Likarda is a biotech company focused on advancing cell therapies through innovative delivery technologies. Its proprietary Core-Shell Spherification® platform utilizes biocompatible hydrogel materials, such as Hyaluronic Acid and PEG, to create customizable microcapsules that house cell-based therapies. This platform addresses the unique requirements of various cell therapies, enabling applications in the treatment of diabetes, osteoarthritis, and joint pain. For diabetes, Likarda is developing methods to deliver islet-like cells, which have shown promising results in pre-clinical testing with animal models. In the case of osteoarthritis, encapsulated stem cells are designed for injection into the knee, providing a slow-release treatment that alleviates joint pain and promotes healing over several weeks. Likarda's versatility allows for both durable and degradable formulations, enhancing the efficacy of cell-based treatments. The company has gained recognition for its innovation, having been named one of the "50 Most Promising Start-Ups in the World" during Global Entrepreneurship Week, and has secured over $8 million in funding through various sources.
Freya Biosciences
Series A in 2024
Freya Biosciences is a clinical-stage women's health company headquartered in Copenhagen and Boston, specializing in the development of microbial immunotherapies. The company focuses on addressing significant unmet medical needs across various indications by utilizing a proprietary platform to engineer and manufacture live microbes. These engineered microbes are designed to be both safe and effective for human use, facilitating the creation of innovative treatments for a range of diseases.
AN2 Therapeutics
Grant in 2024
AN2 Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Menlo Park, California, focused on the research, development, and commercialization of innovative medicines for infectious diseases. Founded in 2017, the company aims to address significant unmet medical needs through its development of novel therapeutics. Its lead product candidate, epetraborole, is a once-daily oral treatment designed for patients suffering from chronic non-tuberculous mycobacterial lung disease. AN2 Therapeutics is committed to leveraging advanced biomedical expertise to create transformative solutions for patients dealing with serious and rare infectious diseases. The company has also established a strategic partnership with Brii Biosciences to enhance its development efforts.
Radiant Biotherapeutics
Series A in 2024
Radiant Biotherapeutics is an innovative biotechnology company focused on developing a modular platform for multi-valent and multi-specific therapeutics. This platform aims to advance antibody engineering by creating multi-functional biologics designed to address challenging diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. By leveraging the principles of avidity and enhanced binding power, Radiant Biotherapeutics enables healthcare professionals to deliver potent therapies that have the potential to transform treatment outcomes for patients. The company's commitment to pioneering these advanced therapeutics positions it at the forefront of the biotherapeutics field, striving to unlock new avenues for patient care.
Eyam Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics
Grant in 2024
Eyam Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics is a life science and medical research company focused on the development of vaccines to combat infectious diseases. The company specializes in researching vaccines that target the spike glycoprotein, which is crucial for generating neutralizing antibodies against pathogens such as the novel coronavirus. Eyam employs a self-amplifying vaccine platform that enables the design of low-dose vaccines with advanced targeting capabilities, ensuring comprehensive protection, including against emerging variants. Through its innovative approach, the company aims to address pressing healthcare challenges and enhance public health outcomes.
Snipr Biome ApS is a biotechnology company based in Copenhagen, Denmark, that focuses on developing innovative CRISPR technology for the treatment of microbial diseases. Incorporated in 2017, the company aims to revolutionize healthcare by utilizing a programmable approach to the adaptive immune system, enabling the targeted elimination of hazardous bacteria based on their specific DNA sequences. Snipr Biome's novel medicines are designed to provide health professionals with effective tools for microbiome engineering, allowing for selective targeting and destruction of harmful bacteria in vivo.
ETHRIS
Venture Round in 2024
Ethris GmbH is a biotechnology company based in Planegg, Germany, specializing in the development of innovative therapeutic solutions for diseases with unmet medical needs. The company has a focus on transcript therapeutics, particularly through its SNIM RNA platform, which offers a novel approach to treating various conditions by enabling the production of therapeutic proteins within the patient’s body. This platform presents an alternative to traditional recombinant protein and gene therapies, addressing a range of diseases, including rare and genetically predetermined conditions. Ethris also develops Magnetovax, a personalized tumor vaccine platform that utilizes magnetic fields for localized activation in tumors. The company has established strategic research collaborations with major pharmaceutical firms, enhancing its capabilities in regenerative medicine and therapeutic development. Founded in 2009, Ethris continues to advance its technologies to meet diverse medical needs.
Owlstone
Venture Round in 2024
Owlstone Medical, established in 2003 and headquartered in Cambridge, UK, specializes in developing and commercializing breathalyzers for clinical diagnostics and precision medicine. The company's core technology, FAIMS, enables the detection of volatile organic compounds in breath, facilitating the discovery of non-invasive biomarkers for various diseases. Owlstone Medical's product portfolio includes breath samplers like ReCIVA and CASPER, as well as analytical tools such as Lonestar and ATLAS, catering to applications like lung cancer, asthma, and gastrointestinal disorders. The company collaborates with market leaders to integrate its technology into next-generation chemical sensing products and has received funding from the UK's Department of Defense to develop a handheld device for enhanced sensitivity and selectivity. Owlstone Medical aims to become a global leader in non-invasive diagnostics, with a focus on early disease detection and a pipeline of medical applications, including colon and lung cancer screening.
Owlstone Medical, established in 2003 and headquartered in Cambridge, UK, specializes in developing and commercializing breathalyzers for clinical diagnostics and precision medicine. The company's core technology, FAIMS, enables the detection of volatile organic compounds in breath, facilitating the discovery of non-invasive biomarkers for various diseases. Owlstone Medical's product portfolio includes breath samplers like ReCIVA and CASPER, as well as analytical tools such as Lonestar and ATLAS, catering to applications like lung cancer, asthma, and gastrointestinal disorders. The company collaborates with market leaders to integrate its technology into next-generation chemical sensing products and has received funding from the UK's Department of Defense to develop a handheld device for enhanced sensitivity and selectivity. Owlstone Medical aims to become a global leader in non-invasive diagnostics, with a focus on early disease detection and a pipeline of medical applications, including colon and lung cancer screening.
Corner Therapeutics
Grant in 2024
Corner Therapeutics is a biotechnology research company focused on advancing immunotherapy solutions. The company specializes in stimulating exceptional memory T cells to achieve lifelong immunity. It has developed a versatile dendritic cell hyperactivation (hDC) platform that induces strong T-cell responses, aiming to deliver robust and durable immunity against a wide array of cancers and infectious diseases. By providing these innovative technologies, Corner Therapeutics enables healthcare providers to enhance immune responses and promote long-lasting immunity, positioning itself at the forefront of immunotherapy research.
PhaSER Biomedical
Grant in 2024
PhaSER Biomedical is Exploiting the 8HUM mouse, a unique mouse model with multiple utilities in drug discovery, and development.
Radiant Biotherapeutics
Grant in 2023
Radiant Biotherapeutics is an innovative biotechnology company focused on developing a modular platform for multi-valent and multi-specific therapeutics. This platform aims to advance antibody engineering by creating multi-functional biologics designed to address challenging diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. By leveraging the principles of avidity and enhanced binding power, Radiant Biotherapeutics enables healthcare professionals to deliver potent therapies that have the potential to transform treatment outcomes for patients. The company's commitment to pioneering these advanced therapeutics positions it at the forefront of the biotherapeutics field, striving to unlock new avenues for patient care.
