Versant Ventures

Versant Ventures is a prominent healthcare investment firm founded in 1999 and headquartered in San Francisco, California. The firm focuses on investing in various sectors within healthcare, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and life sciences, and operates at all stages of company development. With $2.3 billion in assets under management, Versant Ventures emphasizes the discovery and development of innovative therapeutics, leveraging a team with substantial investment, operational, and scientific expertise to take a hands-on approach in building companies. The firm has a strong track record, with over 65 of its portfolio companies achieving successful acquisitions or public offerings. Versant maintains offices in Canada, the U.S., and Europe, allowing for a global investment reach.

Brian Atwood

Managing Director

Mehmet Badur

Principal

Jeremy Caldwell

Venture Partner

Harold Calvert

Co-Founder

Sam Colella

Managing Partner

Rich Van Doren

CFO

Joel Drewry

Principal

Markus Enzelberger

Venture Partner

Ross A. Jaffe

Co-Founder and Managing Director

Lawrence Klein

Partner

Katharina Kreymborg Ph.D

Principal

William Link

Investor

Barbara Lubash

Co-Founder and Managing Director

Guido Magni

Partner

Alexander Mayweg

Venture Partner

Donald Milder

Co-Founder and Managing Director

Shane Mulligan

Principal

Clare Ozawa

Managing Director

Carlo Rizzuto

Partner

Beckie Robertson

Managing Director

Nikita Sharma

Principal

Charles Warden

Co-Founder and Managing Director

Tom Woiwode

Managing Director

Rami Hannoush Ph.D

Venture Partner

Past deals in Biotechnology

Tempest Therapeutics is a biotechnology company that focuses on small molecule therapeutics that modulate anti-tumor immunity pathways. The company has a balanced and deep pipeline consisting of first-in-class and best-in-class small molecule therapeutics, which modulate distinct pathways relevant to mounting an effective anti-tumor response. Tempest Therapeutics was established in 2011 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

Cimeio

Series A in 2022
Developer of immunotherapy technology designed to treat leukemic tumors, autoimmune diseases, bone marrow transplants and stem cell replacement. The company uses gene-editing tools to insert and study novel protein variants, it also focuses on cell shielding technology, enabling medical professionals to significantly improve the eligibility and outcomes of hematopoietic stem cell transplants and adoptive cell therapy.

Ventus Therapeutics

Series C in 2022
Ventus Therapeutics U.S., Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Natick, Massachusetts, with an additional location in Montreal, Canada. Founded in 2019, it focuses on discovering and developing novel small-molecule medicines that target the innate immune system to address autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, and cancer. The company employs a structural immunology platform that integrates protein engineering to elucidate molecular structures and mechanisms of action. This platform facilitates the development of precise binding and functional screening assays, as well as structure-based modeling. Ventus Therapeutics is advancing an emerging pipeline of drug programs aimed at key targets within the innate immune system, leveraging its proprietary capabilities in rational and structure-based drug design.

Coda Biotherapeutics

Venture Round in 2021
CODA Biotherapeutics’ revolutionary chemogenetic platform aims to control the activity of cells to treat disease with chemogenetics, the goal is to modify a target cell population using gene therapy to express a tunable “switch” protein. Cells modified with the “switch” can be activated or inactivated in a dose-dependent manner by a subsequently administered small molecule therapeutic, an effect that should only occur in the modified cells.

Tentarix Biotherapeutics

Series A in 2021
Tentarix Biotherapeutics is focused on developing innovative protein therapeutics that address significant challenges in the treatment of cancer, autoimmune diseases, and other medical conditions. The company utilizes a protein engineering platform that employs synthetic biology to create multispecific binding molecules with unique combined bioactivities. By leveraging fully human antibody variable domains, Tentarix aims to enhance specificity and therapeutic activity, offering clinicians new approaches to treatment that were previously unattainable.

858 Therapeutics

Series A in 2021
858 Therapeutics is a stealth company specializing in the area of healthcare services, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology. The company was founded in 2019 and is headquartered in San Diego, California, USA.

iECURE

Series A in 2021
iECURE is a biotechnology company focused on developing gene editing therapies aimed at treating rare and life-threatening liver disorders, particularly in children. The company employs mutation-agnostic in vivo gene insertion techniques, which allow for targeted therapeutic interventions without being limited by specific genetic mutations. Its initial programs concentrate on addressing metabolic "loss of function" disorders, which often have significant unmet medical needs. Through its innovative approach, iECURE aims to provide effective treatments for devastating diseases that currently lack viable options.

Lycia Therapeutics

Series B in 2021
Lycia Therapeutics is a biotechnology company that focuses on developing technology that utilizes lysosome-targeting chimeras. The company was founded by Carolyn R. Bertozzi in 2019 and is based in San Diego, California, USA.

Jnana Therapeutics

Series B in 2021
Jnana Therapeutics Inc. is a Boston-based company founded in 2016 that operates a drug discovery platform centered on solute carrier (SLC) transporters. The company focuses on key disease pathways related to immunometabolism, lysosomal function, and mucosal defense, targeting areas such as immuno-oncology, inflammatory disorders, and neurological diseases. By leveraging its innovative approach, Jnana Therapeutics aims to discover and develop transformative medicines that address significant medical needs and improve patient outcomes.

T-knife

Series B in 2021
T-knife is a biotechnology company focused on developing T cell receptor therapies aimed at treating cancer. Utilizing a humanized T cell receptor (TCR) mice platform, the company is capable of carrying human TCRαβ gene loci and recombining a diverse array of human TCRs. This innovative approach facilitates the efficient generation and virtual selection of T cell receptors tailored for specific human tumor antigens, enhancing the potential for effective cancer therapies. Through its advanced technology, T-knife aims to improve treatment options for patients battling cancer.

Turnstone Biologics

Series D in 2021
Turnstone Biologics Inc. is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing viral immunotherapies aimed at enhancing cancer survival rates. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, with an additional office in New York, the company’s lead candidate, RIVAL-01, is based on a vaccinia virus backbone that incorporates three effective immunomodulators: Flt3 ligand, anti-CTLA-4 antibody, and IL-12 cytokine. These components are designed to synergistically stimulate immune responses and modify the tumor microenvironment to facilitate tumor eradication. Turnstone's platform leverages discoveries from prominent researchers in the field of oncolytic viral immunotherapy and has progressed RIVAL-01 into a Phase I/II clinical development study in collaboration with four Canadian academic institutions and the Fight Against Cancer Innovation Trust (FACIT).

RayzeBio

Series C in 2021
RayzeBio, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, founded in 2020. The company specializes in developing tumor-targeted small molecule medicines that utilize radioisotopes, particularly focusing on alpha-emitting isotopes like Actinium-225 for the treatment of solid tumors. RayzeBio aims to improve cancer treatment outcomes by creating a robust pipeline of radiopharmaceuticals targeting validated oncology drug targets. Its portfolio includes multiple drug candidates at various stages of development, ranging from discovery to late-stage clinical programs, addressing significant market opportunities in the field of cancer therapeutics.

Bright Peak Therapeutics

Series B in 2021
Bright Peak Therapeutics is a biotechnology company with a platform capable of chemically synthesizing and optimizing natural proteins such as cytokines.

Stablix

Series A in 2021
Stablix Therapeutics is a biotechnology company pioneering the field of Targeted Protein Stabilization (TPS). The company’s resorted platform generates heterobifunctional small molecules (RESTORACS) that recruit deubiquitinase enzymes to remove ubiquitin from targeted proteins and consequently stabilize or increase target protein levels and activity. Stablix initially is leveraging the platform to develop programs to treat rare diseases, cancer, and immunological disorders.

