Column Group I

The Column Group, established in 2005 and headquartered in San Francisco, is a venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments in the biotechnology sector. It focuses on drug discovery and development, targeting areas such as cancer, inflammation, and infectious diseases. The firm invests $15 million to $30 million per deal, aiming to build companies with innovative scientific platforms that address unmet medical needs. It provides support throughout the development process, from seed financing to commercialization.

Leon Chen

Partner

James Evangelista

Partner and CFO

Sarah Hymowitz

Partner

JeenJoo Kang

Venture Partner

Craig Parker

Venture Partner

Millie Ray

Partner

Hui Tian

Venture Partner

Robert Tjian

Discovery Partner

Laurence Lasky Ph.D

Partner

Brian Wong Ph.D

Venture Partner

Past deals in Life Science

Neurona Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2025
Neurona Therapeutics Inc. is a pre-clinical biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing cell-based therapies for neurological disorders. Founded by a team of neuroscientists and stem cell experts from the University of California, San Francisco, Neurona aims to create therapeutic compositions of specific types of neurons for targeted delivery into the injured nervous system. The company is dedicated to addressing chronic neurological diseases through regenerative neural cell therapies, which hold the potential for single-dose curative treatments. Drawing on nearly two decades of research, Neurona believes that certain subpopulations of neurons can effectively integrate and repair dysfunctional neural circuits, thus offering new hope for patients facing significant unmet medical needs.

Eikon Therapeutics

Series D in 2025
Eikon Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Hayward, California, focused on developing innovative treatments for chronic and life-threatening diseases. Established in 2019, the company employs advanced super-resolution microscopy and live-cell imaging techniques to discover drugs targeting previously intractable proteins. By directly measuring the interactions of chemical compounds with individual proteins within a live cellular environment, Eikon Therapeutics enhances the understanding of biological processes and supports the development of targeted therapies. The integration of biology, engineering, and chemistry in its proprietary platforms allows Eikon Therapeutics to streamline the drug discovery process, advance clinical programs, and expand its pipeline of potential medications.

A2 Biotherapeutics

Series C in 2025
A2 Biotherapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing innovative cell therapies for tumor cancer treatment. Based in Agoura Hills, California, the company utilizes its proprietary Tmod™ platform to create T cell therapies that accurately differentiate between solid tumors and normal cells. This platform allows for the identification and engineering of binders derived from antibodies or T cell receptors, optimizing precision in targeting cancer cells. A2 Biotherapeutics specifically addresses various cancer types, including head, neck, pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancers, as well as cancer testis antigens. By engineering T cells to recognize genetic material loss in tumors, the company aims to selectively kill tumor cells while sparing healthy tissue. Founded in 2017, A2 Biotherapeutics continues to advance the field of cancer therapy through its innovative approaches.

Rapt

Post in 2024
RAPT Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in immunology. It is dedicated to discovering, developing, and commercializing oral small-molecule therapies aimed at addressing significant unmet medical needs in oncology and inflammatory diseases. The company employs a proprietary discovery and development engine to create highly selective small molecules that modulate immune responses related to these conditions. RAPT has advanced two notable drug candidates: FLX475, which targets the inhibition of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells in tumors, and RPT193, which selectively inhibits type 2 T helper cells in inflamed tissues. Both candidates have progressed to clinical trials within a short timeframe since the company's inception. Additionally, RAPT is exploring several other targets in the discovery phase, including general control nonderepressible 2 and hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1.

Nura Bio

Series A in 2024
Nura Bio, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, focusing on the discovery and development of neuroprotective drugs aimed at preventing axon loss due to acute injury or chronic degenerative diseases. Founded in 2017 and formerly known as Proneurotech, the company is advancing its lead drug candidate, NB-4746, which inhibits the SARM1 protein, a key player in axonal degeneration. This candidate has exhibited potential in preclinical studies for mitigating nerve damage and is scheduled to enter phase 1b/2 clinical trials in 2025. Nura Bio is dedicated to developing therapies that not only protect against neuronal loss but also enhance the immune surveillance capacity of the nervous system, addressing various neurological disorders. The company has successfully raised substantial financing to support its innovative drug programs.

Circle Pharma

Series D in 2024
Circle Pharma, Inc. is an early-stage biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, founded in 2012 by Matt Jacobson and Scott Lokey. The company specializes in developing cell-permeable macrocyclic peptide therapeutics aimed at critical clinical targets. It employs proprietary computational design algorithms and innovative synthetic chemistry to create first-in-class macrocycle therapies that can be administered through various routes, including oral delivery. Circle Pharma's platform utilizes structure-based rational drug design and an iterative process to generate large virtual libraries of diverse macrocycle scaffolds, which are selected for their permeability. This approach enables the company to address challenging targets, particularly in the context of intracellular protein-protein interactions that play a significant role in cancer, thereby fulfilling unmet clinical needs. The company is led by David J. Earp.

NGM Biopharmaceuticals

Series A in 2024
NGM Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing innovative therapeutics for cardio-metabolic, liver, oncologic, and ophthalmic diseases. Incorporated in 2007 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, the company is engaged in creating novel treatments informed by key biological pathways. Its product candidates include Aldafermin, an engineered variant of the FGF19 hormone currently in Phase 2b clinical trials for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and NGM313, an agonistic antibody in Phase 1b trials for type 2 diabetes and NASH. Other candidates in development include NGM395 for metabolic syndrome, NGM120 to address cancer anorexia/cachexia syndrome, NGM217 aimed at improving insulin production in diabetes patients, and NGM621 to target a protein involved in age-related macular degeneration. NGM Biopharmaceuticals collaborates with Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. to advance its research and development efforts in creating impactful medicines that enhance patient health.