Evotec is a drug discovery partnership firm that collaborates with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations to advance innovative therapeutic solutions. The company specializes in a range of therapeutic areas, including central nervous system disorders, diabetes, inflammation, oncology, infectious diseases, and women's health. Approximately 80% of its revenue comes from shared research and development services, which involve fee-for-service work and integrated drug discovery collaborations utilizing proprietary assets. The remaining 20% of sales derive from its Just-Evotec Biologics segment, which provides contract development and manufacturing organization services for biologics. Evotec's approach emphasizes collaboration with various stakeholders, including patient advocacy groups and venture capitalists, to enhance drug discovery and development processes.
Molecular Loop
Grant in 2023
Molecular Loop is a biotechnology company focused on DNA sequencing. The company offers a unique approach to sequencing through its Molecular Loop targeting technology, which eliminates the need for a separate library preparation process. This innovation allows for amplicons designed to overlap extensively across target strands, providing sequence data without the added complexity and costs associated with traditional shotgun library methods. Additionally, Molecular Loop provides custom assays based on user-provided content, along with expanded and customizable carrier screening panels and research panels for SARS-CoV-2. These offerings enable healthcare professionals and researchers to access efficient systems for production-scale targeted sequencing applications.
Naobios is a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) located in Saint Herblain, France. The company specializes in bioprocess development and offers good manufacturing practice (GMP) production services for clinical batches of various biological products, including viral vaccines, oncolytic viruses, viral vectors, and challenge agents. With expertise in optimizing production processes, Naobios supports the development of live vaccine products, contributing to advancements in biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
CanSino Biologics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Tianjin, China, focused on the research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of vaccines. The company is actively developing a range of vaccines, including those for Ebola, meningitis, pertussis, and pneumococcal diseases, with multiple candidates currently in various phases of clinical trials. Notable products under development include the recombinant coronavirus vaccine Ad5-nCov, as well as several preclinical stage vaccines targeting adenovirus, Zika virus, meningitis, shingles, and polio. CanSino collaborates with the National Research Council of Canada to advance COVID-19 vaccine initiatives and has a co-development agreement with Precision NanoSystems to create an mRNA lipid nanoparticle vaccine against COVID-19. Founded in 2009, CanSino aims to meet the unmet medical needs in China and other emerging markets by providing high-quality vaccines at affordable prices.
STRM.BIO is a biotechnology company focused on advancing gene therapy through the innovative use of extracellular vesicles (EVs). By leveraging the natural properties of EVs, which can efficiently deliver nucleic acids and proteins, the company aims to establish a new class of therapeutics that enhance the effectiveness of existing treatments while simplifying the delivery process. STRM.BIO emphasizes safety and practicality in its approach, utilizing EVs as low-immunogenic carriers that can be mass-produced for commercial use. The company's mission is to fulfill the potential of gene therapy by providing patients with more effective and accessible treatment options.
AN2 Therapeutics
Grant in 2023
AN2 Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Menlo Park, California, focused on the research, development, and commercialization of innovative medicines for infectious diseases. Founded in 2017, the company aims to address significant unmet medical needs through its development of novel therapeutics. Its lead product candidate, epetraborole, is a once-daily oral treatment designed for patients suffering from chronic non-tuberculous mycobacterial lung disease. AN2 Therapeutics is committed to leveraging advanced biomedical expertise to create transformative solutions for patients dealing with serious and rare infectious diseases. The company has also established a strategic partnership with Brii Biosciences to enhance its development efforts.
EHA Clinics is a healthcare service provider focused on delivering accessible, effective, and affordable quality healthcare. The company offers a comprehensive network that includes integrated services such as routine medical care, laboratory services, pharmacy, optometry, dental care, urgent care, and specialist consultations. EHA Clinics aims to enhance the healthcare experience for its members by utilizing technology and a skilled team, ensuring improved health outcomes and cost efficiency. Their services are available 24/7 through a variety of platforms, including physical locations, telehealth virtual visits, and home care, allowing members to receive timely and convenient medical attention.
Bactolife
Series A in 2023
Bactolife is a company focused on addressing the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance through innovative solutions. It develops proprietary Binding Protein ingredients aimed at fortifying the gut microbiome, thereby reducing the risk of gastrointestinal infections in both humans and animals. Bactolife's platform is designed to neutralize harmful pathogens and their toxins while preserving beneficial microbes, thus promoting overall gut health. By enhancing gut microbiome modulation technologies, the company seeks to diminish reliance on traditional antimicrobials, ultimately improving health outcomes and contributing to the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
Latham Biopharm
Grant in 2023
Latham BioPharm Group is a firm specializing in life sciences, offering comprehensive expertise in business development, program management, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, and strategic consulting. With a team that boasts an average of over 20 years of experience, including roles as senior executives in both startups and Fortune 200 companies, Latham BioPharm has a strong foundation in guiding clients through the complexities of product development. The company has a proven track record in biodefense and pandemic response, having successfully assisted clients in identifying and securing funding, managing programs, and monetizing opportunities across various sectors. Their services include strategy and portfolio analysis, market research, and connecting clients with target markets to enhance decision-making. Latham BioPharm's expertise has contributed to generating substantial government funding and licensing fees, positioning them as a key partner in advancing innovations in vaccines, therapeutics, medical devices, and diagnostics.
Aegis Life is a biotechnology company focused on advancing nucleic acid delivery technology, specifically through its proprietary platform known as fusogenix PLV. With over two decades of dedicated research and development, the company aims to facilitate the discovery, clinical development, and manufacturing of vaccines and therapeutics targeting infectious diseases. Aegis Life's innovative technology enables the rapid development of solutions to combat a range of health threats, including COVID-19 and other emerging contagions. Through its efforts, the company supports the pharmaceutical industry in addressing urgent public health challenges effectively.
Kallyope Inc. is a biotechnology company based in New York City that focuses on understanding the gut-brain axis to develop innovative therapeutics and consumer products aimed at enhancing human health. Established in 2014, Kallyope employs advanced technologies, including sequencing, computational biology, neural imaging, and human genetics, to explore gut-brain biology. The company aims to address significant unmet medical needs, such as diabetes, obesity, gut disorders, inflammatory diseases, migraines, and allergies, by creating effective and user-friendly oral agents. Kallyope's team consists of experienced scientists from leading institutions, working alongside a skilled team with a strong track record in drug discovery and development. Through its research, Kallyope seeks to deliver transformative solutions that improve overall health outcomes.
Vir Biotechnology
Grant in 2023
Vir Biotechnology, Inc. is a clinical-stage immunology company based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2016. It specializes in developing innovative therapeutic products aimed at treating and preventing serious infectious diseases. The company's pipeline includes several promising candidates, such as VIR-2218 and VIR-3434 for hepatitis B, VIR-2482 for influenza A, VIR-1111 for HIV, and VIR-2020 for tuberculosis. Vir Biotechnology employs advanced technologies and scientific expertise to manipulate immune responses and enhance pathogen-host interactions. The company has established various collaborations and agreements with notable organizations, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, among others. Additionally, it has a manufacturing agreement with Samsung Biologics for the production of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies aimed at potential COVID-19 treatment. Through its innovative approaches, Vir Biotechnology aspires to significantly reduce the burden of infectious diseases in the future.
