Biosciences Research and Commercialization Center
Biosciences Research and Commercialization Center (BRCC) is a venture capital firm based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, established in 2003 by the Michigan Legislature and affiliated with Western Michigan University. It focuses on funding startups in the life sciences sector, specifically targeting pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and diagnostics. The BRCC aims to support companies with a significant presence in Michigan, particularly those linked to Southwest Michigan. With investments typically ranging from $25,000 to $250,000, the center provides essential startup and gap funding to entrepreneurs and scientists as they transition their innovations into the commercialization phase. Drawing on Kalamazoo's rich history in the pharmaceutical industry, the BRCC is well-positioned to leverage local scientific talent and expertise, contributing to a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region.
Asalyxa Bio
Seed Round in 2021
Asalyxa Bio, Inc. is a drug development company based in Southfield, Michigan, specializing in novel therapeutics aimed at addressing significant unmet medical needs resulting from the dysregulation of immune signaling. The company has developed a platform technology that facilitates the targeted delivery of both existing and innovative drugs directly into over-reactive immune cells. This approach is particularly focused on combating severe neutrophil-mediated diseases, including conditions such as Covid-19, and has applications across a broad range of disease areas. By leveraging this technology, Asalyxa Bio aims to enhance treatment options and improve patient outcomes in various therapeutic contexts.
ONL Therapeutics
Series B in 2020
ONL Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapeutics to protect and improve vision in patients with retinal diseases and conditions. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the company specializes in creating photoreceptor protective agents that target the FAS apoptotic pathway. Its drug programs aim to safeguard photoreceptors, thereby enhancing outcomes for patients undergoing surgeries related to retinal detachment and other serious vision-threatening issues. Through its research and development efforts, ONL Therapeutics seeks to provide effective solutions for preserving sight and improving the quality of life for individuals affected by these conditions.
Shoulder Innovations
Venture Round in 2020
Shoulder Innovations is a medical device company that has developed inset glenoid fixation technology, creating the most robust and stable glenoid platform in the industry. The company's Total Shoulder Replacement System addresses the most significant issue in shoulder arthroplasty: unreliable fixation of the glenoid implant. It also leverages this technology to create simple surgical instrumentation, which reduces operative time and cost. Shoulder Innovations designs and commercializes innovative products that demonstrate the potential for improved patient care and reduced overall cost to the healthcare system. Published results show Shoulder Innovations’ solution provides greater post-surgical implant stability, addressing the leading cause of revision surgery.
Ocuphire Pharma
Seed Round in 2019
Ocuphire Pharma is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Farmington Hills, Michigan, that specializes in developing and commercializing therapies for various ophthalmic disorders. The company’s lead product candidate is Nyxol, a once-daily preservative-free eye drop formulation designed to treat conditions such as dim light vision disturbances, pharmacologically-induced mydriasis, and presbyopia. Nyxol is currently in late-stage clinical development, supported by extensive safety and efficacy data from previous trials. Additionally, Ocuphire is advancing APX3330, an oral tablet aimed at addressing diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema, which is in Phase 2 clinical development. The company is also exploring opportunities to acquire further ophthalmic assets and seeks strategic partnerships for global commercialization of its products.
GreenMark Biomedical
Seed Round in 2019
GreenMark Biomedical Inc. is a healthcare company focused on developing minimally invasive technologies utilizing biopolymer nanoparticles derived from natural starch. Founded in 2016 and based in East Lansing, Michigan, with a laboratory in Ann Arbor, the company aims to enhance diagnostic and treatment capabilities in dentistry and oncology. GreenMark offers a mouth rinse product that highlights cavities and early-stage lesions, allowing dentists to accurately assess dental issues using standard dental curing lamps. Additionally, the company is working on medical applications that target anti-cancer drug delivery, facilitating site-specific treatments. Through its innovative approach, GreenMark Biomedical seeks to provide effective health-based solutions that improve patient care.
Fifth Eye
Seed Round in 2018
Fifth Eye Inc. is a medical software company that specializes in developing real-time analytics systems for monitoring hemodynamic instability in patients. The company's innovative software continuously analyzes a patient's clinical data to provide early warnings of potential health issues, allowing healthcare professionals to intervene proactively. It delivers rapid assessments, with initial scoring in just five minutes, and offers continuous monitoring without the need for baseline data or integration with electronic health records. By utilizing advanced artificial intelligence and real-time ECG data, Fifth Eye's system enhances clinical decision-making, aiming to improve patient outcomes, prevent adverse events, and reduce hospital stays and costs. Founded in 2017 and based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Fifth Eye was previously known as Trove Analytics, Inc., before rebranding in June 2018.
GreenMark Biomedical
Seed Round in 2018
GreenMark Biomedical Inc. is a healthcare company focused on developing minimally invasive technologies utilizing biopolymer nanoparticles derived from natural starch. Founded in 2016 and based in East Lansing, Michigan, with a laboratory in Ann Arbor, the company aims to enhance diagnostic and treatment capabilities in dentistry and oncology. GreenMark offers a mouth rinse product that highlights cavities and early-stage lesions, allowing dentists to accurately assess dental issues using standard dental curing lamps. Additionally, the company is working on medical applications that target anti-cancer drug delivery, facilitating site-specific treatments. Through its innovative approach, GreenMark Biomedical seeks to provide effective health-based solutions that improve patient care.
ONL Therapeutics
Series A in 2017
ONL Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapeutics to protect and improve vision in patients with retinal diseases and conditions. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the company specializes in creating photoreceptor protective agents that target the FAS apoptotic pathway. Its drug programs aim to safeguard photoreceptors, thereby enhancing outcomes for patients undergoing surgeries related to retinal detachment and other serious vision-threatening issues. Through its research and development efforts, ONL Therapeutics seeks to provide effective solutions for preserving sight and improving the quality of life for individuals affected by these conditions.
Tetra Discovery
Seed Round in 2015
Tetra Discovery Partners provides consulting services in drug discovery and development. They partner with Universities to commercialize intellectual property and conduct proprietary research on diseases affecting the central nervous system. Their research focuses on developing new treatments for depression and schizophrenia. Severe forms of depression affect 2–5% of the US population, while mood disorders impact 7% of the world’s population and rank among the top ten causes of disability.
Axonia Medical
Seed Round in 2014
Axonia Medical's proprietary approach is to repair and restore damaged peripheral or central nervous systems using tissue-engineered nerve grafts. They are expected to bridge lost nervous tissue and jump-start regenerative mechanisms to achieve levels of functional recovery not possible with current technologies.
Tetra Discovery
Seed Round in 2013
Tetra Discovery Partners provides consulting services in drug discovery and development. They partner with Universities to commercialize intellectual property and conduct proprietary research on diseases affecting the central nervous system. Their research focuses on developing new treatments for depression and schizophrenia. Severe forms of depression affect 2–5% of the US population, while mood disorders impact 7% of the world’s population and rank among the top ten causes of disability.
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