Versant Ventures

Founded in 1999, Versant Ventures is a global healthcare investment firm dedicated to supporting exceptional entrepreneurs building innovative companies. With over $2 billion under management and offices across North America and Europe, the firm invests across all stages of healthcare company development, with a focus on novel therapeutics. Versant's team, with deep investment, operating, and scientific expertise, takes a hands-on approach to company building.

Brian Atwood

Managing Director

Mehmet Badur

Principal

Brad Bolzon

Managing Partner

Jeremy Caldwell

Venture Partner

Samuel Colella

Co-Founder and Managing Director

Jerel Davis

Managing Director

Joel Drewry

Principal

Peter Emtage Ph.D

Venture Partner

Markus Enzelberger

Partner

Gianni Gromo

Partner

Rami Hannoush Ph.D

Venture Partner

Lawrence Klein Ph.D

Partner

Katharina Kreymborg Ph.D

Principal

Bill Link

Investor

Guido Magni

Managing Director

Alexander Mayweg

Managing Director

Donald Milder

Co-Founder and Managing Director

Shane Mulligan

Principal

Kirk Nielsen

Managing Partner

Clare Ozawa

Managing Director

Carlo Rizzuto

Partner

Beckie Robertson

Managing Director

Nikita Sharma

Principal

Rich Van Doren

CFO

Charles Warden

Managing Director

Markus Warmuth

Venture Partner

Tom Woiwode

Managing Director

Past deals in Clinical Trials

Granite Bio

Series A in 2025
Granite Bio is a biotechnology company focused on developing novel monoclonal antibody therapies targeting inflammatory, autoimmune, and fibrotic disorders.

Helicore Biopharma

Series A in 2025
Helicore Biopharma is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative treatments for obesity and related metabolic disorders. Its portfolio includes novel therapeutics based on glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) antagonism and monoclonal antibodies that bind circulating GIP ligands, forming a modular platform for anti-obesity medicines. The company aims to help patients with obesity and related conditions achieve significant weight loss.

Light Horse Therapeutics

Series A in 2025
Light Horse Therapeutics is a biotechnology company specializing in the application of gene editing to small-molecule drug discovery. It develops innovative methods to target the root causes of severe and life-threatening diseases, with an initial focus on challenging oncology targets. The company's advanced platform identifies critical functional domains within disease-related proteins, enabling the development of more effective therapies.

858 Therapeutics

Series B in 2024
858 Therapeutics is a biotechnology company specializing in the discovery of small molecule therapeutics for novel targets in oncology and immunology. The company focuses on innovative approaches such as synthetic lethality, innate immunity, and RNA modulation, with its lead program being a PARG inhibitor currently in early clinical development.

Borealis Biosciences

Series A in 2024
Borealis Biosciences is a biotechnology company focused on developing next-generation RNA-based therapies for kidney diseases. It specializes in molecular and cellular biology, vivarium space, chemistry, and analytical capabilities to enhance the delivery of RNA medicines to specific cell types.

Jade Biosciences

Series A in 2024
Jade Biosciences is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative therapies for unmet needs in autoimmune diseases. Its lead asset, JADE-001, targets the APRIL pathway for treating IgA nephropathy, with initial clinical trials planned. Additionally, Jade has two preclinical antibody discovery programs, JADE-002 and JADE-003. The company was founded upon assets licensed from Paragon Therapeutics.

Bright Peak Therapeutics

Series C in 2024
Bright Peak Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing a range of immunotherapies aimed at treating cancer and autoimmune diseases. The company specializes in creating immuno-cytokines that possess pharmacological properties enabling tissue and cell-specific targeting of cytokine payloads. This innovative approach is designed to enhance the efficacy of treatments, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life. By leveraging its expertise in cytokine therapeutics, Bright Peak aims to advance the field of immunotherapy and provide effective solutions for challenging medical conditions.

FireFly Bio

Series A in 2024
FireFly Bio is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies for cancer through its proprietary platform centered on Degrader Antibody Conjugates (DACs). This technology merges the advantages of traditional antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) with selective protein degradation, allowing for the targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to specific tissues. By leveraging advanced bioconjugate technologies, FireFly Bio aims to create highly specific and effective treatments that enhance patient outcomes. The company's approach emphasizes precision in medicine, seeking to improve the potency and efficacy of cancer therapies.

Enterprise Therapeutics

Series B in 2024
Enterprise Therapeutics is a United Kingdom-based drug discovery company founded in 2014 and based in Brighton. It develops novel disease-modifying therapies for respiratory diseases, including cystic fibrosis, asthma, and COPD, with a focus on addressing the underlying mechanisms of mucus congestion to improve breathing, reduce lung infections, and enhance patient quality of life.

Nexo Therapeutics

Series A in 2023
Nexo Therapeutics is a small molecule oncology company focused on discovering and developing innovative drugs for cancer patients who have limited therapeutic options. The company utilizes a unique platform that integrates covalent ligand discovery and chemical biology, allowing it to advance small-molecule therapies aimed at challenging and previously intractable cancer targets. By unlocking a pipeline of novel oncology treatments, Nexo Therapeutics seeks to provide medical professionals with new and effective options to improve patient outcomes in the fight against cancer.

Abdera Therapeutics

Series B in 2023
Abdera is an oncology company developing targeted alpha therapies for patients with relapsed, refractory, or metastatic cancers. Its precision oncology platform integrates drug development and antibody engineering technologies to create novel radiopharmaceuticals that specifically target tumors while minimizing systemic toxicities.

Abdera Therapeutics

Series A in 2023
Abdera is an oncology company developing targeted alpha therapies for patients with relapsed, refractory, or metastatic cancers. Its precision oncology platform integrates drug development and antibody engineering technologies to create novel radiopharmaceuticals that specifically target tumors while minimizing systemic toxicities.