Circle Pharma

Series D in 2024
Circle Pharma, Inc. is an early-stage biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, founded in 2012 by Matt Jacobson and Scott Lokey. The company specializes in developing cell-permeable macrocyclic peptide therapeutics aimed at critical clinical targets. It employs proprietary computational design algorithms and innovative synthetic chemistry to create first-in-class macrocycle therapies that can be administered through various routes, including oral delivery. Circle Pharma's platform utilizes structure-based rational drug design and an iterative process to generate large virtual libraries of diverse macrocycle scaffolds, which are selected for their permeability. This approach enables the company to address challenging targets, particularly in the context of intracellular protein-protein interactions that play a significant role in cancer, thereby fulfilling unmet clinical needs. The company is led by David J. Earp.

Neurona Therapeutics

Series E in 2024
Neurona Therapeutics Inc. is a pre-clinical biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing cell-based therapies for neurological disorders. Founded by a team of neuroscientists and stem cell experts from the University of California, San Francisco, Neurona aims to create therapeutic compositions of specific types of neurons for targeted delivery into the injured nervous system. The company is dedicated to addressing chronic neurological diseases through regenerative neural cell therapies, which hold the potential for single-dose curative treatments. Drawing on nearly two decades of research, Neurona believes that certain subpopulations of neurons can effectively integrate and repair dysfunctional neural circuits, thus offering new hope for patients facing significant unmet medical needs.

Accent Therapeutics

Series C in 2024
Accent Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing small molecule therapies for oncology, utilizing the emerging field of epitranscriptomics. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Lexington, Massachusetts, the company explores the post-transcriptional chemical modifications of RNA, which play a crucial role in regulating proteins essential for cellular growth and differentiation. By precisely targeting cancer-associated RNA-modifying proteins, Accent Therapeutics aims to innovate and deliver transformative therapies that can significantly improve patient outcomes in cancer treatment.

Atavistik Bio

Venture Round in 2023
Atavistik Bio is a pre-clinical biotechnology company dedicated to discovering and developing novel therapies for metabolic diseases and cancer. The company specializes in identifying metabolite-protein interactions and leveraging nature's allosteric control mechanisms to create innovative drug candidates. By focusing on genetically validated targets, Atavistik Bio aims to pioneer first-in-class treatments that harness these unique biological processes, positioning itself at the forefront of biopharmaceutical advancements.

Judo Bio

Seed Round in 2023
Judo Bio is a biotechnology company focused on developing precision therapeutics that target specific cell populations to treat genetic diseases. Utilizing an innovative receptor targeting approach, Judo Bio is building a pipeline of treatments designed to address both common and rare diseases. Currently, the company is operating in stealth mode, indicating a period of research and development prior to a public launch or disclosure of its initiatives.

Carmot Therapeutics

Series E in 2023
Carmot Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Berkeley, California, with an additional office in San Francisco. Founded in 2008, it focuses on discovering and developing innovative therapies for patients with metabolic diseases, including obesity and diabetes. Utilizing its proprietary Chemotype Evolution technology, Carmot Therapeutics aims to address the underlying causes of these conditions and accelerate the discovery of effective treatments. The company’s portfolio includes several clinical-stage drug candidates, such as CT-388 and CT-996, which are designed as GLP-1 receptor agonists for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes, and CT-868, intended for type 1 diabetes patients who are overweight or obese. Through these efforts, Carmot Therapeutics seeks to create life-changing therapeutics that improve the health outcomes of individuals affected by metabolic diseases.

Synthekine

Series C in 2023
Synthekine Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Menlo Park, California, specializing in the development of engineered cytokine therapies and immunotherapies aimed at treating cancer and autoimmune disorders. Founded in 2018, Synthekine utilizes advanced platform technologies, including engineered partial agonists and orthogonal cell therapies, to enhance the efficacy of cytokines while minimizing their toxic side effects. The company's innovative Synthekine Platform employs surrogate agonists instead of traditional mutant cytokines to create selective immunotherapies. Its product pipeline features candidates such as STK-009, an orthogonal ligand paired with SYNCAR-001, an orthogonal receptor-modified CAR-T therapy targeting CD-19. Additionally, Synthekine is developing STK-012, partial agonists of IL-2, and other novel immunotherapies that integrate cytokine receptors to initiate new signaling pathways without relying on wild-type cytokines.

Cajal Neuroscience

Series A in 2022
Cajal Neuroscience is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. It employs a combination of human genetics, functional genomics, and advanced microscopy techniques to identify novel targets and therapeutics. The company utilizes viral tools and platforms for screening targets that influence the progression of neurodegenerative conditions, alongside functional genetic screening and multi-omics methods. By integrating these state-of-the-art approaches, Cajal Neuroscience aims to advance precision medicine, ultimately enabling healthcare professionals to improve treatment outcomes for patients suffering from neurodegenerative disorders.

Casma Therapeutics

Series C in 2022
Casma Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that specializes in developing innovative therapeutic strategies centered on the natural cellular process of autophagy. Founded in 2017, the company aims to enhance autophagy to improve the clearance of unwanted proteins, organelles, and pathogens, thereby addressing significant medical challenges. Casma Therapeutics is advancing preclinical programs targeting various conditions, including muscle disorders, liver disease, inflammatory disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. By harnessing and manipulating the autophagy system, the company seeks to arrest or reverse disease progression, ultimately enabling physicians to meet unmet medical needs and provide effective treatments for patients with serious health issues.

Hexagon Bio

Venture Round in 2022
Hexagon Bio, Inc. is a biotechnology company that specializes in discovering novel small molecule therapeutics by mining genomic data from fungal genomes. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California, Hexagon Bio leverages a proprietary platform that integrates data science, synthetic biology, and automation to identify and engineer drugs. The company's innovative approach focuses on developing targeted therapies for diseases with unmet medical needs by searching for evolutionarily refined molecules and their associated protein targets. Through its unique methodology, Hexagon Bio aims to uncover new medicines encoded within the global metagenome, ultimately striving to improve patient outcomes.

Carmot Therapeutics

Series D in 2022
Carmot Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Berkeley, California, with an additional office in San Francisco. Founded in 2008, it focuses on discovering and developing innovative therapies for patients with metabolic diseases, including obesity and diabetes. Utilizing its proprietary Chemotype Evolution technology, Carmot Therapeutics aims to address the underlying causes of these conditions and accelerate the discovery of effective treatments. The company’s portfolio includes several clinical-stage drug candidates, such as CT-388 and CT-996, which are designed as GLP-1 receptor agonists for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes, and CT-868, intended for type 1 diabetes patients who are overweight or obese. Through these efforts, Carmot Therapeutics seeks to create life-changing therapeutics that improve the health outcomes of individuals affected by metabolic diseases.

