RA Capital Management is a Boston-based investment advisor founded in 2004, specializing in the life sciences and healthcare sectors. The firm focuses on early-stage companies developing innovative technologies, products, and services in drug development, medical devices, diagnostics, and research tools. With a team of professionals trained in biology, chemistry, and medicine, RA Capital Management leverages its extensive industry and business development experience to identify and invest in promising healthcare ventures. As a Registered Investment Adviser, the firm employs a strategic approach that includes both venture capital investments and a hedge fund strategy, targeting opportunities primarily in the United States and Europe.
Trace Neuroscience is a biopharmaceutical company that aims to extend the promise of genetic medicine to patients with neurodegenerative illnesses.
Gameto
Series B in 2024
Gameto is a biotechnology company focused on improving female reproductive health through innovative therapies. Recognizing that women's health is an underserved area with limited treatment options, Gameto aims to develop advanced solutions that enhance patient outcomes. The company utilizes cellular engineering to create female reproductive cell lines, employing proprietary combinations of transcription factors to reprogram human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into engineered ovarian and endometrial cell lines that function similarly to natural cells. This platform supports a portfolio of cellular therapeutics targeting various female reproductive diseases. Gameto's flagship program, Fertilo, is designed to enhance the processes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and egg freezing, making them shorter, safer, and more effective. Additional applications of Gameto's technology include Deovo, an organoid of the female reproductive system, and Ameno, a cell-based therapeutic aimed at alleviating the health issues associated with primary ovarian insufficiency and menopause.
Ajax Therapeutics
Series C in 2024
Ajax Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in New York City that focuses on developing innovative small molecule therapies for hematologic malignancies. The company utilizes computational chemistry and structure-based technologies to create targeted treatments that address critical cytokine signaling pathways involved in these diseases. By integrating insights from disease mechanisms, genetics, and structural biology with an advanced computational drug discovery platform, Ajax Therapeutics aims to design precise therapeutics that meet significant unmet medical needs for patients suffering from hematologic malignancies.
LEXEO Therapeutics
Post in 2024
LEXEO Therapeutics is a biotechnology company that specializes in the development of gene therapies, particularly those utilizing adeno-associated virus (AAV) technology. The company’s pipeline includes both rare and non-rare monogenic diseases, with a strong emphasis on hereditary and acquired conditions that present significant unmet medical needs. LEXEO's lead programs and preclinical candidates are primarily developed in collaboration with Weill Cornell Medicine’s Department of Genetic Medicine. The company aims to advance its clinical programs toward commercialization while maintaining an ongoing research partnership with Weill Cornell to enhance its preclinical efforts. Through its innovative approach, LEXEO Therapeutics seeks to transform the treatment landscape for diseases that impose a substantial burden on patients and society.
Sionna Therapeutics
Series C in 2024
Sionna Therapeutics was formed in late 2019, leveraging 10 years of large pharma scientific investment and expertise. Our experienced scientific team has been on a mission to fully normalize CFTR function. In the three decades since the discovery of the genetic defects that cause cystic fibrosis (CF), researchers have made remarkable advances for patients. Yet the ultimate goal of CF drug development – to fully normalize the function of CFTR, the key protein leading to the pathology of CF – has remained out of reach.
Avidity Biosciences
Post in 2024
Avidity Biosciences, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing oligonucleotide-based therapies known as antibody oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs). These innovative therapies aim to address the limitations of traditional oligonucleotide treatments by combining the tissue selectivity of monoclonal antibodies with the precision of oligonucleotide therapies. This approach allows Avidity to target previously undruggable tissue and cell types, thereby addressing the underlying genetic drivers of various diseases. The company's lead product candidate, AOC 1001, is designed to treat myotonic dystrophy type 1, a rare muscle disease. Additionally, Avidity is advancing multiple programs aimed at treating muscle-related conditions such as muscle atrophy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, and Pompe disease. Founded in 2012 and based in La Jolla, California, Avidity is also exploring therapeutic applications in immune and other cell types.
BioAge Labs
Series D in 2024
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.
PepGen
Post in 2024
PepGen is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Oxford, United Kingdom, focused on advancing nucleic acid therapeutics, particularly antisense oligonucleotides. Founded in 2018, the company aims to enhance the delivery and efficacy of these therapies through its proprietary Enhanced Delivery Oligonucleotide (EDO) platform. This innovative platform utilizes engineered peptides designed to improve tissue penetration, cellular uptake, and nuclear delivery of oligonucleotides. PepGen's technology has shown promise in preclinical studies, demonstrating the ability to transport therapeutics effectively into various target tissues, including smooth, skeletal, and cardiac muscle, as well as the central nervous system. The company's mission is to unlock the full potential of nucleic acid therapeutics to transform the treatment landscape for severe neuromuscular and neurological diseases.