Smart Immune
Grant in 2023
Smart Immune is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to advancing hematopoietic stem cell-based biotherapies aimed at improving the prognosis and quality of life for patients with severe diseases. The company's primary focus is on its innovative cell therapy program that utilizes T cell progenitors, known as ProTcells, which are designed to facilitate a rapid and safe immune recovery following transplantation. This program is complemented by integrative developments in targeted conditioning, gene therapy, and genome editing, allowing for the creation of next-generation treatments. Smart Immune's approach aims to provide effective allogeneic T-cell therapies for patients suffering from life-threatening conditions, particularly hematological malignancies and primary immune deficiencies.
Evotec is a drug discovery partnership firm that collaborates with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations to advance innovative therapeutic solutions. The company specializes in a range of therapeutic areas, including central nervous system disorders, diabetes, inflammation, oncology, infectious diseases, and women's health. Approximately 80% of its revenue comes from shared research and development services, which involve fee-for-service work and integrated drug discovery collaborations utilizing proprietary assets. The remaining 20% of sales derive from its Just-Evotec Biologics segment, which provides contract development and manufacturing organization services for biologics. Evotec's approach emphasizes collaboration with various stakeholders, including patient advocacy groups and venture capitalists, to enhance drug discovery and development processes.
UW Medicine is a clinical research and healthcare system that provides a higher degree of healthcare for pre-med students. UW Medicine health professionals provide the most up-to-date care for each individual patient through these integrated programs, lead one of the world's largest and most comprehensive medical research programs, and provide innovative learning programs for students, trainees, and practitioners in the health professions. UW Medicine, as the region's only comprehensive clinical, research, and learning health system, provides a higher level of healthcare, ranging from primary and preventive care to the most highly specialized care for the most complex medical conditions.
VisualDx is a diagnostic clinical decision support system that aims to enhance diagnostic accuracy and improve patient safety. By integrating a curated medical image library with a powerful search engine, VisualDx provides clinicians with patient-specific answers in seconds. The platform is designed for both web-based and mobile use, facilitating point-of-care decisions and fostering patient engagement. It offers high-quality images that encompass a wide range of pediatric and adult medical conditions. VisualDx is utilized by over 2,300 hospitals, clinics, and medical schools globally, enabling healthcare professionals to make better and faster decisions for their patients.
ExploRNA Therapeutics
Grant in 2022
ExploRNA Therapeutics is focused on advancing messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) as a therapeutic platform for anti-cancer applications and vaccinations. The company develops innovative therapeutics by modifying the cap structure of mRNA, which enhances its stability and translation efficiency. This technology enables the medical community to stimulate adaptive immune responses, ultimately aiming to improve treatment outcomes for patients. ExploRNA Therapeutics collaborates with pharmaceutical partners to implement its ideas into distinct therapeutic programs, providing both technology and medications that address critical health challenges. Through its cutting-edge research and development efforts, the company is positioned to make significant contributions to the field of mRNA therapeutics.
Bactolife is a company focused on addressing the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance through innovative solutions. It develops proprietary Binding Protein ingredients aimed at fortifying the gut microbiome, thereby reducing the risk of gastrointestinal infections in both humans and animals. Bactolife's platform is designed to neutralize harmful pathogens and their toxins while preserving beneficial microbes, thus promoting overall gut health. By enhancing gut microbiome modulation technologies, the company seeks to diminish reliance on traditional antimicrobials, ultimately improving health outcomes and contributing to the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
Sapient enables the discovery of circulating small molecule biomarkers at unprecedented speed and scale. Leveraging next-generation mass spectrometry, biocomputational analysis, and large-scale human biology databases, its platform supports the rapid identification and validation of circulating biomarkers of health, disease, and drug response which are needed to align patients, disease biology, and specific therapies.
Cardea Bio, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, focused on developing and commercializing bioelectronics for research and diagnostics. Established in 2013, Cardea utilizes proprietary graphene-based digital biosensors to create advanced biosensor hardware, software, and molecular infrastructure, enabling precision healthcare through improved diagnostic capabilities. The company's product offerings include the AGILE R100, an innovative assay for drug discovery, and the AGILE R200, an automated high-throughput screening solution. Cardea's biosensors convert biomolecular interactions into digital data, allowing for real-time biological signal analysis and access to streaming multi-omics data. Their solutions cater to various applications in life sciences and healthcare, such as small molecule validation, antibody characterization, and biomolecular analysis.
Yemaachi Biotechnology
Grant in 2022
Yemaachi Biotechnology is a company focused on advancing cancer diagnosis and treatment through innovative technology. Utilizing immunogenomics, bioinformatics, and artificial intelligence, Yemaachi aims to enhance the development of effective strategies for cancer detection and treatment. The company's platform is designed to improve patient outcomes and reduce the economic burden associated with cancer care. By combining these advanced technologies, Yemaachi seeks to provide more effective therapeutic solutions for cancer patients.
Aridis Pharmaceuticals
Grant in 2022
Aridis Pharmaceuticals is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company based in San Jose, California, founded in 2003. The company specializes in discovering and developing targeted immunotherapy treatments using fully human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to combat life-threatening infections. Its lead product candidate, AR-301, is currently in Phase III trials for treating lung infections caused by S. aureus alphatoxin. Additionally, Aridis Pharmaceuticals is advancing several other mAb candidates through various stages of clinical development, including AR-105 and AR-101 for gram-negative bacterial infections, AR-401 for Acinetobacter baumannii infections, AR-201 for respiratory syncytial virus, and AR-501 for chronic lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients. The company employs proprietary technology platforms to rapidly identify and manufacture these mAbs from patients who have successfully overcome infections, leveraging the natural potency of the human immune system.
Evotec is a drug discovery partnership firm that collaborates with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations to advance innovative therapeutic solutions. The company specializes in a range of therapeutic areas, including central nervous system disorders, diabetes, inflammation, oncology, infectious diseases, and women's health. Approximately 80% of its revenue comes from shared research and development services, which involve fee-for-service work and integrated drug discovery collaborations utilizing proprietary assets. The remaining 20% of sales derive from its Just-Evotec Biologics segment, which provides contract development and manufacturing organization services for biologics. Evotec's approach emphasizes collaboration with various stakeholders, including patient advocacy groups and venture capitalists, to enhance drug discovery and development processes.
Providence Therapeutics
Grant in 2021
Providence Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Toronto, Canada, founded in 2015. The company specializes in the development and manufacture of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines formulated in lipid nanoparticles. Providence Therapeutics focuses on personalized cancer therapies, notably creating mRNA vaccines that target specific tumor mutations to elicit an immune response against cancer cells, particularly for advanced ovarian cancer. In addition to its oncology initiatives, the company has developed vaccines for other diseases, including PTX-101 for cancer and PTX-COVID19-B and PTX-COVID19-T for COVID-19. Providence Therapeutics aims to address unmet medical needs by providing safe and effective vaccines and therapies to improve patient outcomes.
Inventprise is a biotechnology company focused on the development of GMP vaccines, particularly a 25-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV). Founded in 2012 and based in Redmond, Washington, the company aims to provide large-scale vaccine supplies to low- and middle-income countries, significantly supported by funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. In addition to its vaccine development efforts, Inventprise offers comprehensive outsourcing solutions for biopharmaceutical manufacturing, which include quality control assays, batch records, and necessary documentation. The company also provides in-person training and operates a fully equipped quality control laboratory for testing vaccine identity, potency, purity, and stability, thereby addressing health inequalities and promoting healthier lives globally.
