Lumira Ventures

Lumira Ventures is a venture capital firm that specializes in investing in emerging, mid, and late-stage companies within the healthcare and life sciences sectors. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, it has additional offices in Montreal, Vancouver, and Boston. The firm focuses on biotechnology, biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, digital health, and consumer health companies, primarily in North America, particularly Canada and the United States. Lumira Ventures typically invests between 5 million and 15 million in its portfolio companies, which currently includes over 30 active investees. The firm collaborates closely with management teams to enhance the value of their technology pipelines through strategic financing, board participation, and facilitating access to funding sources, partners, and market opportunities. With a history of over 100 investments since 1989, Lumira Ventures is recognized for its commitment to fostering innovation and addressing significant unmet needs in healthcare.

Gerry Brunk, MBA

Managing Director

Daniel Hetu

Managing Director

Jacki Jenuth

Partner

Vasco Larcina. CPA

CFO

Alice Luo

Analyst

David Novak

Venture Partner

Suman Rao

Senior Associate

Benjamin Rovinski, Ph.D.

Managing Director

Nikhil Thatte

Principal

Peter van der Velden, MBA, M.Sc.

Managing General Partner

Benjamin Rovinski Ph.D

Managing Director

Baye Galligan, M.A., HBA

Associate

Past deals in Canada

AmacaThera

Series A in 2023
AmacaThera Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Toronto, Canada, established in 2016. The company focuses on developing and commercializing an injectable hydrogel technology designed to enhance drug delivery for various medical applications. This innovative platform aims to improve patient outcomes in areas such as post-surgical pain management, cancer treatment, and other challenging therapeutic targets. AmacaThera's technology features a fast-gelling material that transitions from a liquid to a gel under force, combining hyaluronan and methylcellulose. This unique formulation allows for localized and sustained drug delivery, ultimately assisting healthcare providers in effectively managing patients' pain following surgery.

AmacaThera

Series A in 2021
AmacaThera Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Toronto, Canada, established in 2016. The company focuses on developing and commercializing an injectable hydrogel technology designed to enhance drug delivery for various medical applications. This innovative platform aims to improve patient outcomes in areas such as post-surgical pain management, cancer treatment, and other challenging therapeutic targets. AmacaThera's technology features a fast-gelling material that transitions from a liquid to a gel under force, combining hyaluronan and methylcellulose. This unique formulation allows for localized and sustained drug delivery, ultimately assisting healthcare providers in effectively managing patients' pain following surgery.

Iterion Therapeutics

Series B in 2021
Iterion Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Houston, Texas, focused on developing targeted therapeutics for cancer treatment. Founded in 2010, the company specializes in innovative cancer therapies, with its leading product, Tegavivint, being a selective inhibitor of the Wnt/b-catenin signaling pathway. This pathway is known to play a significant role in processes such as cell proliferation and immune evasion. Tegavivint has shown pre-clinical efficacy in various cancer models, including desmoid tumors, acute myeloid leukemia, osteosarcoma, and several solid tumors. Iterion is currently conducting a Phase I clinical study for Tegavivint in patients with desmoid tumors across multiple clinical sites in the United States and Canada, aiming to provide effective treatment options for patients with challenging cancers.

Notch Therapeutics

Series A in 2021
Notch Therapeutics Inc. is an immune cell therapy company focused on developing gene-edited allogenic T cell therapies for cancer treatment. Based in Toronto, Canada, the company utilizes a proprietary platform for induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology that allows for precision control of Notch signaling, which is essential for T cell development. This innovative approach addresses critical limitations in cell therapy development, enabling the design and manufacture of a consistent and limitless supply of therapeutic T cells. Notch Therapeutics aims to provide targeted treatments for conditions such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemia, and multiple myeloma, facilitating advancements in the treatment of complex disease systems. Established in 2018, the company is positioned at the forefront of next-generation cancer therapies.

IMV

Post in 2020
IMV Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Dartmouth, Canada, focused on developing innovative cancer immunotherapies and vaccines for infectious diseases. The company utilizes its patented DepoVax platform to enhance immune responses, allowing for controlled and prolonged exposure of antigens. Its lead candidate, DPX-Survivac, is a targeted T cell therapy that has shown promising results in multiple Phase 1 and 1b trials for late-stage ovarian cancer and relapsed/refractory diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). IMV is currently conducting Phase 2 trials for DPX-Survivac across several cancer indications and exploring its use in combination with Merck's Keytruda. Additionally, IMV is developing a DPX-based vaccine candidate against COVID-19 and a vaccine targeting the respiratory syncytial virus. The company also has a diverse pipeline of vaccine candidates for various infectious diseases, including malaria and anthrax, and maintains partnerships in the animal health sector.