Solid Biosciences
Post in 2024
Solid Biosciences Inc. is a life science company focused on developing therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a severe genetic muscle-wasting disease primarily affecting boys. The company's lead product candidate, SGT-001, is a gene transfer therapy currently undergoing a Phase I/II clinical trial aimed at restoring functional dystrophin protein expression in patients’ muscles. DMD is a progressive and ultimately fatal condition, with an estimated prevalence of 10,000 to 15,000 cases in the United States. In addition to SGT-001, Solid Biosciences is advancing the Anti-LTBP4 program, which targets the LTBP4 protein to reduce fibrosis and inflammation. The company also develops biomarkers, sensors, and the Solid Suit program, which includes wearable assistive devices designed to provide functional and therapeutic benefits. Established in 2013 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Solid Biosciences collaborates with Ultragenyx to enhance its gene therapy initiatives for DMD.
Rampart Bioscience
Series A in 2023
Rampart Bioscience specializes in the development of gene medicines aimed at providing long-lasting treatments for a broad array of diseases. The company has created proprietary development and delivery platforms that enable the production of optimized therapeutics in a non-viral format. By integrating expertise from various scientific disciplines, such as gene delivery, protein sciences, and clinical translation, Rampart Bioscience focuses on assisting patients with genetically driven conditions, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness and safety of therapeutic interventions.
ExcepGen
Seed Round in 2023
ExcepGen Ltd is a biotechnology company focused on developing full-length human proteins for drug discovery. Founded in 2017 and based in London, the company employs engineered human cell lines to produce these proteins, facilitating research and development in therapeutics. By utilizing proprietary technology, ExcepGen aims to enhance the effectiveness of mRNA therapeutics, optimizing cellular responses to improve therapeutic outcomes. This approach allows laboratories to minimize development time, accelerate high-throughput screening processes, and make informed decisions regarding their therapeutic pipelines. With a commitment to addressing fundamental challenges in drug discovery, ExcepGen is positioned to contribute significantly to the advancement of innovative treatments.
Taysha Gene Therapies
Post in 2023
Taysha Gene Therapies, Inc. is a gene therapy company based in Dallas, Texas, established in 2019, focused on developing adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapies for monogenic diseases affecting the central nervous system (CNS). The company’s product pipeline includes several therapies currently in development, such as TSHA-101 for GM2 gangliosidosis, TSHA-118 for CLN1 disease, TSHA-102 for Rett syndrome, TSHA-103 for SLC6A1 haploinsufficiency disorder, and TSHA-104 for Surfeit locus 1 deficiency. Taysha Gene Therapies aims to translate innovative treatments from research to clinical practice efficiently, leveraging a strategic partnership with The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center to enhance its development and commercialization capabilities. The company's mission is to create curative medicines that target both rare and prevalent CNS conditions, thereby addressing severe and life-threatening diseases.
Orchard Therapeutics
Post in 2023
Orchard Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company based in the United Kingdom that specializes in developing innovative gene therapies for serious and life-threatening rare diseases. The company employs an autologous ex vivo gene therapy approach, which modifies a patient's own hematopoietic stem cells to create a targeted treatment administered in a single dose. Orchard's portfolio includes Strimvelis, the first autologous gene therapy approved by the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of adenosine deaminase-severe combined immunodeficiency (ADA-SCID). Additionally, it is advancing clinical programs for various conditions, including metachromatic leukodystrophy, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, X-linked chronic granulomatous disease, and transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia. The company also has an extensive preclinical pipeline targeting mucopolysaccharidosis types I, IIIA, and IIIB. Orchard Therapeutics collaborates with leading institutions in gene therapy research, enhancing its efforts to transform the lives of patients with rare diseases in the UK, European Union, and the United States. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in London, it aims to provide sustainable clinical benefits through its innovative therapies.
Jnana Therapeutics
Series C in 2022
Jnana Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, that focuses on drug discovery through its innovative platform targeting solute carrier (SLC) transporters. Established in 2016, the company aims to improve patient outcomes by developing small molecule therapies for various diseases, including those related to immunometabolism, lysosomal function, and mucosal defense. By utilizing advanced chemoproteomics techniques, Jnana accelerates the identification of therapeutic targets, addressing significant unmet medical needs in areas such as immuno-oncology, inflammatory disorders, and neurological diseases. The company's approach seeks to enhance drug discovery efficiency by comprehensively targeting the vast family of membrane proteins associated with SLC transporters.
Solid Biosciences
Post in 2022
Solid Biosciences Inc. is a life science company focused on developing therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a severe genetic muscle-wasting disease primarily affecting boys. The company's lead product candidate, SGT-001, is a gene transfer therapy currently undergoing a Phase I/II clinical trial aimed at restoring functional dystrophin protein expression in patients’ muscles. DMD is a progressive and ultimately fatal condition, with an estimated prevalence of 10,000 to 15,000 cases in the United States. In addition to SGT-001, Solid Biosciences is advancing the Anti-LTBP4 program, which targets the LTBP4 protein to reduce fibrosis and inflammation. The company also develops biomarkers, sensors, and the Solid Suit program, which includes wearable assistive devices designed to provide functional and therapeutic benefits. Established in 2013 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Solid Biosciences collaborates with Ultragenyx to enhance its gene therapy initiatives for DMD.