Titan Pharmaceuticals
Post in 2021
Titan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing proprietary therapeutics for chronic diseases. The company utilizes its innovative ProNeura technology, a long-term drug delivery platform, to create products that maintain stable blood levels of medication over extended periods. Titan's principal product, Probuphine, is the first slow-release implant formulation of buprenorphine, designed for the outpatient treatment of opioid dependence. This implant allows for consistent medication delivery for up to six months, enhancing patient compliance and reducing the risk of misuse associated with traditional sublingual formulations. Additionally, Titan is developing ProNeura-Ropinirole, an implant for treating Parkinson’s disease, and a triiodothyronine implant for hypothyroidism. Established in 1992, Titan is committed to addressing serious medical disorders through its advanced drug delivery solutions.
CRISPR Therapeutics
Grant in 2020
CRISPR Therapeutics AG is a biotechnology company based in Zug, Switzerland, dedicated to developing transformative gene-based medicines for serious human diseases using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. This revolutionary gene-editing platform allows for precise changes to genomic DNA. The company's portfolio includes therapeutic programs targeting hemoglobinopathies, oncology, regenerative medicine, and rare diseases. Their lead product candidate is CTX001, a gene-edited therapy for transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia or severe sickle cell disease, which has been approved as Casgevy in collaboration with Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Additionally, CRISPR Therapeutics is developing CTX110, an allogeneic CAR-T therapy targeting CD19-positive malignancies, and other programs like CTX120 for multiple myeloma and CTX130 for solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. The company also engages in regenerative medicine programs for diabetes and genetic disease treatments such as glycogen storage disease Ia, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and cystic fibrosis. CRISPR Therapeutics has strategic partnerships with Bayer Healthcare LLC, Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, and ViaCyte, Inc.
Icosavax, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Seattle, Washington, founded in 2017. The company specializes in developing vaccines utilizing its proprietary virus-like particle (VLP) platform technology. This innovative approach allows for the multivalent, particle-based display of complex viral antigens, which is aimed at generating broad and durable immune responses. Icosavax focuses primarily on life-threatening respiratory diseases, with its lead vaccine candidate, IVX-121, targeting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in older adults. The company's pipeline also includes candidates for human metapneumovirus (hMPV) and SARS-CoV-2, reflecting its commitment to advancing vaccine solutions for infectious diseases.
Evotec is a drug discovery partnership firm that collaborates with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations to advance innovative therapeutic solutions. The company specializes in a range of therapeutic areas, including central nervous system disorders, diabetes, inflammation, oncology, infectious diseases, and women's health. Approximately 80% of its revenue comes from shared research and development services, which involve fee-for-service work and integrated drug discovery collaborations utilizing proprietary assets. The remaining 20% of sales derive from its Just-Evotec Biologics segment, which provides contract development and manufacturing organization services for biologics. Evotec's approach emphasizes collaboration with various stakeholders, including patient advocacy groups and venture capitalists, to enhance drug discovery and development processes.
Sapient enables the discovery of circulating small molecule biomarkers at unprecedented speed and scale. Leveraging next-generation mass spectrometry, biocomputational analysis, and large-scale human biology databases, its platform supports the rapid identification and validation of circulating biomarkers of health, disease, and drug response which are needed to align patients, disease biology, and specific therapies.
Vaxxas is a biotechnology company based in Brisbane, Australia, focused on developing a novel needle-free vaccination technology. Established in 2011, Vaxxas employs proprietary dry-coating technology that significantly reduces or eliminates the need for refrigeration during the storage and transportation of vaccines, thereby addressing logistical challenges associated with the cold chain. The company's innovative delivery system features an array of vaccine-coated micro projections that penetrate the outer layers of the skin when applied with a specialized applicator device. This method allows for the direct deposition of vaccines among a dense population of immune cells in the skin, potentially transforming the global delivery of vaccines.
Inovio Pharmaceuticals
Grant in 2020
Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biotechnology company dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of DNA medicines aimed at treating, curing, and protecting individuals from diseases related to human papillomavirus (HPV), cancer, and infectious diseases. The company's innovative SynCon immunotherapy design enables the immune system to target cancerous cells while providing cross-strain protection against various pathogens. Inovio's clinical studies focus on HPV-associated precancers, cancers, and other disorders, as well as diseases such as glioblastoma multiforme, HIV, and COVID-19. The company has developed a proprietary delivery system that allows DNA medicine to be introduced directly into cells, producing a strong immune response. Notably, its lead candidate, VGX-3100, is undergoing Phase 3 trials for precancerous cervical dysplasia, having shown promise in earlier trials by effectively clearing high-risk HPV strains. Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, Inovio collaborates with various partners, including major pharmaceutical companies and research institutions, to advance its clinical initiatives and expand its therapeutic reach.
Immunocore
Series B in 2020
Immunocore Limited is a biotechnology company based in Abingdon, United Kingdom, with an additional office in Conshohocken. Founded in 1999, the company focuses on the discovery and development of innovative T cell receptor-based therapeutics aimed at addressing significant unmet medical needs in cancer, viral diseases, and autoimmune diseases. Immunocore specializes in engineering T cell receptors (TCRs) and linking them to antibody fragments, which has led to the development of its lead product candidate, IMCgp100, currently undergoing clinical trials for metastatic melanoma. The company's proprietary TCR technology platform is validated and designed for efficient manufacturing, supporting both clinical and commercial supply. Immunocore was previously known as Avidex Limited before adopting its current name in 2008.
Biological Dynamics
Grant in 2020
Biological Dynamics Inc. is a healthcare company based in San Diego, California, that specializes in developing a proprietary technology platform for the direct and selective capture of large necrotic particles from physiological solutions such as whole blood, serum, and plasma. This platform facilitates the detection of diseases, particularly cancers, in their earliest stages by enabling access to native-state biomarkers and nanoparticles for multiomics applications. The company offers various products and services, including the TR(ACE) Assay for monitoring treatment responses in cancer, tissue-based molecular and cfDNA liquid biopsy testing for personalized medicine, and a biomarkers program aimed at drug development for Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, Biological Dynamics provides clinical laboratory services, including molecular and next-generation sequencing, and supports applications in autoimmune diseases, transplant rejection, and traumatic brain injury. Founded in 2008, the company is dedicated to improving global health outcomes through innovative diagnostic solutions.
VisualDx is a diagnostic clinical decision support system that aims to enhance diagnostic accuracy and improve patient safety. By integrating a curated medical image library with a powerful search engine, VisualDx provides clinicians with patient-specific answers in seconds. The platform is designed for both web-based and mobile use, facilitating point-of-care decisions and fostering patient engagement. It offers high-quality images that encompass a wide range of pediatric and adult medical conditions. VisualDx is utilized by over 2,300 hospitals, clinics, and medical schools globally, enabling healthcare professionals to make better and faster decisions for their patients.