IMV

Post in 2020
IMV Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Dartmouth, Canada, focused on developing innovative cancer immunotherapies and vaccines for infectious diseases. The company utilizes its patented DepoVax platform to enhance immune responses, allowing for controlled and prolonged exposure of antigens. Its lead candidate, DPX-Survivac, is a targeted T cell therapy that has shown promising results in multiple Phase 1 and 1b trials for late-stage ovarian cancer and relapsed/refractory diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). IMV is currently conducting Phase 2 trials for DPX-Survivac across several cancer indications and exploring its use in combination with Merck's Keytruda. Additionally, IMV is developing a DPX-based vaccine candidate against COVID-19 and a vaccine targeting the respiratory syncytial virus. The company also has a diverse pipeline of vaccine candidates for various infectious diseases, including malaria and anthrax, and maintains partnerships in the animal health sector.

AmacaThera

Seed Round in 2019
AmacaThera Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Toronto, Canada, established in 2016. The company focuses on developing and commercializing an injectable hydrogel technology designed to enhance drug delivery for various medical applications. This innovative platform aims to improve patient outcomes in areas such as post-surgical pain management, cancer treatment, and other challenging therapeutic targets. AmacaThera's technology features a fast-gelling material that transitions from a liquid to a gel under force, combining hyaluronan and methylcellulose. This unique formulation allows for localized and sustained drug delivery, ultimately assisting healthcare providers in effectively managing patients' pain following surgery.

Exact Imaging

Venture Round in 2018
Exact Imaging specializes in high-resolution micro-ultrasound systems aimed at improving real-time imaging and guided biopsies in the urological sector, particularly for prostate cancer. The company's flagship product, the ExactVu system, operates at 29 MHz, providing exceptional resolution that allows for the visualization and targeting of suspicious regions. In addition to enabling precise systematic biopsies, Exact Imaging offers the FusionVu application, which integrates micro-ultrasound with MRI to enhance prostate imaging and biopsy accuracy. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Markham, Canada, the company was previously known as Imagistx, Inc. before rebranding in 2015.

Medexus Pharmaceuticals

Post in 2018
Medexus Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a specialty pharmaceutical company operating in Canada and the United States, dedicated to developing and commercializing treatments for rare and auto-immune diseases. The company's primary products include Rasuvo and Metoject, which are formulations of methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis and other auto-immune conditions. Additionally, Medexus offers IXINITY, a therapeutic for Hemophilia B, and Rupall, indicated for various allergic conditions. The company's portfolio also features Cuvposa for sialorrhea, Gliolan for brain tumor visualization, and Treosulfan, used in stem cell transplantation preparation. Medexus Pharmaceuticals, based in Verdun, Canada, previously operated as Pediapharm Inc. and has since expanded its focus to include a range of therapeutic areas such as rheumatology, oncology, hematology, allergy, and pediatrics.

KalGene Pharmaceuticals

Series A in 2018
KalGene Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a privately held company based in Candiac, Canada, that specializes in the development of precision medicine for Alzheimer’s disease. Founded in 2006, KalGene collaborates with prominent clinician-scientists and academic institutions across North America and Europe. The company's focus is on creating targeted therapeutics and companion diagnostics aimed at enhancing clinical outcomes and survival rates through personalized medicine. By utilizing individual biological signatures, KalGene's approach seeks to predict patient responses to specific therapies, enabling healthcare providers to tailor treatments to meet the unique needs of each patient.

Exact Imaging

Series D in 2018
Exact Imaging specializes in high-resolution micro-ultrasound systems aimed at improving real-time imaging and guided biopsies in the urological sector, particularly for prostate cancer. The company's flagship product, the ExactVu system, operates at 29 MHz, providing exceptional resolution that allows for the visualization and targeting of suspicious regions. In addition to enabling precise systematic biopsies, Exact Imaging offers the FusionVu application, which integrates micro-ultrasound with MRI to enhance prostate imaging and biopsy accuracy. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Markham, Canada, the company was previously known as Imagistx, Inc. before rebranding in 2015.

Exact Imaging

Venture Round in 2018
Exact Imaging specializes in high-resolution micro-ultrasound systems aimed at improving real-time imaging and guided biopsies in the urological sector, particularly for prostate cancer. The company's flagship product, the ExactVu system, operates at 29 MHz, providing exceptional resolution that allows for the visualization and targeting of suspicious regions. In addition to enabling precise systematic biopsies, Exact Imaging offers the FusionVu application, which integrates micro-ultrasound with MRI to enhance prostate imaging and biopsy accuracy. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Markham, Canada, the company was previously known as Imagistx, Inc. before rebranding in 2015.