NAPIGEN
Seed Round in 2022
NAPIGEN is a biotechnology company focused on innovative genome engineering across a variety of organisms, including plants, microbes, and animals. The company specializes in targeting organelles such as mitochondria and chloroplasts, which contain DNA essential for cellular energy production. By harnessing the capabilities of these organelles, NAPIGEN aims to enhance biological functions and contribute to advancements in agriculture, environmental sustainability, and other sectors, ultimately improving the quality of life in society.
WaVe Life Sciences
Post in 2022
Wave Life Sciences Ltd. is a clinical-stage genetic medicine company focused on developing innovative RNA-based therapies. Utilizing its proprietary PRISM platform, the company designs, optimizes, and produces stereopure oligonucleotides aimed at addressing genetic defects. By targeting ribonucleic acid (RNA), Wave aims to either diminish the production of harmful proteins or convert dysfunctional proteins into functional ones. The company's primary focus is on neurology, particularly disorders affecting the central and neuromuscular systems. Wave Life Sciences has established research and collaboration agreements with major pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer and Takeda, to further advance its therapeutic programs. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Singapore, Wave Life Sciences is dedicated to delivering transformative treatments for patients with genetically defined diseases.
Sionna Therapeutics
Series B in 2022
Sionna Therapeutics was formed in late 2019, leveraging 10 years of large pharma scientific investment and expertise. Our experienced scientific team has been on a mission to fully normalize CFTR function. In the three decades since the discovery of the genetic defects that cause cystic fibrosis (CF), researchers have made remarkable advances for patients. Yet the ultimate goal of CF drug development – to fully normalize the function of CFTR, the key protein leading to the pathology of CF – has remained out of reach.
Ansa Biotechnologies
Series A in 2022
Ansa Biotechnologies is manufactured via a chemical method that has remained essentially unchanged for 35 years and has approached a plateau. Ansa Biotechnologies is developing a novel DNA synthesis technology based on enzymes that will be more fast, accurate, and clean than existing methods. The technique promises to dramatically accelerate innovation in biological research and engineering.
Synthego
Series E in 2022
Synthego Corporation is a genome engineering company focused on advancing life science research and therapeutic development to improve human health. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Redwood City, California, Synthego offers a comprehensive platform that integrates proprietary hardware, software, bioinformatics, chemistries, and molecular biology. The company's product portfolio includes engineered cells, CRISPR kits, and bioinformatics tools designed for various applications such as pathway analysis, target validation, disease modeling, and diagnostics. By leveraging machine learning and automation, Synthego enables researchers in biotechnology and academia to conduct efficient and precise gene editing, facilitating rapid advancements in drug discovery and development. The company serves a global customer base, distributing its products through various channels, including online sales and partnerships in multiple countries.
Metagenomi
Series B in 2022
Metagenomi, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing gene editing systems aimed at treating genetic diseases. Founded in 2016 and based in Emeryville, California, Metagenomi utilizes metagenomics and machine learning to uncover novel genome editing technologies derived from previously uncharacterized organisms. The company's innovative discovery platform enables the creation of highly efficient and specific gene editing tools, including programmable nucleases, base editors, and advanced integration systems such as prime editing and CRISPR-associated transposases. By harnessing these naturally evolved systems, Metagenomi seeks to address a wide range of genetic mutations that traditional genome engineering approaches have struggled to target, with the ultimate goal of providing transformative therapies for patients globally.
Jnana Therapeutics
Series B in 2021
Jnana Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, that focuses on drug discovery through its innovative platform targeting solute carrier (SLC) transporters. Established in 2016, the company aims to improve patient outcomes by developing small molecule therapies for various diseases, including those related to immunometabolism, lysosomal function, and mucosal defense. By utilizing advanced chemoproteomics techniques, Jnana accelerates the identification of therapeutic targets, addressing significant unmet medical needs in areas such as immuno-oncology, inflammatory disorders, and neurological diseases. The company's approach seeks to enhance drug discovery efficiency by comprehensively targeting the vast family of membrane proteins associated with SLC transporters.
GentiBio
Series A in 2021
GentiBio, Inc. is a biotherapeutics company focused on developing engineered regulatory T cells (EngTregs) aimed at treating autoimmune, alloimmune, autoinflammatory, and allergic diseases. Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with additional locations in Israel and Seattle, GentiBio utilizes a proprietary platform that combines autologous and allogeneic EngTregs technologies. This innovative approach is designed to restore immune tolerance and address limitations present in current regulatory T-cell therapies. By targeting the underlying causes of diseases related to immune system dysfunction, GentiBio aims to provide effective therapeutic solutions for conditions that arise from immune system overshooting or malfunctioning. The company was co-founded by experts in Treg biology and synthetic immunology, positioning it at the forefront of this emerging field.
