Harness Therapeutics
Venture Round in 2025
Harness Therapeutics is a private biotechnology company focused on developing SINEUPs, a novel class of therapeutic RNAs that upregulate protein expression with precise control and specificity. The company’s platform uses mRNA-targeted oligonucleotides to modulate post-transcriptional protein synthesis, enabling disease-modifying protein upregulation for conditions that have resisted traditional approaches. Its work centers on central nervous system and ophthalmologic disorders, with potential applications across multiple therapy areas by expanding the druggable proteome beyond what conventional small molecules, biologics, or gene therapies can address.
Degron Therapeutics
Series A in 2025
Degron Therapeutics is a drug discovery company focused on developing a new class of therapeutics centered around targeted protein degradation. The company specializes in molecular glue degrader drugs, which are small molecules designed to selectively target and degrade specific proteins associated with various diseases. Degron Therapeutics aims to lead the field of small molecule molecular glue degrader medicines by leveraging its expertise to identify and validate challenging disease targets that traditional small molecule inhibitors cannot effectively address. The company is committed to addressing unmet medical needs across a broad range of therapeutic areas by developing innovative protein degradation drugs, utilizing its advanced molecular glue platform technology to enhance treatment efficacy.
Be Biopharma
Series C in 2025
Founded in 2020, Be Biopharma specializes in developing innovative therapeutics using engineered B-cells to treat diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. Its approach aims to overcome limitations of current cell and gene therapies.
Be Biopharma
Venture Round in 2024
Founded in 2020, Be Biopharma specializes in developing innovative therapeutics using engineered B-cells to treat diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. Its approach aims to overcome limitations of current cell and gene therapies.
Ascentage Pharma
Post in 2024
Ascentage Pharma is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel small-molecule therapies for cancers, hepatitis B virus (HBV), and age-related diseases. Its pipeline comprises seven drug candidates targeting protein-protein interactions and tyrosine kinases.
Nabla Bio
Series A in 2024
Nabla Bio is a biotechnology company that uses artificial intelligence and lab technologies to rationally design novel proteins for drug development. They aim to create medicines and improve nutrition by engineering proteins with enhanced qualities.
EvolveImmune Therapeutics
Venture Round in 2023
EvolveImmune Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative immunotherapies aimed at addressing unmet needs in oncology and autoimmune diseases. The company has created an advanced immunobiological platform that combines sustained immune activation with targeted tumor cell therapy in a single agent. Through its unique approach, EvolveImmune's biotherapeutics utilize engineered extracellular vesicles to directly target tumor cells and enhance cytokine secretion at the tumor site, thereby improving tumor destruction while minimizing toxicity. The company is actively building a pipeline of novel therapeutic candidates that leverage its proprietary in vivo target discovery platform, enabling more effective treatment options for patients suffering from various diseases.
Crescendo Biologics
Venture Round in 2023
Crescendo Biologics develops innovative antibody therapeutics using its proprietary platforms. The company focuses on generating high-affinity, human VH antibody fragments for oncology and other indications. Its technology is based on a transgenic mouse platform that enables the creation of fully human VHH domain building blocks.
Larkspur Biosciences
Series A in 2023
Larkspur Biosciences specializes in developing precision immunotherapies for specific patient groups with molecularly defined cancers. Its focus is on targeting the interaction between tumors and the immune system to stimulate robust, long-lasting responses.
OncoResponse
Venture Round in 2023
OncoResponse is an immuno‑oncology biotechnology company that uses a proprietary human antibody platform to discover novel targets and develop fully human monoclonal antibodies for cancer treatment. By interrogating the adaptive immune system of patients who respond exceptionally well to checkpoint inhibition, the company identifies genuine human antibodies against high‑value targets linked with immunosuppressive myeloid biology. Its pipeline aims to alleviate tumor‑microenvironment immunosuppression and enhance immune activation, converting cold tumors into hot ones and providing new therapeutic options for patients.
Common Threads
Grant in 2023
Common Threads offers psychotherapy, occupational therapy, and alternative school placement. Their purpose is to empower people with autism, mental health issues, and sensory challenges by providing them and their families with real assistance. They achieve this by providing a range of evidence-based, personalized therapeutic and educational programmes that are tailored to an individual's strengths, needs, and aspirations.
Cerevance
Series B in 2023
Cerevance develops novel therapeutics for neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other chronic neurodegenerative conditions. It uses a proprietary platform to profile specific brain cell types in human tissue samples, enabling the identification of promising targets for new treatments.
Nimbus Lakshmi
Acquisition in 2022
Nimbus Lakshmi operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nimbus Therapeutics and offers tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor NDI-034858. NDI-034858, an orally administered, selective allosteric inhibitor of TYK2, is currently undergoing assessment for its potential in treating various autoimmune diseases, following promising Phase 2b outcomes in psoriasis.
Zelluna Immunotherapy
Venture Round in 2022
Zelluna Immunotherapy is a Norwegian biopharmaceutical company focused on developing T-cell receptor based cancer immunotherapies. Founded in 2016 and based in Oslo, it pursues a pipeline of tumor-specific TCRs, many derived from patients who showed long-term survival after peptide-based cancer vaccine trials at the Norwegian Radium Hospital/Oslo University Hospital. The company aims to enable immune cells to recognize a broad range of cancers with safety and durability. It operates in collaboration with Oslo Cancer Cluster and is located at the Oslo Cancer Cluster Innovation Park near major hospital facilities and GMP-certified cellular therapy capabilities.
Code Biotherapeutics
Series A in 2022
Code Biotherapeutics is a next-generation gene therapy company pioneering the development of targeted non-viral gene therapies to treat serious and life-threatening genetic diseases. Code Bio leverages its novel multivalent synthetic DNA delivery platform, 3DNA, which has been engineered to overcome many of the challenges inherent with viral-based gene therapies such as immunogenicity, size and delivery limitations, re-dosability, and manufacturing complexity. The company is advancing an internal pipeline focused on select rare disease programs as well as establishing partnerships to take forward programs in both rare and prevalent diseases.