Capsida

Series A in 2021
Capsida is a biotechnology company focused on developing targeted gene therapies for monogenic and sporadic disorders affecting both the central nervous system and other areas of the body. The company utilizes a proprietary adeno-associated virus (AAV) engineering platform, which creates capsids specifically designed to target particular tissues and cells within affected organs. This advanced approach not only aims to enhance the efficacy of the therapies by ensuring they reach the intended sites of action, but also minimizes the impact on non-target tissues, thereby improving patient health outcomes in the treatment of life-threatening genetic disorders.

Ventus Therapeutics

Series B in 2021
Ventus Therapeutics U.S., Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Natick, Massachusetts, with an additional location in Montreal, Canada. Founded in 2019, it focuses on discovering and developing novel small-molecule medicines that target the innate immune system to address autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, and cancer. The company employs a structural immunology platform that integrates protein engineering to elucidate molecular structures and mechanisms of action. This platform facilitates the development of precise binding and functional screening assays, as well as structure-based modeling. Ventus Therapeutics is advancing an emerging pipeline of drug programs aimed at key targets within the innate immune system, leveraging its proprietary capabilities in rational and structure-based drug design.

Graphite Bio

Series B in 2021
Graphite Bio is a gene editing company focused on targeted DNA integration to address severe diseases. The company employs technology that enables the insertion of new genetic sequences to replace defective genes, repair damaged portions of genes, and insert therapeutic genetic material at specific locations within the genome. This precise approach leverages natural cellular DNA repair mechanisms to enhance the efficiency of gene integration, aiming to correct the underlying causes of various diseases. Founded in 2019 and based in South San Francisco, California, Graphite Bio was previously known as Integral Medicines, Inc. and rebranded in August 2020. The company is committed to advancing gene replacement therapies and potential cures for individuals affected by serious health conditions.

Monte Rosa Therapeutics

Series C in 2021
Monte Rosa Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in Basel, Switzerland, that specializes in developing innovative cancer therapeutics through the modulation of protein degradation pathways. The company focuses on molecular glue degraders (MGDs), a class of small molecule drugs that utilize the body's natural mechanisms for protein degradation to selectively target and degrade proteins relevant to cancer treatment. Monte Rosa employs its QuEEN platform, which integrates artificial intelligence and proprietary experimental tools, to identify and develop target proteins for degradation. With a library of over 50,000 MGD molecules, its leading product candidate, MRT-2359, specifically targets the translation termination factor protein GSPT1, showing potential for treating MYC-driven tumors. The company is committed to advancing its pipeline of novel therapeutics to address unmet medical needs in oncology.

Century Therapeutics

Series C in 2021
Century Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based therapies for cancer treatment. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the company aims to create allogeneic living drugs that specifically target both hematologic and solid tumors. By utilizing iPSCs, Century Therapeutics can engineer immune effector cells through multiple rounds of cellular modification, producing master cell banks that can be expanded and differentiated for therapeutic use. Their innovative approach incorporates advanced technologies such as CRISPR-mediated gene editing and proprietary chimeric antigen receptors, along with Allo-Evasion technology, which helps prevent rejection by the host immune system. These advancements position Century Therapeutics to enhance the effectiveness and accessibility of cancer treatments.

Vividion Therapeutics

Series C in 2021
Vividion Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, focused on developing therapeutics to address significant unmet medical needs. The company utilizes a novel platform for proteome-wide small molecule drug discovery, which combines proteomic techniques and synthetic chemistry to enhance drug selectivity and broaden the range of druggable proteins. Originating from research at The Scripps Research Institute, Vividion's technology enables the creation of detailed drug interaction maps, facilitating simultaneous target engagement and comprehensive selectivity profiling. By advancing its innovative synthetic and proteomic chemistry approaches, Vividion aims to deliver transformative treatments for patients with serious illnesses.

Pipeline Therapeutics

Series C in 2021
Pipeline Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing small molecules aimed at neuroregeneration, which includes promoting synaptogenesis, remyelination, and axonal repair. Based in San Diego, California, the company’s lead product candidate, PIPE-505, is a gamma secretase inhibitor designed to treat mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss associated with cochlear synaptopathy. Additionally, Pipeline Therapeutics is advancing earlier-stage programs, such as PIPE-307, which target remyelination and axonal repair to address various neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis. Founded in 2017, the company aims to harness the body's natural repair mechanisms to facilitate recovery from neurological damage.

Gritstone bio

Post in 2020
Gritstone Bio is a biotechnology company focused on developing personalized cancer immunotherapies aimed at treating various cancer types and infectious diseases. The company is advancing its lead product candidates, GRANITE and SLATE, both of which are in Phase I/II clinical trials. GRANITE targets solid tumors, including metastatic non-small cell lung cancer and gastroesophageal cancer, while SLATE serves as an off-the-shelf immunotherapy for common solid tumors and mutation-positive cancers. Gritstone is committed to identifying therapeutic neo-antigens from individual patients' tumors to create novel treatments, leveraging the expertise of its scientific founders and management team. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Emeryville, California, the company is also engaged in strategic collaborations to enhance its research and development efforts.

RayzeBio

Series B in 2020
RayzeBio, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, founded in 2020. The company specializes in developing tumor-targeted small molecule medicines that utilize radioisotopes, particularly focusing on alpha-emitting isotopes like Actinium-225 for the treatment of solid tumors. RayzeBio aims to improve cancer treatment outcomes by creating a robust pipeline of radiopharmaceuticals targeting validated oncology drug targets. Its portfolio includes multiple drug candidates at various stages of development, ranging from discovery to late-stage clinical programs, addressing significant market opportunities in the field of cancer therapeutics.

VectivBio

Venture Round in 2020
VectivBio is a clinical-stage biotechnology company bringing transformational medicines to patients with serious rare diseases. They are committed to pursuing rare diseases with well-defined biology that can be targeted with best-in-disease therapies that have the potential to meaningfully transform and improve the lives of patients and their families, not just provide an incremental improvement or benefit over the standard-of-care. It was founded as a spinout from Therachon, a biotechnology company acquired by Pfizer for its program in achondroplasia. VectivBio was incorporated in 2019 and is based in Basel, Switzerland.

RayzeBio

Series A in 2020
RayzeBio, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, founded in 2020. The company specializes in developing tumor-targeted small molecule medicines that utilize radioisotopes, particularly focusing on alpha-emitting isotopes like Actinium-225 for the treatment of solid tumors. RayzeBio aims to improve cancer treatment outcomes by creating a robust pipeline of radiopharmaceuticals targeting validated oncology drug targets. Its portfolio includes multiple drug candidates at various stages of development, ranging from discovery to late-stage clinical programs, addressing significant market opportunities in the field of cancer therapeutics.

Monte Rosa Therapeutics

Series B in 2020
Monte Rosa Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in Basel, Switzerland, that specializes in developing innovative cancer therapeutics through the modulation of protein degradation pathways. The company focuses on molecular glue degraders (MGDs), a class of small molecule drugs that utilize the body's natural mechanisms for protein degradation to selectively target and degrade proteins relevant to cancer treatment. Monte Rosa employs its QuEEN platform, which integrates artificial intelligence and proprietary experimental tools, to identify and develop target proteins for degradation. With a library of over 50,000 MGD molecules, its leading product candidate, MRT-2359, specifically targets the translation termination factor protein GSPT1, showing potential for treating MYC-driven tumors. The company is committed to advancing its pipeline of novel therapeutics to address unmet medical needs in oncology.

