splicing called exon skipping.

insitro

Series A in 2018
Insitro, Inc. is a data-driven company focused on drug discovery and development, particularly targeting nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Founded in 2018 by Daphne Koller and based in South San Francisco, California, Insitro harnesses machine learning and high-throughput biology to revolutionize the process of drug discovery. The company creates extensive functional genomic data sets and integrates them with patient data through innovative machine learning techniques. This approach allows Insitro to build predictive models that enhance target selection, streamline the design of therapeutics, and optimize drug development strategies. By addressing critical challenges in pharmaceutical research and development, Insitro aims to accelerate the delivery of new and effective treatments to patients.

Kallyope

Series B in 2018
Kallyope Inc. is a biotechnology company based in New York City that focuses on the gut-brain axis to develop innovative therapeutics and consumer products aimed at enhancing human health. Founded in 2014, Kallyope employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating technologies such as sequencing, computational biology, neural imaging, and human genetics to deepen the understanding of gut-brain biology. This comprehensive understanding enables the company to create effective and well-tolerated oral medications targeting various health issues, including diabetes, obesity, gut disorders, inflammatory diseases, migraines, and allergies. With a team of experienced scientists and a strong foundation in drug discovery, Kallyope aims to address significant unmet medical needs through its research and development efforts.

Moderna

Series G in 2018
Moderna, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that specializes in developing therapeutics and vaccines using messenger RNA technology. Founded in 2010, the company focuses on various therapeutic areas, including infectious diseases, oncology, rare genetic disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. As of September 2024, Moderna has 40 mRNA development candidates in clinical development, demonstrating its commitment to advancing medical science. The company's mRNA platform has gained significant recognition, particularly with the authorization of its COVID-19 vaccine in December 2020. Moderna has established strategic collaborations with notable organizations such as AstraZeneca, Merck & Co., and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Additionally, it collaborates with Lonza Ltd. and Catalent for the manufacturing of its COVID-19 vaccine. Through its innovative approach, Moderna aims to provide effective solutions for a range of health challenges.

Expansion Therapeutics

Series A in 2018
Expansion Therapeutics is a drug discovery and development company focused on creating small molecule medicines for RNA-mediated diseases. The company specializes in developing novel RNA-targeted drug candidates that have the potential to treat a wide range of severe health conditions. By leveraging its innovative technology, Expansion Therapeutics aims to provide effective treatment options for patients suffering from these challenging diseases.

Aura Biosciences

Series C in 2017
Aura Biosciences is a biotechnology company that focuses on the development of drugs by using tumor-targeted pseudovirions. The company is applying nanotechnology to help fight cancer in the well-studied area of chemotherapeutics and the emerging field of RNAi. By safely eliminating cancer locally, they can treat early and transform the lives of people with a wide range of cancers that are poorly managed today. The company's goal is to treat small ocular melanomas potentially long before the disease progresses and metastasizes to the liver, where it almost always is fatal. Aura Biosciences was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Relay Therapeutics

Series B in 2017
Relay Therapeutics is a clinical-stage precision medicine company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on transforming the drug discovery process, particularly in targeted oncology. Utilizing its innovative Dynamo platform, the company combines advanced computational techniques with experimental methods to enhance small molecule therapeutic discovery. Relay Therapeutics is developing several product candidates, including RLY-1971, an oral inhibitor targeting the SHP2 protein, currently in Phase 1 trials for advanced solid tumors; RLY-4008, a selective inhibitor for patients with FGFR2 alterations; and RLY-PI3K1047, aimed at cancer-associated mutations of the PI3K alpha protein. Founded in 2015, Relay Therapeutics is dedicated to addressing complex diseases through its unique approach to drug discovery.

Metacrine

Series B in 2017
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.

Obsidian Therapeutics

Series A in 2017
Obsidian Therapeutics is a developer of a next-generation cell and gene therapies created to extend adoptive immunotherapy to every patient with cancer.The company's next-generation cell and gene therapies with pharmacologic operating systems provide exquisite control of protein activity in cells and create adoptive cell therapies with new functions that are under control of the treating physician using simple, safe, orally-active, marketed drugs, enabling patients to improve on the current generation of cell therapies.