Be Biopharma
Series B in 2022
Founded in 2020, Be Biopharma specializes in developing innovative therapeutics using engineered B-cells to treat diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. Its approach aims to overcome limitations of current cell and gene therapies.
Adaptate Biotherapeutics
Acquisition in 2022
Adaptate Biotherapeutics is a London-based biotherapeutics company founded in 2019 by Adrian Hayday. The company specializes in developing antibody-based therapies aimed at modulating gamma delta T cells in situ. By leveraging innovative technologies, Adaptate focuses on creating immunotherapies that target cancer and autoimmune diseases. Its approach has the potential to significantly influence treatment options for patients with these conditions, providing access to effective and novel therapeutic modalities.
Ambys Medicines
Series A in 2021
Ambys Medicines, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Redwood City, California, focused on discovering and developing innovative therapies for severe liver diseases. Founded in 2016, Ambys aims to transform the lives of individuals suffering from liver conditions by creating advanced gene, drug, and cell therapies. The company is dedicated to restoring liver function, halting the progression of liver disease, and addressing the serious complications associated with liver failure. Through its regenerative medical therapies, Ambys seeks to provide relief to patients with chronic liver diseases, ultimately improving their quality of life.
Integra Therapeutics
Seed Round in 2021
Integra Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on advancing gene editing technologies to address various diseases. It develops innovative gene writing tools that enhance the capabilities of gene therapy, aiming to meet the specific needs of patients. By integrating the precision of CRISPR systems with the efficiency of viral integrases and transposases, Integra Therapeutics seeks to overcome existing limitations in gene editing. The company's approach enables scientists to introduce DNA into genomes using sequence-specific DNA binding proteins, facilitating the development of more effective gene therapies.
Cardurion Pharmaceuticals
Venture Round in 2021
Cardurion Pharmaceuticals, LLC, established in 2017 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing innovative therapies for heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases. The company is advancing clinical programs that target PDE9 and CaMKII inhibition, utilizing its expertise in cardiovascular signaling pathways to address significant unmet patient needs.
Egle Therapeutics
Series A in 2021
Founded in 2020, Egle Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in Paris, France. It specializes in developing immunotherapies targeting immune suppressor regulatory T-cells (Tregs) for oncology and autoimmune diseases.
Turnstone Biologics
Series D in 2021
Turnstone Biologics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing viral immunotherapies to improve cancer survival. Its lead candidate, RIVAL-01, combines three immunomodulators to stimulate immune activity and reprogram the tumor microenvironment.
Ribon Therapeutics
Series C in 2021
Ribon Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company founded in 2015 and headquartered in Lexington, Massachusetts. The company focuses on developing novel therapeutics that target monoPARP proteins, which are critical regulators of cancer cell survival mechanisms. By leveraging insights from its scientific founders, Ribon is establishing a proprietary drug discovery platform aimed at investigating the molecular actions and biological functions of a specific subset of the PARP protein family. This platform enables Ribon to create a pipeline of innovative small molecule inhibitors designed to disrupt the fundamental survival capabilities of cancer cells under stress. In addition to cancer treatment, the company's research may have implications for addressing other diseases. Ribon is supported by notable life science investors, which enhances its capacity to advance its therapeutic developments.
Harness Therapeutics
Seed Round in 2021
Harness Therapeutics is a private biotechnology company focused on developing SINEUPs, a novel class of therapeutic RNAs that upregulate protein expression with precise control and specificity. The company’s platform uses mRNA-targeted oligonucleotides to modulate post-transcriptional protein synthesis, enabling disease-modifying protein upregulation for conditions that have resisted traditional approaches. Its work centers on central nervous system and ophthalmologic disorders, with potential applications across multiple therapy areas by expanding the druggable proteome beyond what conventional small molecules, biologics, or gene therapies can address.
BridGene Biosciences
Series A in 2021
BridGene Biosciences is a biotechnology company that employs chemoproteomic technology to discover and develop small molecules. It uses covalent small molecules for proteome-wide screening in live cells, enabling the targeting of traditionally undruggable proteins.
Code Biotherapeutics
Seed Round in 2021
Code Biotherapeutics is a next-generation gene therapy company pioneering the development of targeted non-viral gene therapies to treat serious and life-threatening genetic diseases. Code Bio leverages its novel multivalent synthetic DNA delivery platform, 3DNA, which has been engineered to overcome many of the challenges inherent with viral-based gene therapies such as immunogenicity, size and delivery limitations, re-dosability, and manufacturing complexity. The company is advancing an internal pipeline focused on select rare disease programs as well as establishing partnerships to take forward programs in both rare and prevalent diseases.
Adaptate Biotherapeutics
Series A in 2021
Adaptate Biotherapeutics is a London-based biotherapeutics company founded in 2019 by Adrian Hayday. The company specializes in developing antibody-based therapies aimed at modulating gamma delta T cells in situ. By leveraging innovative technologies, Adaptate focuses on creating immunotherapies that target cancer and autoimmune diseases. Its approach has the potential to significantly influence treatment options for patients with these conditions, providing access to effective and novel therapeutic modalities.
Maverick Therapeutics
Acquisition in 2021
Maverick Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Brisbane, California, that specializes in developing T-cell engagement therapeutics aimed at treating solid tumor cancers. Founded in 2016, the company focuses on creating innovative immunotherapies that enhance safety and efficacy for patients. Its proprietary platform, COBRA™, is recognized as a leading bispecific T-cell engaging technology, engineered to target solid tumors with high specificity and potency. This novel platform addresses toxicity challenges associated with cancer treatments by remaining inactive upon administration and becoming fully active within the tumor microenvironment, thereby optimizing T-cell redirection therapy. Through its advancements, Maverick Therapeutics aims to improve patient outcomes and facilitate more effective cancer care.
Xilio Therapeutics
Series C in 2021
Xilio Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative immunotherapies to enhance the immune system's ability to combat cancer. The company specializes in tumor-selective immunotherapies, utilizing its proprietary technology to maximize the effectiveness of immuno-oncology treatments while minimizing side effects outside the tumor. Among its key products is XTX201, which aims to induce immune activity directly within tumors, demonstrating improved antitumor effects. Founded in 2015 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, Xilio Therapeutics was previously known as Akrevia Therapeutics until its rebranding in March 2020. The company is dedicated to advancing a pipeline of novel immuno-oncology molecules, including tumor-activated cytokines and antibodies, with the goal of significantly improving patient outcomes in cancer treatment.