Belharra Therapeutics

Series A in 2023
Belharra Therapeutics is a privately held drug discovery company that uses a chemoproteomics platform to identify small molecule drug candidates for binding sites across proteins, in various conformations and native cellular contexts, enabling discovery of targets previously deemed undruggable. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area with its primary lab in San Diego, the company focuses on expanding the druggable proteome by revealing novel binding sites and facilitating therapeutic development.

Launchpad Therapeutics

Series A in 2022
Launchpad Therapeutics is an antibody-focused precision oncology company.

iECURE

Series A in 2022
iECURE is a gene editing company developing mutation-agnostic in vivo gene insertion therapies to treat rare, life-threatening liver disorders in children. Its approach seeks long-term, potentially curative treatment for metabolic liver diseases caused by loss-of-function mutations, with initial programs targeting ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency, citrullinemia type 1, and phenylketonuria.

Jnana Therapeutics

Series C in 2022
Jnana Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 2016. It specializes in drug discovery, particularly focusing on solute carrier (SLC) transporters, which are vital for understanding various disease pathways. The company’s efforts are directed towards immunometabolism, lysosomal function, and mucosal defense, with applications in immuno-oncology, inflammatory disorders, and neurological diseases. Utilizing its proprietary RAPID platform, Jnana accelerates the identification of therapeutic targets and the development of small molecule therapies. By leveraging advanced chemoproteomics techniques, the company aims to enhance the efficiency of drug discovery and address significant unmet medical needs in patient care.

Tempest Therapeutics

Post in 2022
Tempest Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing small molecule therapeutics for cancer treatment. Established in 2011, the company aims to enhance anti-tumor immunity through its innovative drug pipeline, which includes clinical-stage candidates such as TPST-8844, TPST-1120, and TPST-1495. TPST-8844 targets an enzyme that helps tumor cells evade immune responses, while TPST-1120 blocks the PPAR-alpha pathway to stimulate immune effector cells essential for fighting tumors. Additionally, the company's therapeutics address pathways that directly kill tumor cells and activate tumor-specific immunity, positioning Tempest Therapeutics at the forefront of cancer treatment innovation.

Ventus Therapeutics

Series C in 2022
Ventus Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing innovative small molecule medicines that target the innate immune system. The company employs a structural immunology platform that provides deep insights into molecular structures and mechanisms, enabling precise targeting of the innate immune system. Ventus combines advanced protein engineering capabilities with cutting-edge rational and structure-based drug design tools to create therapeutics aimed at treating autoimmune diseases, inflammatory conditions, and cancer. The company is actively building a diverse pipeline of drug programs that address significant targets within the innate immune system, with the goal of advancing treatments for both acute and chronic inflammatory and immune-related diseases.

Nested Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2022
Nested Therapeutics is a stealth biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded in 2021. The company specializes in the development of precision oncology therapies aimed at targeting specific cancer genes. By identifying new driver mutations, Nested Therapeutics employs a platform that integrates insights from genomics, computational chemistry, proteomics, and artificial intelligence to discover novel small-molecule drugs. This innovative approach enables healthcare professionals to administer more effective precision medications, ultimately improving treatment outcomes for cancer patients.

Coda Biotherapeutics

Venture Round in 2021
Coda Biotherapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies to modulate neuronal activity through its chemogenetic platform. Established in 2014 and based in San Francisco, the company employs gene therapy techniques to modify specific neuronal populations, enabling them to express engineered ligand-gated ion channels that are responsive to a proprietary small molecule. This interaction allows for precise, dose-dependent control of neuronal activity, facilitating the treatment of conditions such as neuropathic pain, epilepsy, and movement disorders. Coda's approach utilizes viral vectors to deliver these engineered neurotransmitter receptors directly to targeted neurons, enhancing the efficiency of treatment for severe nervous system disorders compared to traditional therapies.

858 Therapeutics

Series A in 2021
858 Therapeutics is a biotechnology company specializing in the discovery of small molecule therapeutics for novel targets in oncology and immunology. The company focuses on innovative approaches such as synthetic lethality, innate immunity, and RNA modulation, with its lead program being a PARG inhibitor currently in early clinical development.

Lycia Therapeutics

Series B in 2021
Lycia Therapeutics operates as a biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing first-in-class therapeutics using its proprietary Lysosomal Targeting Chimeras (LYTACs) platform. This platform enables the degradation of extracellular and membrane-bound proteins associated with challenging-to-treat diseases like cancer and autoimmune disorders, aiming to provide effective treatments for patients.

iECURE

Series A in 2021
iECURE is a gene editing company developing mutation-agnostic in vivo gene insertion therapies to treat rare, life-threatening liver disorders in children. Its approach seeks long-term, potentially curative treatment for metabolic liver diseases caused by loss-of-function mutations, with initial programs targeting ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency, citrullinemia type 1, and phenylketonuria.

Jnana Therapeutics

Series B in 2021
Jnana Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 2016. It specializes in drug discovery, particularly focusing on solute carrier (SLC) transporters, which are vital for understanding various disease pathways. The company’s efforts are directed towards immunometabolism, lysosomal function, and mucosal defense, with applications in immuno-oncology, inflammatory disorders, and neurological diseases. Utilizing its proprietary RAPID platform, Jnana accelerates the identification of therapeutic targets and the development of small molecule therapies. By leveraging advanced chemoproteomics techniques, the company aims to enhance the efficiency of drug discovery and address significant unmet medical needs in patient care.

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 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.

