GeneChem

GeneChem is a venture capital firm based in Montreal, Canada, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in investing in the genomics industry, focusing on companies engaged in drug discovery and development. GeneChem targets businesses involved in gene therapy, functional genomics, bioinformatics, and the development of therapeutics for conditions such as cancer, infectious diseases, inflammation, diabetes, and age-related diseases. The firm primarily invests in companies located in Canada, the United States, and Europe, and aims to support innovative life science projects, particularly those emerging from academic research. Through a unique business model, GeneChem finances research-stage projects to help them achieve pre-clinical proof-of-concept, thereby enhancing their commercial potential.

John Clement

General Partner

Elizabeth Douville

General Partner

Louis Lacasse

Partner

42 past transactions

Inversago Pharma

Series C in 2022
Inversago Pharma Inc. is a preclinical-stage biotechnology company based in Montreal, Canada, focused on developing innovative therapies targeting metabolic and fibrotic disorders. The company specializes in peripherally-restricted CB1 receptor inverse agonists, which aim to offer new treatment options for conditions such as Prader-Willi syndrome, diabetes, and related metabolic disorders. Inversago Pharma's research includes addressing complications associated with diabetic kidney disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and various fibrotic diseases, including interstitial lung disease. Founded in 2015, the company is dedicated to enhancing patient outcomes through its pioneering approach to CB1 blockade.

Triad Life Sciences

Venture Round in 2021
Triad Life Sciences, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Memphis, Tennessee, that focuses on developing bioactive tissue-based materials and therapies for treating acute and chronic wounds, soft tissue injuries, and other regenerative applications. Established in 2017, the company specializes in bioactive extracellular matrixes to create innovative solutions for wound healing. With a leadership team that collectively possesses over 100 years of experience in regenerative medicine technologies, Triad Life Sciences aims to address unmet clinical needs in complex surgical wounds and hard-to-heal conditions. Through the development, manufacturing, and distribution of novel regenerative materials, the company seeks to provide cost-effective and effective therapies for patients suffering from various wound types, including incisional wounds, chronic stalled wounds, and burns.

Giiant Pharma

Seed Round in 2021
Giiant is a preclinical-stage biotech company that, with its proprietary Precision Delivery technology platform, designs gut-restricted, tissue-specific, small molecule, drug therapeutics with various biological targets in gastroenterology. Its lead program GT-2108 is a microbiota-activated PDE4 inhibitor prodrugs, with improved drug tolerability and enhanced therapeutic effect.

Inversago Pharma

Series B in 2020
Inversago Pharma Inc. is a preclinical-stage biotechnology company based in Montreal, Canada, focused on developing innovative therapies targeting metabolic and fibrotic disorders. The company specializes in peripherally-restricted CB1 receptor inverse agonists, which aim to offer new treatment options for conditions such as Prader-Willi syndrome, diabetes, and related metabolic disorders. Inversago Pharma's research includes addressing complications associated with diabetic kidney disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and various fibrotic diseases, including interstitial lung disease. Founded in 2015, the company is dedicated to enhancing patient outcomes through its pioneering approach to CB1 blockade.

Liminal BioSciences

Post in 2020
Liminal BioSciences Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that specializes in the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative treatments for patients with unmet medical needs, particularly focusing on rare and orphan diseases. The company operates through two main segments: Small Molecule Therapeutics and Plasma Derived Therapeutics. Its lead product candidate, fezagepras, targets idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, respiratory diseases, and Alström Syndrome. In the Plasma Derived Therapeutics segment, Liminal BioSciences offers a Plasma Protein Purification System for extracting and purifying therapeutic proteins from human plasma and is developing Ryplazim for congenital plasminogen deficiency. Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Laval, Quebec, the company has a presence in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It was previously known as Prometic Life Sciences Inc. before rebranding in October 2019.