Catamaran Bio
Series A in 2020
Catamaran Bio, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing allogeneic CAR-NK immune cell therapies for the treatment of solid tumors and other cancers. Founded in 2019 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company utilizes its Tailwind platform to engineer, expand, and process natural killer (NK) cells into off-the-shelf CAR-NK cell therapy products. By leveraging genetic engineering, Catamaran Bio aims to address significant unmet medical needs in cancer treatment, providing transformative therapies for patients.
Bridge Medicines
Funding Round in 2020
Bridge Medicines LLC is a biotechnology company specializing in drug discovery and development. Founded in 2016 and based in New York, it aims to translate academic research into effective therapeutics for various human diseases. The company focuses on developing innovative treatments, including inhibitors for ENL-YEATS to target acute leukemias and small molecule inhibitors for activated factor XII to address hereditary angioedema and inflammatory disorders. Bridge Medicines collaborates with notable institutions such as Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and The Rockefeller University, providing comprehensive support from preclinical studies to clinical trials. By streamlining the path from concept to drug candidate, Bridge Medicines seeks to efficiently develop new therapies in oncology, neuropsychiatry, and other rare diseases, ultimately enhancing treatment options for physicians and patients.
Be Biopharma
Series A in 2020
Founded in 2020, Be Biopharma specializes in developing innovative therapeutics using engineered B-cells to treat diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. Its approach aims to overcome limitations of current cell and gene therapies.
XFOREST Therapeutics
Seed Round in 2020
XFOREST Therapeutics specializes in developing RNA-targeted small molecule therapeutics for diseases previously considered undruggable. The company employs a structure-based discovery platform that combines high-throughput RNA motif screening and splicing modulation analysis, enabling the identification of selective binders to accelerate drug development in areas such as oncology, neuroscience, immunology, and rare diseases.
Palleon Pharmaceuticals
Series B in 2020
Palleon Pharmaceuticals is a biotechnology company developing drugs that target glycan-mediated immune regulation to treat cancer. Its platform integrates insights from glycoscience and human immunology, enabling it to create novel therapies targeting multiple immune cell types.
ImmPACT Bio
Series A in 2020
ImmPACT Bio USA Inc. is a cell therapy company focused on developing engineered T-cells for the treatment of solid tumors. The company specializes in creating chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies that target specific gene loss features in tumor cells, allowing for the selective destruction of cancerous tissues while preserving healthy ones. This technology aims to enhance tumor specificity, enabling the CAR-T cells to induce cytotoxicity only when engaging with tumor cells, thereby minimizing the safety risks commonly associated with existing CAR-T therapies. ImmPACT Bio's innovative approach seeks to improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients by offering a more precise and safer therapeutic option.
VelosBio, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in San Diego, California, focused on developing innovative antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) to treat various hematological cancers and solid tumors. Established in 2017, the company specializes in therapies that target receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 1 (ROR1), a protein present on many cancerous cells but absent in normal tissues, making it a promising target for cancer treatment. VelosBio's lead product, VLS-101, is an ROR1-directed ADC designed for patients with both hematologic and solid tumor malignancies. The company's approach aims to provide novel targeted therapies that can be utilized as monotherapy or in combination with other treatments across a wide array of cancer types.
Cerevance
Series B in 2020
Cerevance develops novel therapeutics for neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other chronic neurodegenerative conditions. It uses a proprietary platform to profile specific brain cell types in human tissue samples, enabling the identification of promising targets for new treatments.
Redpin Therapeutics
Series A in 2020
Redpin Therapeutics, Inc. is a preclinical stage gene therapy company founded in 2017 and based in New York, New York. The company specializes in developing a proprietary chemogenetics platform for targeted cell therapies aimed at addressing intractable diseases of the nervous system. Redpin's innovative approach utilizes ion channels as neuromodulation tools, allowing for selective activation or inhibition of disease-causing neurons while preserving normal functioning cells. By controlling these neuronal circuits, Redpin enables physicians to precisely target dysfunctional neural activity associated with specific conditions. The company's technology integrates principles from synthetic biology, gene therapy, and traditional pharmacotherapy to advance its mission of addressing complex neurological disorders.
Xilio Therapeutics
Series B in 2020
Xilio Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative immunotherapies to enhance the immune system's ability to combat cancer. The company specializes in tumor-selective immunotherapies, utilizing its proprietary technology to maximize the effectiveness of immuno-oncology treatments while minimizing side effects outside the tumor. Among its key products is XTX201, which aims to induce immune activity directly within tumors, demonstrating improved antitumor effects. Founded in 2015 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, Xilio Therapeutics was previously known as Akrevia Therapeutics until its rebranding in March 2020. The company is dedicated to advancing a pipeline of novel immuno-oncology molecules, including tumor-activated cytokines and antibodies, with the goal of significantly improving patient outcomes in cancer treatment.
PvP Biologics
Acquisition in 2020
PVP Biologics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, focused on developing innovative therapeutic products for celiac disease. Established in 2015, the company specializes in creating an oral enzyme designed to break down immuno-reactive components of gluten in the stomach. This approach aims to alleviate the painful symptoms and intestinal damage caused by accidental gluten ingestion in individuals with celiac disease. By advancing this product candidate, PVP Biologics seeks to significantly reduce the burden of living with this condition and improve the quality of life for those affected. As of early 2020, PVP Biologics operates as a subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited.
Emendo Biotherapeutics
Series B in 2020
Emendo Biotherapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on advancing genome editing technologies to develop genetic medicines. Established by a team of experts with backgrounds in protein engineering and DNA repair from prestigious institutions, Emendo aims to tackle the challenges associated with gene therapy. By innovating and transforming existing tools, the company seeks to address diseases and disorders that are presently deemed untreatable. Emendo's approach fuses diverse scientific disciplines with creative problem-solving, enabling the development of advanced gene editing solutions that enhance the efficacy of gene therapy and expand its potential applications. Through this commitment to pushing the boundaries of science, Emendo Biotherapeutics strives to fulfill the promise of gene editing for improved patient outcomes.