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 leverage radioisotopes to improve cancer treatment outcomes. RayzeBio focuses on creating innovative radiopharmaceuticals, particularly utilizing alpha-emitting radioisotopes like Actinium-225, to target solid tumors effectively. With a robust pipeline of drug candidates, RayzeBio is committed to addressing significant market opportunities in oncology through late-stage clinical programs, development initiatives, and discovery efforts. The company's mission is to provide effective therapeutic solutions aimed at defeating cancer.

Bright Peak Therapeutics

Series B in 2021
Bright Peak Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing a range of immunotherapies aimed at treating cancer and autoimmune diseases. The company specializes in creating immuno-cytokines that possess pharmacological properties enabling tissue and cell-specific targeting of cytokine payloads. This innovative approach is designed to enhance the efficacy of treatments, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life. By leveraging its expertise in cytokine therapeutics, Bright Peak aims to advance the field of immunotherapy and provide effective solutions for challenging medical conditions.

Ventus Therapeutics

Series B in 2021
Ventus Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing innovative small molecule medicines that target the innate immune system. The company employs a structural immunology platform that provides deep insights into molecular structures and mechanisms, enabling precise targeting of the innate immune system. Ventus combines advanced protein engineering capabilities with cutting-edge rational and structure-based drug design tools to create therapeutics aimed at treating autoimmune diseases, inflammatory conditions, and cancer. The company is actively building a diverse pipeline of drug programs that address significant targets within the innate immune system, with the goal of advancing treatments for both acute and chronic inflammatory and immune-related diseases.

Graphite Bio

Series B in 2021
Graphite Bio is a clinical-stage gene editing company focused on targeted DNA integration to treat serious diseases. Its platform aims to precisely insert, repair, or replace genetic sequences by integrating therapeutic cargoes at predefined genomic locations, enabling correction of mutations or replacement of disease-causing genes while preserving normal regulatory control. Based in South San Francisco, the company pursues high-efficiency precision gene editing to address underlying causes of disease.

Monte Rosa Therapeutics

Series C in 2021
Monte Rosa Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on cancer therapeutics that target protein degradation pathways. It specializes in developing molecular glue degraders, a class of small molecules that direct disease-relevant proteins to degradation by the cell's natural machinery. The company uses its QuEEN platform, incorporating artificial intelligence and proprietary experimental tools, to identify target proteins for degradation by molecular glue degraders. It maintains a diverse library of more than 50,000 molecules and advancing its pipeline, including MRT-2359, a candidate that targets the translation termination factor GSPT1 for potential use in MYC-driven tumors.

Century Therapeutics

Series C in 2021
Century Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing allogeneic cell therapies derived from induced pluripotent stem cells to treat cancer and related diseases. Its platform enables engineering of iPSCs into NK and T cells with master cell banks of modified cells that can be expanded and differentiated into standardized, off-the-shelf therapies. The company combines CRISPR-mediated gene editing, proprietary chimeric antigen receptors, Allo-Evasion technology, and manufacturing capabilities to enable scalable production of homogeneous cell products for hematologic and solid tumors. While focused on oncology, its platform also targets autoimmune and inflammatory diseases with the goal of improving cell therapy performance and reducing host immune rejection.

Pipeline Therapeutics

Series C in 2021
Pipeline Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, specializing in the development and commercialization of small molecules aimed at neuroregeneration. Founded in 2017, the company focuses on promoting functional recovery for various neurological disorders. Its lead product candidate, PIPE-505, is a small molecule gamma secretase inhibitor designed to treat mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss associated with cochlear synaptopathy. Additionally, Pipeline Therapeutics has a portfolio of earlier-stage programs, including PIPE-307, which targets remyelination and axonal repair to address conditions like multiple sclerosis. By harnessing the natural repair processes of different nervous system cell types, the company seeks to provide innovative treatments that repair damage within the nervous system.

Gritstone bio

Post in 2020
Gritstone bio is a biotechnology company focused on developing immunotherapies for cancer and infectious diseases. The company initially concentrated on tumor-specific neoantigens but has expanded its programs to include viral antigens found on the surface of infected cells. Gritstone bio's approach leverages the body's natural immune system recognition of targets on abnormal cells, which is applicable to both anti-tumor and anti-viral immunity. Their pipeline includes several product candidates for treating solid tumors, such as GRANITE, SLATE, and CORAL. The company operates in a field that has seen significant advancements with the development and commercialization of immunotherapy drugs like checkpoint inhibitors, transforming cancer treatment.

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 leverage radioisotopes to improve cancer treatment outcomes. RayzeBio focuses on creating innovative radiopharmaceuticals, particularly utilizing alpha-emitting radioisotopes like Actinium-225, to target solid tumors effectively. With a robust pipeline of drug candidates, RayzeBio is committed to addressing significant market opportunities in oncology through late-stage clinical programs, development initiatives, and discovery efforts. The company's mission is to provide effective therapeutic solutions aimed at defeating cancer.

VectivBio

Venture Round in 2020
VectivBio AG is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Basel, Switzerland, founded in 2019 as a spinout from Therachon. The company specializes in the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative treatments for severe rare diseases, particularly those with significant unmet medical needs. Its lead product candidate, Apraglutide, is a synthetic GLP-2 analog designed to enhance the intestine’s ability to absorb fluids and nutrients, thereby reducing the reliance on parenteral support in patients with short bowel syndrome. VectivBio is dedicated to developing best-in-disease therapies that aim to meaningfully improve the lives of patients and their families, providing more than just incremental advancements over existing standard-of-care options.