PepGen
Venture Round in 2021
PepGen is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Oxford, United Kingdom, focused on advancing nucleic acid therapeutics, particularly antisense oligonucleotides. Founded in 2018, the company aims to enhance the delivery and efficacy of these therapies through its proprietary Enhanced Delivery Oligonucleotide (EDO) platform. This innovative platform utilizes engineered peptides designed to improve tissue penetration, cellular uptake, and nuclear delivery of oligonucleotides. PepGen's technology has shown promise in preclinical studies, demonstrating the ability to transport therapeutics effectively into various target tissues, including smooth, skeletal, and cardiac muscle, as well as the central nervous system. The company's mission is to unlock the full potential of nucleic acid therapeutics to transform the treatment landscape for severe neuromuscular and neurological diseases.
Element Biosciences
Series C in 2021
Element Biosciences, Inc. is a life science company based in San Diego, California, that specializes in developing innovative genetic analysis tools for research and diagnostics. Established in 2017, the company focuses on creating a modular and high-performing DNA sequencing platform designed to provide high-quality data and workflow flexibility. Their proprietary technology enhances the signal-to-noise ratio and incorporates advancements in surface chemistry, instrumentation, and biochemistry. This approach significantly reduces both operational and capital costs while ensuring superior sequencing data quality, thereby making next-generation sequencing technology more accessible to medical researchers and improving their research capabilities.
Graphite Bio
Series B in 2021
Graphite Bio, Inc. is a clinical-stage gene editing company based in South San Francisco, California, that specializes in targeted DNA integration to develop innovative therapies for severe diseases. The company utilizes a precision gene editing approach to precisely correct genetic mutations, replace malfunctioning genes, and insert therapeutic genetic sequences at specific locations within the genome. Its technology aims to transform treatment paradigms by enabling the targeted integration of genetic payloads, which could potentially cure a range of serious and life-threatening conditions. Graphite Bio was formerly known as Integral Medicines, Inc. before rebranding in August 2020, and it was incorporated in 2019.
Century Therapeutics
Series C in 2021
Century Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing advanced cell therapies using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to treat various cancers, including hematologic and solid tumors. Founded in 2018 and based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the company utilizes a unique allogeneic iPSC-derived cell therapy platform that integrates gene editing, protein engineering, and robust manufacturing capabilities. This innovative approach allows for the generation of modified immune effector cells, such as natural killer (NK) and T cells, designed to meet significant unmet medical needs. By employing techniques like CRISPR-mediated gene editing and proprietary chimeric antigen receptors, Century Therapeutics aims to enhance cell product performance and minimize rejection by the host immune system, thereby improving the efficacy of cancer treatments.
DTx Pharma
Series B in 2021
DTx Pharma, LLC is a biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing fatty acid-conjugated peptide therapeutics for patients with rare and chronic diseases. The company specializes in RNA-based therapeutics, utilizing a delivery technology platform that enhances the distribution of nucleic acid drugs to various tissues and organ systems beyond the liver. This innovative approach addresses limitations associated with previous-generation RNA delivery methods, such as poor pharmacokinetics and inadequate cellular uptake. DTx Pharma's products target conditions including retinitis pigmentosa, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and central nervous system disorders. Founded in 2017 and based in San Diego, California, DTx Pharma aims to provide personalized treatment options across multiple therapeutic areas.
Orchard Therapeutics
Post in 2021
Orchard Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company based in the United Kingdom that specializes in developing innovative gene therapies for serious and life-threatening rare diseases. The company employs an autologous ex vivo gene therapy approach, which modifies a patient's own hematopoietic stem cells to create a targeted treatment administered in a single dose. Orchard's portfolio includes Strimvelis, the first autologous gene therapy approved by the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of adenosine deaminase-severe combined immunodeficiency (ADA-SCID). Additionally, it is advancing clinical programs for various conditions, including metachromatic leukodystrophy, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, X-linked chronic granulomatous disease, and transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia. The company also has an extensive preclinical pipeline targeting mucopolysaccharidosis types I, IIIA, and IIIB. Orchard Therapeutics collaborates with leading institutions in gene therapy research, enhancing its efforts to transform the lives of patients with rare diseases in the UK, European Union, and the United States. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in London, it aims to provide sustainable clinical benefits through its innovative therapies.