Almac Group is a contract development and manufacturing organization that provides a comprehensive range of services to pharmaceutical and biotech companies worldwide. Established over 40 years ago and privately owned, the company specializes in research and development, biomarker discovery, active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing, formulation development, clinical trial supply, and companion diagnostic development. Headquartered in Craigavon, Northern Ireland, Almac operates additional facilities in the UK, Ireland, the US, and Asia. With a workforce exceeding 4,500 employees, the company is committed to continuous investment in its service offerings, including advancements in biomarker and companion diagnostics, clinical trial data management, and biocatalytic API manufacturing. Almac Discovery, a division of the group, is dedicated to the research and development of innovative cancer treatments, focusing on early-stage partnerships for further program development.
MedinCell S.A. is a pharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapeutic solutions through its proprietary BEPO technology, which facilitates long-acting injectable products utilizing biodegradable polymers and a biocompatible solvent. Based in Jacou, France, the company is engaged in ongoing research and development to optimize the efficiency and accessibility of medical treatments across various therapeutic areas. MedinCell's product pipeline includes several candidates, such as mdc-IRM, a subcutaneous injection for schizophrenia currently in Phase III trials, and mdc-CWM, an intra-articular injection aimed at treating pain and inflammation. Additionally, the company is exploring formulations like mdc-WWM for contraception and mdc-ANG for central nervous system disorders, alongside other candidates targeting pain management and organ transplant applications. Through its advancements in controlled, long-acting injectables, MedinCell aims to enhance treatment outcomes for patients.
Vedanta Biosciences
Series C in 2019
Vedanta Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage microbiome company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focusing on the development of therapies for immune-mediated diseases. Established in 2010, the company specializes in creating immunotherapies utilizing human microbiome-derived bacteria. Its innovative platform includes a collection of defined bacterial consortia, proprietary assays for selecting effective strains, and extensive datasets from human interventional studies. Vedanta Biosciences also possesses capabilities for cGMP-compliant manufacturing, allowing for the production of live bacterial therapies in powder form. This enables healthcare providers to administer oral treatments aimed at addressing autoimmune and inflammatory diseases efficiently, potentially pioneering a new category of therapies based on the human microbiome.
BioNTech is a Germany-based biotechnology company that specializes in developing innovative immunotherapies for cancer and other serious diseases, as well as vaccines for infectious diseases, including COVID-19. The company’s oncology pipeline includes a range of drug classes, such as mRNA-based drugs that encode antigens and neoantigens, cell therapies, bispecific antibodies, and antibody-drug conjugates. BioNTech has established partnerships with several major pharmaceutical companies, enhancing its research and development capabilities. Its COVID-19 vaccine, Comirnaty, represents its first commercialized product, demonstrating the company's commitment to addressing urgent health challenges through advanced therapeutic approaches.
Biological Dynamics
Grant in 2019
Biological Dynamics Inc. is a healthcare company based in San Diego, California, that specializes in developing a proprietary technology platform for the direct and selective capture of large necrotic particles from physiological solutions such as whole blood, serum, and plasma. This platform facilitates the detection of diseases, particularly cancers, in their earliest stages by enabling access to native-state biomarkers and nanoparticles for multiomics applications. The company offers various products and services, including the TR(ACE) Assay for monitoring treatment responses in cancer, tissue-based molecular and cfDNA liquid biopsy testing for personalized medicine, and a biomarkers program aimed at drug development for Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, Biological Dynamics provides clinical laboratory services, including molecular and next-generation sequencing, and supports applications in autoimmune diseases, transplant rejection, and traumatic brain injury. Founded in 2008, the company is dedicated to improving global health outcomes through innovative diagnostic solutions.
Integrated BioTherapeutics
Grant in 2019
Integrated BioTherapeutics is a biotechnology company that focuses on discovering novel vaccines and therapeutics for emerging infectious diseases. Its antiviral pipeline includes unique pan-filovirus antibody candidates, vaccines, and a variety of other product candidates for emerging viruses.
Vedanta Biosciences
Series C in 2018
Vedanta Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage microbiome company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focusing on the development of therapies for immune-mediated diseases. Established in 2010, the company specializes in creating immunotherapies utilizing human microbiome-derived bacteria. Its innovative platform includes a collection of defined bacterial consortia, proprietary assays for selecting effective strains, and extensive datasets from human interventional studies. Vedanta Biosciences also possesses capabilities for cGMP-compliant manufacturing, allowing for the production of live bacterial therapies in powder form. This enables healthcare providers to administer oral treatments aimed at addressing autoimmune and inflammatory diseases efficiently, potentially pioneering a new category of therapies based on the human microbiome.
Lyell Immunopharma
Series A in 2018
Lyell Immunopharma Inc is a clinical-stage cell therapy company focused on developing innovative treatments for patients with solid tumors through T cell reprogramming. The company aims to overcome significant challenges in adoptive T cell therapy, specifically T cell exhaustion and loss of durable stemness, which impede effective and lasting responses in cancer treatment. Utilizing its proprietary platforms, Gen-R and Epi-R, Lyell is working to enhance the proliferative capacity, self-renewal, and differentiation abilities of T cells. The company's product pipeline includes several candidates, such as LYL797, LYL119, and LYL845, all designed to deliver improved and potentially curative outcomes for patients suffering from solid tumors.
Scripps Research
Grant in 2018
Scripps Research, established in 1924, is a prominent, not-for-profit biomedical research institution with campuses in La Jolla, CA, and Jupiter, FL. Employing around 3,000 people, it's renowned for its contributions to science and health, including breakthroughs in cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and hemophilia treatments. The institute, which ranks among the top ten for its graduate program in biology and chemistry, is led by distinguished scientists, including Nobel laureates. Its drug discovery and development division, Calibr, collaborates with scientists to expedite the delivery of innovative medicines to patients. Scripps Research is recognized as a leader in biomedical innovation, ranking No.1 by the Nature Index.
Ventria Bioscience
Grant in 2017
Ventria Bioscience, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Fort Collins, Colorado, specializing in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of health and nutrition products. Founded in 1993, the company focuses on human nutrition and therapeutics, offering a product portfolio that includes lactoferrin and lysozyme glycoproteins, which are beneficial for gastrointestinal health, dietary management of acute diarrhea, and treatment of various infections and inflammations. Ventria also provides OptiVERO, a specialized cell culture media for vaccine manufacturing, and supports researchers through its BioShare program, which grants access to recombinant proteins and peptides for research purposes. The company utilizes its patented ExpressTec technology, a plant-based recombinant protein manufacturing system that significantly increases protein yield, to drive innovation in biotherapeutics, novel vaccines, and other applications.
Immunethep is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of immunotherapies for immune system-related diseases. Originating as a spin-off from the University of Porto, the company has leveraged its proprietary technology to uncover a novel mechanism by which various pathogenic bacteria inhibit the host immune response. This discovery enables Immunethep to create broad-spectrum anti-bacterial immunotherapies. Among its initiatives, the company is developing neonatal vaccines aimed at protecting infants from bacterial infections while still in the womb, allowing for the enhancement of immunity and prevention of multi-bacterial infections. Through its innovative approach, Immunethep addresses significant unmet medical needs in the realm of infectious diseases.
Visterra, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing precision antibody-based therapies for difficult-to-treat diseases, particularly infectious diseases. Utilizing its Hierotope platform, Visterra creates novel biological medicines targeting a range of conditions. Its product pipeline includes VIS410, a monoclonal antibody aimed at all known strains of influenza A, VIS513 for Dengue treatment, VIS705, an antibody-drug conjugate for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, and VIS649 for Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy. Founded in 2007 and originally named Parasol Therapeutics, Inc., the company rebranded to Visterra in April 2010 and is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. As of August 2018, Visterra operates as a subsidiary of Otsuka America, Inc.
