Pivotal bioVenture Partners

Windward Bio is a clinical-stage drug development company focused on improving outcomes for individuals with advanced immunological diseases, particularly severe respiratory conditions. The company is advancing a monoclonal antibody targeting thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) into phase 2 development while creating innovative bispecific programs for various immunological disorders. Led by a team of biopharmaceutical executives, Windward Bio aims to address significant unmet medical needs in this field.

Evommune, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Los Altos, California, that focuses on developing and manufacturing tissue-based medicines aimed at treating inflammatory diseases. Founded in 2020, the company employs a proprietary tissue-based platform to accelerate the discovery of novel therapies, with a particular emphasis on immunology and dermatology. Evommune's approach seeks not only to alleviate the symptoms of inflammatory disorders but also to halt disease progression, thereby improving the quality of life for patients. Its pipeline includes initiatives targeting prevalent inflammatory conditions, with a commitment to advancing patient care by creating best-in-class treatment options. Through innovative strategies, Evommune aims to drive meaningful advancements in the field of inflammatory disease management.

Zenas BioPharma is a biopharmaceutical company that focuses on developing immune-based therapies for patients. The company is headquartered in Florida, USA.

BioAge Labs, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing therapies to address aging and age-related diseases. The company utilizes a systems biology and artificial intelligence platform to identify key drug targets that influence aging and analyze extensive datasets to uncover the molecular drivers of age-related conditions. BioAge Labs is advancing several drug candidates, including BGE-117, a hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor designed to activate genes involved in critical biological processes such as tissue regeneration and vascular remodeling. Additionally, BGE-175, an orally administered inhibitor of the prostaglandin D2 DP1 signaling pathway, aims to mitigate risks associated with immune aging and respiratory infections. Founded in 2015 and based in Richmond, California, BioAge Labs is committed to discovering and developing innovative treatments that harness the biology of human aging.

Avalyn Pharma is a biopharma company that advances therapies for the treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) and other severe respiratory diseases. Its therapies rapidly advance AP01 for the treatment of IPF, provides additional pipeline candidates for IPF, improve the care and outcomes of severe respiratory diseases, and develop novel inhaled therapeutics. Avalyn Pharma was established in 2011 and is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

Evommune, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Los Altos, California, that focuses on developing and manufacturing tissue-based medicines aimed at treating inflammatory diseases. Founded in 2020, the company employs a proprietary tissue-based platform to accelerate the discovery of novel therapies, with a particular emphasis on immunology and dermatology. Evommune's approach seeks not only to alleviate the symptoms of inflammatory disorders but also to halt disease progression, thereby improving the quality of life for patients. Its pipeline includes initiatives targeting prevalent inflammatory conditions, with a commitment to advancing patient care by creating best-in-class treatment options. Through innovative strategies, Evommune aims to drive meaningful advancements in the field of inflammatory disease management.

Heranova Lifesciences focuses on developing innovative medical technologies that address women's health issues, particularly in obstetrics and gynecology. The company aims to meet unmet medical needs by integrating diagnosis, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and data solutions. Heranova Lifesciences is dedicated to advancing early-stage development of innovative treatments for conditions such as endometriosis and gynecological inflammation, thereby enhancing the overall care and support available to women facing these health challenges.

Oculis is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on advancing eye care and preserving vision through innovative drug delivery solutions. The company's unique platform enables effective drug absorption in both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye, allowing for the treatment of conditions such as diabetic macular edema (DME) with a simple topical application, thus eliminating the need for invasive procedures. Oculis is developing several therapeutic candidates, including OCS-01, a topical treatment for DME; OCS-02, aimed at addressing dry eye disease; and OCS-05, which targets acute optic neuritis and other neuro-ophthalmic disorders. This novel approach not only facilitates treatment for posterior eye diseases but also reduces the required frequency of applications for anterior conditions compared to traditional eye drops.