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 leverage radioisotopes to improve cancer treatment outcomes. RayzeBio focuses on creating innovative radiopharmaceuticals, particularly utilizing alpha-emitting radioisotopes like Actinium-225, to target solid tumors effectively. With a robust pipeline of drug candidates, RayzeBio is committed to addressing significant market opportunities in oncology through late-stage clinical programs, development initiatives, and discovery efforts. The company's mission is to provide effective therapeutic solutions aimed at defeating cancer.

Monte Rosa Therapeutics

Series B in 2020
Monte Rosa Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on cancer therapeutics that target protein degradation pathways. It specializes in developing molecular glue degraders, a class of small molecules that direct disease-relevant proteins to degradation by the cell's natural machinery. The company uses its QuEEN platform, incorporating artificial intelligence and proprietary experimental tools, to identify target proteins for degradation by molecular glue degraders. It maintains a diverse library of more than 50,000 molecules and advancing its pipeline, including MRT-2359, a candidate that targets the translation termination factor GSPT1 for potential use in MYC-driven tumors.

Lava Therapeutics

Series C in 2020
Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Utrecht, the Netherlands, Lava Therapeutics is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of proprietary Vγ9Vδ2 T-cell engagers for immune oncology. Its platform focuses on creating bispecific antibodies to engage gamma-delta T cells for treating hematological and solid cancers.

Graphite Bio

Series A in 2020
Graphite Bio is a clinical-stage gene editing company focused on targeted DNA integration to treat serious diseases. Its platform aims to precisely insert, repair, or replace genetic sequences by integrating therapeutic cargoes at predefined genomic locations, enabling correction of mutations or replacement of disease-causing genes while preserving normal regulatory control. Based in South San Francisco, the company pursues high-efficiency precision gene editing to address underlying causes of disease.

Chinook Therapeutics

Post in 2020
Chinook Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Seattle, Washington, that specializes in the discovery, development, and commercialization of precision medicines for kidney diseases. The company's lead program is atrasentan, an investigational endothelin receptor antagonist currently prepared for Phase III trials targeting IgA nephropathy and other primary glomerular diseases. In addition to atrasentan, Chinook is developing BION-1301, an investigational anti-APRIL monoclonal antibody evaluated in a Phase Ib trial for IgA nephropathy, and CHK-336, a preclinical candidate aimed at treating an undisclosed ultra-orphan kidney disease. Chinook Therapeutics is also engaged in research programs addressing other rare and severe chronic kidney conditions, including polycystic kidney disease.

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.

Bright Peak Therapeutics

Series A in 2020
Bright Peak Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing a range of immunotherapies aimed at treating cancer and autoimmune diseases. The company specializes in creating immuno-cytokines that possess pharmacological properties enabling tissue and cell-specific targeting of cytokine payloads. This innovative approach is designed to enhance the efficacy of treatments, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life. By leveraging its expertise in cytokine therapeutics, Bright Peak aims to advance the field of immunotherapy and provide effective solutions for challenging medical conditions.

Monte Rosa Therapeutics

Series A in 2020
Monte Rosa Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on cancer therapeutics that target protein degradation pathways. It specializes in developing molecular glue degraders, a class of small molecules that direct disease-relevant proteins to degradation by the cell's natural machinery. The company uses its QuEEN platform, incorporating artificial intelligence and proprietary experimental tools, to identify target proteins for degradation by molecular glue degraders. It maintains a diverse library of more than 50,000 molecules and advancing its pipeline, including MRT-2359, a candidate that targets the translation termination factor GSPT1 for potential use in MYC-driven tumors.

Ventus Therapeutics

Series A in 2020
Ventus Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing innovative small molecule medicines that target the innate immune system. The company employs a structural immunology platform that provides deep insights into molecular structures and mechanisms, enabling precise targeting of the innate immune system. Ventus combines advanced protein engineering capabilities with cutting-edge rational and structure-based drug design tools to create therapeutics aimed at treating autoimmune diseases, inflammatory conditions, and cancer. The company is actively building a diverse pipeline of drug programs that address significant targets within the innate immune system, with the goal of advancing treatments for both acute and chronic inflammatory and immune-related diseases.

Pandion Therapeutics

Series B in 2020
Pandion Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Watertown, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative therapeutics for patients with autoimmune diseases. The company’s lead product candidate, PT101, is an engineered interleukin-2 variant currently undergoing Phase 1a clinical trials for various autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, including moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis and systemic lupus erythematosus. 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 provide tissue-selective immunomodulation by targeting specific adhesion molecules in the gastrointestinal tract. Pandion employs a network-based approach to immune system conceptualization through its TALON drug design platform and collaborates with Astellas Pharma to develop locally acting immunomodulators for pancreatic autoimmune diseases. The company aims to create a new generation of therapeutics that offer enhanced efficacy and safety for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

Lycia Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2020
Lycia Therapeutics operates as a biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing first-in-class therapeutics using its proprietary Lysosomal Targeting Chimeras (LYTACs) platform. This platform enables the degradation of extracellular and membrane-bound proteins associated with challenging-to-treat diseases like cancer and autoimmune disorders, aiming to provide effective treatments for patients.

Aligos Therapeutics

Series B in 2020
Aligos Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative therapeutics targeting viral infections and liver diseases. Founded in 2018, the company focuses on chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), leveraging its expertise in liver disease drug development.

VectivBio

Series A in 2020
VectivBio AG is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Basel, Switzerland, founded in 2019 as a spinout from Therachon. The company specializes in the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative treatments for severe rare diseases, particularly those with significant unmet medical needs. Its lead product candidate, Apraglutide, is a synthetic GLP-2 analog designed to enhance the intestine’s ability to absorb fluids and nutrients, thereby reducing the reliance on parenteral support in patients with short bowel syndrome. VectivBio is dedicated to developing best-in-disease therapies that aim to meaningfully improve the lives of patients and their families, providing more than just incremental advancements over existing standard-of-care options.