KalGene Pharmaceuticals

Series A in 2017
KalGene Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a privately held company based in Candiac, Canada, that specializes in the development of precision medicine for Alzheimer’s disease. Founded in 2006, KalGene collaborates with prominent clinician-scientists and academic institutions across North America and Europe. The company's focus is on creating targeted therapeutics and companion diagnostics aimed at enhancing clinical outcomes and survival rates through personalized medicine. By utilizing individual biological signatures, KalGene's approach seeks to predict patient responses to specific therapies, enabling healthcare providers to tailor treatments to meet the unique needs of each patient.

Exact Imaging

Series C in 2017
Exact Imaging specializes in high-resolution micro-ultrasound systems aimed at improving real-time imaging and guided biopsies in the urological sector, particularly for prostate cancer. The company's flagship product, the ExactVu system, operates at 29 MHz, providing exceptional resolution that allows for the visualization and targeting of suspicious regions. In addition to enabling precise systematic biopsies, Exact Imaging offers the FusionVu application, which integrates micro-ultrasound with MRI to enhance prostate imaging and biopsy accuracy. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Markham, Canada, the company was previously known as Imagistx, Inc. before rebranding in 2015.

Opsens

Post in 2016
Opsens Inc. specializes in the development, manufacturing, and sale of fiber optic sensors for various applications, including interventional cardiology, fractional flow reserve (FFR), and industrial uses. The company operates through two segments: Medical and Industrial. The Medical segment focuses on physiological measurements, particularly in coronary artery disease, offering products such as the OptoWire, an advanced optical-based pressure guidewire designed to improve clinical outcomes, and a range of miniature optical sensors for pressure and temperature measurement that can be integrated into other medical devices. The Industrial segment provides fiber optic sensing solutions for various industries, including life sciences, energy, defense, aerospace, and civil engineering. Opsens markets its products through a direct sales force and distributors in regions such as the United States, Japan, and Canada, with its headquarters located in Québec, Canada.

Zymeworks

Series A in 2016
Zymeworks Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Vancouver, Canada, focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative biotherapeutics primarily for cancer treatment. The company's lead candidates include ZW25, a bispecific antibody undergoing Phase I and II clinical trials for various cancers such as biliary tract and gastroesophageal adenocarcinomas, and ZW49, a bispecific antibody-drug conjugate in Phase I trials targeting advanced or metastatic HER2-expressing cancers. Zymeworks utilizes a combination of proprietary molecular modeling, simulation software, and high-performance computing to optimize therapeutic antibodies and other protein-based treatments. The company has established strategic partnerships with several leading pharmaceutical firms, including Merck, Eli Lilly, and Bristol-Myers Squibb, among others, to enhance its research and development efforts. Additionally, Zymeworks is advancing a preclinical pipeline that includes candidates for oncology and other therapeutic areas, reflecting its commitment to addressing unmet medical needs.

Social Change Rewards

Venture Round in 2015
This national mobile wellness rewards initiative harnesses the public’s affinity for popular loyalty points, the convenience of smart phone technology and Canadians’ natural desire to lead healthier lives. It is this unique combination that results in such a powerful “nudge” platform – in support of a healthier

Aurinia Pharmaceuticals

Post in 2014
Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Victoria, Canada, focused on developing and commercializing therapies for serious diseases with high unmet medical needs. The company is engaged in the development of voclosporin, an investigational drug aimed at treating lupus nephritis, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, and dry eye syndrome. Aurinia's primary market for its products is the United States, with ongoing efforts to address the needs of targeted patient populations suffering from these conditions.

Aptose Biosciences

Post in 2013
Aptose Biosciences Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to discovering and developing personalized therapies for unmet medical needs in oncology. The company focuses on small molecule cancer therapeutics, with a pipeline that includes APTO-253, currently in a Phase 1b trial for patients with relapsed/refractory blood cancers such as acute myeloid leukemia and high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome. Additionally, Aptose is collaborating with CrystalGenomics, Inc. on CG026806, which is in a Phase 1a/b trial for relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia and various B-cell malignancies. Another partnership with OHM Oncology involves the development and commercialization of APL-581 for the treatment of hematologic malignancies. Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Toronto, Canada, Aptose Biosciences was previously known as Lorus Therapeutics Inc. and changed its name in August 2014.

Aurinia Pharmaceuticals

Post in 2013
Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Victoria, Canada, focused on developing and commercializing therapies for serious diseases with high unmet medical needs. The company is engaged in the development of voclosporin, an investigational drug aimed at treating lupus nephritis, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, and dry eye syndrome. Aurinia's primary market for its products is the United States, with ongoing efforts to address the needs of targeted patient populations suffering from these conditions.
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