Kallyope

Series D in 2022
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.

Eikon Therapeutics

Series B in 2022
Eikon Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Hayward, California, focused on developing innovative treatments for chronic and life-threatening diseases. Established in 2019, the company employs advanced super-resolution microscopy and live-cell imaging techniques to discover drugs targeting previously intractable proteins. By directly measuring the interactions of chemical compounds with individual proteins within a live cellular environment, Eikon Therapeutics enhances the understanding of biological processes and supports the development of targeted therapies. The integration of biology, engineering, and chemistry in its proprietary platforms allows Eikon Therapeutics to streamline the drug discovery process, advance clinical programs, and expand its pipeline of potential medications.

Velia

Series A in 2022
Developer of transformative biotech company intended to create, annotate and biologically understand the world's most rigorous and extensive library of microproteins and produce entirely new, novel therapeutics. The company's technology identify novel, protein coding sequences hidden within the human genome, these small proteins mediate rich and diverse human biology, thereby harnessing the therapeutic potential of a novel class of human peptides.

Obsidian Therapeutics

Series B in 2021
Obsidian Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded in 2015. The company specializes in developing next-generation cell and gene therapies aimed at enhancing adoptive immunotherapy for cancer patients. Its innovative approach utilizes pharmacologic operating systems that enable precise control over protein activity within cells. This technology allows for the creation of adoptive cell therapies with novel functionalities, which can be regulated by treating physicians using simple and safe orally active medications. Through these advancements, Obsidian Therapeutics seeks to improve upon existing cell therapies and expand treatment options for a broader patient demographic.

Effector Therapeutics

Post in 2021
eFFECTOR Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, that specializes in the development of selective translation regulators for the treatment of cancer and other serious diseases. Founded in 2012, the company is pioneering a new class of oncology drugs known as selective translation regulator inhibitors (STRIs). These drug candidates specifically target the eIF4F complex and its associated kinase, MNK 1/2, which play critical roles in protein synthesis and are linked to prominent cancer signaling pathways such as PI3K-AKT and RAS-MEK. eFFECTOR's products aim to inhibit pathways that drive tumor growth, survival, and immune evasion by regulating the expression of oncoproteins and immunosuppressive proteins. The lead candidate, tomivosertib, is currently being evaluated in a Phase 2b trial for non-small cell lung cancer in combination with pembrolizumab. Additionally, zotatifin, an inhibitor of eIF4A, is undergoing dose-escalation in a Phase 1/2 trial, with further expansion cohorts anticipated. The company also collaborates with Pfizer to advance inhibitors targeting eIF4E.

Atavistik Bio

Series A in 2021
Atavistik Bio is a pre-clinical biotechnology company dedicated to discovering and developing novel therapies for metabolic diseases and cancer. The company specializes in identifying metabolite-protein interactions and leveraging nature's allosteric control mechanisms to create innovative drug candidates. By focusing on genetically validated targets, Atavistik Bio aims to pioneer first-in-class treatments that harness these unique biological processes, positioning itself at the forefront of biopharmaceutical advancements.

Hexagon Bio

Series B in 2021
Hexagon Bio, Inc. is a biotechnology company that specializes in discovering novel small molecule therapeutics by mining genomic data from fungal genomes. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California, Hexagon Bio leverages a proprietary platform that integrates data science, synthetic biology, and automation to identify and engineer drugs. The company's innovative approach focuses on developing targeted therapies for diseases with unmet medical needs by searching for evolutionarily refined molecules and their associated protein targets. Through its unique methodology, Hexagon Bio aims to uncover new medicines encoded within the global metagenome, ultimately striving to improve patient outcomes.

Neurona Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2021
Neurona Therapeutics Inc. is a pre-clinical biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing cell-based therapies for neurological disorders. Founded by a team of neuroscientists and stem cell experts from the University of California, San Francisco, Neurona aims to create therapeutic compositions of specific types of neurons for targeted delivery into the injured nervous system. The company is dedicated to addressing chronic neurological diseases through regenerative neural cell therapies, which hold the potential for single-dose curative treatments. Drawing on nearly two decades of research, Neurona believes that certain subpopulations of neurons can effectively integrate and repair dysfunctional neural circuits, thus offering new hope for patients facing significant unmet medical needs.

Circle Pharma

Series C in 2021
Circle Pharma, Inc. is an early-stage biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, founded in 2012 by Matt Jacobson and Scott Lokey. The company specializes in developing cell-permeable macrocyclic peptide therapeutics aimed at critical clinical targets. It employs proprietary computational design algorithms and innovative synthetic chemistry to create first-in-class macrocycle therapies that can be administered through various routes, including oral delivery. Circle Pharma's platform utilizes structure-based rational drug design and an iterative process to generate large virtual libraries of diverse macrocycle scaffolds, which are selected for their permeability. This approach enables the company to address challenging targets, particularly in the context of intracellular protein-protein interactions that play a significant role in cancer, thereby fulfilling unmet clinical needs. The company is led by David J. Earp.

Synthekine

Series B in 2021
Synthekine Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Menlo Park, California, specializing in the development of engineered cytokine therapies and immunotherapies aimed at treating cancer and autoimmune disorders. Founded in 2018, Synthekine utilizes advanced platform technologies, including engineered partial agonists and orthogonal cell therapies, to enhance the efficacy of cytokines while minimizing their toxic side effects. The company's innovative Synthekine Platform employs surrogate agonists instead of traditional mutant cytokines to create selective immunotherapies. Its product pipeline features candidates such as STK-009, an orthogonal ligand paired with SYNCAR-001, an orthogonal receptor-modified CAR-T therapy targeting CD-19. Additionally, Synthekine is developing STK-012, partial agonists of IL-2, and other novel immunotherapies that integrate cytokine receptors to initiate new signaling pathways without relying on wild-type cytokines.