Graphite Bio

Series A in 2020
Graphite Bio is a gene editing company focused on targeted DNA integration to address severe diseases. The company employs technology that enables the insertion of new genetic sequences to replace defective genes, repair damaged portions of genes, and insert therapeutic genetic material at specific locations within the genome. This precise approach leverages natural cellular DNA repair mechanisms to enhance the efficiency of gene integration, aiming to correct the underlying causes of various diseases. Founded in 2019 and based in South San Francisco, California, Graphite Bio was previously known as Integral Medicines, Inc. and rebranded in August 2020. The company is committed to advancing gene replacement therapies and potential cures for individuals affected by serious health conditions.
Chinook Therapeutics is a biotechnology company that specializes in the fields of therapeutics and life science. The company focuses on developing precision medicines for kidney diseases. Its services offers utilization of novel translational platforms and patient stratification tools, and emergence of accelerated regulatory pathways based on surrogate endpoints. The company was founded in 2019 and headquartered in Alberta, Canada.

T-knife

Series A in 2020
T-knife is a biotechnology company focused on developing T cell receptor therapies aimed at treating cancer. Utilizing a humanized T cell receptor (TCR) mice platform, the company is capable of carrying human TCRαβ gene loci and recombining a diverse array of human TCRs. This innovative approach facilitates the efficient generation and virtual selection of T cell receptors tailored for specific human tumor antigens, enhancing the potential for effective cancer therapies. Through its advanced technology, T-knife aims to improve treatment options for patients battling cancer.

Matterhorn Biosciences

Venture Round in 2020
Matterhorn is a biotechnology company focusing on the discovery of cellular therapies targeting the MR1 molecule. MR1 presents cancer-specific metabolites on the surface of cancer cells that are recognized and killed by T cells bearing a MR1-specific T cell receptor.

Bright Peak Therapeutics

Series A in 2020
Bright Peak Therapeutics is a biotechnology company with a platform capable of chemically synthesizing and optimizing natural proteins such as cytokines.

Monte Rosa Therapeutics

Series A in 2020
Monte Rosa Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in Basel, Switzerland, that specializes in developing innovative cancer therapeutics through the modulation of protein degradation pathways. The company focuses on molecular glue degraders (MGDs), a class of small molecule drugs that utilize the body's natural mechanisms for protein degradation to selectively target and degrade proteins relevant to cancer treatment. Monte Rosa employs its QuEEN platform, which integrates artificial intelligence and proprietary experimental tools, to identify and develop target proteins for degradation. With a library of over 50,000 MGD molecules, its leading product candidate, MRT-2359, specifically targets the translation termination factor protein GSPT1, showing potential for treating MYC-driven tumors. The company is committed to advancing its pipeline of novel therapeutics to address unmet medical needs in oncology.

Ventus Therapeutics

Series A in 2020
Ventus Therapeutics U.S., Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Natick, Massachusetts, with an additional location in Montreal, Canada. Founded in 2019, it focuses on discovering and developing novel small-molecule medicines that target the innate immune system to address autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, and cancer. The company employs a structural immunology platform that integrates protein engineering to elucidate molecular structures and mechanisms of action. This platform facilitates the development of precise binding and functional screening assays, as well as structure-based modeling. Ventus Therapeutics is advancing an emerging pipeline of drug programs aimed at key targets within the innate immune system, leveraging its proprietary capabilities in rational and structure-based drug design.

Pandion Therapeutics

Series B in 2020
Pandion Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapeutics for autoimmune diseases. The company's lead product candidate, PT101, is an engineered variant of interleukin-2 currently undergoing Phase 1a clinical trials to address various autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. In addition to PT101, Pandion's pipeline includes PT627, a systemic PD-1 agonist in preclinical studies, and two bifunctional molecules, PT001 and PT002, designed to facilitate tissue-selective immunomodulation in the gastrointestinal tract. PT001 combines a PD-1 agonist with a tether module that binds to mucosal vascular addressing cell adhesion molecule (MAdCAM), while PT002 merges an IL-2 mutein effector with a MAdCAM-binding module. The company has also established a collaboration with Astellas Pharma to develop locally acting immunomodulators for pancreatic autoimmune diseases. Headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts, Pandion Therapeutics aims to create effective and safe treatments to improve patient outcomes in the field of autoimmune disorders.

Lycia Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2020
Lycia Therapeutics is a biotechnology company that focuses on developing technology that utilizes lysosome-targeting chimeras. The company was founded by Carolyn R. Bertozzi in 2019 and is based in San Diego, California, USA.

Aligos Therapeutics

Series B in 2020
Aligos Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company founded in 2018 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California. The company specializes in developing innovative therapeutics to address unmet medical needs in viral and liver diseases, particularly targeting chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Its lead drug candidate, ALG-010133, is a synthetic oligonucleotide currently undergoing Phase I clinical trials for CHB. Aligos is also advancing several other candidates, including ALG-000184, a capsid assembly modulator for CHB; ALG-020572, an oligonucleotide for CHB; ALG-125097, an siRNA drug candidate for CHB; and ALG-055009, a small molecule THR-ß agonist for NASH. The company's strategy leverages the extensive expertise of its team in liver disease and viral hepatitis to develop targeted antiviral therapies and expedite its drug development pipeline.

VectivBio

Series A in 2020
VectivBio is a clinical-stage biotechnology company bringing transformational medicines to patients with serious rare diseases. They are committed to pursuing rare diseases with well-defined biology that can be targeted with best-in-disease therapies that have the potential to meaningfully transform and improve the lives of patients and their families, not just provide an incremental improvement or benefit over the standard-of-care. It was founded as a spinout from Therachon, a biotechnology company acquired by Pfizer for its program in achondroplasia. VectivBio was incorporated in 2019 and is based in Basel, Switzerland.

Pipeline Therapeutics

Series B in 2019
Pipeline Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing small molecules aimed at neuroregeneration, which includes promoting synaptogenesis, remyelination, and axonal repair. Based in San Diego, California, the company’s lead product candidate, PIPE-505, is a gamma secretase inhibitor designed to treat mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss associated with cochlear synaptopathy. Additionally, Pipeline Therapeutics is advancing earlier-stage programs, such as PIPE-307, which target remyelination and axonal repair to address various neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis. Founded in 2017, the company aims to harness the body's natural repair mechanisms to facilitate recovery from neurological damage.

Pipeline Therapeutics

Series B in 2019
Pipeline Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing small molecules aimed at neuroregeneration, which includes promoting synaptogenesis, remyelination, and axonal repair. Based in San Diego, California, the company’s lead product candidate, PIPE-505, is a gamma secretase inhibitor designed to treat mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss associated with cochlear synaptopathy. Additionally, Pipeline Therapeutics is advancing earlier-stage programs, such as PIPE-307, which target remyelination and axonal repair to address various neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis. Founded in 2017, the company aims to harness the body's natural repair mechanisms to facilitate recovery from neurological damage.
Black Diamond Therapeutics is a precision oncology medicine company focused on discovering and developing small molecule, tumor-agnostic therapies. The company's lead product candidate, BDTX-189, is designed to inhibit specific mutations in ErbB kinases, including the epidermal growth factor receptor. Additionally, Black Diamond is advancing a pipeline of allosteric-EGFR mutation inhibitors and other early-stage programs targeting allosteric mutations in kinases associated with cancer and rare genetic diseases. The company employs a technology platform known as Mutation-Allostery-Pharmacology, which aims to address undrugged mutations in patients with genetically defined cancers. Founded in 2014 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Black Diamond Therapeutics was previously known as ASET Therapeutics until its rebranding in 2018.