Pipeline Therapeutics

Series B in 2019
Pipeline Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, specializing in the development and commercialization of small molecules aimed at neuroregeneration. Founded in 2017, the company focuses on promoting functional recovery for various neurological disorders. Its lead product candidate, PIPE-505, is a small molecule gamma secretase inhibitor designed to treat mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss associated with cochlear synaptopathy. Additionally, Pipeline Therapeutics has a portfolio of earlier-stage programs, including PIPE-307, which targets remyelination and axonal repair to address conditions like multiple sclerosis. By harnessing the natural repair processes of different nervous system cell types, the company seeks to provide innovative treatments that repair damage within the nervous system.

Coda Biotherapeutics

Series A in 2019
Coda Biotherapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies to modulate neuronal activity through its chemogenetic platform. Established in 2014 and based in San Francisco, the company employs gene therapy techniques to modify specific neuronal populations, enabling them to express engineered ligand-gated ion channels that are responsive to a proprietary small molecule. This interaction allows for precise, dose-dependent control of neuronal activity, facilitating the treatment of conditions such as neuropathic pain, epilepsy, and movement disorders. Coda's approach utilizes viral vectors to deliver these engineered neurotransmitter receptors directly to targeted neurons, enhancing the efficiency of treatment for severe nervous system disorders compared to traditional therapies.

Anokion

Series B in 2019
Anokion is a biotechnology company focused on antigen-specific immune tolerance to reduce immunogenicity of therapeutic proteins and treat autoimmune and allergic diseases. A spin-off from EPFL, it uses a platform technology that can be applied to many proteins across multiple clinical indications, including autoimmune conditions such as celiac disease, multiple sclerosis, and diabetes. The company is based in Ecublens, Switzerland.

Passage Bio

Series B in 2019
Passage Bio is a gene therapy company dedicated to developing transformative treatments for rare, monogenic central nervous system disorders. It has an integrated pipeline of five AAV-delivered therapeutics and collaborates with the University of Pennsylvania's Gene Therapy Program for preclinical work.

Repare Therapeutics

Series B in 2019
Repare Therapeutics is a precision oncology company that discovers and develops novel therapeutics using its synthetic lethality approach. It employs its proprietary SNIPRx platform to systematically identify and target genomic instability, particularly DNA damage repair pathways in cancer cells. The company's lead product candidate, RP-3500, is an oral small molecule inhibitor for treating solid tumors with specific DNA damage repair-related alterations.

Chinook Therapeutics

Series A in 2019
Chinook Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Seattle, Washington, that specializes in the discovery, development, and commercialization of precision medicines for kidney diseases. The company's lead program is atrasentan, an investigational endothelin receptor antagonist currently prepared for Phase III trials targeting IgA nephropathy and other primary glomerular diseases. In addition to atrasentan, Chinook is developing BION-1301, an investigational anti-APRIL monoclonal antibody evaluated in a Phase Ib trial for IgA nephropathy, and CHK-336, a preclinical candidate aimed at treating an undisclosed ultra-orphan kidney disease. Chinook Therapeutics is also engaged in research programs addressing other rare and severe chronic kidney conditions, including polycystic kidney disease.

Century Therapeutics

Series A in 2019
Century Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing allogeneic cell therapies derived from induced pluripotent stem cells to treat cancer and related diseases. Its platform enables engineering of iPSCs into NK and T cells with master cell banks of modified cells that can be expanded and differentiated into standardized, off-the-shelf therapies. The company combines CRISPR-mediated gene editing, proprietary chimeric antigen receptors, Allo-Evasion technology, and manufacturing capabilities to enable scalable production of homogeneous cell products for hematologic and solid tumors. While focused on oncology, its platform also targets autoimmune and inflammatory diseases with the goal of improving cell therapy performance and reducing host immune rejection.

Oyster Point

Series B in 2019
Oyster Point Pharma, Inc., established in 2015 and headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative therapies for ocular surface diseases. Its lead product candidate, OC-01, is a nasal spray formulated as a highly selective nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonist, currently in Phase III trials for treating the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease, a chronic condition affecting over 30 million Americans. OC-01's novel mechanism of action stimulates tear production by activating the trigeminal parasympathetic pathway, re-establishing tear film homeostasis.

Passage Bio

Series A in 2019
Passage Bio is a gene therapy company dedicated to developing transformative treatments for rare, monogenic central nervous system disorders. It has an integrated pipeline of five AAV-delivered therapeutics and collaborates with the University of Pennsylvania's Gene Therapy Program for preclinical work.

Akero Therapeutics

Series B in 2018
Akero Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing treatments for serious metabolic diseases, with a primary emphasis on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Its lead program is a long-acting fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) analog designed to restore metabolic balance and address liver fat, inflammation, and fibrosis. The company was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in South San Francisco, California.

Aprea

Series C in 2018
Aprea Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Massachusetts, that specializes in developing cancer therapeutics aimed at reactivating the mutant p53 tumor suppressor protein. Its primary product candidate, APR-246, is a small molecule p53 reactivator currently undergoing late-stage clinical development for hematologic malignancies, particularly myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia. Founded in 2006, Aprea is focused on advancing innovative treatments that target critical mechanisms in cancer biology to improve patient outcomes.

Gotham Therapeutics

Series A in 2018
Gotham Therapeutics Corp. is a biotechnology company based in New York, founded in 2017, that focuses on developing innovative treatments for patients with cancers, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. The company specializes in a novel class of drugs that target the machinery of epitranscriptomics, which involves altering the activity of proteins that modify messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA). By utilizing small molecules that inhibit the transcription of proteins through modifications to mRNA, Gotham Therapeutics aims to enhance treatment options and improve outcomes for individuals affected by serious health conditions.