Eikon Therapeutics

Series A in 2021
Eikon Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Hayward, California, focused on developing innovative treatments for chronic and life-threatening diseases. Established in 2019, the company employs advanced super-resolution microscopy and live-cell imaging techniques to discover drugs targeting previously intractable proteins. By directly measuring the interactions of chemical compounds with individual proteins within a live cellular environment, Eikon Therapeutics enhances the understanding of biological processes and supports the development of targeted therapies. The integration of biology, engineering, and chemistry in its proprietary platforms allows Eikon Therapeutics to streamline the drug discovery process, advance clinical programs, and expand its pipeline of potential medications.

A2 Biotherapeutics

Series B in 2020
A2 Biotherapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing innovative cell therapies for tumor cancer treatment. Based in Agoura Hills, California, the company utilizes its proprietary Tmod™ platform to create T cell therapies that accurately differentiate between solid tumors and normal cells. This platform allows for the identification and engineering of binders derived from antibodies or T cell receptors, optimizing precision in targeting cancer cells. A2 Biotherapeutics specifically addresses various cancer types, including head, neck, pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancers, as well as cancer testis antigens. By engineering T cells to recognize genetic material loss in tumors, the company aims to selectively kill tumor cells while sparing healthy tissue. Founded in 2017, A2 Biotherapeutics continues to advance the field of cancer therapy through its innovative approaches.

Carmot Therapeutics

Series C in 2020
Carmot Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Berkeley, California, with an additional office in San Francisco. Founded in 2008, it focuses on discovering and developing innovative therapies for patients with metabolic diseases, including obesity and diabetes. Utilizing its proprietary Chemotype Evolution technology, Carmot Therapeutics aims to address the underlying causes of these conditions and accelerate the discovery of effective treatments. The company’s portfolio includes several clinical-stage drug candidates, such as CT-388 and CT-996, which are designed as GLP-1 receptor agonists for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes, and CT-868, intended for type 1 diabetes patients who are overweight or obese. Through these efforts, Carmot Therapeutics seeks to create life-changing therapeutics that improve the health outcomes of individuals affected by metabolic diseases.

Synthekine

Series A in 2020
Synthekine Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Menlo Park, California, specializing in the development of engineered cytokine therapies and immunotherapies aimed at treating cancer and autoimmune disorders. Founded in 2018, Synthekine utilizes advanced platform technologies, including engineered partial agonists and orthogonal cell therapies, to enhance the efficacy of cytokines while minimizing their toxic side effects. The company's innovative Synthekine Platform employs surrogate agonists instead of traditional mutant cytokines to create selective immunotherapies. Its product pipeline features candidates such as STK-009, an orthogonal ligand paired with SYNCAR-001, an orthogonal receptor-modified CAR-T therapy targeting CD-19. Additionally, Synthekine is developing STK-012, partial agonists of IL-2, and other novel immunotherapies that integrate cytokine receptors to initiate new signaling pathways without relying on wild-type cytokines.

Hexagon Bio

Series A in 2020
Hexagon Bio, Inc. is a biotechnology company that specializes in discovering novel small molecule therapeutics by mining genomic data from fungal genomes. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California, Hexagon Bio leverages a proprietary platform that integrates data science, synthetic biology, and automation to identify and engineer drugs. The company's innovative approach focuses on developing targeted therapies for diseases with unmet medical needs by searching for evolutionarily refined molecules and their associated protein targets. Through its unique methodology, Hexagon Bio aims to uncover new medicines encoded within the global metagenome, ultimately striving to improve patient outcomes.

Casma Therapeutics

Series B in 2020
Casma Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that specializes in developing innovative therapeutic strategies centered on the natural cellular process of autophagy. Founded in 2017, the company aims to enhance autophagy to improve the clearance of unwanted proteins, organelles, and pathogens, thereby addressing significant medical challenges. Casma Therapeutics is advancing preclinical programs targeting various conditions, including muscle disorders, liver disease, inflammatory disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. By harnessing and manipulating the autophagy system, the company seeks to arrest or reverse disease progression, ultimately enabling physicians to meet unmet medical needs and provide effective treatments for patients with serious health issues.

Nura Bio

Series A in 2020
Nura Bio, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, focusing on the discovery and development of neuroprotective drugs aimed at preventing axon loss due to acute injury or chronic degenerative diseases. Founded in 2017 and formerly known as Proneurotech, the company is advancing its lead drug candidate, NB-4746, which inhibits the SARM1 protein, a key player in axonal degeneration. This candidate has exhibited potential in preclinical studies for mitigating nerve damage and is scheduled to enter phase 1b/2 clinical trials in 2025. Nura Bio is dedicated to developing therapies that not only protect against neuronal loss but also enhance the immune surveillance capacity of the nervous system, addressing various neurological disorders. The company has successfully raised substantial financing to support its innovative drug programs.

Accent Therapeutics

Series B in 2020
Accent Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing small molecule therapies for oncology, utilizing the emerging field of epitranscriptomics. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Lexington, Massachusetts, the company explores the post-transcriptional chemical modifications of RNA, which play a crucial role in regulating proteins essential for cellular growth and differentiation. By precisely targeting cancer-associated RNA-modifying proteins, Accent Therapeutics aims to innovate and deliver transformative therapies that can significantly improve patient outcomes in cancer treatment.

Circle Pharma

Series B in 2020
Circle Pharma, Inc. is an early-stage biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, founded in 2012 by Matt Jacobson and Scott Lokey. The company specializes in developing cell-permeable macrocyclic peptide therapeutics aimed at critical clinical targets. It employs proprietary computational design algorithms and innovative synthetic chemistry to create first-in-class macrocycle therapies that can be administered through various routes, including oral delivery. Circle Pharma's platform utilizes structure-based rational drug design and an iterative process to generate large virtual libraries of diverse macrocycle scaffolds, which are selected for their permeability. This approach enables the company to address challenging targets, particularly in the context of intracellular protein-protein interactions that play a significant role in cancer, thereby fulfilling unmet clinical needs. The company is led by David J. Earp.