EvolveImmune Therapeutics
Venture Round in 2020
EvolveImmune Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative immunotherapies aimed at addressing unmet needs in oncology and autoimmune diseases. The company has created an advanced immunobiological platform that combines sustained immune activation with targeted tumor cell therapy in a single agent. Through its unique approach, EvolveImmune's biotherapeutics utilize engineered extracellular vesicles to directly target tumor cells and enhance cytokine secretion at the tumor site, thereby improving tumor destruction while minimizing toxicity. The company is actively building a pipeline of novel therapeutic candidates that leverage its proprietary in vivo target discovery platform, enabling more effective treatment options for patients suffering from various diseases.
Harness Therapeutics
Seed Round in 2020
Harness Therapeutics is a private biotechnology company focused on developing SINEUPs, a novel class of therapeutic RNAs that upregulate protein expression with precise control and specificity. The company’s platform uses mRNA-targeted oligonucleotides to modulate post-transcriptional protein synthesis, enabling disease-modifying protein upregulation for conditions that have resisted traditional approaches. Its work centers on central nervous system and ophthalmologic disorders, with potential applications across multiple therapy areas by expanding the druggable proteome beyond what conventional small molecules, biologics, or gene therapies can address.
Turnstone Biologics
Corporate Round in 2019
Turnstone Biologics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing viral immunotherapies to improve cancer survival. Its lead candidate, RIVAL-01, combines three immunomodulators to stimulate immune activity and reprogram the tumor microenvironment.
Avidity Biosciences
Series C in 2019
Avidity Biosciences is a biopharmaceutical company developing antibody oligonucleotide conjugates to enable tissue-selective delivery and precision RNA therapies for serious diseases. Its AOC platform combines monoclonal antibody tissue targeting with oligonucleotide therapies to access previously undruggable tissues and genetic drivers. The lead candidate, AOC 1001, targets myotonic dystrophy type 1, and its muscle programs address muscle atrophy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, and Pompe disease. The pipeline also includes immune and other cell-type programs, including Del-zota for DMD, Del-desiran for DM1, and Del-brax for FSHD. Avidity is based in La Jolla, California.
ProteKt Therapeutics
Venture Round in 2019
ProteKt Therapeutics is a drug development company focused on creating potent and selective oral inhibitors of the kinase PKR, targeting neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases. The company utilizes unique computational methods to develop a series of novel and selective molecules, which are validated through clinically relevant assays. This approach aims to address issues such as memory consolidation impairment and enhance long-term memory in patients. In 2019, ProteKt Therapeutics graduated from the FutuRx accelerator and subsequently raised $4 million in a pre-A funding round to support its innovative research and development efforts.
Phathom Pharmaceuticals
Venture Round in 2019
Phathom Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, that specializes in developing and commercializing innovative treatments for gastrointestinal diseases. Incorporated in 2018, the company has rights in the United States, Europe, and Canada for vonoprazan, a potassium-competitive acid blocker (P-CAB) designed to inhibit acid secretion in the stomach. Currently, vonoprazan is undergoing Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease and is also being evaluated in combination with antibiotics for addressing Helicobacter pylori infection. Phathom Pharmaceuticals aims to meet the unmet medical needs of patients suffering from acid-related disorders by leveraging the expertise of its team, which comprises seasoned professionals from the gastrointestinal and pharmaceutical sectors.
BiomX develops bacteriophage-based therapies targeting bacteria linked to skin conditions and chronic diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, liver disorders, and cancer. It collaborates with renowned institutions for research and development, aiming to create innovative microbiome therapeutics.
Ribon Therapeutics
Series B in 2019
Ribon Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company founded in 2015 and headquartered in Lexington, Massachusetts. The company focuses on developing novel therapeutics that target monoPARP proteins, which are critical regulators of cancer cell survival mechanisms. By leveraging insights from its scientific founders, Ribon is establishing a proprietary drug discovery platform aimed at investigating the molecular actions and biological functions of a specific subset of the PARP protein family. This platform enables Ribon to create a pipeline of innovative small molecule inhibitors designed to disrupt the fundamental survival capabilities of cancer cells under stress. In addition to cancer treatment, the company's research may have implications for addressing other diseases. Ribon is supported by notable life science investors, which enhances its capacity to advance its therapeutic developments.
Axcelead
Seed Round in 2018
Axcelead specializes in early-stage drug discovery services. It offers integrated solutions, combining scientific expertise, robust intellectual property protection, and state-of-the-art facilities to support clients from exploratory research to optimizing candidate compounds.
Avidity Biosciences
Series B in 2018
Avidity Biosciences is a biopharmaceutical company developing antibody oligonucleotide conjugates to enable tissue-selective delivery and precision RNA therapies for serious diseases. Its AOC platform combines monoclonal antibody tissue targeting with oligonucleotide therapies to access previously undruggable tissues and genetic drivers. The lead candidate, AOC 1001, targets myotonic dystrophy type 1, and its muscle programs address muscle atrophy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, and Pompe disease. The pipeline also includes immune and other cell-type programs, including Del-zota for DMD, Del-desiran for DM1, and Del-brax for FSHD. Avidity is based in La Jolla, California.
VelosBio, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in San Diego, California, focused on developing innovative antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) to treat various hematological cancers and solid tumors. Established in 2017, the company specializes in therapies that target receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 1 (ROR1), a protein present on many cancerous cells but absent in normal tissues, making it a promising target for cancer treatment. VelosBio's lead product, VLS-101, is an ROR1-directed ADC designed for patients with both hematologic and solid tumor malignancies. The company's approach aims to provide novel targeted therapies that can be utilized as monotherapy or in combination with other treatments across a wide array of cancer types.
Bsense Bio Therapeutics
Seed Round in 2018
Bsense Bio Therapeutics develops small-molecule therapeutics for sensory hyperexcitability-related disorders. It pursues a novel approach that targets multiple hyperexcitability mechanisms with a single compound, focusing on two cation channels: a ligand-gated cation channel and a voltage-gated potassium channel, to improve efficacy and safety.