Immunocore
Series B in 2017
Immunocore Limited is a biotechnology company based in Abingdon, United Kingdom, with an additional office in Conshohocken. Founded in 1999, the company focuses on the discovery and development of innovative T cell receptor-based therapeutics aimed at addressing significant unmet medical needs in cancer, viral diseases, and autoimmune diseases. Immunocore specializes in engineering T cell receptors (TCRs) and linking them to antibody fragments, which has led to the development of its lead product candidate, IMCgp100, currently undergoing clinical trials for metastatic melanoma. The company's proprietary TCR technology platform is validated and designed for efficient manufacturing, supporting both clinical and commercial supply. Immunocore was previously known as Avidex Limited before adopting its current name in 2008.
Arsanis, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, specializing in monoclonal antibody (mAb) immunotherapies for serious infectious diseases. Founded in 2010, Arsanis focuses on developing innovative therapies targeting various bacterial and viral pathogens. Its lead clinical program, ASN100, is currently in a Phase 2 trial aimed at preventing Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia in high-risk, mechanically ventilated patients. The company's preclinical pipeline includes mAbs directed against respiratory syncytial virus and Gram-negative bacteria, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli. Arsanis leverages advanced mAb discovery techniques to create a diverse range of therapeutic candidates with multiple mechanisms of action, addressing the urgent need for effective treatments in infectious disease management. The company also has research and preclinical development operations in Vienna, Austria, under Arsanis Biosciences GmbH.
Vaxess Technologies
Grant in 2017
Vaxess Technologies, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 2011. The company specializes in the development and commercialization of silk biomaterial technologies, particularly the MIMIX microneedle platform, which facilitates transdermal delivery of vaccines and therapeutics. This innovative sustained release patch technology enhances vaccine administration by simulating a natural infection, promoting a robust and prolonged immune response, thereby improving vaccine effectiveness. Additionally, Vaxess’s MATRIX formulation and drying platform creates thermostable vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostic products that do not require refrigeration, making them suitable for distribution in low-resource settings. Through these advanced solutions, Vaxess aims to improve patient outcomes in oncology care and infectious diseases while reducing treatment burdens for healthcare practitioners.
Arsanis, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, specializing in monoclonal antibody (mAb) immunotherapies for serious infectious diseases. Founded in 2010, Arsanis focuses on developing innovative therapies targeting various bacterial and viral pathogens. Its lead clinical program, ASN100, is currently in a Phase 2 trial aimed at preventing Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia in high-risk, mechanically ventilated patients. The company's preclinical pipeline includes mAbs directed against respiratory syncytial virus and Gram-negative bacteria, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli. Arsanis leverages advanced mAb discovery techniques to create a diverse range of therapeutic candidates with multiple mechanisms of action, addressing the urgent need for effective treatments in infectious disease management. The company also has research and preclinical development operations in Vienna, Austria, under Arsanis Biosciences GmbH.
Kymab Limited is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, specializing in the discovery and development of fully human monoclonal antibody therapeutics. Founded in 2009, Kymab utilizes its proprietary Kymouse and IntelliSelect platforms to develop therapies targeting challenging and novel drug targets within immuno-oncology and immune-mediated diseases. The company's comprehensive antibody platforms are designed to maximize the diversity of human antibodies, enabling the creation of novel therapeutic options for conditions such as cancer and autoimmune diseases. Kymab has established strategic collaborations with Heptares Therapeutics and LifeArc to advance its research and development efforts. As a subsidiary of Kymab Group Limited, the company is focused on addressing unmet medical needs through innovative antibody-based therapies.
Vir Biotechnology
Venture Round in 2017
Vir Biotechnology, Inc. is a clinical-stage immunology company based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2016. It specializes in developing innovative therapeutic products aimed at treating and preventing serious infectious diseases. The company's pipeline includes several promising candidates, such as VIR-2218 and VIR-3434 for hepatitis B, VIR-2482 for influenza A, VIR-1111 for HIV, and VIR-2020 for tuberculosis. Vir Biotechnology employs advanced technologies and scientific expertise to manipulate immune responses and enhance pathogen-host interactions. The company has established various collaborations and agreements with notable organizations, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, among others. Additionally, it has a manufacturing agreement with Samsung Biologics for the production of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies aimed at potential COVID-19 treatment. Through its innovative approaches, Vir Biotechnology aspires to significantly reduce the burden of infectious diseases in the future.
Intarcia Therapeutics
Series E in 2016
Intarcia Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies for chronic conditions requiring long-term treatment. The company is known for its innovative drug delivery platform, DUROS, which stabilizes and administers therapeutic proteins and peptides effectively. Among its key products is ITCA 650, currently in phase 3 clinical trials for type 2 diabetes, designed to provide patients with continuous dosing of an incretin mimetic therapy. Intarcia also explores treatments for obesity and other chronic disorders. Established in 1995 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Intarcia operates a manufacturing facility in Hayward, California, and a research and development center in Durham, North Carolina. The company was previously known as BioMedicines, Inc. before adopting its current name in 2004.
Mologic Ltd. is a UK-based company established in 2003 that specializes in the development of diagnostic products for the research market. The company focuses on various areas including clinical research, diagnostic development, enzyme-free blood glucose monitoring, microbial physiology, peritoneal dialysis, and wound care research. Mologic offers a range of diagnostic tools such as lateral flow kits for measuring human Alpha-1 antitrypsin, desmosine ELISA kits for urinary assays, and fMLP assay kits designed for solid-phase competition assays. In addition to its product offerings, Mologic provides services in assay and reagent development, clinical evaluation studies, and the creation of high-performance antibodies for challenging targets. The company's mission is to enhance patient care and quality of life, contributing to significant advancements in healthcare and education.
Kymab Limited is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, specializing in the discovery and development of fully human monoclonal antibody therapeutics. Founded in 2009, Kymab utilizes its proprietary Kymouse and IntelliSelect platforms to develop therapies targeting challenging and novel drug targets within immuno-oncology and immune-mediated diseases. The company's comprehensive antibody platforms are designed to maximize the diversity of human antibodies, enabling the creation of novel therapeutic options for conditions such as cancer and autoimmune diseases. Kymab has established strategic collaborations with Heptares Therapeutics and LifeArc to advance its research and development efforts. As a subsidiary of Kymab Group Limited, the company is focused on addressing unmet medical needs through innovative antibody-based therapies.
Just - Evotec Biologics
Series A in 2016
Just Evotec Biologics, founded in 2014 and acquired by Evotec in 2019, specializes in the development of biotherapeutic technologies aimed at expanding global access to these treatments. The company leverages its expertise in antibody discovery, molecular design, and manufacturing processes to create innovative solutions that accelerate the development of biotherapeutics while significantly lowering manufacturing costs. Utilizing machine learning-driven technologies, Just Evotec Biologics provides clients with integrated designs that streamline the entire process from development to production, ensuring efficient and effective delivery of biologic therapies.