Coda Biotherapeutics

Series A in 2018
Coda Biotherapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies to modulate neuronal activity through its chemogenetic platform. Established in 2014 and based in San Francisco, the company employs gene therapy techniques to modify specific neuronal populations, enabling them to express engineered ligand-gated ion channels that are responsive to a proprietary small molecule. This interaction allows for precise, dose-dependent control of neuronal activity, facilitating the treatment of conditions such as neuropathic pain, epilepsy, and movement disorders. Coda's approach utilizes viral vectors to deliver these engineered neurotransmitter receptors directly to targeted neurons, enhancing the efficiency of treatment for severe nervous system disorders compared to traditional therapies.

Akero Therapeutics

Series A in 2018
Akero Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing treatments for serious metabolic diseases, with a primary emphasis on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Its lead program is a long-acting fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) analog designed to restore metabolic balance and address liver fat, inflammation, and fibrosis. The company was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in South San Francisco, California.

Lava Therapeutics

Series A in 2018
Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Utrecht, the Netherlands, Lava Therapeutics is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of proprietary Vγ9Vδ2 T-cell engagers for immune oncology. Its platform focuses on creating bispecific antibodies to engage gamma-delta T cells for treating hematological and solid cancers.

Enterprise Therapeutics

Series B in 2018
Enterprise Therapeutics is a United Kingdom-based drug discovery company founded in 2014 and based in Brighton. It develops novel disease-modifying therapies for respiratory diseases, including cystic fibrosis, asthma, and COPD, with a focus on addressing the underlying mechanisms of mucus congestion to improve breathing, reduce lung infections, and enhance patient quality of life.

Tempest Therapeutics

Series B in 2018
Tempest Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing small molecule therapeutics for cancer treatment. Established in 2011, the company aims to enhance anti-tumor immunity through its innovative drug pipeline, which includes clinical-stage candidates such as TPST-8844, TPST-1120, and TPST-1495. TPST-8844 targets an enzyme that helps tumor cells evade immune responses, while TPST-1120 blocks the PPAR-alpha pathway to stimulate immune effector cells essential for fighting tumors. Additionally, the company's therapeutics address pathways that directly kill tumor cells and activate tumor-specific immunity, positioning Tempest Therapeutics at the forefront of cancer treatment innovation.

Crinetics Pharmaceuticals

Series B in 2018
Crinetics Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing therapeutics targeting peptide hormone receptors for treating rare endocrine diseases and related cancers. Its lead product candidate, paltusotine, is an oral selective nonpeptide somatostatin receptor type 2 biased agonist in Phase I trials for acromegaly and neuroendocrine tumors.

Quentis Therapeutics

Series A in 2018
Quentis Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company founded in 2016 and based in New York, specializing in the development of cancer immunotherapies. The company's innovative therapeutics focus on modulating endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response pathways within the tumor microenvironment. By targeting these pathways, Quentis Therapeutics aims to enhance the immune system's ability to combat cancer, thereby providing patients with access to novel treatment options. The company's approach seeks to translate cutting-edge biological insights into effective therapeutic strategies that can improve anti-tumor immunity.

Pandion Therapeutics

Series A in 2018
Pandion Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Watertown, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative therapeutics for patients with autoimmune diseases. The company’s lead product candidate, PT101, is an engineered interleukin-2 variant currently undergoing Phase 1a clinical trials for various autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, including moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis and systemic lupus erythematosus. 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 provide tissue-selective immunomodulation by targeting specific adhesion molecules in the gastrointestinal tract. Pandion employs a network-based approach to immune system conceptualization through its TALON drug design platform and collaborates with Astellas Pharma to develop locally acting immunomodulators for pancreatic autoimmune diseases. The company aims to create a new generation of therapeutics that offer enhanced efficacy and safety for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

Metavention

Series C in 2018
Metavention, Inc., founded in 2012 and based in Dover, Delaware, specializes in developing innovative treatments aimed at permanently disrupting the overactive nerves that contribute to high blood pressure and various metabolic diseases. The company has created a renal denervation procedure that employs radio frequency energy to target and modulate overactive sympathetic nerves. This trans-catheter device not only addresses issues related to high blood pressure but also focuses on conditions such as Type 2 diabetes by employing standard interventional vascular techniques. By providing physicians with advanced tools for diagnosis and treatment, Metavention aims to enhance patient outcomes for those suffering from metabolic disorders linked to sympathetic nervous system activity.

Aligos Therapeutics

Series A in 2018
Aligos Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative therapeutics targeting viral infections and liver diseases. Founded in 2018, the company focuses on chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), leveraging its expertise in liver disease drug development.

Jnana Therapeutics

Series A in 2017
Jnana Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 2016. It specializes in drug discovery, particularly focusing on solute carrier (SLC) transporters, which are vital for understanding various disease pathways. The company’s efforts are directed towards immunometabolism, lysosomal function, and mucosal defense, with applications in immuno-oncology, inflammatory disorders, and neurological diseases. Utilizing its proprietary RAPID platform, Jnana accelerates the identification of therapeutic targets and the development of small molecule therapies. By leveraging advanced chemoproteomics techniques, the company aims to enhance the efficiency of drug discovery and address significant unmet medical needs in patient care.

Oyster Point

Series A in 2017
Oyster Point Pharma, Inc., established in 2015 and headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative therapies for ocular surface diseases. Its lead product candidate, OC-01, is a nasal spray formulated as a highly selective nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonist, currently in Phase III trials for treating the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease, a chronic condition affecting over 30 million Americans. OC-01's novel mechanism of action stimulates tear production by activating the trigeminal parasympathetic pathway, re-establishing tear film homeostasis.