Ramino Bio
Seed Round in 2018
Ramino Bio is a private biotech company that develops an oral drug to treat metabolic diseases.
Ramino has received funding totaling about $3.3 million since its beginning from the FutuRx biotech incubator, which is supported by the Israeli Innovation Authority, Takeda, J&J, OrbiMed, and RMPG. By speeding up their disintegration, our exclusive technology lowers the extra BCAA that is floating around.
Ambys Medicines
Corporate Round in 2018
Ambys Medicines, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Redwood City, California, focused on discovering and developing innovative therapies for severe liver diseases. Founded in 2016, Ambys aims to transform the lives of individuals suffering from liver conditions by creating advanced gene, drug, and cell therapies. The company is dedicated to restoring liver function, halting the progression of liver disease, and addressing the serious complications associated with liver failure. Through its regenerative medical therapies, Ambys seeks to provide relief to patients with chronic liver diseases, ultimately improving their quality of life.
Ambys Medicines
Series A in 2018
Ambys Medicines, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Redwood City, California, focused on discovering and developing innovative therapies for severe liver diseases. Founded in 2016, Ambys aims to transform the lives of individuals suffering from liver conditions by creating advanced gene, drug, and cell therapies. The company is dedicated to restoring liver function, halting the progression of liver disease, and addressing the serious complications associated with liver failure. Through its regenerative medical therapies, Ambys seeks to provide relief to patients with chronic liver diseases, ultimately improving their quality of life.
GEXVal Inc. is a drug discovery company based in Fujisawa, Japan, founded in 2018. The company focuses on the research and development of innovative treatments for rare and incurable diseases, particularly in the fields of psychiatry, neurology, and pulmonary arterial hypertension. GEXVal is dedicated to addressing the needs of patients and families affected by these conditions by providing cost-effective treatment options that aim to enhance health and improve quality of life. Through its specialized research efforts, GEXVal seeks to develop compounds that target intractable diseases, enabling physicians to offer better therapeutic solutions to their patients.
ARTham Therapeutics
Series A in 2018
ARTham Therapeutics Inc is a biopharmaceutical company based in Naka-Ku, Japan, founded in 2018. The company focuses on delivering innovative biological medicines aimed at treating debilitating diseases. Its portfolio includes programs such as art-648, art-ep, art-pde, and art-001, which are designed to address specific medical needs in areas including inflammatory skin diseases, vascular malformations, and immuno-oncology endometriosis. Operating under a virtual research and development model, ARTham Therapeutics collaborates with academic and business partners to drive innovation and create disease-modifying therapies that enhance patient health and quality of life.
Reborna Biosciences
Seed Round in 2018
Reborna Biosciences specializes in researching and developing treatments for genetic diseases, focusing on areas with unmet medical needs. The company's core technology enables low-molecular compounds to target ribonucleic acid (RNA), leading to the creation of new disease-modifying drugs for patients suffering from rare genetic diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy.
Quince Therapeutics
Series B in 2018
Quince Therapeutics is a preclinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing precision therapeutics for debilitating and rare diseases. Its core technology is a bone-targeting drug platform designed to deliver small molecules, peptides, or large molecules directly to the site of bone fractures and diseases, promoting rapid healing with fewer off-target safety concerns compared to non-targeted therapeutics.
Crescendo Biologics
Series B in 2018
Crescendo Biologics develops innovative antibody therapeutics using its proprietary platforms. The company focuses on generating high-affinity, human VH antibody fragments for oncology and other indications. Its technology is based on a transgenic mouse platform that enables the creation of fully human VHH domain building blocks.
Shire is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and marketing therapies for rare diseases. It maintains a broad portfolio across hematology, immunology, neuroscience, ophthalmology, internal medicine and endocrine disorders, and hereditary angioedema. The company operates a worldwide sales and marketing network with direct marketing in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy and Spain. It emphasizes patient-focused care and aims to deliver innovative therapies to patients with rare diseases worldwide.
Fimecs is a biotechnology company that specializes in drug discovery focused on protein degradation technology. The firm aims to develop first-in-class therapeutics targeting the degradation of proteins associated with cancers and other challenging diseases. Utilizing a proprietary platform based on ubiquitin E3 ligase binders, Fimecs designs small molecules that can induce the degradation of specific proteins, many of which are considered undruggable. This innovative approach targets proteins linked to various diseases, expanding the potential for effective treatment options beyond the traditionally druggable targets identified in small molecule drug discovery. Through its emphasis on targeted protein degradation, Fimecs is positioned to contribute significantly to the advancement of anti-cancer therapies and the treatment of other hard-to-treat conditions.
Cerevance
Venture Round in 2018
Cerevance develops novel therapeutics for neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other chronic neurodegenerative conditions. It uses a proprietary platform to profile specific brain cell types in human tissue samples, enabling the identification of promising targets for new treatments.
Wave Life Sciences
Post in 2018
Wave Life Sciences is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on RNA medicines, designing, optimizing, and producing stereopure oligonucleotides through its PRISM platform. The company aims to address genetically defined diseases by reducing harmful protein expression or correcting dysfunctional proteins, employing modalities such as RNA editing, antisense silencing, and RNA interference. Its programs span neurological and neuromuscular conditions, reflecting an emphasis on central nervous system targets. Wave collaborates with Pfizer and Takeda on research, development, and commercialization of stereopure oligonucleotide therapeutics and antisense therapies. Founded in 2012 and based in Singapore, the company seeks to unlock the broader potential of RNA medicines to improve patient outcomes.
SEEDSUPPLY
Seed Round in 2018
SEEDSUPPLY is a research and development company based in Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan, that specializes in creating medical and agricultural chemical products. Established in May 2017 as a spin-off from Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, SEEDSUPPLY operates a drug discovery platform focused on the development of small molecule drugs. The company utilizes binder selection technology to address drug targets that are typically difficult to analyze with conventional high-throughput screening methods. This innovative approach enables medical professionals to explore new possibilities in the discovery of drug candidate compounds, contributing to advancements in medical treatments.