Zenas BioPharma is a biopharmaceutical company that focuses on developing immune-based therapies for patients. The company is headquartered in Florida, USA.

Plexium, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, that specializes in developing targeted protein degradation therapies aimed at treating cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Founded in 2017, Plexium utilizes a platform that identifies small molecules capable of modulating E3 ligases, which play a crucial role in protein degradation. This platform includes the DELPhe screening technology, designed for high-content readouts from cell-based assays. By harnessing E3 ligases, Plexium's approach enables selective targeting of various cancers, including small cell lung and breast tumors. The company's innovative research extends beyond existing therapies, exploring new drug-like protein degraders and molecular glues to enhance treatment options for cancer and inflammatory diseases.

SanReno Therapeutics specializes in the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of therapies for kidney diseases in several regions including the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and Singapore. Established through a joint venture involving Chinook Therapeutics, Frazier Healthcare Partners, and Pivotal bioVenture Partners China, the company is dedicated to researching and producing innovative biotech solutions aimed at improving the quality of life for patients suffering from kidney-related conditions.

HotSpot Therapeutics is a biotech startup established in 2017 and based in Boston, Massachusetts. The company specializes in developing allosteric therapies that target regulatory sites on proteins. Its innovative therapeutic platform is designed to identify hotspots and locate pathway treatments for a range of conditions, including cancer, metabolic disorders, and rare diseases. By leveraging a comprehensive database of hotspot structures and employing data science, HotSpot Therapeutics aims to enhance drug discovery and provide effective treatment options for patients with various health issues.

Evommune, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Los Altos, California, that focuses on developing and manufacturing tissue-based medicines aimed at treating inflammatory diseases. Founded in 2020, the company employs a proprietary tissue-based platform to accelerate the discovery of novel therapies, with a particular emphasis on immunology and dermatology. Evommune's approach seeks not only to alleviate the symptoms of inflammatory disorders but also to halt disease progression, thereby improving the quality of life for patients. Its pipeline includes initiatives targeting prevalent inflammatory conditions, with a commitment to advancing patient care by creating best-in-class treatment options. Through innovative strategies, Evommune aims to drive meaningful advancements in the field of inflammatory disease management.

Obsidian Therapeutics is a developer of a next-generation cell and gene therapies created to extend adoptive immunotherapy to every patient with cancer.The company's next-generation cell and gene therapies with pharmacologic operating systems provide exquisite control of protein activity in cells and create adoptive cell therapies with new functions that are under control of the treating physician using simple, safe, orally-active, marketed drugs, enabling patients to improve on the current generation of cell therapies.

Vigil Neuroscience Inc. is a therapeutics company focused on microglia, the brain's immune sentinel cells, to address both rare and common neurodegenerative diseases. The company aims to restore the vigilance of microglia to improve patient outcomes. Vigil is advancing its lead candidate, a monoclonal antibody TREM2 agonist, through Phase 1 studies and is also developing an orally available small molecule TREM2 agonist, VG-3927, which is positioned to enter Investigational New Drug (IND) application. Additionally, Vigil is conducting the IGNITE trial, a Phase 2 proof-of-concept study that represents the first interventional trial for patients with adult-onset leukodystrophy. By leveraging modern neuroscience and various therapeutic modalities, Vigil seeks to deliver precision therapies that enhance the lives of patients and their families while expanding its pipeline and supporting the understanding of microglia biology as a critical therapeutic target.

Oculis is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on advancing eye care and preserving vision through innovative drug delivery solutions. The company's unique platform enables effective drug absorption in both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye, allowing for the treatment of conditions such as diabetic macular edema (DME) with a simple topical application, thus eliminating the need for invasive procedures. Oculis is developing several therapeutic candidates, including OCS-01, a topical treatment for DME; OCS-02, aimed at addressing dry eye disease; and OCS-05, which targets acute optic neuritis and other neuro-ophthalmic disorders. This novel approach not only facilitates treatment for posterior eye diseases but also reduces the required frequency of applications for anterior conditions compared to traditional eye drops.

