Mission BioCapital

SiteOne Therapeutics is a San Francisco-based company focused on developing innovative therapeutics and diagnostics aimed at treating acute and chronic pain. The company specializes in creating products that address the limitations of existing pain management therapies, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids. Its lead therapeutic candidates are selective inhibitors of the voltage-gated sodium ion channel Naᵥ1.7, which is essential for the generation and conduction of pain signals. By targeting this specific channel, SiteOne Therapeutics aims to provide more effective and safer pain relief options for healthcare professionals and their patients, particularly in the treatment of neuropathic pain.

Alessa Therapeutics, Inc. is a pre-clinical stage biotechnology company based in San Francisco, California, focused on developing localized treatments for solid organ diseases. Founded in 2018, the company specializes in a drug delivery implantable system specifically designed to treat prostate cancer. This innovative system allows for the sustained and localized administration of anti-androgen drugs directly to the tumor in the prostate, minimizing systemic exposure and enhancing treatment efficacy. By concentrating on localized therapies, Alessa Therapeutics aims to improve patient outcomes in the management of various organ diseases.

Nuvig Therapeutics focuses on developing innovative therapies aimed at restoring immune homeostasis and rebalancing immune function. The company is dedicated to creating a pipeline of novel immune therapeutics specifically targeting chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. By harnessing natural mechanisms to modulate immune responses, Nuvig seeks to enhance treatment options for patients, ultimately improving their health outcomes.

Jupiter Bioventures is a venture builder company dedicated to de-risking early-stage therapeutic projects. It operates by evaluating opportunities through a specific set of investment criteria and providing initial seed capital to founders. This approach enables the growth of innovative projects in the biotechnology sector, supporting entrepreneurs as they navigate the challenges of early development. By focusing on early-stage initiatives, Jupiter Bioventures aims to foster advancements in therapeutic solutions while minimizing the inherent risks associated with new ventures.

Babylon Biosciences is a biotechnology company dedicated to discovering and developing small-molecule therapeutics to treat Alzheimer's disease. Its proprietary platform facilitates the identification and advancement of these therapeutics, aiming to alleviate the burden of nerve and brain-related diseases.

Umlaut.Bio is a spinout of the European Molecule Biology Laboratory (EMBL), is pursuing tRNA targets for treatment of cancer and immunological diseases.

TippingPoint Biosciences is focused on developing innovative therapeutics that address diseases caused by defects in DNA packaging, with an emphasis on conditions such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Utilizing a specialized drug discovery platform, the company aims to identify new treatment options that specifically target unique genome packaging states associated with various diseases. This approach not only facilitates the treatment of cancer but also holds potential for advancing stem cell therapies by correcting dysfunctional genome packaging. Through its research and development efforts, TippingPoint Biosciences seeks to provide effective solutions for complex medical challenges.

Bullseye Bio is a biotechnology company specializing in drug discovery services. It operates a therapeutics discovery platform designed to generate scalable data for machine learning, with a focus on unlocking the therapeutic potential of intracellular protein-protein interactions. The company's pipeline includes treatments for cardiometabolic, inflammation, and oncology indications, aiming to provide life-saving therapies for high-need conditions.

March Biosciences is a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in cell therapies for hematological cancers. It focuses on developing CAR-T cell therapies, with its lead product, MB-105, targeting CD5 in refractory T-cell lymphoma and leukemia. The company's approach involves biologically informed target selection, simplified CAR-T engineering, and a streamlined manufacturing process to ensure cell functionality and consistency.

ImmunOs Therapeutics AG is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Schlieren, Switzerland, founded in 2014. The company specializes in the discovery and development of innovative immunotherapies aimed at enhancing cancer treatment and addressing autoimmune diseases. ImmunOs focuses on creating novel human immunomodulatory proteins that play a role in both innate and adaptive immunity. Their therapeutics are designed to exert direct anti-tumor effects by remodeling the tumor microenvironment, while also developing antibodies that inhibit the activation of specific HLA molecules linked to autoimmune conditions. Through its research and development efforts, ImmunOs aims to improve the lives of patients facing serious diseases.