Nurix Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2020
Nurix Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of small molecule therapies aimed at modulating cellular protein levels for the treatment of cancer and immune disorders. The company has developed an integrated discovery platform known as DELigase, which leverages its expertise in E3 ligases—enzymes capable of modulating proteins within cells. Nurix's pipeline includes promising candidates such as NX-2127, an orally available Bruton’s tyrosine kinase degrader targeting relapsed or refractory B-cell malignancies, and NX-1607, an orally available inhibitor of Casitas B-lineage lymphoma proto-oncogene B, intended for immuno-oncology applications. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, Nurix Therapeutics was formerly known as Nurix Inc. and rebranded in October 2018. The company has established strategic collaborations with major industry players, enhancing its research and development capabilities.

Kallyope

Series C in 2020
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.

A2 Biotherapeutics

Series A in 2019
A2 Biotherapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing innovative cell therapies for tumor cancer treatment. Based in Agoura Hills, California, the company utilizes its proprietary Tmod™ platform to create T cell therapies that accurately differentiate between solid tumors and normal cells. This platform allows for the identification and engineering of binders derived from antibodies or T cell receptors, optimizing precision in targeting cancer cells. A2 Biotherapeutics specifically addresses various cancer types, including head, neck, pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancers, as well as cancer testis antigens. By engineering T cells to recognize genetic material loss in tumors, the company aims to selectively kill tumor cells while sparing healthy tissue. Founded in 2017, A2 Biotherapeutics continues to advance the field of cancer therapy through its innovative approaches.

ORIC Pharmaceuticals

Series D in 2019
ORIC Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies to combat cancer by overcoming resistance mechanisms. The company's lead product candidate, ORIC-101, is a small molecule antagonist of the glucocorticoid receptor, which plays a significant role in resistance to various cancer treatments across multiple solid tumors. Another key candidate, ORIC-533, is an orally bioavailable inhibitor of CD73, targeting a critical pathway in the adenosine metabolism that contributes to resistance against chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Additionally, ORIC is working on a pipeline of precision medicines aimed at addressing other cancer resistance mechanisms. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, ORIC Pharmaceuticals leverages the expertise of its scientific founders, who have extensive backgrounds in cancer research and target discovery.

Rapt

Series C in 2019
RAPT Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in immunology. It is dedicated to discovering, developing, and commercializing oral small-molecule therapies aimed at addressing significant unmet medical needs in oncology and inflammatory diseases. The company employs a proprietary discovery and development engine to create highly selective small molecules that modulate immune responses related to these conditions. RAPT has advanced two notable drug candidates: FLX475, which targets the inhibition of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells in tumors, and RPT193, which selectively inhibits type 2 T helper cells in inflamed tissues. Both candidates have progressed to clinical trials within a short timeframe since the company's inception. Additionally, RAPT is exploring several other targets in the discovery phase, including general control nonderepressible 2 and hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1.

Kallyope

Series B in 2018
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.

Accent Therapeutics

Series A in 2018
Accent Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing small molecule therapies for oncology, utilizing the emerging field of epitranscriptomics. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Lexington, Massachusetts, the company explores the post-transcriptional chemical modifications of RNA, which play a crucial role in regulating proteins essential for cellular growth and differentiation. By precisely targeting cancer-associated RNA-modifying proteins, Accent Therapeutics aims to innovate and deliver transformative therapies that can significantly improve patient outcomes in cancer treatment.

Kallyope

Series B in 2018
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.

ORIC Pharmaceuticals

Series C in 2018
ORIC Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies to combat cancer by overcoming resistance mechanisms. The company's lead product candidate, ORIC-101, is a small molecule antagonist of the glucocorticoid receptor, which plays a significant role in resistance to various cancer treatments across multiple solid tumors. Another key candidate, ORIC-533, is an orally bioavailable inhibitor of CD73, targeting a critical pathway in the adenosine metabolism that contributes to resistance against chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Additionally, ORIC is working on a pipeline of precision medicines aimed at addressing other cancer resistance mechanisms. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, ORIC Pharmaceuticals leverages the expertise of its scientific founders, who have extensive backgrounds in cancer research and target discovery.

ProNeurotech

Venture Round in 2018
ProNeurotech is a developer of neuroprotective drugs that prevent axon loss after acute injury or chronic degenerative disease. The company's business includes research in biochemistry, genetics, neurology and synthetic chemistry that drive the synthesis of the cardinal metabolite, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, enabling patients with neurodegenerative diseases to have access to treatment of neurologic and ocular diseases.

Carmot Therapeutics

Series B in 2018
Carmot Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Berkeley, California, with an additional office in San Francisco. Founded in 2008, it focuses on discovering and developing innovative therapies for patients with metabolic diseases, including obesity and diabetes. Utilizing its proprietary Chemotype Evolution technology, Carmot Therapeutics aims to address the underlying causes of these conditions and accelerate the discovery of effective treatments. The company’s portfolio includes several clinical-stage drug candidates, such as CT-388 and CT-996, which are designed as GLP-1 receptor agonists for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes, and CT-868, intended for type 1 diabetes patients who are overweight or obese. Through these efforts, Carmot Therapeutics seeks to create life-changing therapeutics that improve the health outcomes of individuals affected by metabolic diseases.

Rapt

Series C in 2017
RAPT Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in immunology. It is dedicated to discovering, developing, and commercializing oral small-molecule therapies aimed at addressing significant unmet medical needs in oncology and inflammatory diseases. The company employs a proprietary discovery and development engine to create highly selective small molecules that modulate immune responses related to these conditions. RAPT has advanced two notable drug candidates: FLX475, which targets the inhibition of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells in tumors, and RPT193, which selectively inhibits type 2 T helper cells in inflamed tissues. Both candidates have progressed to clinical trials within a short timeframe since the company's inception. Additionally, RAPT is exploring several other targets in the discovery phase, including general control nonderepressible 2 and hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1.