Exscientia is a company that applies artificial intelligence and machine learning to the discovery and design of new therapeutic compounds. By combining human expertise with advanced computational techniques, Exscientia accelerates the development of small-molecule drug candidates, aiming to create safer and more effective treatments for clinical testing. The company focuses on precision engineering of medicine candidates, utilizing innovative experimental methods to enhance drug discovery processes. Through these efforts, Exscientia strives to improve patient outcomes and transform the pharmaceutical industry.

Plexium, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, that specializes in developing targeted protein degradation therapies aimed at treating cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Founded in 2017, Plexium utilizes a platform that identifies small molecules capable of modulating E3 ligases, which play a crucial role in protein degradation. This platform includes the DELPhe screening technology, designed for high-content readouts from cell-based assays. By harnessing E3 ligases, Plexium's approach enables selective targeting of various cancers, including small cell lung and breast tumors. The company's innovative research extends beyond existing therapies, exploring new drug-like protein degraders and molecular glues to enhance treatment options for cancer and inflammatory diseases.

Evommune, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Los Altos, California, that focuses on developing and manufacturing tissue-based medicines aimed at treating inflammatory diseases. Founded in 2020, the company employs a proprietary tissue-based platform to accelerate the discovery of novel therapies, with a particular emphasis on immunology and dermatology. Evommune's approach seeks not only to alleviate the symptoms of inflammatory disorders but also to halt disease progression, thereby improving the quality of life for patients. Its pipeline includes initiatives targeting prevalent inflammatory conditions, with a commitment to advancing patient care by creating best-in-class treatment options. Through innovative strategies, Evommune aims to drive meaningful advancements in the field of inflammatory disease management.

Bolt Biotherapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative immunotherapy solutions for cancer treatment. The company employs its proprietary Boltbody platform, which features immune-stimulating antibody conjugates (ISAC) that link tumor-targeting antibodies with powerful immune stimulants. This approach aims to activate the immune system against tumors, effectively transforming cold tumors into immunologically active ones. Bolt Biotherapeutics is advancing several candidates in its pipeline, including BDC-1001, a monotherapy targeting HER2-expressing solid tumors, and BDC-3042, among others. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Redwood City, California, the company leverages its expertise in myeloid biology and cancer drug development to create targeted therapies that harness both innate and adaptive immune responses.

Avalyn Pharma is a biopharma company that advances therapies for the treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) and other severe respiratory diseases. Its therapies rapidly advance AP01 for the treatment of IPF, provides additional pipeline candidates for IPF, improve the care and outcomes of severe respiratory diseases, and develop novel inhaled therapeutics. Avalyn Pharma was established in 2011 and is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

Rallybio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing transformative therapies for patients with severe and rare disorders. Founded in 2018 and based in New Haven, Connecticut, the company is advancing its lead product candidate, RLYB211, which aims to prevent fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT), a serious condition that can lead to uncontrolled bleeding in fetuses and newborns. Rallybio's portfolio includes a range of promising product candidates targeting rare diseases across various therapeutic areas, including hematology, immuno-inflammation, maternal-fetal health, and metabolic disorders. The company's efforts are supported by a team of experienced professionals with extensive expertise in biopharma research and development.

Vaxcyte, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative vaccines to prevent and treat infectious diseases globally. The company’s lead candidate, VAX-24, is a 24-valent investigational pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. Additionally, Vaxcyte is advancing VAX-XP, which targets emerging strains that contribute to invasive pneumococcal disease and antibiotic resistance. Other notable candidates include VAX-A1, designed to protect against Group A Streptococcus infections, and VAX-PG, a therapeutic vaccine aimed at treating periodontal disease caused by Porphyromonas gingivalis. Vaxcyte utilizes a proprietary cell-free protein synthesis platform that enables the creation of protein carriers and antigens, enhancing vaccine development beyond conventional methods. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Foster City, California, the company was previously known as SutroVax, Inc. before rebranding in May 2020.