Inversago Pharma

Series A in 2018
Inversago Pharma Inc. is a preclinical-stage biotechnology company based in Montreal, Canada, focused on developing innovative therapies targeting metabolic and fibrotic disorders. The company specializes in peripherally-restricted CB1 receptor inverse agonists, which aim to offer new treatment options for conditions such as Prader-Willi syndrome, diabetes, and related metabolic disorders. Inversago Pharma's research includes addressing complications associated with diabetic kidney disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and various fibrotic diseases, including interstitial lung disease. Founded in 2015, the company is dedicated to enhancing patient outcomes through its pioneering approach to CB1 blockade.

SemaThera

Venture Round in 2018
SemaThera Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Montreal, Canada, focused on developing innovative therapies targeting the SEMA 3A protein for the treatment of various ocular diseases, particularly diabetic macular edema and wet age-related macular degeneration. Established in 2016 as a spin-off from the AmorChem Venture Fund 1, SemaThera's technology originates from the research of Dr. Mike Sapieha at Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont. The company's efforts aim to provide effective protein inhibitors that can address not only ocular conditions but also have potential applications in treating cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

Osprey Pharmaceuticals USA

Venture Round in 2007
Osprey Pharmaceuticals USA is a clinical stage company focused on the development of novel protein therapeutics for the treatment of inflammatory and immune diseases. The company is advancing a pipeline of proprietary fusion protein therapeutics known as Leukocyte Population Modulators (LPMs) that are designed to selectively target and neutralize chemokine-activated leukocytes underlying a variety of inflammatory and immune diseases. The Company’s lead candidate, CCL2-LPM targeting the CCR2 chemokine receptor expressed by certain pathologically activated leukocytes is in a Phase Ib clinical trial for the treatment of IgA nephropathy.

Cytochroma

Series C in 2007
Cytochroma is a clinical stage specialty pharmaceutical company that designs, develops and commercializes prescription products to treat and prevent the clinical consequences of vitamin D insufficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The Company has an advanced portfolio of new therapies designed to safely and effectively treat patients with vitamin D insufficiency and SHPT associated with Stage 3, 4 or 5 CKD. In addition, Cytochroma is developing novel therapies to treat elevated blood phosphorus levels (hyperphosphatemia) in order to improve the control of SHPT in CKD patients.

Xanthus Pharmaceuticals

Series B in 2006
Xanthus Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development, acquisition, and commercialization of small-molecule therapeutics targeting cancer and autoimmune disorders. The company specializes in creating innovative treatments that address unmet medical needs in these critical areas. Through its focused approach, Xanthus Pharmaceuticals aims to advance healthcare solutions that improve patient outcomes and enhance the quality of life for those affected by these diseases.

Ambit Biosciences

Series C in 2005
Ambit Biosciences is a privately-held biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery and development of small molecule kinase inhibitors for the treatment of cancer, inflammatory disease, and other indications. Ambit's lead compound, AC220, is a novel, potent, highly selective, orally bioavailable FMS-like tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT3) inhibitor, and is currently under clinical investigation in patients with relapsed or refractory AML. Ambit is developing AC220 in collaboration with Astellas Pharma Inc. as part of a worldwide agreement to jointly develop and commercialize FLT3 kinase inhibitors in oncology and non-oncology indications. In addition to AC220, Ambit's clinical pipeline includes AC480, a pan-HER inhibitor, and AC430, an oral JAK2 inhibitor. Ambit also has a pipeline of preclinical candidates which includes CEP-32496, a BRAF inhibitor licensed to Cephalon.

NewBiotics

Series E in 2004
NewBiotics is a U.S.-based biotechnology company founded in 1997, specializing in the discovery and development of therapeutic agents that exploit drug resistance mechanisms in cancer and infectious diseases. The company focuses on creating drug molecules that can transform drug resistance into therapeutic advantages, utilizing Enzyme Catalyzed Therapeutic Agents in its research. Notably, NewBiotics has identified the presence of double-minute chromosomes, which are unique to cancer cells, and has developed technology for the purification of double minute DNA from tumor cells. In 2004, NewBiotics was acquired by Celmed Biosciences, further advancing its mission in the field of therapeutics.