Gritstone bio

Series B in 2017
Gritstone bio is a biotechnology company focused on developing immunotherapies for cancer and infectious diseases. The company initially concentrated on tumor-specific neoantigens but has expanded its programs to include viral antigens found on the surface of infected cells. Gritstone bio's approach leverages the body's natural immune system recognition of targets on abnormal cells, which is applicable to both anti-tumor and anti-viral immunity. Their pipeline includes several product candidates for treating solid tumors, such as GRANITE, SLATE, and CORAL. The company operates in a field that has seen significant advancements with the development and commercialization of immunotherapy drugs like checkpoint inhibitors, transforming cancer treatment.

Repare Therapeutics

Series A in 2017
Repare Therapeutics is a precision oncology company that discovers and develops novel therapeutics using its synthetic lethality approach. It employs its proprietary SNIPRx platform to systematically identify and target genomic instability, particularly DNA damage repair pathways in cancer cells. The company's lead product candidate, RP-3500, is an oral small molecule inhibitor for treating solid tumors with specific DNA damage repair-related alterations.

Tarveda Therapeutics

Series D in 2017
Tarveda Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative cancer therapies aimed at addressing the complexities of treating solid tumors. Founded in 2011 and based in Watertown, Massachusetts, the company specializes in miniature drug conjugates. Its lead candidate, PEN-866, utilizes a platform that targets the activated form of Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP90) in tumors, delivering a potent topoisomerase 1 inhibitor payload, SN38. Additionally, Tarveda is evaluating another miniature drug conjugate designed for patients with somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2) expressing neuroendocrine tumors, small cell lung cancer, and other solid tumors. Through its targeted approach, Tarveda seeks to extend the lives of patients facing challenging cancers while minimizing potential toxicities associated with treatment.

Veran Medical Technologies

Venture Round in 2016
Veran Medical Technologies is an image-guided medical device company that develops minimally invasive tools for interventional oncology and pulmonology. Its products enable physicians to diagnose cancer earlier and deliver targeted therapies through navigation and real-time visualization. The portfolio includes SPiNView thoracic navigation system, SPiNPerc, SPiN Drive System, vPad2, and vTrack 2.0 instruments to guide biopsies and other procedures in the lungs, as well as ig4 IR System, an electromagnetic navigation platform that supports biopsies, drainages, and ablations in the lungs, liver, and kidneys. The IG4 Platform integrates CT data with respiration, contrast-enhanced structures, PET, and ultrasound to provide a dynamic, three-dimensional airway roadmap during procedures. Veran is based in St. Louis, Missouri.

Turnstone Biologics

Series B in 2016
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.

Aprea

Series B in 2016
Aprea Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Massachusetts, that specializes in developing cancer therapeutics aimed at reactivating the mutant p53 tumor suppressor protein. Its primary product candidate, APR-246, is a small molecule p53 reactivator currently undergoing late-stage clinical development for hematologic malignancies, particularly myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia. Founded in 2006, Aprea is focused on advancing innovative treatments that target critical mechanisms in cancer biology to improve patient outcomes.

Crinetics Pharmaceuticals

Series A in 2015
Crinetics Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing therapeutics targeting peptide hormone receptors for treating rare endocrine diseases and related cancers. Its lead product candidate, paltusotine, is an oral selective nonpeptide somatostatin receptor type 2 biased agonist in Phase I trials for acromegaly and neuroendocrine tumors.

Turnstone Biologics

Series A in 2015
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.

Gritstone bio

Series A in 2015
Gritstone bio is a biotechnology company focused on developing immunotherapies for cancer and infectious diseases. The company initially concentrated on tumor-specific neoantigens but has expanded its programs to include viral antigens found on the surface of infected cells. Gritstone bio's approach leverages the body's natural immune system recognition of targets on abnormal cells, which is applicable to both anti-tumor and anti-viral immunity. Their pipeline includes several product candidates for treating solid tumors, such as GRANITE, SLATE, and CORAL. The company operates in a field that has seen significant advancements with the development and commercialization of immunotherapy drugs like checkpoint inhibitors, transforming cancer treatment.

Audentes Therapeutics

Series C in 2015
Audentes Therapeutics, a clinical stage biotechnology company based in San Francisco, specializes in developing gene therapy products aimed at treating serious, life-threatening rare diseases resulting from single gene defects. The company is advancing several therapeutic candidates, including AT132 for X-linked myotubular myopathy, AT342 for Crigler-Najjar syndrome, and AT845, which is in preclinical studies for Pompe disease. Additionally, Audentes is developing vectorized antisense treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and myotonic dystrophy type 1. It has established collaborative agreements with Genethon and the University of Pennsylvania to further research and commercialization efforts for these therapies. Founded in 2012, Audentes Therapeutics was acquired by Astellas Pharma in January 2020 and operates under the name Astellas Gene Therapies, focusing on gene therapy research, development, and future commercialization.

Veran Medical Technologies

Venture Round in 2015
Veran Medical Technologies is an image-guided medical device company that develops minimally invasive tools for interventional oncology and pulmonology. Its products enable physicians to diagnose cancer earlier and deliver targeted therapies through navigation and real-time visualization. The portfolio includes SPiNView thoracic navigation system, SPiNPerc, SPiN Drive System, vPad2, and vTrack 2.0 instruments to guide biopsies and other procedures in the lungs, as well as ig4 IR System, an electromagnetic navigation platform that supports biopsies, drainages, and ablations in the lungs, liver, and kidneys. The IG4 Platform integrates CT data with respiration, contrast-enhanced structures, PET, and ultrasound to provide a dynamic, three-dimensional airway roadmap during procedures. Veran is based in St. Louis, Missouri.