Coda Biotherapeutics

Series A in 2019
CODA Biotherapeutics’ revolutionary chemogenetic platform aims to control the activity of cells to treat disease with chemogenetics, the goal is to modify a target cell population using gene therapy to express a tunable “switch” protein. Cells modified with the “switch” can be activated or inactivated in a dose-dependent manner by a subsequently administered small molecule therapeutic, an effect that should only occur in the modified cells.

Anokion

Series B in 2019
Anokion SA is a biotechnology company based in Ecublens, Switzerland, specializing in antigen-specific immune tolerance solutions. As a spin-off from the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Anokion develops innovative therapies aimed at reducing the immunogenicity of therapeutic proteins. The company's platform technology is designed to address a range of autoimmune and allergic diseases, including prevalent conditions such as celiac disease, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes. By engineering proteins or antigens, Anokion’s approach provides precise therapies that minimize side effects and enhance patient outcomes in the treatment of autoimmune disorders.

Repare Therapeutics

Series B in 2019
Repare Therapeutics is a developer of oncology drugs designed to target specific vulnerabilities of tumor cells. The company's drugs combine a proprietary high throughput gene-editing and target discovery method with high-resolution protein crystallography, computational biology and clinical informatics, enabling patients to improve cancer treatment both with single therapy and in combination with existing drugs and treatments.

Passage Bio

Series B in 2019
Passage Bio is a genetic medicines company based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, specializing in the development of therapies for rare monogenic central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Founded in 2017, the company aims to create a portfolio of five AAV-delivered therapeutics, targeting conditions such as GM1 Gangliosidosis, Frontotemporal dementia, and Krabbe Disease. Passage Bio collaborates closely with the University of Pennsylvania, leveraging its Gene Therapy Program for preclinical work while managing clinical development, regulatory affairs, manufacturing, and commercialization of its product candidates. The company also engages with the Orphan Disease Center for natural history studies, key opinion leader involvement, and patient advocacy.

Chinook Therapeutics

Series A in 2019
Chinook Therapeutics is a biotechnology company that specializes in the fields of therapeutics and life science. The company focuses on developing precision medicines for kidney diseases. Its services offers utilization of novel translational platforms and patient stratification tools, and emergence of accelerated regulatory pathways based on surrogate endpoints. The company was founded in 2019 and headquartered in Alberta, Canada.

Century Therapeutics

Series A in 2019
Century Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based therapies for cancer treatment. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the company aims to create allogeneic living drugs that specifically target both hematologic and solid tumors. By utilizing iPSCs, Century Therapeutics can engineer immune effector cells through multiple rounds of cellular modification, producing master cell banks that can be expanded and differentiated for therapeutic use. Their innovative approach incorporates advanced technologies such as CRISPR-mediated gene editing and proprietary chimeric antigen receptors, along with Allo-Evasion technology, which helps prevent rejection by the host immune system. These advancements position Century Therapeutics to enhance the effectiveness and accessibility of cancer treatments.

Vividion Therapeutics

Series B in 2019
Vividion Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, focused on developing therapeutics to address significant unmet medical needs. The company utilizes a novel platform for proteome-wide small molecule drug discovery, which combines proteomic techniques and synthetic chemistry to enhance drug selectivity and broaden the range of druggable proteins. Originating from research at The Scripps Research Institute, Vividion's technology enables the creation of detailed drug interaction maps, facilitating simultaneous target engagement and comprehensive selectivity profiling. By advancing its innovative synthetic and proteomic chemistry approaches, Vividion aims to deliver transformative treatments for patients with serious illnesses.

Passage Bio

Series A in 2019
Passage Bio is a genetic medicines company based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, specializing in the development of therapies for rare monogenic central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Founded in 2017, the company aims to create a portfolio of five AAV-delivered therapeutics, targeting conditions such as GM1 Gangliosidosis, Frontotemporal dementia, and Krabbe Disease. Passage Bio collaborates closely with the University of Pennsylvania, leveraging its Gene Therapy Program for preclinical work while managing clinical development, regulatory affairs, manufacturing, and commercialization of its product candidates. The company also engages with the Orphan Disease Center for natural history studies, key opinion leader involvement, and patient advocacy.
Black Diamond Therapeutics is a precision oncology medicine company focused on discovering and developing small molecule, tumor-agnostic therapies. The company's lead product candidate, BDTX-189, is designed to inhibit specific mutations in ErbB kinases, including the epidermal growth factor receptor. Additionally, Black Diamond is advancing a pipeline of allosteric-EGFR mutation inhibitors and other early-stage programs targeting allosteric mutations in kinases associated with cancer and rare genetic diseases. The company employs a technology platform known as Mutation-Allostery-Pharmacology, which aims to address undrugged mutations in patients with genetically defined cancers. Founded in 2014 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Black Diamond Therapeutics was previously known as ASET Therapeutics until its rebranding in 2018.
Black Diamond Therapeutics is a precision oncology medicine company focused on discovering and developing small molecule, tumor-agnostic therapies. The company's lead product candidate, BDTX-189, is designed to inhibit specific mutations in ErbB kinases, including the epidermal growth factor receptor. Additionally, Black Diamond is advancing a pipeline of allosteric-EGFR mutation inhibitors and other early-stage programs targeting allosteric mutations in kinases associated with cancer and rare genetic diseases. The company employs a technology platform known as Mutation-Allostery-Pharmacology, which aims to address undrugged mutations in patients with genetically defined cancers. Founded in 2014 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Black Diamond Therapeutics was previously known as ASET Therapeutics until its rebranding in 2018.

Aprea

Series C in 2018
Aprea Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing cancer therapeutics that target the mutant p53 tumor suppressor protein. The lead product candidate, APR-246, is a first-in-class small molecule p53 reactivator currently in late-stage clinical development for hematologic malignancies, specifically myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Aprea aims to address significant unmet medical needs in cancer treatment through innovative therapies. The company is primarily backed by KDev Investments AB and other stakeholders, including Östersjöstiftelsen and Praktikerinvest, reflecting a strong investment foundation for its research and development efforts.

Gotham Therapeutics

Series A in 2018
Gotham Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in New York that focuses on developing a novel class of drugs aimed at targeting epitranscriptomics machinery. Established in 2017, the company seeks to create new treatment options for patients afflicted with various conditions, including cancers, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. By altering the activity of proteins that modify messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA), Gotham Therapeutics aims to advance therapeutic strategies and improve patient outcomes in these challenging medical areas.

Coda Biotherapeutics

Series A in 2018
CODA Biotherapeutics’ revolutionary chemogenetic platform aims to control the activity of cells to treat disease with chemogenetics, the goal is to modify a target cell population using gene therapy to express a tunable “switch” protein. Cells modified with the “switch” can be activated or inactivated in a dose-dependent manner by a subsequently administered small molecule therapeutic, an effect that should only occur in the modified cells.

Therachon

Series B in 2018
Therachon is a global biotechnology company focused on developing medicines for rare, genetic diseases that currently have no available treatments. The company’s lead pipeline candidate, TA-46, is a novel protein therapy in development for achondroplasia, the most common form of short-limbed dwarfism. Therachon is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, with research labs in Nice, France.

Tempest Therapeutics

Series B in 2018
Tempest Therapeutics is a biotechnology company that focuses on small molecule therapeutics that modulate anti-tumor immunity pathways. The company has a balanced and deep pipeline consisting of first-in-class and best-in-class small molecule therapeutics, which modulate distinct pathways relevant to mounting an effective anti-tumor response. Tempest Therapeutics was established in 2011 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

Crinetics Pharmaceuticals

Series B in 2018
Crinetics Pharmaceuticals discovers and develops novel therapeutics targeting peptide hormone receptors for the treatment of endocrine-related diseases and cancers. Their programs are derived from internal discovery efforts and use objective hormonal biomarker endpoints for preclinical and clinical studies to reduce both the risk and cost to achieve meaningful clinical data. Crinetics is seeking motivated partners to help advance Their programs to become commercially successful products.