Exonics Therapeutics

Series A in 2017
Exonics Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing gene editing technologies to address severe genetic neuromuscular disorders, particularly Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with an additional office in Dallas, Texas, Exonics employs CRISPR/Cas9 technology to create potential one-time therapies that permanently correct mutations responsible for DMD. The company's innovative approach utilizes adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors to deliver gene editing components that target and correct exon mutations, thereby facilitating the production of dystrophin, a crucial protein that stabilizes and protects muscle fibers. By enabling the restoration of dystrophin production, Exonics aims to significantly improve the quality of life for patients affected by this debilitating condition. The company operates as a subsidiary of Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated.

Gritstone bio

Series B in 2017
Gritstone bio is a biotechnology company focused on developing immunotherapies for cancer and infectious diseases. The company initially concentrated on tumor-specific neoantigens but has expanded its programs to include viral antigens found on the surface of infected cells. Gritstone bio's approach leverages the body's natural immune system recognition of targets on abnormal cells, which is applicable to both anti-tumor and anti-viral immunity. Their pipeline includes several product candidates for treating solid tumors, such as GRANITE, SLATE, and CORAL. The company operates in a field that has seen significant advancements with the development and commercialization of immunotherapy drugs like checkpoint inhibitors, transforming cancer treatment.

Effector Therapeutics

Series C in 2017
eFFECTOR Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, that specializes in the development of selective translation regulators for the treatment of cancer and other serious diseases. Founded in 2012, the company is pioneering a new class of oncology drugs known as selective translation regulator inhibitors (STRIs). These drug candidates specifically target the eIF4F complex and its associated kinase, MNK 1/2, which play critical roles in protein synthesis and are linked to prominent cancer signaling pathways such as PI3K-AKT and RAS-MEK. eFFECTOR's products aim to inhibit pathways that drive tumor growth, survival, and immune evasion by regulating the expression of oncoproteins and immunosuppressive proteins. The lead candidate, tomivosertib, is currently being evaluated in a Phase 2b trial for non-small cell lung cancer in combination with pembrolizumab. Additionally, zotatifin, an inhibitor of eIF4A, is undergoing dose-escalation in a Phase 1/2 trial, with further expansion cohorts anticipated. The company also collaborates with Pfizer to advance inhibitors targeting eIF4E.

Rapt

Series B in 2016
RAPT Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in immunology. It is dedicated to discovering, developing, and commercializing oral small-molecule therapies aimed at addressing significant unmet medical needs in oncology and inflammatory diseases. The company employs a proprietary discovery and development engine to create highly selective small molecules that modulate immune responses related to these conditions. RAPT has advanced two notable drug candidates: FLX475, which targets the inhibition of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells in tumors, and RPT193, which selectively inhibits type 2 T helper cells in inflamed tissues. Both candidates have progressed to clinical trials within a short timeframe since the company's inception. Additionally, RAPT is exploring several other targets in the discovery phase, including general control nonderepressible 2 and hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1.

Effector Therapeutics

Series B in 2015
eFFECTOR Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, that specializes in the development of selective translation regulators for the treatment of cancer and other serious diseases. Founded in 2012, the company is pioneering a new class of oncology drugs known as selective translation regulator inhibitors (STRIs). These drug candidates specifically target the eIF4F complex and its associated kinase, MNK 1/2, which play critical roles in protein synthesis and are linked to prominent cancer signaling pathways such as PI3K-AKT and RAS-MEK. eFFECTOR's products aim to inhibit pathways that drive tumor growth, survival, and immune evasion by regulating the expression of oncoproteins and immunosuppressive proteins. The lead candidate, tomivosertib, is currently being evaluated in a Phase 2b trial for non-small cell lung cancer in combination with pembrolizumab. Additionally, zotatifin, an inhibitor of eIF4A, is undergoing dose-escalation in a Phase 1/2 trial, with further expansion cohorts anticipated. The company also collaborates with Pfizer to advance inhibitors targeting eIF4E.

Kallyope

Series A in 2015
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.

ORIC Pharmaceuticals

Series B in 2015
ORIC Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies to combat cancer by overcoming resistance mechanisms. The company's lead product candidate, ORIC-101, is a small molecule antagonist of the glucocorticoid receptor, which plays a significant role in resistance to various cancer treatments across multiple solid tumors. Another key candidate, ORIC-533, is an orally bioavailable inhibitor of CD73, targeting a critical pathway in the adenosine metabolism that contributes to resistance against chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Additionally, ORIC is working on a pipeline of precision medicines aimed at addressing other cancer resistance mechanisms. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, ORIC Pharmaceuticals leverages the expertise of its scientific founders, who have extensive backgrounds in cancer research and target discovery.

Neurona Therapeutics

Series A in 2015
Neurona Therapeutics Inc. is a pre-clinical biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing cell-based therapies for neurological disorders. Founded by a team of neuroscientists and stem cell experts from the University of California, San Francisco, Neurona aims to create therapeutic compositions of specific types of neurons for targeted delivery into the injured nervous system. The company is dedicated to addressing chronic neurological diseases through regenerative neural cell therapies, which hold the potential for single-dose curative treatments. Drawing on nearly two decades of research, Neurona believes that certain subpopulations of neurons can effectively integrate and repair dysfunctional neural circuits, thus offering new hope for patients facing significant unmet medical needs.

Gritstone bio

Series A in 2015
Gritstone bio is a biotechnology company focused on developing immunotherapies for cancer and infectious diseases. The company initially concentrated on tumor-specific neoantigens but has expanded its programs to include viral antigens found on the surface of infected cells. Gritstone bio's approach leverages the body's natural immune system recognition of targets on abnormal cells, which is applicable to both anti-tumor and anti-viral immunity. Their pipeline includes several product candidates for treating solid tumors, such as GRANITE, SLATE, and CORAL. The company operates in a field that has seen significant advancements with the development and commercialization of immunotherapy drugs like checkpoint inhibitors, transforming cancer treatment.