Obsidian Therapeutics
Series A in 2017
Founded in 2015 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Obsidian Therapeutics develops next-generation controllable cell and gene therapies designed to extend adoptive immunotherapy to every cancer patient. Its innovative approach uses pharmacologic operating systems to precisely control protein activity in cells, enabling physicians to improve upon current cell therapies using simple, safe, orally-active marketed drugs.
Chordia Therapeutics
Series A in 2017
Chordia Therapeutics Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Fujisawa, Japan, founded in 2017. The company specializes in the research and development of innovative oncology drugs, focusing on delivering first-in-class therapies for cancers that currently have high unmet medical needs. Chordia Therapeutics is committed to advancing new therapeutic options to patients as swiftly as possible, aiming to address significant gaps in cancer treatment.
Outpost Medicine
Series A in 2017
Outpost Medicine is a biotechnology company founded in 2016 and based in the United States, focusing on the development of novel therapeutics for urologic and gynecologic diseases and disorders. The company is dedicated to creating innovative treatments for conditions such as overactive bladder and irritable bowel syndrome. Its lead clinical-stage product candidate, OP-233, targets stress urinary incontinence, a condition characterized by involuntary urine loss during physical activities that exert pressure on weakened pelvic floor muscles or urethral sphincters. Through its research and development efforts, Outpost Medicine aims to address significant unmet medical needs in these areas.
Palleon Pharmaceuticals
Series A in 2017
Palleon Pharmaceuticals is a biotechnology company developing drugs that target glycan-mediated immune regulation to treat cancer. Its platform integrates insights from glycoscience and human immunology, enabling it to create novel therapies targeting multiple immune cell types.
Noile-Immune Biotech
Corporate Round in 2017
Founded in 2015 and based in Minato-ku, Japan, Noile-Immune Biotech specializes in developing CAR-T cell therapies for cancer immunotherapies. Its pipeline includes candidates like NIB102, NIB103, and NIB104.
Molecular Templates
Post in 2017
Molecular Templates, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Austin, Texas, dedicated to the discovery and development of biologic therapeutics aimed at treating cancer and other serious diseases. The company utilizes its proprietary engineered toxin body (ETB) platform to create therapies with unique mechanisms of action that differ from traditional antibody-drug conjugates. Its lead candidate, MT-3724, is currently undergoing Phase II clinical trials for relapsed and refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Additionally, Molecular Templates is developing other candidates, including MT-4019, which targets CD38, and has a partnership with Takeda Pharmaceutical Company to create CD38-targeted therapies for multiple myeloma. The company also collaborates with Vertex Pharmaceuticals to enhance the hematopoietic stem cell transplant process through novel conditioning regimens.
OrphoMed, Inc. is a San Francisco-based pharmaceutical company that specializes in developing novel therapies for conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D), acute and chronic pain, and cystic fibrosis. Established in 2015, the company utilizes its proprietary DIMERx™ platform technology to create first-in-class therapeutic dimer conjugates aimed at addressing visceral hypersensitivity and pancreatitis. Among its key pipeline candidates is ORP-101, a peripherally acting sodium ion channel blocker that acts as a μ agonist and κ antagonist, designed to minimize abuse potential and reduce risks associated with pancreatitis. OrphoMed is also working on ORP-105, a non-addictive, centrally-acting analgesic, and ORP-110, a potentiator for cystic fibrosis treatment. The company's innovative approach not only aims to reshape pain management but also seeks to fulfill unmet medical needs across various gastrointestinal and pain-related disorders, leveraging the safety and efficacy of its compounds, which have proven track records for other indications.
BiomX develops bacteriophage-based therapies targeting bacteria linked to skin conditions and chronic diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, liver disorders, and cancer. It collaborates with renowned institutions for research and development, aiming to create innovative microbiome therapeutics.
GammaDelta Therapeutics
Acquisition in 2017
GammaDelta Therapeutics focuses on developing innovative immunotherapies utilizing gamma delta (γδ) T cells to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases. The company aims to harness the unique properties of tissue resident γδ T cells to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy. By leveraging these specialized immune cells, GammaDelta Therapeutics seeks to provide patients with improved treatment options that can significantly impact their health outcomes in the face of serious diseases.
Cerevance
Series A in 2017
Cerevance develops novel therapeutics for neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other chronic neurodegenerative conditions. It uses a proprietary platform to profile specific brain cell types in human tissue samples, enabling the identification of promising targets for new treatments.
Quince Therapeutics
Debt Financing in 2017
Quince Therapeutics is a preclinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing precision therapeutics for debilitating and rare diseases. Its core technology is a bone-targeting drug platform designed to deliver small molecules, peptides, or large molecules directly to the site of bone fractures and diseases, promoting rapid healing with fewer off-target safety concerns compared to non-targeted therapeutics.
Scohia Pharma
Venture Round in 2017
Scohia Pharma is a Fujisawa, Japan-based biopharmaceutical company focused on researching, designing, and developing therapies for metabolic, cardiovascular, and renal diseases. Its work targets lifestyle-related conditions such as obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, with an emphasis on delivering treatments that improve patient outcomes through research and development across metabolic and renal disorders.
Ariad Pharmaceuticals
Acquisition in 2017
Ariad Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializing in the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative cancer therapies. The company’s flagship product, Iclusig (ponatinib), is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for the treatment of adult patients with chronic myeloid leukemia and Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia in multiple regions, including the United States and Europe. Additionally, Ariad is developing Brigatinib, an investigational treatment targeting anaplastic lymphoma kinase for non-small cell lung cancer, as well as AP32788, aimed at treating non-small cell lung cancer and other solid tumors. The company markets Iclusig through specialty pharmacies in the U.S. Established in 1991, Ariad Pharmaceuticals operates as a subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc., and remains committed to advancing therapies that transform the lives of cancer patients.
PvP Biologics
Venture Round in 2017
PVP Biologics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, focused on developing innovative therapeutic products for celiac disease. Established in 2015, the company specializes in creating an oral enzyme designed to break down immuno-reactive components of gluten in the stomach. This approach aims to alleviate the painful symptoms and intestinal damage caused by accidental gluten ingestion in individuals with celiac disease. By advancing this product candidate, PVP Biologics seeks to significantly reduce the burden of living with this condition and improve the quality of life for those affected. As of early 2020, PVP Biologics operates as a subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited.