Pandion Therapeutics

Series A in 2018
Pandion Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapeutics for autoimmune diseases. The company's lead product candidate, PT101, is an engineered variant of interleukin-2 currently undergoing Phase 1a clinical trials to address various autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. In addition to PT101, Pandion's pipeline includes PT627, a systemic PD-1 agonist in preclinical studies, and two bifunctional molecules, PT001 and PT002, designed to facilitate tissue-selective immunomodulation in the gastrointestinal tract. PT001 combines a PD-1 agonist with a tether module that binds to mucosal vascular addressing cell adhesion molecule (MAdCAM), while PT002 merges an IL-2 mutein effector with a MAdCAM-binding module. The company has also established a collaboration with Astellas Pharma to develop locally acting immunomodulators for pancreatic autoimmune diseases. Headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts, Pandion Therapeutics aims to create effective and safe treatments to improve patient outcomes in the field of autoimmune disorders.

Aligos Therapeutics

Series A in 2018
Aligos Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company founded in 2018 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California. The company specializes in developing innovative therapeutics to address unmet medical needs in viral and liver diseases, particularly targeting chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Its lead drug candidate, ALG-010133, is a synthetic oligonucleotide currently undergoing Phase I clinical trials for CHB. Aligos is also advancing several other candidates, including ALG-000184, a capsid assembly modulator for CHB; ALG-020572, an oligonucleotide for CHB; ALG-125097, an siRNA drug candidate for CHB; and ALG-055009, a small molecule THR-ß agonist for NASH. The company's strategy leverages the extensive expertise of its team in liver disease and viral hepatitis to develop targeted antiviral therapies and expedite its drug development pipeline.

Jnana Therapeutics

Series A in 2017
Jnana Therapeutics Inc. is a Boston-based company founded in 2016 that operates a drug discovery platform centered on solute carrier (SLC) transporters. The company focuses on key disease pathways related to immunometabolism, lysosomal function, and mucosal defense, targeting areas such as immuno-oncology, inflammatory disorders, and neurological diseases. By leveraging its innovative approach, Jnana Therapeutics aims to discover and develop transformative medicines that address significant medical needs and improve patient outcomes.

Nouscom

Series B in 2017
Nouscom is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative immunotherapy solutions for cancer treatment. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, with operations in Rome, Italy, the company specializes in engineered viral vector vaccines. Their platform is designed to express long strings of tumor neoantigens, facilitating the induction of strong antitumor T-cell responses to enhance cancer-specific cellular immunity. The leadership team, including experienced entrepreneurs like Prof. Riccardo Cortese, brings a wealth of expertise from previous successful ventures in the field of oncolytic and genetic vaccines.

Gritstone bio

Series B in 2017
Gritstone Bio is a biotechnology company focused on developing personalized cancer immunotherapies aimed at treating various cancer types and infectious diseases. The company is advancing its lead product candidates, GRANITE and SLATE, both of which are in Phase I/II clinical trials. GRANITE targets solid tumors, including metastatic non-small cell lung cancer and gastroesophageal cancer, while SLATE serves as an off-the-shelf immunotherapy for common solid tumors and mutation-positive cancers. Gritstone is committed to identifying therapeutic neo-antigens from individual patients' tumors to create novel treatments, leveraging the expertise of its scientific founders and management team. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Emeryville, California, the company is also engaged in strategic collaborations to enhance its research and development efforts.

Repare Therapeutics

Series A in 2017
Repare Therapeutics is a developer of oncology drugs designed to target specific vulnerabilities of tumor cells. The company's drugs combine a proprietary high throughput gene-editing and target discovery method with high-resolution protein crystallography, computational biology and clinical informatics, enabling patients to improve cancer treatment both with single therapy and in combination with existing drugs and treatments.

Tarveda Therapeutics

Series D in 2017
Tarveda Therapeutics is focused on developing innovative cancer therapies specifically for solid tumors. The company specializes in miniature drug conjugates, with its lead candidate, PEN-866, targeting activated Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP90) to deliver a potent topoisomerase 1 inhibitor, SN38, directly to tumor cells. Additionally, Tarveda is advancing another drug conjugate aimed at treating patients with neuroendocrine tumors and small cell lung cancer that express somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2). By leveraging its targeted drug delivery platform, Tarveda Therapeutics aims to improve treatment outcomes for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers while reducing potential side effects. Founded in 2011 and based in Watertown, Massachusetts, the company was previously known as Blend Therapeutics until its rebranding in 2016.

Vividion Therapeutics

Series A in 2017
Vividion Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, focused on developing therapeutics to address significant unmet medical needs. The company utilizes a novel platform for proteome-wide small molecule drug discovery, which combines proteomic techniques and synthetic chemistry to enhance drug selectivity and broaden the range of druggable proteins. Originating from research at The Scripps Research Institute, Vividion's technology enables the creation of detailed drug interaction maps, facilitating simultaneous target engagement and comprehensive selectivity profiling. By advancing its innovative synthetic and proteomic chemistry approaches, Vividion aims to deliver transformative treatments for patients with serious illnesses.

Therachon

Series A in 2017
Therachon is a global biotechnology company focused on developing medicines for rare, genetic diseases that currently have no available treatments. The company’s lead pipeline candidate, TA-46, is a novel protein therapy in development for achondroplasia, the most common form of short-limbed dwarfism. Therachon is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, with research labs in Nice, France.

BlueRock Therapeutics

Series A in 2016
BlueRock Therapeutics LP is a biotechnology company focused on developing engineered cell therapies utilizing its CELL+GENE platform. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with additional offices in New York and Toronto, the company specializes in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) therapies aimed at treating various diseases, particularly in the fields of neurology, cardiology, and immunology. One of its key initiatives involves regenerating heart muscle in patients who have experienced heart attacks or suffer from chronic heart failure, addressing significant health challenges. BlueRock also offers stable master cell banks, including healthy donor cells and methods for immune evasion, to support its therapeutic development efforts. As of September 2019, BlueRock operates as a subsidiary of Bayer Aktiengesellschaft.

Turnstone Biologics

Series B in 2016
Turnstone Biologics Inc. is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing viral immunotherapies aimed at enhancing cancer survival rates. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, with an additional office in New York, the company’s lead candidate, RIVAL-01, is based on a vaccinia virus backbone that incorporates three effective immunomodulators: Flt3 ligand, anti-CTLA-4 antibody, and IL-12 cytokine. These components are designed to synergistically stimulate immune responses and modify the tumor microenvironment to facilitate tumor eradication. Turnstone's platform leverages discoveries from prominent researchers in the field of oncolytic viral immunotherapy and has progressed RIVAL-01 into a Phase I/II clinical development study in collaboration with four Canadian academic institutions and the Fight Against Cancer Innovation Trust (FACIT).

Nouscom

Series A in 2016
Nouscom is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative immunotherapy solutions for cancer treatment. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, with operations in Rome, Italy, the company specializes in engineered viral vector vaccines. Their platform is designed to express long strings of tumor neoantigens, facilitating the induction of strong antitumor T-cell responses to enhance cancer-specific cellular immunity. The leadership team, including experienced entrepreneurs like Prof. Riccardo Cortese, brings a wealth of expertise from previous successful ventures in the field of oncolytic and genetic vaccines.