Xanthus Pharmaceuticals

Series B in 2003
Xanthus Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development, acquisition, and commercialization of small-molecule therapeutics targeting cancer and autoimmune disorders. The company specializes in creating innovative treatments that address unmet medical needs in these critical areas. Through its focused approach, Xanthus Pharmaceuticals aims to advance healthcare solutions that improve patient outcomes and enhance the quality of life for those affected by these diseases.

LymphoSign

Series A in 2003
LymphoSign is a pharmaceutical company that is focused on the development of drugs for blood cancers. LymphoSign was acquired by Aegera Therapeutics in August 2007. LymphoSign was founded in 2000 and is based in Markham, Canada.

Idun Pharmaceuticals

Series A in 2002
IDUN Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, engages in the discovery and development of human therapeutics to control apoptosis. Its products under Phase 2 and preclinical trials include drugs for liver disease, CNS diseases, inflammation, and cancer, as well as IDN-6556 for the treatment of liver diseases in patients infected with Hepatitis C virus. The company was founded in 1993 and is based in San Diego, California. As of July 30, 2010, IDUN Pharmaceuticals, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Conatus Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Scion Pharmaceuticals

Series B in 2002
Scion Pharmaceuticals is a biotechnology company that specializes in the research and development of small-molecule drugs aimed at treating central nervous system (CNS) disorders and cardiovascular diseases. The company focuses on identifying and optimizing these therapeutic agents, particularly ion channel modulators, to address unmet medical needs in these critical areas. Through its innovative research services, Scion Pharmaceuticals aims to advance drug discovery and contribute to the development of effective treatments for patients suffering from complex health conditions.

Salmedix

Series B in 2002
Salmedix is an oncology drug development company with a commercial focus on the treatment of hematologic malignancies, or blood cancers. Its primary product, SDX-105, is marketed by healthcare professionals in Germany for the treatment of several types of blood cancers. Salmedix conducts Phase II clinical trials for SDX-105 in the U.S. and Canada. Its other clinical-stage product candidates, SDX-101 and SDX-102, each with significant prior human clinical experience, are also in Phase II development. Founded in 2000 by David Kabakoff, Salmedix is headquartered in San Diego, California.

Aegera Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2002
Aegera Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing targeted therapeutics to meet significant unmet medical needs. The company has several clinical programs, primarily in oncology, addressing conditions such as relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, non-small cell lung cancer, and various hematological cancers. Additionally, Aegera is exploring treatments for pancreatic cancer and diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The company is also engaged in the development of small molecule inhibitors targeting Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins (IAP) for multiple cancers, as well as inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Aegera aims to leverage its core technologies and expertise to identify and advance novel development candidates from preclinical stages into clinical trials.

PhageTech

Private Equity Round in 2002
PhageTech, LLC, established in 2014 and located in Irvine, California, specializes in the development of innovative bacteriophage-based sensors for the rapid detection of diseases in various bodily fluids, including urine and blood. The company's technology aims to identify early-stage cancers and infectious diseases, allowing for accurate and convenient diagnostics that facilitate timely treatment. This approach addresses critical health issues such as sepsis and MRSA while targeting the global in vitro diagnostics market. By providing low-cost, instant results and the ability to detect multiple disease biomarkers simultaneously, PhageTech's sensors offer a significant advancement over traditional antibody-based methods, which are often expensive and require strict storage conditions. The company's goal is to enhance accessibility to vital health diagnostics, particularly in developing regions, ultimately saving millions of lives worldwide.

Cytochroma

Series B in 2001
Cytochroma is a clinical stage specialty pharmaceutical company that designs, develops and commercializes prescription products to treat and prevent the clinical consequences of vitamin D insufficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The Company has an advanced portfolio of new therapies designed to safely and effectively treat patients with vitamin D insufficiency and SHPT associated with Stage 3, 4 or 5 CKD. In addition, Cytochroma is developing novel therapies to treat elevated blood phosphorus levels (hyperphosphatemia) in order to improve the control of SHPT in CKD patients.