Maverick Therapeutics
Venture Round in 2017
Maverick Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Brisbane, California, that specializes in developing T-cell engagement therapeutics aimed at treating solid tumor cancers. Founded in 2016, the company focuses on creating innovative immunotherapies that enhance safety and efficacy for patients. Its proprietary platform, COBRA™, is recognized as a leading bispecific T-cell engaging technology, engineered to target solid tumors with high specificity and potency. This novel platform addresses toxicity challenges associated with cancer treatments by remaining inactive upon administration and becoming fully active within the tumor microenvironment, thereby optimizing T-cell redirection therapy. Through its advancements, Maverick Therapeutics aims to improve patient outcomes and facilitate more effective cancer care.
Cerevance
Series A in 2016
Cerevance develops novel therapeutics for neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other chronic neurodegenerative conditions. It uses a proprietary platform to profile specific brain cell types in human tissue samples, enabling the identification of promising targets for new treatments.
Bridge Medicines
Venture Round in 2016
Bridge Medicines LLC is a biotechnology company specializing in drug discovery and development. Founded in 2016 and based in New York, it aims to translate academic research into effective therapeutics for various human diseases. The company focuses on developing innovative treatments, including inhibitors for ENL-YEATS to target acute leukemias and small molecule inhibitors for activated factor XII to address hereditary angioedema and inflammatory disorders. Bridge Medicines collaborates with notable institutions such as Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and The Rockefeller University, providing comprehensive support from preclinical studies to clinical trials. By streamlining the path from concept to drug candidate, Bridge Medicines seeks to efficiently develop new therapies in oncology, neuropsychiatry, and other rare diseases, ultimately enhancing treatment options for physicians and patients.
Emendo Biotherapeutics
Series A in 2016
Emendo Biotherapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on advancing genome editing technologies to develop genetic medicines. Established by a team of experts with backgrounds in protein engineering and DNA repair from prestigious institutions, Emendo aims to tackle the challenges associated with gene therapy. By innovating and transforming existing tools, the company seeks to address diseases and disorders that are presently deemed untreatable. Emendo's approach fuses diverse scientific disciplines with creative problem-solving, enabling the development of advanced gene editing solutions that enhance the efficacy of gene therapy and expand its potential applications. Through this commitment to pushing the boundaries of science, Emendo Biotherapeutics strives to fulfill the promise of gene editing for improved patient outcomes.
Bioniz Therapeutics
Series A in 2016
Bioniz Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Irvine, California, established in 2009. It specializes in discovering and developing innovative peptide therapeutics aimed at treating immune diseases and cancer. The company's pipeline includes BNZ-1, a selective inhibitor targeting interleukin cytokines IL2, IL9, and IL15, which are significant contributors to conditions such as HTLV-1 Associated Myelopathy and T-cell leukemias. Additionally, Bioniz is developing IL-15 and IL-21 inhibitors, as well as BNZ-3, an early-stage asset focused on inhibiting IL-4, IL-9, and IL-21 cytokines. Bioniz Therapeutics is committed to advancing its lead technologies through proof of concept and preclinical studies, with the goal of partnering for clinical trials and eventual commercialization.
Mersana Therapeutics
Series C in 2016
Mersana Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that develops antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for cancer patients with unmet medical needs. It leverages proprietary ADC platforms, including Dolaflexin, Dolasynthen, and Immunosynthen, to create a diverse pipeline of product candidates designed to improve therapeutic benefit and address oncology indications underserved by traditional ADCs. The lead candidate XMT-1536 targets NaPi2b and is in Phase I trials for ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and other indications. The company also advances additional programs such as Emi-Le (XMT-1660), XMT-2056, XMT-2068, and XMT-2175, reflecting its focus on next-generation ADCs. Mersana is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and was founded in 2005.
Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical
Post in 2016
Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical develops therapeutics for rare diseases, focusing on serious genetic conditions with limited treatment options. The company leverages its team's experience to create life-changing medicines by advancing underdeveloped scientific research in these areas.
Outpost Medicine
Series A in 2016
Outpost Medicine is a biotechnology company founded in 2016 and based in the United States, focusing on the development of novel therapeutics for urologic and gynecologic diseases and disorders. The company is dedicated to creating innovative treatments for conditions such as overactive bladder and irritable bowel syndrome. Its lead clinical-stage product candidate, OP-233, targets stress urinary incontinence, a condition characterized by involuntary urine loss during physical activities that exert pressure on weakened pelvic floor muscles or urethral sphincters. Through its research and development efforts, Outpost Medicine aims to address significant unmet medical needs in these areas.
Quince Therapeutics
Series A in 2016
Quince Therapeutics is a preclinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing precision therapeutics for debilitating and rare diseases. Its core technology is a bone-targeting drug platform designed to deliver small molecules, peptides, or large molecules directly to the site of bone fractures and diseases, promoting rapid healing with fewer off-target safety concerns compared to non-targeted therapeutics.
Aquinnah Pharmaceuticals
Venture Round in 2015
Aquinnah Pharmaceuticals, Inc., founded in 2014 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to developing therapies for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases. The company focuses on innovative research aimed at modulating neurodegenerative stress granules, which are thought to play a significant role in the pathology of ALS. Through its specialized approach, Aquinnah Pharmaceuticals aims to address critical unmet medical needs in the field of neurodegeneration.
Prosetta Biosciences
Series D in 2015
Prosetta Biosciences, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2002. The company specializes in developing novel small-molecule antiviral therapeutics through its innovative drug discovery platform, which utilizes cell-free protein synthesizing systems. This platform enables the identification of small molecule drugs that may be overlooked by traditional pharmaceutical screening methods. Prosetta Biosciences is engaged in collaborative efforts with both commercial and non-profit partners to advance compounds targeting a variety of human diseases, including oncology, neurodegenerative disorders, and infectious diseases. The company's focus on modulating the assembly of multi-protein complexes within cells positions it as a significant player in the biopharmaceutical sector.