Akouos, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, dedicated to developing gene therapies aimed at restoring, improving, and preserving hearing for individuals affected by various inner ear disorders. Founded in 2016, the company utilizes an innovative platform that includes a proprietary adeno-associated viral vector library and a unique delivery method. Its leading product candidate, AK-OTOF, targets hearing loss resulting from mutations in the OTOF gene. Akouos focuses on genetically-defined patient populations, addressing conditions ranging from single genetic mutations to hearing loss caused by ototoxic drugs and aging. The company has established strategic partnerships with key institutions, including Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Lonza, Inc., to advance its mission of providing precision genetic therapies for sensorineural hearing loss.

Aligos Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company that was founded in 2018 with the mission to become a world leader in the treatment of viral infections and liver diseases. Aligos is focused on the development of targeted antiviral therapies for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and coronaviruses as well as leveraging its expertise in liver diseases to create targeted therapeutics for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Aligos’ strategy is to harness the deep expertise and decades of drug development experience its workforce has in liver disease, particularly viral hepatitis, to rapidly advance its pipeline of potentially best-in-class molecules.

Arcutis Biotherapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and commercializing treatments for immune-mediated dermatological diseases. Founded in 2016 and based in Westlake Village, California, the company is focused on addressing unmet medical needs within the field of immuno-dermatology. Its lead product candidate, a topical cream formulation of roflumilast known as ARQ-151, is undergoing Phase III clinical trials for plaque psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Additionally, Arcutis is working on several other candidates, including ARQ-154, a topical foam for seborrheic dermatitis and scalp psoriasis, ARQ-252, a selective inhibitor for hand eczema and other inflammatory conditions, and ARQ-255, designed to penetrate deeper into the skin for alopecia areata treatment. The company aims to leverage advances in immunology and inflammation to create effective therapies for challenging skin diseases.

Inozyme is a provider of therapies for rare diseases of calcification affecting soft tissues and bone created to offer potentially disease-modifying therapies to help children who are affected with rare, but severe and debilitating disorders of metabolism. The company's enzyme replacement therapy provides the treatment of Generalized Arterial Calcification of Infancy (GACI) and Autosomal Recessive Hypophosphatemic Rickets Type 2 (ARHR2), enabling patients to treat diseases characterized by mineral imbalances in the body.

Fusion Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Hamilton, Canada, specializing in the development of radiopharmaceuticals as precision medicines for challenging cancers. The company employs its proprietary Targeted Alpha Therapies platform and Fast-Clear linker technology to connect alpha particle-emitting isotopes to antibodies, enabling the selective delivery of therapeutic agents to tumors. Fusion's lead product candidate, FPI-1434, is currently undergoing Phase 1 clinical trials as a monotherapy for solid tumors expressing insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor. Additionally, the company is exploring the use of FPI-1434 in combination with approved checkpoint inhibitors and DNA damage response inhibitors in preclinical studies to enhance anti-tumor activity. Fusion is also advancing another product candidate, FPI-1966, into clinical development for head and neck and bladder cancers that express fibroblast growth factor receptor. Founded in 2014 as a spinout of the Centre for Probe Development and Commercialization, Fusion aims to transform how cancers are treated through innovative radiochemistry techniques.

Karuna Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Massachusetts, dedicated to developing innovative therapies for neuropsychiatric disorders and pain. Its lead product candidate, KarXT, is an oral modulator that has completed a Phase II clinical trial for treating acute psychosis in schizophrenia patients and is undergoing a Phase Ib clinical trial for various central nervous system disorders, including cognitive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s, and dementia-related psychosis. The company is also developing additional muscarinic-targeted drug candidates to address unmet medical needs in these areas. Founded in 2009, Karuna Therapeutics has established partnerships with organizations such as Eli Lilly and Company and PureTech Health LLC, focusing on advancing its drug discovery efforts through collaborations with Charles River Laboratories and PsychoGenics Inc.