Avalon Pharmaceuticals

Series B in 2001
Avalon Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company based in Germantown, Maryland, that specializes in the discovery and development of novel cancer therapeutics. The company utilizes its proprietary AvalonRx technology to create innovative treatments for hematologic and solid cancers. Its leading candidate, AVN944, is an inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) inhibitor currently in Phase IIa clinical development. Avalon has established several collaborative agreements with major pharmaceutical companies, including partnerships for the development of oncology therapeutics and small molecule compounds targeting inflammatory diseases. These collaborations enhance its research capabilities and support the advancement of its drug candidates. Founded in 1999, Avalon Pharmaceuticals continues to focus on delivering effective cancer therapies through its extensive research and development initiatives.

Cytochroma

Series B in 2001
Cytochroma is a clinical stage specialty pharmaceutical company that designs, develops and commercializes prescription products to treat and prevent the clinical consequences of vitamin D insufficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The Company has an advanced portfolio of new therapies designed to safely and effectively treat patients with vitamin D insufficiency and SHPT associated with Stage 3, 4 or 5 CKD. In addition, Cytochroma is developing novel therapies to treat elevated blood phosphorus levels (hyperphosphatemia) in order to improve the control of SHPT in CKD patients.

GeneFormatics

Venture Round in 2001
GeneFormatics is a biotechnology company specializing in structural proteomics.

Interomex BioPharmaceuticals

Series B in 2001
Interomex Biopharmaceuticals Inc. is dedicated to the identification of novel biological targets in key cellular processes with the aim of discovering lead compounds for the treatment of disease. The company’s proprietary Repressed Trans-activator (RTATM) technology can be used to detect protein-protein interactions between a host and an infectious agent, as well as within cells in normal and diseased states. A particular advantage of RTATM is its ability to detect the interactions of transcription transactivator proteins, which are key control points in viral infections and cell activation.

GeneFormatics

Venture Round in 2000
GeneFormatics is a biotechnology company specializing in structural proteomics.

Elitra Pharmaceuticals

Venture Round in 2000
Elitra Pharmaceuticals in San Diego, CA is a private company categorized under Pharmaceutical Preparations. It was established in 1997 and incorporated in California.

Novalon Pharmaceutical

Venture Round in 2000
Developer of drugs for medical needs. Company develops novel pharmaceuticals through the company's technology access programs and therapeutic programs.

Viron Therapeutics

Series A in 2000
Viron Therapeutics is a Biotechnology company

Ceptyr

Venture Round in 1999
Ceptyr, Inc was founded to focus on developing drugs against protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs), a largely unexplored niche in pharmaceutical development.

Cytochroma

Series A in 1999
Cytochroma is a clinical stage specialty pharmaceutical company that designs, develops and commercializes prescription products to treat and prevent the clinical consequences of vitamin D insufficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The Company has an advanced portfolio of new therapies designed to safely and effectively treat patients with vitamin D insufficiency and SHPT associated with Stage 3, 4 or 5 CKD. In addition, Cytochroma is developing novel therapies to treat elevated blood phosphorus levels (hyperphosphatemia) in order to improve the control of SHPT in CKD patients.

BioVex Group

Series A in 1999
BioVex is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing and commercializing biological therapies for cancer treatment and the prevention of infectious diseases. Its primary focus is OncoVEXGM-CSF, an oncolytic vaccine that selectively targets and destroys cancer cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. This vaccine operates by replicating within solid tumors, leading to cancer cell death, and also stimulates a robust systemic immune response against tumors. OncoVEXGM-CSF has undergone clinical testing in over 110 patients across various solid tumors, including melanoma, head and neck cancer, breast cancer, and pancreatic cancer. The treatment has demonstrated significant efficacy, routinely eliminating tumors at the injection site and achieving overall disease responses during Phase II trials, with no reported recurrences of resolved tumors. Additionally, BioVex is developing ImmunoVEXHSV2, a vaccine aimed at preventing genital herpes.