Vaxess Technologies, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 2011. The company specializes in the development and commercialization of silk biomaterial technologies, particularly the MIMIX microneedle platform, which facilitates transdermal delivery of vaccines and therapeutics. This innovative sustained release patch technology enhances vaccine administration by simulating a natural infection, promoting a robust and prolonged immune response, thereby improving vaccine effectiveness. Additionally, Vaxess’s MATRIX formulation and drying platform creates thermostable vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostic products that do not require refrigeration, making them suitable for distribution in low-resource settings. Through these advanced solutions, Vaxess aims to improve patient outcomes in oncology care and infectious diseases while reducing treatment burdens for healthcare practitioners.

Progentos Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies for chronic diseases, specifically targeting multiple sclerosis. The company has created novel small-molecule therapeutics aimed at activating oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, which play a crucial role in myelin regeneration. By stimulating the body's natural repair mechanisms, Progentos Therapeutics seeks to help patients recover lost functions and enhance their quality of life. Through its research and development efforts, the company is committed to addressing the unmet medical needs of those affected by multiple sclerosis.

Nocion Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, established in 2017. It specializes in developing innovative therapies known as "nocions," which are designed to treat conditions resulting from neurogenic inflammation. These therapies selectively target activated nociceptors, the sensory neurons responsible for pain perception, by utilizing small molecule charged sodium channel blockers. This targeted approach aims to provide robust and sustained relief from serious conditions such as cough, itch, pain, and inflammation, addressing the limitations of traditional small molecule anesthetics.

Aperture Therapeutics is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing novel therapies for age-related neurodegenerative diseases. It employs a distinctive drug discovery platform that leverages the genetic diversity of patients to identify new disease pathways and drug targets. Currently in the pre-clinical stage, the company operates from a lab incubator, integrating insights from neuroscience and immunology to advance its research. Aperture Therapeutics' approach centers on the significance of genetic diversity in the discovery process, aiming to create more effective treatments for neurodegeneration and neuroimmunology conditions.

Mediar Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded in 2019. It specializes in developing antibody-based therapeutics targeting key fibrotic mediator proteins involved in fibrosis, aiming to halt and potentially reverse this condition in chronically damaged organs. The company operates at the pre-clinical stage.

QurAlis Corporation is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing therapeutics for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases. Established in 2016 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, QurAlis employs proprietary platforms and biomarkers to create precision medicines that target genetically validated disease-causing alterations. The company’s pipeline includes innovative treatments aimed at specific subtypes of ALS, such as therapies that restore dysfunctional cellular waste clearance, manage overactive neurons, and eliminate toxic proteins. Through its advanced antisense oligonucleotides and small molecule programs, QurAlis seeks to halt disease progression and significantly improve patient outcomes for those affected by ALS.

Vaxess Technologies, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 2011. The company specializes in the development and commercialization of silk biomaterial technologies, particularly the MIMIX microneedle platform, which facilitates transdermal delivery of vaccines and therapeutics. This innovative sustained release patch technology enhances vaccine administration by simulating a natural infection, promoting a robust and prolonged immune response, thereby improving vaccine effectiveness. Additionally, Vaxess’s MATRIX formulation and drying platform creates thermostable vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostic products that do not require refrigeration, making them suitable for distribution in low-resource settings. Through these advanced solutions, Vaxess aims to improve patient outcomes in oncology care and infectious diseases while reducing treatment burdens for healthcare practitioners.

Vaxess Technologies, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 2011. The company specializes in the development and commercialization of silk biomaterial technologies, particularly the MIMIX microneedle platform, which facilitates transdermal delivery of vaccines and therapeutics. This innovative sustained release patch technology enhances vaccine administration by simulating a natural infection, promoting a robust and prolonged immune response, thereby improving vaccine effectiveness. Additionally, Vaxess’s MATRIX formulation and drying platform creates thermostable vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostic products that do not require refrigeration, making them suitable for distribution in low-resource settings. Through these advanced solutions, Vaxess aims to improve patient outcomes in oncology care and infectious diseases while reducing treatment burdens for healthcare practitioners.