Design Therapeutics
Series B in 2021
Design Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies for degenerative disorders linked to nucleotide repeat expansions. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Solana Beach, California, the company is advancing its lead program aimed at treating Friedreich’s ataxia. Additionally, Design Therapeutics is exploring treatments for other conditions such as Fragile X syndrome and myotonic dystrophy, utilizing its proprietary GeneTACTM technology, which involves small-molecule gene-targeted therapeutics designed to modify the underlying causes of these inherited diseases. The company is committed to addressing serious monogenic disorders driven by nucleotide repeat mutations through its ongoing research and development efforts.
Verve Therapeutics
Series B in 2021
Verve Therapeutics, Inc. is a genetic medicines company focused on innovative treatments for cardiovascular disease through gene editing. Founded in 2018 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with a research facility in Philadelphia, the company aims to shift the management of cardiovascular conditions from chronic treatments to single-course gene editing therapies. Its initial programs concentrate on the PCSK9 and ANGPTL3 genes, which are known to significantly impact blood lipid levels, a major factor in cardiovascular disease. Verve Therapeutics collaborates with partners such as Beam Therapeutics and Verily to enhance its gene editing delivery technologies. The company is staffed by a team of experts in cardiovascular medicine, human genetics, and drug development, positioning itself to address the challenges of cardiovascular health effectively.
Locanabio
Series B in 2020
Locanabio, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, founded in 2016. It specializes in developing RNA-targeted gene therapies aimed at treating a range of underserved diseases, particularly in the areas of neuromuscular, neurodegenerative, and retinal conditions. The company's innovative platform focuses on modifying disease-causing RNA, allowing for the identification and correction of specific RNA sequences associated with rare genetic disorders. This approach distinguishes Locanabio's therapies from traditional DNA-targeted methods, offering a unique solution for patients with severe and challenging health issues. The company, which rebranded from Locana, Inc. in July 2020, is dedicated to advancing therapeutic candidates that address significant medical needs.
Solid Biosciences
Post in 2020
Solid Biosciences Inc. is a life science company focused on developing therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a severe genetic muscle-wasting disease primarily affecting boys. The company's lead product candidate, SGT-001, is a gene transfer therapy currently undergoing a Phase I/II clinical trial aimed at restoring functional dystrophin protein expression in patients’ muscles. DMD is a progressive and ultimately fatal condition, with an estimated prevalence of 10,000 to 15,000 cases in the United States. In addition to SGT-001, Solid Biosciences is advancing the Anti-LTBP4 program, which targets the LTBP4 protein to reduce fibrosis and inflammation. The company also develops biomarkers, sensors, and the Solid Suit program, which includes wearable assistive devices designed to provide functional and therapeutic benefits. Established in 2013 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Solid Biosciences collaborates with Ultragenyx to enhance its gene therapy initiatives for DMD.
PepGen
Series A in 2020
PepGen is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Oxford, United Kingdom, focused on advancing nucleic acid therapeutics, particularly antisense oligonucleotides. Founded in 2018, the company aims to enhance the delivery and efficacy of these therapies through its proprietary Enhanced Delivery Oligonucleotide (EDO) platform. This innovative platform utilizes engineered peptides designed to improve tissue penetration, cellular uptake, and nuclear delivery of oligonucleotides. PepGen's technology has shown promise in preclinical studies, demonstrating the ability to transport therapeutics effectively into various target tissues, including smooth, skeletal, and cardiac muscle, as well as the central nervous system. The company's mission is to unlock the full potential of nucleic acid therapeutics to transform the treatment landscape for severe neuromuscular and neurological diseases.
Metagenomi
Series A in 2020
Metagenomi, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing gene editing systems aimed at treating genetic diseases. Founded in 2016 and based in Emeryville, California, Metagenomi utilizes metagenomics and machine learning to uncover novel genome editing technologies derived from previously uncharacterized organisms. The company's innovative discovery platform enables the creation of highly efficient and specific gene editing tools, including programmable nucleases, base editors, and advanced integration systems such as prime editing and CRISPR-associated transposases. By harnessing these naturally evolved systems, Metagenomi seeks to address a wide range of genetic mutations that traditional genome engineering approaches have struggled to target, with the ultimate goal of providing transformative therapies for patients globally.
AavantiBio
Series A in 2020
AavantiBio, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Gainesville, Florida, focused on developing gene transfer and gene editing therapies for rare genetic diseases. Established in 2019, the company primarily targets Friedreich’s Ataxia, a severe inherited condition that leads to significant cardiac and central nervous system dysfunction. In addition to addressing this specific disorder, AavantiBio is advancing a pipeline of innovative gene therapies aimed at treating various autoimmune diseases and other conditions with unmet medical needs. Through its commitment to research and development, the company seeks to improve the lives of patients affected by these debilitating genetic disorders.
Akouos
Series B in 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.