Message Pharmaceuticals

Venture Round in 1999
Message Pharmaceuticals is a company that provides Communications systems and more.

The Medicines Company

Venture Round in 1999
The Medicines Company is focused on advancing the treatment of critical care patients through the delivery of innovative, cost-effective medicines to the worldwide hospital marketplace. The Company markets Angiomax(R) (bivalirudin) in the United States and other countries for use in patients undergoing coronary angioplasty, and Cleviprex(R) (clevidipine butyrate) injectable emulsion in the United States for the reduction of blood pressure when oral therapy is not feasible or not desirable. The Company also has two products in late stage development: cangrelor, an investigational antiplatelet agent, and oritavancin, a semi-synthetic lipoglycopeptide antibiotic. The Company's pipeline also includes a serine protease inhibitor, CU2010, in early-stage development.

MethylGene

Venture Round in 1999
MethylGene Inc. (TSX:MYG) is a publicly-traded, clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel therapeutics with a focus on cancer. The Company's product candidates include: MGCD265, an oral, multi-targeted kinase inhibitor targeting the Met, VEGF, Ron and Tie-2 receptor tyrosine kinases that is in multiple clinical trials for cancer; MGCD290, a fungal Hos2 inhibitor for use in combination with fluconazole for serious fungal infections which has completed Phase I clinical studies; and mocetinostat (MGCD0103), an oral, isoform-selective HDAC inhibitor for cancer which has been in multiple Phase II clinical trials and is currently in a Phase II trial in refractory or relapsed follicular lymphoma. Mocetinostat is licensed to Taiho Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd in certain Asian countries. A fourth compound discovered using MethylGene's HDAC platform, EVP-0334 - a potential cognition enhancing agent for neurodegenerative diseases has successfully completed Phase I trials sponsored by EnVivo Pharmaceuticals Inc. MethylGene also has a funded collaboration with Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. for applications in ocular diseases using the Company's proprietary kinase inhibitor chemistry.

Copernicus Therapeutics

Venture Round in 1999
Copernicus Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cleveland, Ohio, focused on developing a non-viral delivery system for nucleic acid drugs. The company's proprietary nanoparticle platform allows for effective gene transfer across various tissues while minimizing immune responses, a common issue with traditional AAV therapies. Copernicus Therapeutics aims to address the root causes of diseases such as cystic fibrosis and is also exploring treatments for a range of serious conditions with limited therapeutic options. These include ocular disorders like macular degeneration and glaucoma, neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, and pulmonary disorders, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. Established in 1995, the company was formerly known as Copernicus Gene Systems, Inc. and rebranded in 1997.

Lexicon Pharmaceuticals

Post in 1999
Lexicon Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative pharmaceutical products aimed at treating various human diseases in areas such as immunology, metabolism, cardiology, and ophthalmology. Its pipeline includes drug candidates like LX1031, which has completed Phase II trials for irritable bowel syndrome, and LX4211, also in Phase II for type 2 diabetes. Other candidates include LX2931, currently in Phase II trials for rheumatoid arthritis, and LX1032, which has completed Phase II for carcinoid syndrome symptoms. The company is also advancing LX7101, a preclinical candidate for glaucoma. Lexicon has formed strategic alliances with several major pharmaceutical companies, including Bristol-Myers Squibb and Takeda Pharmaceutical, as well as collaborations for drug development and discovery.

Gene Logic

Venture Round in 1997
Gene Logic is a leading integrated genomics company providing comprehensive Genomic Reference Databases and GLP compliant Microarray Services. Over 2/3rd of the top 25 Pharma companies, leading research institutes and emerging biotech companies worldwide have chosen us as their preferred genomics partner and utilize our expertise for understanding underlying mechanisms of diseases, discovery and prioritization of gene targets & biomarkers.
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