Integrated Biosciences focuses on developing innovative therapeutics aimed at combating age-related diseases. Founded on research from prestigious institutions such as Harvard, MIT, and UCSB, the company has made significant strides in the field, including the first AI-driven discovery of anti-aging drug candidates and the introduction of a novel structural class of antibiotics in six decades. By leveraging synthetic biology and machine learning, Integrated Biosciences seeks to control cellular stress responses, facilitating advancements in cellular rejuvenation and empowering medical professionals with next-generation treatment options.

Dren Bio is a biotechnology company that specializes in protein engineering technologies aimed at depleting pathogenic cells, protein aggregates, and other disease-causing agents. The company operates under a holding business model, developing a diverse portfolio of projects that function as stand-alone assets. Dren Bio's platform is designed to address a range of health conditions, including hematologic neoplasms, solid tumors, autoimmune disorders, and diseases associated with protein aggregation. By focusing on innovative protein-based technologies, Dren Bio enables healthcare professionals to manage and treat various serious diseases more effectively.

ImmunOs Therapeutics AG is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Schlieren, Switzerland, founded in 2014. The company specializes in the discovery and development of innovative immunotherapies aimed at enhancing cancer treatment and addressing autoimmune diseases. ImmunOs focuses on creating novel human immunomodulatory proteins that play a role in both innate and adaptive immunity. Their therapeutics are designed to exert direct anti-tumor effects by remodeling the tumor microenvironment, while also developing antibodies that inhibit the activation of specific HLA molecules linked to autoimmune conditions. Through its research and development efforts, ImmunOs aims to improve the lives of patients facing serious diseases.

Nuvig Therapeutics focuses on developing innovative therapies aimed at restoring immune homeostasis and rebalancing immune function. The company is dedicated to creating a pipeline of novel immune therapeutics specifically targeting chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. By harnessing natural mechanisms to modulate immune responses, Nuvig seeks to enhance treatment options for patients, ultimately improving their health outcomes.

Arkuda Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company founded in 2018 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative treatments for patients with neurological diseases. The company utilizes new insights into progranulin and lysosomal biology to create therapies that aim to correct progranulin deficiency and address lysosomal dysfunction, particularly in genetically-defined frontotemporal dementia associated with mutations in the GRN gene. By targeting these underlying biological mechanisms, Arkuda's lead compounds are designed to improve cellular health in the brain, potentially delaying the progression of neurodegenerative diseases and the onset of their symptoms.

Ambagon Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing small-molecule therapeutics for cancer treatment. The company specializes in research aimed at stabilizing the interactions of oncogenic proteins, which are often difficult to modulate with traditional methods. By selectively enhancing the activity of tumor-suppressing proteins associated with transcription factors and oncoproteins, Ambagon aims to provide new therapeutic options for addressing significant unmet clinical needs in oncology. Founded by Christian Ottmann, Lucas Brunsveld, and Michelle Arkin, the company is dedicated to advancing innovative solutions in cancer care.

Tune Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative cell and gene therapies. It employs an epigenetic programming platform to create novel therapeutic pathways, aiming to treat severe diseases without modifying the underlying DNA sequence.

GraphWear Technologies Inc. is a company based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, specializing in advanced nanotechnology sensing platforms that enable non-invasive monitoring of vital body metrics. Founded in 2015, GraphWear develops patch sensors that measure lactic acid and glucose levels in sweat, providing solutions for dehydration monitoring, glucose detection, and assessing muscle endurance and recovery. The company primarily serves professional sports teams, college athletics, and amateur athletes, aiming to enhance performance and prevent dehydration. In addition to its athletic applications, GraphWear is conducting clinical trials for a glucose monitoring device designed to support diabetes management, with potential expansions into monitoring conditions such as heart disease and cancer. By offering a no-needle, no-blood approach to health monitoring, GraphWear seeks to empower users with timely and accurate health information, facilitating better diagnosis and care.