Aprea

Series B in 2016
Aprea Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing cancer therapeutics that target the mutant p53 tumor suppressor protein. The lead product candidate, APR-246, is a first-in-class small molecule p53 reactivator currently in late-stage clinical development for hematologic malignancies, specifically myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Aprea aims to address significant unmet medical needs in cancer treatment through innovative therapies. The company is primarily backed by KDev Investments AB and other stakeholders, including Östersjöstiftelsen and Praktikerinvest, reflecting a strong investment foundation for its research and development efforts.

Inception IBD

Series A in 2015
Inception IBD is focused on translating academic discoveries in the field of IBD

Crinetics Pharmaceuticals

Series A in 2015
Crinetics Pharmaceuticals discovers and develops novel therapeutics targeting peptide hormone receptors for the treatment of endocrine-related diseases and cancers. Their programs are derived from internal discovery efforts and use objective hormonal biomarker endpoints for preclinical and clinical studies to reduce both the risk and cost to achieve meaningful clinical data. Crinetics is seeking motivated partners to help advance Their programs to become commercially successful products.

Turnstone Biologics

Series A in 2015
Turnstone Biologics Inc. is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing viral immunotherapies aimed at enhancing cancer survival rates. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, with an additional office in New York, the company’s lead candidate, RIVAL-01, is based on a vaccinia virus backbone that incorporates three effective immunomodulators: Flt3 ligand, anti-CTLA-4 antibody, and IL-12 cytokine. These components are designed to synergistically stimulate immune responses and modify the tumor microenvironment to facilitate tumor eradication. Turnstone's platform leverages discoveries from prominent researchers in the field of oncolytic viral immunotherapy and has progressed RIVAL-01 into a Phase I/II clinical development study in collaboration with four Canadian academic institutions and the Fight Against Cancer Innovation Trust (FACIT).

Gritstone bio

Series A in 2015
Gritstone Bio is a biotechnology company focused on developing personalized cancer immunotherapies aimed at treating various cancer types and infectious diseases. The company is advancing its lead product candidates, GRANITE and SLATE, both of which are in Phase I/II clinical trials. GRANITE targets solid tumors, including metastatic non-small cell lung cancer and gastroesophageal cancer, while SLATE serves as an off-the-shelf immunotherapy for common solid tumors and mutation-positive cancers. Gritstone is committed to identifying therapeutic neo-antigens from individual patients' tumors to create novel treatments, leveraging the expertise of its scientific founders and management team. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Emeryville, California, the company is also engaged in strategic collaborations to enhance its research and development efforts.

Audentes Therapeutics

Series C in 2015
Audentes Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to developing and commercializing gene therapy products for patients with serious, life-threatening rare diseases caused by single gene defects. The company is advancing several therapies, including AT132, currently in Phase I/II clinical trials for X-linked myotubular myopathy, and AT342, also in Phase I/II studies for Crigler-Najjar syndrome. Additionally, Audentes is exploring AT845 in preclinical studies for Pompe disease and AT307 for the CASQ2 subtype of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. The company is also working on vectorized antisense treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and myotonic dystrophy type 1. Collaborations include a partnership with Genethon for XLMTM treatments and an agreement with the University of Pennsylvania for Crigler-Najjar syndrome products. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, Audentes Therapeutics operates as a subsidiary of Astellas US Holding, Inc.

Therachon

Series A in 2015
Therachon is a global biotechnology company focused on developing medicines for rare, genetic diseases that currently have no available treatments. The company’s lead pipeline candidate, TA-46, is a novel protein therapy in development for achondroplasia, the most common form of short-limbed dwarfism. Therachon is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, with research labs in Nice, France.

GenSight Biologics

Series B in 2015
GenSight Biologics S.A. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Paris, France, specializing in the discovery and development of gene therapy treatments for retinal degenerative diseases and neurodegenerative disorders of the central nervous system. The company utilizes two primary technology platforms: mitochondrial targeting sequences and optogenetics, aiming to preserve or restore vision in patients affected by severe retinal diseases. Its lead product candidates include GS010, an AAV2-based gene therapy currently in Phase III clinical trials for treating Leber hereditary optic neuropathy associated with ND4 gene mutations, and GS030, which is undergoing Phase I/II trials for retinitis pigmentosa and geographic atrophy in dry age-related macular degeneration. Additionally, GenSight is advancing various preclinical programs targeting both ophthalmic and neurodegenerative conditions, reflecting its commitment to innovative solutions for patients with significant vision impairment or blindness. GenSight Biologics was founded in 2012.

CRISPR Therapeutics

Series B in 2015
CRISPR Therapeutics AG is a gene editing company dedicated to developing transformative gene-based medicines for serious human diseases using its proprietary CRISPR/Cas9 technology. This revolutionary platform allows for precise modifications to genomic DNA, enabling the company to target a variety of disease areas, including hemoglobinopathies, oncology, regenerative medicine, and rare diseases. The lead product candidate, CTX001, is an ex vivo CRISPR gene-edited therapy aimed at treating transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia and severe sickle cell disease by engineering patients' hematopoietic stem cells to produce elevated levels of fetal hemoglobin. Additionally, CRISPR Therapeutics is advancing other therapies, including CTX110, an allogeneic CAR-T therapy for certain malignancies, and additional programs targeting conditions such as multiple myeloma, solid tumors, diabetes, and various genetic disorders. The company collaborates with strategic partners such as Bayer Healthcare, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, and ViaCyte, and is headquartered in Zug, Switzerland.

CRISPR Therapeutics

Series A in 2015
CRISPR Therapeutics AG is a gene editing company dedicated to developing transformative gene-based medicines for serious human diseases using its proprietary CRISPR/Cas9 technology. This revolutionary platform allows for precise modifications to genomic DNA, enabling the company to target a variety of disease areas, including hemoglobinopathies, oncology, regenerative medicine, and rare diseases. The lead product candidate, CTX001, is an ex vivo CRISPR gene-edited therapy aimed at treating transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia and severe sickle cell disease by engineering patients' hematopoietic stem cells to produce elevated levels of fetal hemoglobin. Additionally, CRISPR Therapeutics is advancing other therapies, including CTX110, an allogeneic CAR-T therapy for certain malignancies, and additional programs targeting conditions such as multiple myeloma, solid tumors, diabetes, and various genetic disorders. The company collaborates with strategic partners such as Bayer Healthcare, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, and ViaCyte, and is headquartered in Zug, Switzerland.

Audentes Therapeutics

Series B in 2014
Audentes Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to developing and commercializing gene therapy products for patients with serious, life-threatening rare diseases caused by single gene defects. The company is advancing several therapies, including AT132, currently in Phase I/II clinical trials for X-linked myotubular myopathy, and AT342, also in Phase I/II studies for Crigler-Najjar syndrome. Additionally, Audentes is exploring AT845 in preclinical studies for Pompe disease and AT307 for the CASQ2 subtype of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. The company is also working on vectorized antisense treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and myotonic dystrophy type 1. Collaborations include a partnership with Genethon for XLMTM treatments and an agreement with the University of Pennsylvania for Crigler-Najjar syndrome products. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, Audentes Therapeutics operates as a subsidiary of Astellas US Holding, Inc.

Anokion

Series A in 2014
Anokion SA is a biotechnology company based in Ecublens, Switzerland, specializing in antigen-specific immune tolerance solutions. As a spin-off from the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Anokion develops innovative therapies aimed at reducing the immunogenicity of therapeutic proteins. The company's platform technology is designed to address a range of autoimmune and allergic diseases, including prevalent conditions such as celiac disease, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes. By engineering proteins or antigens, Anokion’s approach provides precise therapies that minimize side effects and enhance patient outcomes in the treatment of autoimmune disorders.