Affinivax
Series A in 2016
Affinivax, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Lexington, Massachusetts, specializing in the development of vaccines using its innovative Multiple Antigen Presenting System (MAPS) technology. Founded in 2014, the company aims to enhance the protection against a range of infectious diseases that affect both children and adults globally. MAPS technology allows for the effective binding of protective polysaccharides and proteins within a single vaccine, inducing robust immune responses. Affinivax is advancing vaccine programs targeting significant pathogens, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, which contributes to considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide. The company leverages insights from leading experts in infectious diseases and has secured exclusive intellectual property rights related to its MAPS platform from Boston Children’s Hospital, with notable backing from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Moderna, Inc. is a biotechnology company established in 2010 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The company specializes in developing therapeutics and vaccines using messenger RNA (mRNA) technology, which provides instructions for cells to produce proteins essential for various biological functions. Moderna has a diverse pipeline, with numerous programs targeting infectious diseases, immuno-oncology, rare diseases, and cardiovascular conditions. As of September 2024, it has 40 mRNA development candidates in clinical trials across multiple therapeutic areas. The company's mRNA technology gained significant recognition with the authorization of its COVID-19 vaccine in December 2020. Moderna maintains strategic alliances with various organizations, including major pharmaceutical companies and research institutions, to enhance its research and development efforts.
Atreca, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of antibody-based immunotherapeutics for various solid tumor types. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, Atreca utilizes a unique platform to identify antibodies produced during immune responses, facilitating the development of novel therapies without prior knowledge of antigens. Its lead product candidate, ATRC-101, is a monoclonal antibody currently in clinical development, targeting a range of cancers including ovarian, non-small cell lung, colorectal, and breast cancer. The company has established a strategic research collaboration with Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. to explore antigenic targets for select antibodies with potential applications in oncology.
CureVac is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Germany, established in 2000, that specializes in developing vaccines and therapies utilizing messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA). The company focuses on both prophylactic and therapeutic applications of mRNA, enabling the human body to produce proteins that combat various diseases. CureVac's innovative pipeline includes mRNA-based cancer immunotherapies, such as CV9104, which is in Phase IIb development for prostate cancer, as well as RNActive vaccines against infectious diseases and RNArt molecular therapies designed to stimulate the production of therapeutic proteins. Additionally, the company has collaborated with GSK to advance second-generation vaccines for seasonal influenza and COVID-19, alongside an avian influenza vaccine, while also exploring mRNA therapies for oncology and other conditions affecting the liver and eyes.
Novavax Inc., established in 1987 and headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland, is a late-stage biotechnology company dedicated to discovering, developing, and commercializing vaccines to prevent serious infectious diseases worldwide. Its primary focus lies in advancing vaccine candidates through clinical trials, with notable projects including ResVax for RSV in infants via maternal immunization (Phase III), NanoFlu for seasonal influenza in older adults (Phase III), and NVX-CoV2373 for COVID-19 (preclinical). Novavax's proprietary Matrix-M adjuvant enhances immune response and enables lower antigen doses. The company collaborates globally to address urgent health needs, with Europe being its primary revenue source.
Ceres Nanosciences, Inc., established in 2008 and based in Manassas, Virginia, specializes in the research, development, and commercialization of innovative sample preparation products and diagnostic tests. The company's core technology, Nanotrap, captures, enriches, and preserves biomarkers from various biofluid matrices, facilitating early detection of diseases such as cancer, cardiac, and infectious diseases. Ceres' lead product is a direct antigen test for Lyme disease diagnosis, slated for commercial release in 2015. The company's product pipeline includes advanced sample collection technologies and diagnostics, funded through federal grants and industry collaborations.
CureVac is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Germany, established in 2000, that specializes in developing vaccines and therapies utilizing messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA). The company focuses on both prophylactic and therapeutic applications of mRNA, enabling the human body to produce proteins that combat various diseases. CureVac's innovative pipeline includes mRNA-based cancer immunotherapies, such as CV9104, which is in Phase IIb development for prostate cancer, as well as RNActive vaccines against infectious diseases and RNArt molecular therapies designed to stimulate the production of therapeutic proteins. Additionally, the company has collaborated with GSK to advance second-generation vaccines for seasonal influenza and COVID-19, alongside an avian influenza vaccine, while also exploring mRNA therapies for oncology and other conditions affecting the liver and eyes.
Synlogic, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializing in the development of synthetic biotic medicines aimed at treating metabolic, inflammatory, and cancer-related diseases. The company’s lead therapeutic program, SYNB1618, is currently undergoing Phase I/IIa clinical trials for the treatment of phenylketonuria, a rare genetic metabolic disorder. Additionally, Synlogic is advancing SYNB1891, an intratumoral synthetic biotic medicine in Phase I clinical trials targeting solid tumors and lymphoma. The company employs a proprietary approach that utilizes engineered probiotics, specifically Escherichia coli Nissle 1917, to create GI-restricted oral therapies that are non-colonizing and reversible, facilitating easier administration and storage. Synlogic is also exploring treatments for other conditions, including secondary hyperoxaluria, inflammatory bowel disease, and various metabolic disorders, and has established a collaboration with Ginkgo Bioworks to further its development efforts.
Genocea Biosciences
Grant in 2014
Genocea Biosciences, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on the discovery and development of innovative cancer immunotherapies and vaccines. Utilizing its proprietary ATLAS platform, the company profiles patient-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell immune responses to identify potential antigens in tumors. This technology enables Genocea to develop personalized immuno-oncology programs, including GEN-009, an adjuvanted neoantigen peptide vaccine currently in phase I/IIa clinical trials, as well as GEN-011, a neoantigen adoptive T cell therapy, and GEN-010, a neoantigen vaccine program. Additionally, the company has pursued immunotherapies for other diseases, such as GEN-003, aimed at treating genital herpes, and it maintains a pre-clinical program focused on personalized cancer vaccines. Founded in 2006, Genocea is dedicated to addressing significant unmet medical needs through its advanced therapeutic approaches.
Oregon Health & Science University
Grant in 2014
Oregon Health & Science University is dedicated to improving the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation and leadership in health care, education and research. OHSU is the kind of place where the big news doesn't always involve sports, politics, fashion or even weather. The big news is always about health — health care, health education, health-related research. And various organizations and publications that rank American institutions, programs and faculty in a variety of categories have taken note. Nearly one million patient visits each year. Educating thousands of future health care providers. You get the picture. Immerse yourself in more facts and stats than you probably need about Portland's largest employer, Oregon's provider of care to every corner of the state, and one of the nation's top 28 biomedical research institutions. Oregon Health & Science University is the state’s only academic health center. It provides an uncommon array of services from providing the state’s most comprehensive health care, to educating the next generation of clinicians and biomedical researchers, to achieving breakthroughs and innovations.
SomaLogic, Inc. is a commercial-stage company based in Boulder, Colorado, specializing in protein biomarker discovery and clinical diagnostics. Founded in 1999, the company has developed advanced technologies such as SOMAmers, slow off-rate modified aptamers that specifically bind to target proteins, and the SOMAscan platform, which facilitates comprehensive protein measurement. This innovative approach allows for the analysis of protein biomarker signatures, significantly enhancing the understanding of health and disease beyond traditional genomic methods. SomaLogic's products are utilized in a variety of applications, including diagnostics for conditions in oncology, neurology, and cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, as well as in drug discovery and development. The company also offers diagnostic tests and protein measurement solutions for life science and biopharma researchers, contributing to advancements in medical science.