Asher Biotherapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, founded in 2019. The company specializes in the development of immunotherapy drugs aimed at effectively treating cancer. Its innovative therapies are designed to enhance the immune system's ability to target and eliminate cancer cells while minimizing side effects. This focus allows healthcare providers to deliver effective treatments to patients in a shorter timeframe, aiming to improve overall outcomes in cancer care.

Glycomine, Inc. is a biotech company based in San Carlos, California, focused on developing nanomedicines for rare genetic disorders, particularly those related to protein and lipid glycosylation. Founded in 2014, the company addresses the significant unmet medical needs of patients suffering from rare diseases, of which approximately 7,000 exist globally, with a majority lacking FDA-approved treatments. Glycomine specializes in creating replacement therapies that combine substrates, enzymes, and proteins with advanced bio-nano materials. These therapeutics are designed to facilitate the targeted delivery of treatment to clinically relevant organs, thereby enhancing the efficacy of care for conditions characterized by metabolic disorders and protein misfolding.

Vedere Bio, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, established in 2019. The company focuses on developing gene therapy products aimed at restoring functional vision for patients who have experienced vision loss due to Inherited Retinal Degenerations (IRDs) and other causes of vision impairment, both genetic and non-genetic. Unlike many ocular gene therapies that primarily slow the progression of vision loss, Vedere Bio seeks to restore lost vision, regardless of the patient's genetic background or stage of their condition. As of September 2020, Vedere Bio operates as a subsidiary of Novartis AG.

Mediar Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded in 2019. It specializes in developing antibody-based therapeutics targeting key fibrotic mediator proteins involved in fibrosis, aiming to halt and potentially reverse this condition in chronically damaged organs. The company operates at the pre-clinical stage.

Dren Bio is a biotechnology company that specializes in protein engineering technologies aimed at depleting pathogenic cells, protein aggregates, and other disease-causing agents. The company operates under a holding business model, developing a diverse portfolio of projects that function as stand-alone assets. Dren Bio's platform is designed to address a range of health conditions, including hematologic neoplasms, solid tumors, autoimmune disorders, and diseases associated with protein aggregation. By focusing on innovative protein-based technologies, Dren Bio enables healthcare professionals to manage and treat various serious diseases more effectively.

Totient Inc. is an AI-driven biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded in 2016. The company specializes in using advanced machine learning and immunoinformatics to analyze complex datasets in the field of drug discovery and development. It focuses on identifying novel tissue-specific antigens and reconstructing high-affinity antibody therapeutics from tissues impacted by cancer, autoimmune diseases, and infections. By leveraging its platform's unique capabilities, Totient aims to quickly and accurately identify potent antibody candidates suitable for a variety of therapeutic applications, including cell therapies and bispecific antibodies. This innovative approach positions the company to address significant medical challenges in multiple areas of healthcare.

QurAlis Corporation is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing therapeutics for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases. Established in 2016 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, QurAlis employs proprietary platforms and biomarkers to create precision medicines that target genetically validated disease-causing alterations. The company’s pipeline includes innovative treatments aimed at specific subtypes of ALS, such as therapies that restore dysfunctional cellular waste clearance, manage overactive neurons, and eliminate toxic proteins. Through its advanced antisense oligonucleotides and small molecule programs, QurAlis seeks to halt disease progression and significantly improve patient outcomes for those affected by ALS.

Arkuda Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company founded in 2018 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative treatments for patients with neurological diseases. The company utilizes new insights into progranulin and lysosomal biology to create therapies that aim to correct progranulin deficiency and address lysosomal dysfunction, particularly in genetically-defined frontotemporal dementia associated with mutations in the GRN gene. By targeting these underlying biological mechanisms, Arkuda's lead compounds are designed to improve cellular health in the brain, potentially delaying the progression of neurodegenerative diseases and the onset of their symptoms.