Solid Biosciences
Post in 2019
Solid Biosciences Inc. is a life science company focused on developing therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a severe genetic muscle-wasting disease primarily affecting boys. The company's lead product candidate, SGT-001, is a gene transfer therapy currently undergoing a Phase I/II clinical trial aimed at restoring functional dystrophin protein expression in patients’ muscles. DMD is a progressive and ultimately fatal condition, with an estimated prevalence of 10,000 to 15,000 cases in the United States. In addition to SGT-001, Solid Biosciences is advancing the Anti-LTBP4 program, which targets the LTBP4 protein to reduce fibrosis and inflammation. The company also develops biomarkers, sensors, and the Solid Suit program, which includes wearable assistive devices designed to provide functional and therapeutic benefits. Established in 2013 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Solid Biosciences collaborates with Ultragenyx to enhance its gene therapy initiatives for DMD.
Prevail Therapeutics
Series B in 2019
Prevail Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing novel gene therapies for patients with Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. Prevail was launched in 2017 by The Silverstein Foundation for Parkinson’s with GBA, REGENXBIO, and OrbiMed, and is headquartered in New York, NY.
Stoke Therapeutics
Series B in 2018
Stoke Therapeutics, Inc. is an early-stage biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Bedford, Massachusetts, focused on developing novel antisense oligonucleotide medicines to address the underlying causes of severe genetic diseases. The company employs its proprietary TANGO (Targeted Augmentation of Nuclear Gene Output) technology to enhance gene expression by targeting RNA splicing, thereby selectively restoring protein levels. Its lead product candidate, STK-001, is currently in clinical testing for the treatment of Dravet syndrome, a serious and progressive genetic epilepsy. Established in 2014, Stoke Therapeutics also collaborates with Invitae Corporation to provide genetic testing services, further supporting its mission to advance gene-targeted therapies for patients with severe genetic conditions.
Orchard Therapeutics
Series C in 2018
Orchard Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company based in the United Kingdom that specializes in developing innovative gene therapies for serious and life-threatening rare diseases. The company employs an autologous ex vivo gene therapy approach, which modifies a patient's own hematopoietic stem cells to create a targeted treatment administered in a single dose. Orchard's portfolio includes Strimvelis, the first autologous gene therapy approved by the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of adenosine deaminase-severe combined immunodeficiency (ADA-SCID). Additionally, it is advancing clinical programs for various conditions, including metachromatic leukodystrophy, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, X-linked chronic granulomatous disease, and transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia. The company also has an extensive preclinical pipeline targeting mucopolysaccharidosis types I, IIIA, and IIIB. Orchard Therapeutics collaborates with leading institutions in gene therapy research, enhancing its efforts to transform the lives of patients with rare diseases in the UK, European Union, and the United States. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in London, it aims to provide sustainable clinical benefits through its innovative therapies.
Precision BioSciences
Series B in 2018
Precision BioSciences, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Durham, North Carolina, focused on genome editing and the development of therapeutic products. Utilizing its proprietary ARCUS genome editing platform, the company aims to create innovative solutions for human diseases and food applications. Precision BioSciences operates through two primary segments: Therapeutic and Food. The Therapeutic segment is engaged in developing allogeneic CAR T immunotherapies, with several candidates in clinical trials targeting various types of cancers, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia and multiple myeloma. Additionally, the company is involved in in vivo gene correction activities and has collaborations for developing treatments for chronic Hepatitis B. The Food segment concentrates on creating nutrition products. Founded in 2006, Precision BioSciences is dedicated to translating advanced gene editing technology into impactful products across the life sciences.
Prevail Therapeutics
Series A in 2018
Prevail Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing novel gene therapies for patients with Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. Prevail was launched in 2017 by The Silverstein Foundation for Parkinson’s with GBA, REGENXBIO, and OrbiMed, and is headquartered in New York, NY.
Dyne Therapeutics
Seed Round in 2018
Dyne Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in Waltham, Massachusetts, dedicated to developing targeted therapies for genetically driven muscle diseases. Founded in 2017, the company focuses on advancing treatments for conditions such as myotonic dystrophy type 1, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and facioscapulohumeral dystrophy, among others. Utilizing its innovative FORCE platform, Dyne Therapeutics aims to deliver disease-modifying therapies with enhanced precision to skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle tissues. The company's lead product candidates, DYNE-101 and DYNE-251, are currently undergoing phase 1/2 clinical trials, reflecting its commitment to addressing the unmet medical needs of patients with serious muscle disorders.
Dicerna Pharmaceuticals
Post in 2017
Dicerna Pharmaceuticals is a biotechnology company dedicated to the discovery and development of innovative treatments for rare inherited diseases and other conditions affecting the liver. Utilizing its proprietary ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi) technology, specifically the GalXC platform, Dicerna focuses on silencing disease-causing genes to develop pharmaceuticals for various therapeutic areas, including liver diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers. Key product candidates include nedosiran for primary hyperoxaluria, RG6346 for chronic hepatitis B virus infection, and additional programs targeting undisclosed rare liver diseases. The company has established strategic collaborations with several major pharmaceutical firms to enhance its research and development efforts. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Lexington, Massachusetts, Dicerna Pharmaceuticals aims to address significant unmet medical needs through its innovative approaches.