NGM Biopharmaceuticals

Series D in 2015
NGM Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing innovative therapeutics for cardio-metabolic, liver, oncologic, and ophthalmic diseases. Incorporated in 2007 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, the company is engaged in creating novel treatments informed by key biological pathways. Its product candidates include Aldafermin, an engineered variant of the FGF19 hormone currently in Phase 2b clinical trials for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and NGM313, an agonistic antibody in Phase 1b trials for type 2 diabetes and NASH. Other candidates in development include NGM395 for metabolic syndrome, NGM120 to address cancer anorexia/cachexia syndrome, NGM217 aimed at improving insulin production in diabetes patients, and NGM621 to target a protein involved in age-related macular degeneration. NGM Biopharmaceuticals collaborates with Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. to advance its research and development efforts in creating impactful medicines that enhance patient health.

Flexus Biosciences

Series B in 2014
Flexus Biosciences, established in 2013 and based in San Carlos, California, is a privately-held biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative small-molecule cancer therapeutics. Its primary focus lies in targeting regulatory T cells, aiming to create novel immunotherapies that enhance the body's immune response against cancer.

ORIC Pharmaceuticals

Series A in 2014
ORIC Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies to combat cancer by overcoming resistance mechanisms. The company's lead product candidate, ORIC-101, is a small molecule antagonist of the glucocorticoid receptor, which plays a significant role in resistance to various cancer treatments across multiple solid tumors. Another key candidate, ORIC-533, is an orally bioavailable inhibitor of CD73, targeting a critical pathway in the adenosine metabolism that contributes to resistance against chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Additionally, ORIC is working on a pipeline of precision medicines aimed at addressing other cancer resistance mechanisms. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, ORIC Pharmaceuticals leverages the expertise of its scientific founders, who have extensive backgrounds in cancer research and target discovery.

Nurix Therapeutics

Series B in 2014
Nurix Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of small molecule therapies aimed at modulating cellular protein levels for the treatment of cancer and immune disorders. The company has developed an integrated discovery platform known as DELigase, which leverages its expertise in E3 ligases—enzymes capable of modulating proteins within cells. Nurix's pipeline includes promising candidates such as NX-2127, an orally available Bruton’s tyrosine kinase degrader targeting relapsed or refractory B-cell malignancies, and NX-1607, an orally available inhibitor of Casitas B-lineage lymphoma proto-oncogene B, intended for immuno-oncology applications. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, Nurix Therapeutics was formerly known as Nurix Inc. and rebranded in October 2018. The company has established strategic collaborations with major industry players, enhancing its research and development capabilities.

Igenica

Series C in 2014
Igenica, Inc. is a biotherapeutic company based in Burlingame, California, that specializes in the discovery and development of antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for cancer treatment. Founded in 2008, the company focuses on creating innovative immunotherapies and functional antibodies targeting tumors. Its product pipeline includes IGN523, a humanized monoclonal antibody for various hematologic and solid tumors; IGN786, an antibody-drug conjugate; and IGN381, an immune checkpoint target that enhances the tumor microenvironment. Igenica operates with a strategic oncology research agreement with MedImmune and is supported by a leadership team experienced in antibody drug discovery and clinical development. As of 2017, Igenica operates as a subsidiary of Pierre Fabre Medicament SA, positioning it to leverage additional resources and expertise in the biotherapeutics field.

Seragon Pharmaceuticals

Series A in 2013
Seragon Pharmaceuticals, Inc., based in Irvine, California, is a research-focused biopharmaceutical company dedicated to enhancing human and animal health through innovative scientific advancements. The company specializes in the development of orally active selective estrogen receptor degraders (SERDs), particularly targeting metastatic breast cancer. Its lead drug candidate, ARN-810, is currently under evaluation for the treatment of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. By leveraging cutting-edge research in metabolism, gene therapy, and bioinformatics, Seragon Pharmaceuticals aims to facilitate access to significant medical breakthroughs, encompassing both clinical applications and consumer products.

Nurix Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2013
Nurix Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of small molecule therapies aimed at modulating cellular protein levels for the treatment of cancer and immune disorders. The company has developed an integrated discovery platform known as DELigase, which leverages its expertise in E3 ligases—enzymes capable of modulating proteins within cells. Nurix's pipeline includes promising candidates such as NX-2127, an orally available Bruton’s tyrosine kinase degrader targeting relapsed or refractory B-cell malignancies, and NX-1607, an orally available inhibitor of Casitas B-lineage lymphoma proto-oncogene B, intended for immuno-oncology applications. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, Nurix Therapeutics was formerly known as Nurix Inc. and rebranded in October 2018. The company has established strategic collaborations with major industry players, enhancing its research and development capabilities.

Carmot Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2012
Carmot Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Berkeley, California, with an additional office in San Francisco. Founded in 2008, it focuses on discovering and developing innovative therapies for patients with metabolic diseases, including obesity and diabetes. Utilizing its proprietary Chemotype Evolution technology, Carmot Therapeutics aims to address the underlying causes of these conditions and accelerate the discovery of effective treatments. The company’s portfolio includes several clinical-stage drug candidates, such as CT-388 and CT-996, which are designed as GLP-1 receptor agonists for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes, and CT-868, intended for type 1 diabetes patients who are overweight or obese. Through these efforts, Carmot Therapeutics seeks to create life-changing therapeutics that improve the health outcomes of individuals affected by metabolic diseases.

Igenica

Series C in 2012
Igenica, Inc. is a biotherapeutic company based in Burlingame, California, that specializes in the discovery and development of antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for cancer treatment. Founded in 2008, the company focuses on creating innovative immunotherapies and functional antibodies targeting tumors. Its product pipeline includes IGN523, a humanized monoclonal antibody for various hematologic and solid tumors; IGN786, an antibody-drug conjugate; and IGN381, an immune checkpoint target that enhances the tumor microenvironment. Igenica operates with a strategic oncology research agreement with MedImmune and is supported by a leadership team experienced in antibody drug discovery and clinical development. As of 2017, Igenica operates as a subsidiary of Pierre Fabre Medicament SA, positioning it to leverage additional resources and expertise in the biotherapeutics field.