Glycomine, Inc. is a biotech company based in San Carlos, California, focused on developing nanomedicines for rare genetic disorders, particularly those related to protein and lipid glycosylation. Founded in 2014, the company addresses the significant unmet medical needs of patients suffering from rare diseases, of which approximately 7,000 exist globally, with a majority lacking FDA-approved treatments. Glycomine specializes in creating replacement therapies that combine substrates, enzymes, and proteins with advanced bio-nano materials. These therapeutics are designed to facilitate the targeted delivery of treatment to clinically relevant organs, thereby enhancing the efficacy of care for conditions characterized by metabolic disorders and protein misfolding.

Vaxess Technologies, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 2011. The company specializes in the development and commercialization of silk biomaterial technologies, particularly the MIMIX microneedle platform, which facilitates transdermal delivery of vaccines and therapeutics. This innovative sustained release patch technology enhances vaccine administration by simulating a natural infection, promoting a robust and prolonged immune response, thereby improving vaccine effectiveness. Additionally, Vaxess’s MATRIX formulation and drying platform creates thermostable vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostic products that do not require refrigeration, making them suitable for distribution in low-resource settings. Through these advanced solutions, Vaxess aims to improve patient outcomes in oncology care and infectious diseases while reducing treatment burdens for healthcare practitioners.

Comet Therapeutics, established in 2018 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializes in developing novel small-molecule treatments for various diseases, with a focus on orphan neurological disorders. The company's core technology is its CoEnzyme metabolism platform, which aims to restore dysregulated CoEnzyme A metabolism, thereby addressing significant unmet medical needs in these areas.

Vedere Bio, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, established in 2019. The company focuses on developing gene therapy products aimed at restoring functional vision for patients who have experienced vision loss due to Inherited Retinal Degenerations (IRDs) and other causes of vision impairment, both genetic and non-genetic. Unlike many ocular gene therapies that primarily slow the progression of vision loss, Vedere Bio seeks to restore lost vision, regardless of the patient's genetic background or stage of their condition. As of September 2020, Vedere Bio operates as a subsidiary of Novartis AG.

Nocion Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, established in 2017. It specializes in developing innovative therapies known as "nocions," which are designed to treat conditions resulting from neurogenic inflammation. These therapies selectively target activated nociceptors, the sensory neurons responsible for pain perception, by utilizing small molecule charged sodium channel blockers. This targeted approach aims to provide robust and sustained relief from serious conditions such as cough, itch, pain, and inflammation, addressing the limitations of traditional small molecule anesthetics.

Alessa Therapeutics, Inc. is a pre-clinical stage biotechnology company based in San Francisco, California, focused on developing localized treatments for solid organ diseases. Founded in 2018, the company specializes in a drug delivery implantable system specifically designed to treat prostate cancer. This innovative system allows for the sustained and localized administration of anti-androgen drugs directly to the tumor in the prostate, minimizing systemic exposure and enhancing treatment efficacy. By concentrating on localized therapies, Alessa Therapeutics aims to improve patient outcomes in the management of various organ diseases.

Tangible Science, LLC is a company specializing in the development of innovative contact lens technology aimed at alleviating discomfort for individuals suffering from dry eye conditions. Founded in 2011 and based in Redwood City, California, the company has created a polymer-based coating for hydrogel and silicone hydrogel lenses. This advanced coating forms a bio-compatible and highly hydrated surface that maintains the integrity of the natural tear film, thereby helping users to eliminate symptoms of dryness during lens wear. The company's focus on enhancing comfort for contact lens patients positions it as a key player in the ocular health market.

Telo Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative cancer therapeutics aimed at reversing cancer cell immortality. The company employs a precision medicine approach to target telomerase, an enzyme that cancer cells utilize during the immortalization process. By inhibiting this enzyme, Telo Therapeutics seeks to leave healthy cells unscathed while improving treatment outcomes for patients who have exhausted other options. Through its unique platform, the company aspires to enhance survival and well-being in cancer patients, ultimately contributing to more effective treatment strategies and potential cures for various forms of cancer.