Solid Biosciences
Series C in 2017
Solid Biosciences Inc. is a life science company focused on developing therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a severe genetic muscle-wasting disease primarily affecting boys. The company's lead product candidate, SGT-001, is a gene transfer therapy currently undergoing a Phase I/II clinical trial aimed at restoring functional dystrophin protein expression in patients’ muscles. DMD is a progressive and ultimately fatal condition, with an estimated prevalence of 10,000 to 15,000 cases in the United States. In addition to SGT-001, Solid Biosciences is advancing the Anti-LTBP4 program, which targets the LTBP4 protein to reduce fibrosis and inflammation. The company also develops biomarkers, sensors, and the Solid Suit program, which includes wearable assistive devices designed to provide functional and therapeutic benefits. Established in 2013 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Solid Biosciences collaborates with Ultragenyx to enhance its gene therapy initiatives for DMD.
Audentes Therapeutics
Series C in 2015
Audentes Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in San Francisco, is dedicated to developing and commercializing gene therapy products for patients with serious, life-threatening rare diseases resulting from single gene defects. The company is advancing several therapies, including AT132 and AT342, which are in Phase I/II clinical studies for treating X-linked myotubular myopathy and Crigler-Najjar syndrome, respectively. Additionally, it is exploring treatments for Pompe disease and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, along with vectorized antisense treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and myotonic dystrophy type 1. Audentes has established collaborative agreements for research and development with Genethon and the University of Pennsylvania. Founded in 2012, Audentes Therapeutics became a subsidiary of Astellas US Holding in 2020 and operates as Astellas Gene Therapies, focusing on leveraging its expertise in gene therapy research and commercialization.
WaVe Life Sciences
Series B in 2015
Wave Life Sciences Ltd. is a clinical-stage genetic medicine company focused on developing innovative RNA-based therapies. Utilizing its proprietary PRISM platform, the company designs, optimizes, and produces stereopure oligonucleotides aimed at addressing genetic defects. By targeting ribonucleic acid (RNA), Wave aims to either diminish the production of harmful proteins or convert dysfunctional proteins into functional ones. The company's primary focus is on neurology, particularly disorders affecting the central and neuromuscular systems. Wave Life Sciences has established research and collaboration agreements with major pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer and Takeda, to further advance its therapeutic programs. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Singapore, Wave Life Sciences is dedicated to delivering transformative treatments for patients with genetically defined diseases.
Calimmune
Series B in 2015
Calimmune is a clinical-stage gene therapy company. The company’s lead therapeutic candidate, is a gene-based therapy engineered to control HIV infection and to protect individuals with HIV from progressing to AIDS. The therapy is currently being evaluated in Phase I/II studies. Cal-1 is designed to reduce production of CCR5, a protein on the surface of white blood cells that plays a critical role in enabling HIV to infect cells. It also has a second mechanism aimed at preventing viral fusion, the process by which the virus enters the cell. This dual approach was shown to be effective against broad strains of HIV in pre-clinical studies.
Precision BioSciences
Series A in 2015
Precision BioSciences, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Durham, North Carolina, focused on genome editing and the development of therapeutic products. Utilizing its proprietary ARCUS genome editing platform, the company aims to create innovative solutions for human diseases and food applications. Precision BioSciences operates through two primary segments: Therapeutic and Food. The Therapeutic segment is engaged in developing allogeneic CAR T immunotherapies, with several candidates in clinical trials targeting various types of cancers, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia and multiple myeloma. Additionally, the company is involved in in vivo gene correction activities and has collaborations for developing treatments for chronic Hepatitis B. The Food segment concentrates on creating nutrition products. Founded in 2006, Precision BioSciences is dedicated to translating advanced gene editing technology into impactful products across the life sciences.
Dimension Therapeutics
Series B in 2015
Dimension Therapeutics is a gene therapy company focused on developing novel treatments for rare diseases. Their team comprises biotech industry veterans and thought leaders in gene therapy and rare diseases. The company is focused on advancing its platform of gene therapy programs in rare diseases through clinical development, starting with lead programs in hemophilia, and building out a world-class product engine for adeno-associated virus (AAV) therapeutics. In conjunction with its launch, Dimension has entered into an exclusive license and collaboration with REGENX Biosciences. REGENX holds exclusive rights to a portfolio of over 100 patents and patent applications pertaining to its NAV vector technology and related applications. Through its license and collaboration with REGENX, Dimension has acquired preferred access to NAV vector technology and rights within REGENX product programs in multiple rare disease indications. Dimension has completed a Series A financing led by Fidelity Biosciences.