Codiak Biosciences

Series C in 2017
Codiak is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on pioneering the development of exosome-based therapeutics, a new class of medicines with the potential to transform the treatment of a wide spectrum of diseases with high unmet medical need. By leveraging the biology of exosomes as natural intercellular transfer mechanisms, Codiak has developed its proprietary engEx Platform to expand upon the innate properties of exosomes to design, engineer and manufacture novel exosome therapeutic candidates. Codiak has utilized its engEx Platform to generate a deep pipeline of engineered exosomes aimed at treating a broad range of disease areas, spanning oncology, neuro-oncology, neurology, neuromuscular disease and infectious disease.

Cydan

Venture Round in 2017
Cydan is an orphan drug accelerator focused on developing therapies for patients with rare genetic diseases. The organization identifies and mitigates the risks associated with compounds that have therapeutic and commercial potential. Through a rigorous process, Cydan generates data to support the development of new therapies and the formation of new companies. Their experienced team leverages strong relationships with academia and patient advocacy groups, along with deep expertise in drug development and a proven track record of successful product commercialization. By guiding therapies through clinical, regulatory, and commercial development, Cydan aims to improve the lives of patients and families affected by rare diseases.

LifeMine Therapeutics

Series A in 2017
LifeMine Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on discovering new drug modalities from eukaryotic microbes, particularly fungi. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with an additional office in New York, the company employs an integrated platform that combines genomics, artificial intelligence, and synthetic biology. This innovative Avatar-Rx platform utilizes high-throughput microbiology, data science, machine learning, genome engineering, and automation to explore the fungal biosphere for novel genetically encoded molecules with specific biological functions. By integrating chemoinformatic-assisted drug optimization and advanced chemical synthesis with biotransformation, LifeMine Therapeutics aims to advance a pipeline of new medicines into development.

Rodeo Therapeutics

Series A in 2017
Rodeo Therapeutics is a drug development company focused on novel enzyme target and biological pathway that play a critical role in tissue repair and regeneration. Rodeo’s initial goal is to develop novel small molecules therapies for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease and the promotion of blood cell reconstitution following bone marrow transplant.

Effector Therapeutics

Series C in 2017
eFFECTOR Therapeutics Inc is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in San Diego, California. Established in 2012, the company specializes in developing selective translation regulators for cancer and other serious diseases. Its innovative approach involves small molecule drugs known as selective translation regulator inhibitors (STRIs), which target the eIF4F complex and its associated kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinase 1/2 (MNK 1/2). This complex plays a crucial role in the translation of specific messenger RNA into proteins linked to cancer progression. eFFECTOR's lead product candidate, tomivosertib, is currently being evaluated in a Phase 2b trial in combination with pembrolizumab for non-small cell lung cancer. Additionally, zotatifin, an inhibitor of eIF4A, is undergoing dose-escalation trials with plans for further expansion. The company also collaborates with Pfizer to develop inhibitors targeting eIF4E. Through these efforts, eFFECTOR aims to address the challenges of tumor growth, survival, and immune evasion in cancer treatment.

Arsanis

Series D in 2017
Arsanis, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Waltham, Massachusetts, specializing in monoclonal antibody (mAb) immunotherapies for serious infectious diseases. Founded in 2010, Arsanis develops mAbs targeting various bacterial and viral pathogens, including its lead program ASN100, which is focused on preventing Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia in high-risk, mechanically ventilated patients and is currently in Phase 2 clinical trials. The company's pipeline also includes ASN500, targeting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), as well as preclinical candidates ASN300 for Klebsiella pneumoniae and ASN200 for Escherichia coli. Additionally, Arsanis operates research and preclinical development efforts in Vienna, Austria, through its subsidiary, Arsanis Biosciences GmbH. The company's advanced understanding of infection pathogenesis and mAb discovery techniques underpins its efforts to tackle significant health challenges posed by infectious diseases.

Forge Therapeutics

Series A in 2017
Forge Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing innovative therapeutics, particularly novel antibiotics. The company employs a proprietary chemistry platform that targets metalloproteins, specifically metalloenzymes, to create selective inhibitors. By utilizing a combination of bioinorganic and medicinal chemistry, Forge aims to address the challenge of multi-drug resistant bacteria. Its approach allows for the development of small molecule inhibitors that can influence various biochemical processes, providing healthcare professionals with new tools to combat resistant infections effectively.

Antiva Biosciences

Series C in 2017
Antiva Biosciences is a biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing antiviral drugs to treat human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. Founded in 2012 and previously known as Hera Therapeutics, the company aims to prevent cancer by addressing precancerous lesions associated with HPV. Antiva's innovative approach involves localized therapeutics and small molecule antivirals designed to improve health outcomes for patients suffering from diseases linked to HPV and other viruses. The company's clinical programs target high-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasias and high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasias, utilizing a medicinal chemistry platform that emphasizes the development and commercialization of direct-acting antivirals.