QurAlis Corporation is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing therapeutics for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases. Established in 2016 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, QurAlis employs proprietary platforms and biomarkers to create precision medicines that target genetically validated disease-causing alterations. The company’s pipeline includes innovative treatments aimed at specific subtypes of ALS, such as therapies that restore dysfunctional cellular waste clearance, manage overactive neurons, and eliminate toxic proteins. Through its advanced antisense oligonucleotides and small molecule programs, QurAlis seeks to halt disease progression and significantly improve patient outcomes for those affected by ALS.

Principia Biopharma Inc. is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company headquartered in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing innovative therapies for immune-mediated diseases. The company's lead product, rilzabrutinib, is an inhibitor undergoing Phase III clinical trials for pemphigus and pemphigus foliaceus, as well as Phase 1/2 trials for immune thrombocytopenia and Phase 2 trials for IgG4-related disease. Additionally, Principia is developing PRN2246/SAR442168, which is in Phase II for multiple sclerosis and other central nervous system conditions, alongside PRN473, a drug candidate in Phase I trials for immune-mediated diseases. Principia Biopharma maintains a collaboration agreement with Genzyme Corporation for the development of treatments for MS and other CNS diseases. Originally incorporated in 2008, the company is dedicated to addressing significant unmet medical needs in immunology and oncology through its innovative drug development platform.

GraphWear Technologies Inc. is a company based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, specializing in advanced nanotechnology sensing platforms that enable non-invasive monitoring of vital body metrics. Founded in 2015, GraphWear develops patch sensors that measure lactic acid and glucose levels in sweat, providing solutions for dehydration monitoring, glucose detection, and assessing muscle endurance and recovery. The company primarily serves professional sports teams, college athletics, and amateur athletes, aiming to enhance performance and prevent dehydration. In addition to its athletic applications, GraphWear is conducting clinical trials for a glucose monitoring device designed to support diabetes management, with potential expansions into monitoring conditions such as heart disease and cancer. By offering a no-needle, no-blood approach to health monitoring, GraphWear seeks to empower users with timely and accurate health information, facilitating better diagnosis and care.

ViewPoint Therapeutics, founded in 2014 and headquartered in San Francisco, specializes in developing treatments for diseases caused by protein misfolding. Its primary focus is on age-related cataracts, a leading cause of blindness worldwide. The company's innovative approach involves creating crystallin stabilizers, including a small molecule active in preclinical models of cataracts. These stabilizers aim to prevent or reverse protein misfolding, which underlies various common disorders associated with aging. ViewPoint Therapeutics is committed to advancing its pipeline to deliver effective therapies for these conditions.

MagNap Clinical Trial is a U.S.-based company that specializes in developing surgical equipment for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The company has created a minimally invasive device that utilizes magnetic force to prevent airway collapse during sleep. This innovative solution involves a custom, removable neck accessory that contains a magnet, which attracts an internal hyoid magnet with sufficient force to keep the airway open. The implant is discreet and not visible, ensuring comfort and ease of use for patients. By providing advanced surgical tools, MagNap aims to enhance the treatment options available to healthcare professionals addressing OSA.

Avexegen Therapeutics Inc. is a development stage biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, founded in 2014. The company specializes in creating innovative therapies aimed at healing damaged and inflamed gut tissue in patients suffering from gastrointestinal disorders, particularly Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Additionally, Avexegen focuses on addressing needs in premature infants with necrotizing enterocolitis. By employing a novel approach to treatment, Avexegen aims to improve the long-term health outcomes of patients with these serious conditions.