CRISPR Therapeutics

Series A in 2014
CRISPR Therapeutics AG is a gene editing company dedicated to developing transformative gene-based medicines for serious human diseases using its proprietary CRISPR/Cas9 technology. This revolutionary platform allows for precise modifications to genomic DNA, enabling the company to target a variety of disease areas, including hemoglobinopathies, oncology, regenerative medicine, and rare diseases. The lead product candidate, CTX001, is an ex vivo CRISPR gene-edited therapy aimed at treating transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia and severe sickle cell disease by engineering patients' hematopoietic stem cells to produce elevated levels of fetal hemoglobin. Additionally, CRISPR Therapeutics is advancing other therapies, including CTX110, an allogeneic CAR-T therapy for certain malignancies, and additional programs targeting conditions such as multiple myeloma, solid tumors, diabetes, and various genetic disorders. The company collaborates with strategic partners such as Bayer Healthcare, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, and ViaCyte, and is headquartered in Zug, Switzerland.

AAVLife

Series A in 2014
AAVLife, founded in 2014 and based in Paris, France, specializes in gene therapy services and conducts clinical trials focused on Friedreich’s Ataxia Cardiomyopathy. The company's innovative approach utilizes an adeno-associated virus to deliver a normal gene into cardiac tissue, aiming to restore cardiac function and reverse heart enlargement observed in mouse models of the disease. AAVLife is advancing its research to determine appropriate dosing and administration methods for upcoming clinical trials. Plans include conferring with regulatory authorities to establish requirements for toxicity studies and trial design. The aim is to initiate a clinical trial to evaluate the gene therapy for heart disease linked to Friedreich’s Ataxia, following an observational study. This genetic disorder typically manifests during childhood or adolescence and predominantly affects cardiac health, leading to significant mortality in early adulthood. AAVLife is dedicated to improving patient outcomes and values its connections with patient communities and related organizations.

Bird Rock Bio

Series B in 2014
Bird Rock Bio is focused on the discovery and development of novel biologic therapeutics that meet the medical and commercial needs for China’s patients and healthcare system and that have the potential to be disruptive globally. RYI-008 is a novel, extremely potent monoclonal antibody that is highly selective to IL-6, a cytokine widely implicated in inflammation and cancer. In addition to RYI-008, RuiYi has a growing pipeline of monoclonal antibodies from its internal discovery efforts utilizing a series of the Company’s technologies, including the iCAP (intramembranous Conformation Antigen Presenting) system. Targets include a select subset of G protein coupled receptors (GPCR), where specificity in binding is critical but has proven difficult to achieve with small molecule modulators.

Immune Design

Series C in 2013
Immune Design Corp. (IDC) uses breakthrough technology to develop safe and effective vaccines and therapeutics, with emphasis on the prevention and treatment of infectious disease. This goal is being achieved through dedicated research aimed towards a greater understanding of the immune system, and by developing a new generation of immune-based products for the pharmaceutical industry. IDC is passionate about its mission to alleviate human suffering and pursues this goal with high energy and an unsurpassed standard of excellence

Audentes Therapeutics

Series A in 2013
Audentes Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to developing and commercializing gene therapy products for patients with serious, life-threatening rare diseases caused by single gene defects. The company is advancing several therapies, including AT132, currently in Phase I/II clinical trials for X-linked myotubular myopathy, and AT342, also in Phase I/II studies for Crigler-Najjar syndrome. Additionally, Audentes is exploring AT845 in preclinical studies for Pompe disease and AT307 for the CASQ2 subtype of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. The company is also working on vectorized antisense treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and myotonic dystrophy type 1. Collaborations include a partnership with Genethon for XLMTM treatments and an agreement with the University of Pennsylvania for Crigler-Najjar syndrome products. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, Audentes Therapeutics operates as a subsidiary of Astellas US Holding, Inc.

Veracyte

Series C in 2013
Veracyte, Inc. is a genomic diagnostics company that specializes in developing tests for various cancers and other diseases, including thyroid and lung cancers. Its key products include the Afirma Genomic Sequencing Classifier, which helps identify benign thyroid nodules to avoid unnecessary surgeries, and the Percepta Genomic Sequencing Classifier for lung cancer patients. Additionally, Veracyte offers the Envisia Genomic Classifier for distinguishing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis from other lung diseases, and the Prosigna Breast Cancer Prognostic Gene Signature Assay to assess the risk of cancer recurrence. The company markets its products through a team of specialists and has established collaborations with Johnson & Johnson Innovation and Loxo Oncology to enhance the development of innovative diagnostic tests. Founded in 2008 and based in South San Francisco, California, Veracyte was previously known as Calderome, Inc. and aims to improve clinical outcomes by refining diagnostic methods.

GenSight Biologics

Series A in 2013
GenSight Biologics S.A. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Paris, France, specializing in the discovery and development of gene therapy treatments for retinal degenerative diseases and neurodegenerative disorders of the central nervous system. The company utilizes two primary technology platforms: mitochondrial targeting sequences and optogenetics, aiming to preserve or restore vision in patients affected by severe retinal diseases. Its lead product candidates include GS010, an AAV2-based gene therapy currently in Phase III clinical trials for treating Leber hereditary optic neuropathy associated with ND4 gene mutations, and GS030, which is undergoing Phase I/II trials for retinitis pigmentosa and geographic atrophy in dry age-related macular degeneration. Additionally, GenSight is advancing various preclinical programs targeting both ophthalmic and neurodegenerative conditions, reflecting its commitment to innovative solutions for patients with significant vision impairment or blindness. GenSight Biologics was founded in 2012.

Theraclone Sciences

Series B in 2013
Theraclone Sciences, Inc. is a Seattle-based discovery-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel therapeutic antibodies for the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. The company utilizes its In-Situ Therapeutic Antibody Rescue technology to rapidly test human antibodies, identifying those with exceptional biological functions. Notable among its offerings is TCN-032, a recombinant human monoclonal antibody aimed at treating patients hospitalized with severe influenza. Theraclone’s antibody programs are in varying stages of preclinical and clinical development, targeting significant unmet medical needs such as triple negative and endocrine treatment-resistant HER-2 negative breast cancer, infectious disease-associated cancers, and multidrug-resistant bacteria. Theraclone was founded in 2004 and was formerly known as Spaltudaq Corporation, changing its name in March 2009. The company is privately held and has received venture funding from several investment firms.

Achaogen

Series D in 2013
Achaogen, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing antibacterial agents to combat multi-drug resistant (MDR) gram-negative infections. The company's primary product, plazomicin, is designed to treat serious bacterial infections caused by MDR enterobacteriaceae, particularly carbapenem-resistant strains. Additionally, Achaogen is working on C-Scape, an orally-administered combination therapy targeting infections due to expanded spectrum beta-lactamases producing enterobacteriaceae. Achaogen has established several collaboration agreements, including partnerships with Thermo Fisher Scientific for assay development, and Ionis Pharmaceuticals for the advancement of aminoglycoside antibacterial compounds. The company generates revenue primarily through government contracts for research and development. Founded in 2002 and based in South San Francisco, California, Achaogen filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April 2019, transitioning to a liquidation plan in May 2020.