Vtesse

Series A in 2016
Vtesse, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, focused on developing treatments for patients with rare diseases. The company is conducting clinical studies for VTS-270, aimed at treating Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC), and is also engaged in pre-clinical discovery and development of additional therapies for NPC and other lysosomal storage diseases. Vtesse originated as the first spin-out from Cydan Development, an orphan-drug accelerator that identifies promising therapeutic programs. The company collaborates with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to advance its clinical studies and is supported by a consortium of experienced investors. Vtesse's management team has a strong background, having participated in the development of over 20 approved drugs and vaccines, which underscores its commitment to addressing the needs of underserved patient populations.

Imara

Series A in 2016
Imara, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Massachusetts, focused on developing and commercializing therapeutics for rare genetic disorders of hemoglobin, including sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia. Founded in 2016, the company is advancing its lead product candidate, IMR-687, which is a highly selective small molecule inhibitor of PDE9. IMR-687 is designed as an oral, once-a-day treatment that aims to modify disease through a multimodal mechanism of action affecting various cell types, including red and white blood cells. Imara is dedicated to addressing the unmet medical needs of patients suffering from these serious hemoglobinopathies.

Codiak Biosciences

Series B in 2016
Codiak is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on pioneering the development of exosome-based therapeutics, a new class of medicines with the potential to transform the treatment of a wide spectrum of diseases with high unmet medical need. By leveraging the biology of exosomes as natural intercellular transfer mechanisms, Codiak has developed its proprietary engEx Platform to expand upon the innate properties of exosomes to design, engineer and manufacture novel exosome therapeutic candidates. Codiak has utilized its engEx Platform to generate a deep pipeline of engineered exosomes aimed at treating a broad range of disease areas, spanning oncology, neuro-oncology, neurology, neuromuscular disease and infectious disease.

Lodo Therapeutics

Series A in 2016
Lodo Therapeutics Corporation is a drug discovery and development company focused on the creation of naturally derived novel therapeutics that will have a dramatic impact human health on a global basis. Lodo seeks to work in partnership with global pharmaceutical companies and world leading Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s) to tackle some of the greatest challenges in human health: resistant infectious disease and cancers. Lodo Therapeutics was created to pursue the scientific vision of Dr. Sean Brady at Rockefeller University. Dr. Brady and his laboratory have developed a genome-based, culture-independent platform for the discovery, biosynthesis, and characterization of small molecules from microbial sources present in soil samples. Lodo believes that the potential cures for a number of deadly and/or debilitating diseases literally lie at our feet. By combining the advancements in DNA sequencing and bioinformatics, this innovative discovery platform exploits the power of microbial evolution for the identification of therapeutically valuable pharmaceutical products derived from natural sources. Lodo Therapeutics, an Accelerator Corporation-backed entity, is headquartered in New York City. The company’s lab and offices are located in the Alexandria Center for Life Science, New York City’s first and only premier life science park.

TARA Biosystems

Seed Round in 2016
Tara Biosystems provides predictive, in vitro human cardiac tissue models for use in drug discovery, safety assessment and translational medicine. Tara Biosystems offers a high-fidelity solution that is based on human stem cell-derived cardiac tissue matured to physiologically relevant adult-like levels and provides direct measures of cardiac functionality, including contractile force. The company is dedicated to pioneering predictive cardiac tissue models that enable the faster, safer, and more reliable development of new medicines.

Petra Pharma

Series A in 2016
Petra Pharma Corporation is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company based in New York that focuses on discovering and developing therapies targeting phosphoinositide (PI) signaling pathways. Established in 2015, the company aims to create novel small molecules that address serious medical conditions, particularly cancer and metabolic diseases. By honing in on unique enzyme targets involved in critical cellular processes such as cell division, growth, trafficking, and signaling, Petra Pharma seeks to develop innovative treatments that can enhance human health and provide new options for healthcare providers.