Cell Design Labs, Inc. is a biotherapeutics company based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2015. The company specializes in developing innovative cell-based therapies aimed at treating cancer and other severe diseases. By harnessing the potential of the body's immune system, Cell Design Labs creates advanced therapies that are designed to target and eliminate malignant cells with high precision and safety. Its focus includes developing disruptive T cell receptor therapies that modify immune cells to recognize and destroy cancerous threats effectively. As a subsidiary of Gilead Sciences, Cell Design Labs is positioned to contribute significantly to the field of cancer treatment through its pioneering research and development efforts.

True North Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, founded in 2013 as a spin-out of iPierian. The company focuses on developing therapies that target the classical pathway of the immune system's complement system to address rare diseases with high unmet clinical needs. Its lead product, TNT009, is a monoclonal antibody designed to selectively inhibit the classical complement pathway, aiming to treat conditions such as cold agglutinin disease, warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia, antibody-mediated rejection, bullous pemphigoid, and other rare diseases in hematologic, kidney transplant, dermatology, and neurological spaces. True North Therapeutics was acquired by Bioverativ Inc.

Epiodyne, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Francisco, California, focused on developing innovative drugs derived from novel chemical matter and targeting delta opioid receptors. Founded in 2016, the company employs quantitative pharmacological and behavioral methodologies to translate its research insights into new therapeutic options. Epiodyne specializes in creating analgesics aimed at addressing neurobehavioral symptoms associated with brain disorders. By targeting the brain's opioid peptide system, Epiodyne seeks to restore the function of the brain's reward system, providing effective treatments for conditions such as compulsivity, self-injury, and addiction.

Atreca, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of antibody-based immunotherapeutics for various solid tumor types. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, Atreca utilizes a unique platform to identify antibodies produced during immune responses, facilitating the development of novel therapies without prior knowledge of antigens. Its lead product candidate, ATRC-101, is a monoclonal antibody currently in clinical development, targeting a range of cancers including ovarian, non-small cell lung, colorectal, and breast cancer. The company has established a strategic research collaboration with Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. to explore antigenic targets for select antibodies with potential applications in oncology.

Symic Biomedical is a biotechnology company based in San Francisco, California, focusing on developing matrix regulator therapeutics. These therapeutics are designed to target and bind to specific sites within the body's extracellular matrix that have been damaged due to injury or disease. By inhibiting pathological inflammatory responses, Symic Biomedical aims to address conditions such as fibrosis, oncology, and diseases of the central nervous system. The company was incorporated in 2012 and operates as a subsidiary of Symic Holdings, LLC.

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.

SiteOne Therapeutics is a San Francisco-based company focused on developing innovative therapeutics and diagnostics aimed at treating acute and chronic pain. The company specializes in creating products that address the limitations of existing pain management therapies, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids. Its lead therapeutic candidates are selective inhibitors of the voltage-gated sodium ion channel Naᵥ1.7, which is essential for the generation and conduction of pain signals. By targeting this specific channel, SiteOne Therapeutics aims to provide more effective and safer pain relief options for healthcare professionals and their patients, particularly in the treatment of neuropathic pain.

Pionyr Immunotherapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative cancer immunotherapies that specifically target the tumor microenvironment to enhance the body's antitumor immunity. Founded in 2015 and based in San Francisco, California, Pionyr leverages advanced target discovery and antibody generation platform technologies to create next-generation immuno-oncology therapeutics. The company's proprietary approach, known as Myeloid Tuning™, aims to improve the immune system’s anti-tumor response by precisely altering the cellular composition within the tumor microenvironment. This strategy is designed to enable patients to better combat cancer, particularly when used in conjunction with checkpoint inhibitors.

iPierian is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. Utilizing induced pluripotent stem cells, the company focuses on addressing significant unmet medical needs, particularly in conditions such as spinal muscular atrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease. iPierian is engaged in the research and development of innovative therapies, including monoclonal antibodies aimed at treating Alzheimer's disease and other Tauopathies. By targeting the mechanisms that drive disease progression, the company aims to provide physicians with effective tools to slow the spread of Tau in the brain, thereby potentially improving patient outcomes.