Kymab Limited is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, specializing in the discovery and development of fully human monoclonal antibody therapeutics. Founded in 2009, Kymab utilizes its proprietary Kymouse and IntelliSelect platforms to develop therapies targeting challenging and novel drug targets within immuno-oncology and immune-mediated diseases. The company's comprehensive antibody platforms are designed to maximize the diversity of human antibodies, enabling the creation of novel therapeutic options for conditions such as cancer and autoimmune diseases. Kymab has established strategic collaborations with Heptares Therapeutics and LifeArc to advance its research and development efforts. As a subsidiary of Kymab Group Limited, the company is focused on addressing unmet medical needs through innovative antibody-based therapies.
Visterra, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing precision antibody-based therapies for difficult-to-treat diseases, particularly infectious diseases. Utilizing its Hierotope platform, Visterra creates novel biological medicines targeting a range of conditions. Its product pipeline includes VIS410, a monoclonal antibody aimed at all known strains of influenza A, VIS513 for Dengue treatment, VIS705, an antibody-drug conjugate for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, and VIS649 for Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy. Founded in 2007 and originally named Parasol Therapeutics, Inc., the company rebranded to Visterra in April 2010 and is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. As of August 2018, Visterra operates as a subsidiary of Otsuka America, Inc.
Zyomyx has a unique expertise in and passion for tackling difficult “outside-the-box” problems. Highly user-friendly, instrument-free point-of-care tests need to be designed with an advanced level of cartridge engineering and reagent stability, and aligned with aggressive cost targets. Zyomyx specializes in exactly these demanding product requirements. Our immediate focus is an advanced, but simple to use and inexpensive CD4 T-cell point-of-care test that will be launched globally and configured to especially meet the demanding specifications for use in low and middle income countries.
TetraGenetics
Grant in 2013
TetraGenetics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutic proteins and vaccines for the biopharmaceutical industry. Established in 2004 and based in Arlington, Massachusetts, the company employs its proprietary TetraExpress system to produce recombinant human ion channel proteins, which are essential for creating complex therapeutic agents. Among its offerings is IchVax, a recombinant subunit vaccine aimed at preventing white-spot disease in freshwater fish. TetraGenetics specializes in producing difficult-to-express eukaryotic membrane and secretory proteins, including vaccine antigens and monoclonal antibodies, which are crucial for treating various human and animal diseases. The company is also engaged in a strategic research and development collaboration with Imbrium Therapeutics L.P., further enhancing its capabilities in therapeutic innovation.
Visterra, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing precision antibody-based therapies for difficult-to-treat diseases, particularly infectious diseases. Utilizing its Hierotope platform, Visterra creates novel biological medicines targeting a range of conditions. Its product pipeline includes VIS410, a monoclonal antibody aimed at all known strains of influenza A, VIS513 for Dengue treatment, VIS705, an antibody-drug conjugate for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, and VIS649 for Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy. Founded in 2007 and originally named Parasol Therapeutics, Inc., the company rebranded to Visterra in April 2010 and is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. As of August 2018, Visterra operates as a subsidiary of Otsuka America, Inc.
Genocea Biosciences
Series C in 2012
Genocea Biosciences, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on the discovery and development of innovative cancer immunotherapies and vaccines. Utilizing its proprietary ATLAS platform, the company profiles patient-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell immune responses to identify potential antigens in tumors. This technology enables Genocea to develop personalized immuno-oncology programs, including GEN-009, an adjuvanted neoantigen peptide vaccine currently in phase I/IIa clinical trials, as well as GEN-011, a neoantigen adoptive T cell therapy, and GEN-010, a neoantigen vaccine program. Additionally, the company has pursued immunotherapies for other diseases, such as GEN-003, aimed at treating genital herpes, and it maintains a pre-clinical program focused on personalized cancer vaccines. Founded in 2006, Genocea is dedicated to addressing significant unmet medical needs through its advanced therapeutic approaches.
Atreca
Venture Round in 2012
Atreca, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of antibody-based immunotherapeutics for various solid tumor types. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, Atreca utilizes a unique platform to identify antibodies produced during immune responses, facilitating the development of novel therapies without prior knowledge of antigens. Its lead product candidate, ATRC-101, is a monoclonal antibody currently in clinical development, targeting a range of cancers including ovarian, non-small cell lung, colorectal, and breast cancer. The company has established a strategic research collaboration with Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. to explore antigenic targets for select antibodies with potential applications in oncology.
Liquidia Technologies
Venture Round in 2011
Liquidia Technologies is a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company based in the United States, dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative therapeutics. Utilizing its proprietary PRINT technology, a particle engineering platform, Liquidia produces uniform drug particles aimed at enhancing the safety and efficacy of various therapies. The company is advancing two key product candidates: LIQ861, intended for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension, and LIQ865, designed for managing local post-operative pain. Additionally, Liquidia collaborates with leading pharmaceutical firms to leverage its PRINT technology across multiple therapeutic areas, molecule types, and administration routes, addressing unmet patient needs, particularly in the realm of pulmonary hypertension.
BlueWillow Biologics
Grant in 2010
BlueWillow Biologics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, specializing in the development of intranasal vaccines and anti-infective products utilizing patented nanotechnology. Founded as a spin-off from the University of Michigan in 1999, the company focuses on creating vaccines that provide mucosal immunity against respiratory and sexually transmitted diseases, including pertussis, pandemic influenza, anthrax, HSV2, chlamydia, and HIV. Its innovative NanoStat vaccine technology features an oil-in-water nanoemulsion that effectively incorporates and delivers multiple antigens while enhancing immune responses. In addition to its vaccine portfolio, BlueWillow Biologics offers NanoBio Protect, a nasal antiseptic solution. The company has established partnerships, including a licensing agreement with Merck for its adjuvant technology and a strategic alliance with Public Health England to further its mission in combating infectious diseases.
TetraGenetics
Grant in 2009
TetraGenetics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutic proteins and vaccines for the biopharmaceutical industry. Established in 2004 and based in Arlington, Massachusetts, the company employs its proprietary TetraExpress system to produce recombinant human ion channel proteins, which are essential for creating complex therapeutic agents. Among its offerings is IchVax, a recombinant subunit vaccine aimed at preventing white-spot disease in freshwater fish. TetraGenetics specializes in producing difficult-to-express eukaryotic membrane and secretory proteins, including vaccine antigens and monoclonal antibodies, which are crucial for treating various human and animal diseases. The company is also engaged in a strategic research and development collaboration with Imbrium Therapeutics L.P., further enhancing its capabilities in therapeutic innovation.
Evotec is a drug discovery partnership firm that collaborates with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations to advance innovative therapeutic solutions. The company specializes in a range of therapeutic areas, including central nervous system disorders, diabetes, inflammation, oncology, infectious diseases, and women's health. Approximately 80% of its revenue comes from shared research and development services, which involve fee-for-service work and integrated drug discovery collaborations utilizing proprietary assets. The remaining 20% of sales derive from its Just-Evotec Biologics segment, which provides contract development and manufacturing organization services for biologics. Evotec's approach emphasizes collaboration with various stakeholders, including patient advocacy groups and venture capitalists, to enhance drug discovery and development processes.