NextCure

Series A in 2016
NextCure, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Beltsville, Maryland, that specializes in the discovery and development of novel immunomedicines aimed at treating cancer and other immune-related diseases. The company focuses on restoring normal immune function through its lead product candidate, NC318, currently in Phase 2 clinical trials for advanced or metastatic solid tumors. In addition, NextCure is developing NC410, an immunomedicine designed to inhibit immune suppression mediated by Leukocyte-Associated Immunoglobulin-like Receptor 1. The company's research also includes preclinical programs targeting various immunomodulatory proteins associated with tumors and inflamed tissues. NextCure has established collaborations, including a licensing agreement with Yale University and a research partnership with Eli Lilly and Company, to further its innovative therapeutic approaches. Founded in 2015, NextCure is dedicated to advancing first-in-class immunotherapy solutions.

Kallyope

Series A in 2015
Kallyope Inc. is a biotechnology company based in New York City that focuses on the gut-brain axis to develop innovative therapeutics and consumer products aimed at enhancing human health. Founded in 2014, Kallyope employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating technologies such as sequencing, computational biology, neural imaging, and human genetics to deepen the understanding of gut-brain biology. This comprehensive understanding enables the company to create effective and well-tolerated oral medications targeting various health issues, including diabetes, obesity, gut disorders, inflammatory diseases, migraines, and allergies. With a team of experienced scientists and a strong foundation in drug discovery, Kallyope aims to address significant unmet medical needs through its research and development efforts.

Calimmune

Series B in 2015
Calimmune is a clinical-stage gene therapy company. The company’s lead therapeutic candidate, is a gene-based therapy engineered to control HIV infection and to protect individuals with HIV from progressing to AIDS. The therapy is currently being evaluated in Phase I/II studies. Cal-1 is designed to reduce production of CCR5, a protein on the surface of white blood cells that plays a critical role in enabling HIV to infect cells. It also has a second mechanism aimed at preventing viral fusion, the process by which the virus enters the cell. This dual approach was shown to be effective against broad strains of HIV in pre-clinical studies.

Aura Biosciences

Series B in 2015
Aura Biosciences is a biotechnology company that focuses on the development of drugs by using tumor-targeted pseudovirions. The company is applying nanotechnology to help fight cancer in the well-studied area of chemotherapeutics and the emerging field of RNAi. By safely eliminating cancer locally, they can treat early and transform the lives of people with a wide range of cancers that are poorly managed today. The company's goal is to treat small ocular melanomas potentially long before the disease progresses and metastasizes to the liver, where it almost always is fatal. Aura Biosciences was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Vtesse

Series A in 2015
Vtesse, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, focused on developing treatments for patients with rare diseases. The company is conducting clinical studies for VTS-270, aimed at treating Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC), and is also engaged in pre-clinical discovery and development of additional therapies for NPC and other lysosomal storage diseases. Vtesse originated as the first spin-out from Cydan Development, an orphan-drug accelerator that identifies promising therapeutic programs. The company collaborates with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to advance its clinical studies and is supported by a consortium of experienced investors. Vtesse's management team has a strong background, having participated in the development of over 20 approved drugs and vaccines, which underscores its commitment to addressing the needs of underserved patient populations.

Syros Pharmaceuticals

Series B in 2014
Syros Pharmaceuticals is a life sciences company that is focused on treating disease by mapping gene regulatory circuits and modulating the factors that regulate gene expression. Syros has pioneered world-leading gene control research and drug discovery capabilities with a proven ability to integrate disease biology and genomic data--a proficiency that is not well represented in pharmaceutical R&D. Central to the Syros approach is a proprietary platform of carefully integrated assay technologies, bioinformatics, and biologic insights developed by members of Syros' senior leadership. While this scientific approach has applications in many therapeutic areas, Syros has demonstrated success initially in oncology, where it may help address numerous unmet medical needs.

Visterra

Series B in 2014
Visterra, Inc. engages in pharmaceutical drug research and development of therapeutic and diagnostic products for infectious diseases. It also provides structure-based design of therapeutics and diagnostic platforms, based on an understanding of glycobiology and glycochemistry. The company was formerly known as Parasol Therapeutics, Inc. and changed its name in May 2010. Visterra, Inc. was founded in 2007 and is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Cydan

Venture Round in 2013
Cydan is an orphan drug accelerator focused on developing therapies for patients with rare genetic diseases. The organization identifies and mitigates the risks associated with compounds that have therapeutic and commercial potential. Through a rigorous process, Cydan generates data to support the development of new therapies and the formation of new companies. Their experienced team leverages strong relationships with academia and patient advocacy groups, along with deep expertise in drug development and a proven track record of successful product commercialization. By guiding therapies through clinical, regulatory, and commercial development, Cydan aims to improve the lives of patients and families affected by rare diseases.
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