Nurix Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2012
Nurix Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of small molecule therapies aimed at modulating cellular protein levels for the treatment of cancer and immune disorders. The company has developed an integrated discovery platform known as DELigase, which leverages its expertise in E3 ligases—enzymes capable of modulating proteins within cells. Nurix's pipeline includes promising candidates such as NX-2127, an orally available Bruton’s tyrosine kinase degrader targeting relapsed or refractory B-cell malignancies, and NX-1607, an orally available inhibitor of Casitas B-lineage lymphoma proto-oncogene B, intended for immuno-oncology applications. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, Nurix Therapeutics was formerly known as Nurix Inc. and rebranded in October 2018. The company has established strategic collaborations with major industry players, enhancing its research and development capabilities.

NGM Biopharmaceuticals

Series B in 2011
NGM Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing innovative therapeutics for cardio-metabolic, liver, oncologic, and ophthalmic diseases. Incorporated in 2007 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, the company is engaged in creating novel treatments informed by key biological pathways. Its product candidates include Aldafermin, an engineered variant of the FGF19 hormone currently in Phase 2b clinical trials for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and NGM313, an agonistic antibody in Phase 1b trials for type 2 diabetes and NASH. Other candidates in development include NGM395 for metabolic syndrome, NGM120 to address cancer anorexia/cachexia syndrome, NGM217 aimed at improving insulin production in diabetes patients, and NGM621 to target a protein involved in age-related macular degeneration. NGM Biopharmaceuticals collaborates with Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. to advance its research and development efforts in creating impactful medicines that enhance patient health.

Igenica

Series B in 2010
Igenica, Inc. is a biotherapeutic company based in Burlingame, California, that specializes in the discovery and development of antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for cancer treatment. Founded in 2008, the company focuses on creating innovative immunotherapies and functional antibodies targeting tumors. Its product pipeline includes IGN523, a humanized monoclonal antibody for various hematologic and solid tumors; IGN786, an antibody-drug conjugate; and IGN381, an immune checkpoint target that enhances the tumor microenvironment. Igenica operates with a strategic oncology research agreement with MedImmune and is supported by a leadership team experienced in antibody drug discovery and clinical development. As of 2017, Igenica operates as a subsidiary of Pierre Fabre Medicament SA, positioning it to leverage additional resources and expertise in the biotherapeutics field.

Carmot Therapeutics

Series A in 2010
Carmot Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Berkeley, California, with an additional office in San Francisco. Founded in 2008, it focuses on discovering and developing innovative therapies for patients with metabolic diseases, including obesity and diabetes. Utilizing its proprietary Chemotype Evolution technology, Carmot Therapeutics aims to address the underlying causes of these conditions and accelerate the discovery of effective treatments. The company’s portfolio includes several clinical-stage drug candidates, such as CT-388 and CT-996, which are designed as GLP-1 receptor agonists for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes, and CT-868, intended for type 1 diabetes patients who are overweight or obese. Through these efforts, Carmot Therapeutics seeks to create life-changing therapeutics that improve the health outcomes of individuals affected by metabolic diseases.

NGM Biopharmaceuticals

Series A in 2009
NGM Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing innovative therapeutics for cardio-metabolic, liver, oncologic, and ophthalmic diseases. Incorporated in 2007 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, the company is engaged in creating novel treatments informed by key biological pathways. Its product candidates include Aldafermin, an engineered variant of the FGF19 hormone currently in Phase 2b clinical trials for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and NGM313, an agonistic antibody in Phase 1b trials for type 2 diabetes and NASH. Other candidates in development include NGM395 for metabolic syndrome, NGM120 to address cancer anorexia/cachexia syndrome, NGM217 aimed at improving insulin production in diabetes patients, and NGM621 to target a protein involved in age-related macular degeneration. NGM Biopharmaceuticals collaborates with Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. to advance its research and development efforts in creating impactful medicines that enhance patient health.

PTC Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2009
PTC Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of orally administered small-molecule therapeutics for the treatment of rare disorders and cancer. The company offers Translarna, used for nonsense mutation Duchenne muscular dystrophy in ambulatory patients, and Emflaza, a corticosteroid for the same condition. PTC Therapeutics is advancing several candidates in clinical development, including Translarna for other rare genetic conditions, RG7916 and RO7034067 for spinal muscular atrophy, and PTC596 and PTC299, which target cancer through dihydrooratate dehydrogenase inhibition. Additionally, the company is developing a gene therapy candidate, PTC-AADC, for Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency. PTC Therapeutics collaborates with various organizations, including F. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd and Massachusetts General Hospital, to further its research and commercialization efforts. Founded in 1998, the company is headquartered in South Plainfield, New Jersey.

Sagimet Biosciences

Series B in 2009
Sagimet Biosciences is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in San Mateo, California, that specializes in developing innovative therapeutics for oncology and infectious diseases, with a particular emphasis on targeting dysfunctional lipid metabolism pathways. The company has a strong focus on fatty acid synthase (FASN) biology and has developed a pipeline of proprietary FASN inhibitors. Its lead product candidate, denifanstat, is an oral selective FASN inhibitor being investigated for the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Additionally, Sagimet is exploring antiviral therapeutic candidates aimed at treating respiratory syncytial virus, cytomegalovirus, and other human pathogens. Founded in 2006, Sagimet Biosciences was previously known as 3-V Biosciences, Inc. before rebranding in August 2019.

Igenica

Series A in 2009
Igenica, Inc. is a biotherapeutic company based in Burlingame, California, that specializes in the discovery and development of antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for cancer treatment. Founded in 2008, the company focuses on creating innovative immunotherapies and functional antibodies targeting tumors. Its product pipeline includes IGN523, a humanized monoclonal antibody for various hematologic and solid tumors; IGN786, an antibody-drug conjugate; and IGN381, an immune checkpoint target that enhances the tumor microenvironment. Igenica operates with a strategic oncology research agreement with MedImmune and is supported by a leadership team experienced in antibody drug discovery and clinical development. As of 2017, Igenica operates as a subsidiary of Pierre Fabre Medicament SA, positioning it to leverage additional resources and expertise in the biotherapeutics field.
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