Natera
Series F in 2015
Natera, Inc. is a diagnostic company that specializes in preconception and prenatal genetic testing services. Its primary offerings include the Panorama test, which is a non-invasive prenatal test that screens for chromosomal abnormalities in a fetus through a blood sample from the mother, and the Vistara test, designed to identify single-gene disorders. Additionally, Natera provides Horizon carrier screening to determine genetic disease carrier status and Spectrum, which analyzes chromosomal anomalies during in vitro fertilization. The company also offers Anora, a test for analyzing fetal chromosomes to investigate miscarriage causes, and non-invasive paternity testing. Its Signatera product utilizes circulating tumor DNA technology to monitor cancer recurrence. Natera markets its tests through a direct sales force and a network of approximately 100 laboratory and distribution partners both domestically and internationally. The company, founded in 2003 and headquartered in San Carlos, California, maintains partnerships with BGI Genomics and Foundation Medicine for the development of genetic testing assays.
WaVe Life Sciences
Series A in 2015
Wave Life Sciences Ltd. is a clinical-stage genetic medicine company focused on developing innovative RNA-based therapies. Utilizing its proprietary PRISM platform, the company designs, optimizes, and produces stereopure oligonucleotides aimed at addressing genetic defects. By targeting ribonucleic acid (RNA), Wave aims to either diminish the production of harmful proteins or convert dysfunctional proteins into functional ones. The company's primary focus is on neurology, particularly disorders affecting the central and neuromuscular systems. Wave Life Sciences has established research and collaboration agreements with major pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer and Takeda, to further advance its therapeutic programs. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Singapore, Wave Life Sciences is dedicated to delivering transformative treatments for patients with genetically defined diseases.
Moderna
Series E in 2015
Moderna, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that specializes in developing therapeutics and vaccines using messenger RNA technology. Founded in 2010, the company focuses on various therapeutic areas, including infectious diseases, oncology, rare genetic disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. As of September 2024, Moderna has 40 mRNA development candidates in clinical development, demonstrating its commitment to advancing medical science. The company's mRNA platform has gained significant recognition, particularly with the authorization of its COVID-19 vaccine in December 2020. Moderna has established strategic collaborations with notable organizations such as AstraZeneca, Merck & Co., and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Additionally, it collaborates with Lonza Ltd. and Catalent for the manufacturing of its COVID-19 vaccine. Through its innovative approach, Moderna aims to provide effective solutions for a range of health challenges.
Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals
Post in 2013
Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals is a biotechnology company that focuses on the development of medicine to treat diseases with a genetic origin, characterized by the overproduction of one or more proteins. Its medical solutions are aimed at the genes that trigger the diseases. Its portfolio includes drugs targeting hepatitis B, Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, thrombosis and angioedema, clear-cell and renal cell carcinoma, and cardiovascular disease.
Dicerna Pharmaceuticals
Series C in 2013
Dicerna Pharmaceuticals is a biotechnology company dedicated to the discovery and development of innovative treatments for rare inherited diseases and other conditions affecting the liver. Utilizing its proprietary ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi) technology, specifically the GalXC platform, Dicerna focuses on silencing disease-causing genes to develop pharmaceuticals for various therapeutic areas, including liver diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers. Key product candidates include nedosiran for primary hyperoxaluria, RG6346 for chronic hepatitis B virus infection, and additional programs targeting undisclosed rare liver diseases. The company has established strategic collaborations with several major pharmaceutical firms to enhance its research and development efforts. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Lexington, Massachusetts, Dicerna Pharmaceuticals aims to address significant unmet medical needs through its innovative approaches.
Bluebird Bio
Series D in 2012
Bluebird Bio is a biotechnology company focused on the research, development, and commercialization of innovative gene therapies for severe genetic diseases and cancer. Its gene therapy programs include LentiGlobin, aimed at treating β-thalassemia and sickle cell disease, and Lenti-D, for cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy. In oncology, Bluebird Bio is developing chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR T) cell therapies, specifically bb2121 and bb21217, for multiple myeloma. The company collaborates with several partners, including Bristol-Myers Squibb and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, to discover and commercialize disease-altering therapies. Additional collaborations with organizations such as Medigene AG and Gritstone Oncology focus on developing T cell receptor product candidates for cancer treatment. Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Bluebird Bio aims to fundamentally address the genetic basis of diseases through its proprietary lentiviral vector gene addition platform. Revenue is generated from collaboration agreements, research fees, license fees, and grants.
CellScape
Venture Round in 2012
CellScape Corporation (formerly Saryna Medical Corp) is a privately funded company headquartered in Newark, California, in the heart of the biotech corridor of the San Francisco Bay Area. The Company has developed whole fetal cell technology to transform prenatal genetic testing using a simple blood test. Their vision is to make comprehensive prenatal genetic testing available to every woman without requiring an invasive procedure that might put the fetus at risk. Their leadership team is accomplished in bringing innovative, cost-effective medical and molecular diagnostics to market.
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