Bolt Biotherapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative immunotherapy solutions for cancer treatment. The company employs its proprietary Boltbody platform, which features immune-stimulating antibody conjugates (ISAC) that link tumor-targeting antibodies with powerful immune stimulants. This approach aims to activate the immune system against tumors, effectively transforming cold tumors into immunologically active ones. Bolt Biotherapeutics is advancing several candidates in its pipeline, including BDC-1001, a monotherapy targeting HER2-expressing solid tumors, and BDC-3042, among others. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Redwood City, California, the company leverages its expertise in myeloid biology and cancer drug development to create targeted therapies that harness both innate and adaptive immune responses.

Stealth BioTherapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of therapies targeting diseases linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. Founded in 2006 and based in George Town, Cayman Islands, the company is advancing its lead product candidate, Elamipretide, which aims to address both rare genetic and age-related mitochondrial diseases. Additionally, Stealth BioTherapeutics is developing SBT-20, a small peptide that stabilizes mitochondrial structure and function during oxidative stress, and SBT-272, a compound under evaluation for rare neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Mitochondria play a crucial role in energy production and overall organ function, making the company's focus on these organelles significant in the biopharmaceutical landscape.

Oculis is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on advancing eye care and preserving vision through innovative drug delivery solutions. The company's unique platform enables effective drug absorption in both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye, allowing for the treatment of conditions such as diabetic macular edema (DME) with a simple topical application, thus eliminating the need for invasive procedures. Oculis is developing several therapeutic candidates, including OCS-01, a topical treatment for DME; OCS-02, aimed at addressing dry eye disease; and OCS-05, which targets acute optic neuritis and other neuro-ophthalmic disorders. This novel approach not only facilitates treatment for posterior eye diseases but also reduces the required frequency of applications for anterior conditions compared to traditional eye drops.

Entasis Therapeutics is a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative treatments for serious infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, a growing global health concern. The company’s anti-infective discovery platform has led to a diverse pipeline of differentiated drug candidates, including ETX2514SUL and SUL-DUR, which target Acinetobacter baumannii, zoliflodacin for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and ETX0282CPDP aimed at Enterobacterales. Additionally, ETX0462 is being developed to address infections caused by Pseudomonas. Through its focused efforts, Entasis Therapeutics aims to provide effective solutions for patients suffering from these challenging bacterial infections.

Iterum Therapeutics plc is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on developing anti-infective therapies to address multi-drug resistant pathogens. Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, the company is advancing its lead product, sulopenem, a novel penem compound available in both oral and intravenous formulations. Currently in Phase III clinical trials, sulopenem is being evaluated for the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections, complicated urinary tract infections, and complicated intra-abdominal infections. Iterum aims to provide effective solutions to combat antibiotic resistance, particularly against a range of gram-negative, gram-positive, and anaerobic bacteria that are resistant to existing antibiotics. Founded in 2015, Iterum Therapeutics seeks to improve the lives of patients affected by serious and life-threatening infections globally.

Vaxcyte, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative vaccines to prevent and treat infectious diseases globally. The company’s lead candidate, VAX-24, is a 24-valent investigational pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. Additionally, Vaxcyte is advancing VAX-XP, which targets emerging strains that contribute to invasive pneumococcal disease and antibiotic resistance. Other notable candidates include VAX-A1, designed to protect against Group A Streptococcus infections, and VAX-PG, a therapeutic vaccine aimed at treating periodontal disease caused by Porphyromonas gingivalis. Vaxcyte utilizes a proprietary cell-free protein synthesis platform that enables the creation of protein carriers and antigens, enhancing vaccine development beyond conventional methods. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Foster City, California, the company was previously known as SutroVax, Inc. before rebranding in May 2020.