Univercells
Venture Round in 2015
Univercells is a company specializing in high-density, low-cost biomanufacturing solutions aimed at enhancing the production of biologics, including antibodies, proteins, and vaccines. The company leverages innovative engineering and proprietary technologies, such as single-use systems and continuous process intensification, to significantly reduce capital investments by over 75% and the cost of goods by up to 90%. Univercells offers a range of services, including scale-X hydro, scale-X carbo, and NevoLine, which support both research and development and commercial-scale production of biologics. Additionally, the company provides integrated services like equipment confirmation, capacity and facility design, and bioprocess excellence, facilitating the scalability of cell and gene therapy manufacturers from clinical trials to commercial manufacturing. Through its commitment to making biologics more accessible and affordable, Univercells addresses critical global health challenges.
Naurex Inc. is a clinical-stage company based in Evanston, Illinois, focused on developing innovative therapies for depression and other central nervous system disorders. The company is pioneering a new mechanism of action for modulating the N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR), resulting in the creation of a novel class of compounds known as glycine-site functional partial agonists (GFPAs). These compounds offer a different approach to receptor modulation compared to existing NMDAR agents. Naurex's drug development pipeline includes the first-generation molecule GLYX-13, as well as the second-generation NRX-1050 small molecule series and additional compounds derived from its platform of novel NMDAR modulators. The company's mission is to address unmet needs in psychiatry and neurology by providing safe and effective treatment options.
BioMotiv
Venture Round in 2014
BioMotiv is a therapeutic accelerator that develops a portfolio of novel medicines. As the mission-aligned development arm of The Harrington Project for Discovery and Development, it works with University Hospitals to advance breakthrough drugs from discovery to market. The Harrington Project is a large initiative backed by a $250 million commitment to accelerate therapeutic innovation. By coordinating upstream discovery with downstream development, BioMotiv seeks to shorten the pathway to new treatments for patients worldwide. The company was founded in 2012 and is based in the Cleveland area, Ohio.
Naurex Inc. is a clinical-stage company based in Evanston, Illinois, focused on developing innovative therapies for depression and other central nervous system disorders. The company is pioneering a new mechanism of action for modulating the N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR), resulting in the creation of a novel class of compounds known as glycine-site functional partial agonists (GFPAs). These compounds offer a different approach to receptor modulation compared to existing NMDAR agents. Naurex's drug development pipeline includes the first-generation molecule GLYX-13, as well as the second-generation NRX-1050 small molecule series and additional compounds derived from its platform of novel NMDAR modulators. The company's mission is to address unmet needs in psychiatry and neurology by providing safe and effective treatment options.
Seagen is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Bothell, Washington, that specializes in developing and commercializing monoclonal antibody-based therapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases. Founded in 1997, the company focuses on creating innovative cancer therapies, particularly antibody-drug conjugates, to treat various malignancies, including Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, urothelial cancer, and breast cancer. Its lead product, SGN-35, is undergoing pivotal trials for relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma. In addition to SGN-35, Seagen is advancing several other product candidates through various stages of clinical trials, including SGN-40, SGN-33, SGN-70, and SGN-75. The company has established collaborations with several prominent pharmaceutical firms, enhancing its research capabilities and drug development efforts. Through its commitment to innovative cancer therapies, Seagen aims to improve treatment outcomes for patients with diverse types of cancer.
VHSquared
Series A in 2013
VHsquared Ltd. is a biotechnology company focused on developing oral biologics for immuno-inflammatory conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Founded in 2010 and based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, VHsquared utilizes its proprietary Vorabody platform to create engineered domain antibodies that are resistant to degradation in the gut, allowing for effective oral administration. This innovative approach addresses the limitations of conventional antibodies, which are typically broken down in the gastrointestinal system. The company aims to produce a range of functional food products that target gastrointestinal infections and immune-mediated diseases, leveraging advancements in mucosal immunology and microbiota analysis. By developing therapies that are stable, specific, and locally active, VHsquared seeks to provide safer, more effective treatment options for patients with inflammatory bowel diseases and related conditions.
Heptares Therapeutics
Series B in 2013
Heptares Therapeutics Ltd. is a clinical-stage drug discovery company based in Welwyn Garden City, United Kingdom, founded in 2007. It specializes in developing novel small-molecule medicines that target G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), a significant family of druggable targets associated with various human diseases. Heptares has pioneered a proprietary technology that enables the creation of purified, stabilized, and functional GPCRs, known as StaRs (Stabilised Receptors), which addresses key challenges in the drug development process. The company offers a range of services including GPCR structure-based drug design, X-ray crystallography, surface plasmon resonance, fragment screening, and antibody discovery. Heptares has established strategic partnerships with several organizations, including Pfizer Inc., Kymab Limited, PeptiDream Inc., and Jitsubo Co., Ltd., to enhance its research and development capabilities. As of 2015, Heptares operates as a subsidiary of Sosei Group Corporation.
Naurex Inc. is a clinical-stage company based in Evanston, Illinois, focused on developing innovative therapies for depression and other central nervous system disorders. The company is pioneering a new mechanism of action for modulating the N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR), resulting in the creation of a novel class of compounds known as glycine-site functional partial agonists (GFPAs). These compounds offer a different approach to receptor modulation compared to existing NMDAR agents. Naurex's drug development pipeline includes the first-generation molecule GLYX-13, as well as the second-generation NRX-1050 small molecule series and additional compounds derived from its platform of novel NMDAR modulators. The company's mission is to address unmet needs in psychiatry and neurology by providing safe and effective treatment options.
Envoy Therapeutics
Acquisition in 2012
Envoy Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on drug discovery, aiming to develop new therapeutics with enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects compared to existing treatments. Utilizing its proprietary bacTRAP® technology, the company can identify proteins produced by specific cell types in vivo, eliminating the need for cell isolation. This innovative approach is particularly beneficial in complex tissues such as the brain, where numerous cell types coexist. By enabling the precise modulation of cell activity through the identification of unique protein expressions, Envoy Therapeutics is positioning itself at the forefront of advancements in targeted drug development.