FivePrime Therapeutics

Private Equity Round in 2012
Five Prime Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, that specializes in the discovery and development of innovative protein therapeutics. The company is advancing several product candidates, including Bemarituzumab, an antibody targeting fibroblast growth factor receptor 2b, which is currently in Phase 3 trials for gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancers. Other candidates include FPA150, a CD8 T cell checkpoint inhibitor in Phase 1a/1b trials for various cancers, and FPT155, a soluble CD80 fusion protein aimed at enhancing T cell co-stimulation. Additionally, Cabiralizumab, which targets the colony stimulating factor-1 receptor, is being tested in Phase Ia/Ib trials in combination with Opdivo for cancer treatment. Five Prime also has BMS-986258, an anti-TIGIT antibody in Phase 1/2 trials. The company employs a unique ProScreen Engine that enables efficient production and screening of therapeutic proteins, allowing for a more comprehensive approach than traditional methods. Five Prime has established collaborations and licensing agreements with several prominent pharmaceutical companies, enhancing its research capabilities and market reach.

OpGen

Series C in 2012
OpGen, Inc. is a precision medicine company based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, that specializes in developing molecular diagnostics and informatics aimed at combating infectious diseases. The company offers a range of products, including the Acuitas AMR Gene Panel, which detects bacterial nucleic acids and antimicrobial resistance markers, and QuickFISH and PNA FISH tests for identifying pathogens in blood cultures. Additionally, OpGen provides the Acuitas Lighthouse informatics system, a cloud-based platform that integrates clinical lab results with patient data to help manage multidrug-resistant organisms in healthcare settings. Through its strategic collaboration with the New York State Department of Health, OpGen is working on solutions to detect and manage antimicrobial-resistant infections in healthcare facilities. The company's innovative technologies are utilized by academic, government, and research institutions globally for applications such as strain typing and genome assembly. OpGen aims to enhance patient care and outcomes while addressing the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance.

Helicos BioSciences

Series A in 2012
Helicos BioSciences Corporation is a life sciences company that specializes in advanced genetic analysis technology. It has developed the True Single Molecule Sequencing (tSMS) technology, which allows for the rapid analysis of large amounts of genetic material by directly sequencing individual molecules of DNA and RNA. This innovative approach enables precise sequencing and offers significant advantages in research, drug discovery, and clinical diagnostics. The Helicos Genetic Analysis Platform includes the HeliScope Single Molecule Sequencer, which performs a series of biochemical reactions on single DNA or RNA molecules, and the HeliScope Analysis Engine, an image analysis computer system that processes the sequencing data. The platform also utilizes specialized reagents and disposable supplies essential for the sequencing process. Through its unique technology, Helicos aims to enhance the understanding of genetic information and improve applications in various fields of life sciences.

Groove Biopharma

Series B in 2011
Groove Biopharma focuses on the generation of novel microRNA (miRNA) therapeutics with improved properties, including higher potency and enhanced pharmacodynamic activity. Endogenous microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in extensive regulatory networks for many target genes and pathways. Groove Biopharma’s core technology addresses a new avenue of nucleotide therapeutic drug discovery via modulation of cellular miRNA. Using exclusive technology, Groove Biopharma is generating a series of lead candidates with the potential to be best-in-class therapeutics. By incorporating proprietary structural modifications into miRNA therapeutics, the Groove Biopharma technology platform presents promising potential for treating a wide range of diseases, including cancer, fibrosis, and infectious disease.
KYTHERA Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., formerly known as AESTHERx, Inc., was founded in August 2005 and is a privately held biopharmaceutical company located north of Los Angeles in southern California. KYTHERA is focused on science and innovation in aesthetic medicine. This market is expanding rapidly driven by an aging population, increasing discretionary income, and an evolution of patient preference toward restorative and preventative care. The company uses the tools of biotechnology to develop prescription therapeutics for this emerging market.

OpGen

Series B in 2010
OpGen, Inc. is a precision medicine company based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, that specializes in developing molecular diagnostics and informatics aimed at combating infectious diseases. The company offers a range of products, including the Acuitas AMR Gene Panel, which detects bacterial nucleic acids and antimicrobial resistance markers, and QuickFISH and PNA FISH tests for identifying pathogens in blood cultures. Additionally, OpGen provides the Acuitas Lighthouse informatics system, a cloud-based platform that integrates clinical lab results with patient data to help manage multidrug-resistant organisms in healthcare settings. Through its strategic collaboration with the New York State Department of Health, OpGen is working on solutions to detect and manage antimicrobial-resistant infections in healthcare facilities. The company's innovative technologies are utilized by academic, government, and research institutions globally for applications such as strain typing and genome assembly. OpGen aims to enhance patient care and outcomes while addressing the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance.

Okairos

Series B in 2010
Okairos AG is a biopharmaceutical company that specializes in the discovery and development of genetic T-cell vaccines, with a significant focus on combating the hepatitis C virus. The company is also involved in providing health and allied services. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Okairos operates in Rome and Naples, Italy. It has expertise in gene delivery technologies and scalable viral-vector manufacturing processes, which facilitate the advancement of vaccines and advanced therapies. By utilizing state-of-the-art GMP facilities, Okairos supports biotech companies in transitioning their genetic vaccines and medicinal products from preclinical stages to commercial readiness.

Immune Design

Series B in 2010
Immune Design Corp. (IDC) uses breakthrough technology to develop safe and effective vaccines and therapeutics, with emphasis on the prevention and treatment of infectious disease. This goal is being achieved through dedicated research aimed towards a greater understanding of the immune system, and by developing a new generation of immune-based products for the pharmaceutical industry. IDC is passionate about its mission to alleviate human suffering and pursues this goal with high energy and an unsurpassed standard of excellence

Veracyte

Series B in 2010
Veracyte, Inc. is a genomic diagnostics company that specializes in developing tests for various cancers and other diseases, including thyroid and lung cancers. Its key products include the Afirma Genomic Sequencing Classifier, which helps identify benign thyroid nodules to avoid unnecessary surgeries, and the Percepta Genomic Sequencing Classifier for lung cancer patients. Additionally, Veracyte offers the Envisia Genomic Classifier for distinguishing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis from other lung diseases, and the Prosigna Breast Cancer Prognostic Gene Signature Assay to assess the risk of cancer recurrence. The company markets its products through a team of specialists and has established collaborations with Johnson & Johnson Innovation and Loxo Oncology to enhance the development of innovative diagnostic tests. Founded in 2008 and based in South San Francisco, California, Veracyte was previously known as Calderome, Inc. and aims to improve clinical outcomes by refining diagnostic methods.

Groove Biopharma

Series A in 2010
Groove Biopharma focuses on the generation of novel microRNA (miRNA) therapeutics with improved properties, including higher potency and enhanced pharmacodynamic activity. Endogenous microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in extensive regulatory networks for many target genes and pathways. Groove Biopharma’s core technology addresses a new avenue of nucleotide therapeutic drug discovery via modulation of cellular miRNA. Using exclusive technology, Groove Biopharma is generating a series of lead candidates with the potential to be best-in-class therapeutics. By incorporating proprietary structural modifications into miRNA therapeutics, the Groove Biopharma technology platform presents promising potential for treating a wide range of diseases, including cancer, fibrosis, and infectious disease.

Fluidigm

Venture Round in 2009
Fluidigm Corporation develops and markets innovative technologies and tools for life sciences research globally. The company specializes in integrated fluidic circuits that control fluids at the nanoscale, enabling a range of applications in biological research. Its product offerings include analytical systems such as the Helios CyTOF system, the Hyperion imaging system, and the Biomark HD system, along with various assays and reagents designed for immuno-oncology and genetic analysis. Fluidigm also provides preparatory instruments and single-cell microfluidics, such as the C1 and Polaris systems. The company serves a diverse clientele, including academic institutions, clinical research laboratories, biopharmaceutical, biotechnology, and agricultural biotechnology companies, focusing on non-diagnostic and non-clinical applications. Established in 1999 as Mycometrix Corporation, it adopted the name Fluidigm Corporation in 2001 and is headquartered in South San Francisco, California.
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