GenSight Biologics

Series B in 2015
GenSight Biologics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing therapies for mitochondrial and neurodegenerative diseases of the eye. It uses gene therapy-based platforms, Mitochondrial Targeting Sequence and Optogenetics, to preserve or restore vision in patients with severe degenerative retinal diseases.

Piqur Therapeutics

Series A in 2015
PIQUR Therapeutics AG is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company based in Basel, Switzerland, founded in 2011. The company specializes in the discovery and development of innovative anti-cancer drugs, focusing on lipid kinase (PI3K) and mTOR inhibition, which are recognized as effective drug targets in oncology. PIQUR's pipeline includes promising compounds, with its lead drug, bimiralisib, designed to dual inhibit the PI3K/mTOR pathway. By developing targeted therapies for oncology and dermatology, PIQUR Therapeutics aims to improve the lives of cancer patients and address genetic diseases, ultimately enhancing their recovery and overall quality of life. The company holds a secured patent scope that protects many of its chemical compounds, reinforcing its commitment to advancing cancer treatment.

CRISPR Therapeutics

Series B in 2015
CRISPR Therapeutics specializes in developing transformative gene-based medicines using its proprietary CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing platform. This technology enables precise, directed changes to genomic DNA for treating serious human diseases. The company focuses on various disease areas including hemoglobinopathies, oncology, regenerative medicine, and rare diseases.

CRISPR Therapeutics

Series A in 2015
CRISPR Therapeutics specializes in developing transformative gene-based medicines using its proprietary CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing platform. This technology enables precise, directed changes to genomic DNA for treating serious human diseases. The company focuses on various disease areas including hemoglobinopathies, oncology, regenerative medicine, and rare diseases.

Laguna Pharmaceuticals

Series B in 2015
Laguna Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and marketing of small molecule pharmaceuticals, specifically targeting the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFL). The company, originally established as ChanRx Corp. in 2006, rebranded to its current name in February 2015. With its headquarters in La Jolla, California, Laguna Pharmaceuticals is dedicated to advancing therapeutic options for patients suffering from these common cardiac conditions, which can lead to serious health complications such as heart attacks and strokes.

Audentes Therapeutics

Series B in 2014
Audentes Therapeutics, a clinical stage biotechnology company based in San Francisco, specializes in developing gene therapy products aimed at treating serious, life-threatening rare diseases resulting from single gene defects. The company is advancing several therapeutic candidates, including AT132 for X-linked myotubular myopathy, AT342 for Crigler-Najjar syndrome, and AT845, which is in preclinical studies for Pompe disease. Additionally, Audentes is developing vectorized antisense treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and myotonic dystrophy type 1. It has established collaborative agreements with Genethon and the University of Pennsylvania to further research and commercialization efforts for these therapies. Founded in 2012, Audentes Therapeutics was acquired by Astellas Pharma in January 2020 and operates under the name Astellas Gene Therapies, focusing on gene therapy research, development, and future commercialization.

Ivantis

Series B in 2014
Ivantis Inc. is a medical device company based in Irvine, California, focused on developing innovative treatments for primary open-angle glaucoma. Founded in 2007, the company has created a minimally invasive intracanalicular scaffold that helps alleviate high intraocular pressure by restoring the natural drainage pathway in Schlemm's canal. This device aims to provide a less invasive and more effective solution for the over 60 million individuals worldwide affected by this condition. In addition to its glaucoma treatments, Ivantis plans to expand its research and development efforts to address other challenging diseases within the field of ophthalmology. The company's products are utilized in clinical trials by ophthalmology specialists across the United States.

Anokion

Series A in 2014
Anokion is a biotechnology company focused on antigen-specific immune tolerance to reduce immunogenicity of therapeutic proteins and treat autoimmune and allergic diseases. A spin-off from EPFL, it uses a platform technology that can be applied to many proteins across multiple clinical indications, including autoimmune conditions such as celiac disease, multiple sclerosis, and diabetes. The company is based in Ecublens, Switzerland.

CRISPR Therapeutics

Series A in 2014
CRISPR Therapeutics specializes in developing transformative gene-based medicines using its proprietary CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing platform. This technology enables precise, directed changes to genomic DNA for treating serious human diseases. The company focuses on various disease areas including hemoglobinopathies, oncology, regenerative medicine, and rare diseases.

ForSight VISION5

Series C in 2014
ForSight VISION5, founded in 2010 as part of ForSight Labs, specializes in the development of non-invasive drug delivery technologies aimed at treating major eye diseases such as glaucoma, dry eye, and allergies. The company is focused on creating innovative products that can replace traditional eye drops and offer sustained therapeutic effects. Currently, ForSight VISION5 is advancing its lead product, the Helios insert, which is undergoing its second Phase 2 clinical study, reflecting the company's commitment to improving patient care in ophthalmology through effective and patient-friendly solutions.

AAVLife

Series A in 2014
AAVLife is a gene therapy company established in 2014 and headquartered in Paris, France. The firm focuses on developing treatments for Friedreich’s Ataxia Cardiomyopathy, a serious genetic disorder that leads to progressive neurological and cardiac symptoms, often manifesting in childhood or adolescence. AAVLife's innovative research utilizes adeno-associated virus (AAV) technology to deliver a normal gene to cardiac tissue, which has shown promise in reversing heart dysfunction in preclinical mouse models. The company's efforts have included planning clinical trials and collaborating with regulatory authorities to address safety and design aspects of the studies. AAVLife aims to advance its gene therapy approach to improve cardiac health in individuals affected by this life-threatening condition, emphasizing its commitment to patient communities and the organizations that support them.

Piqur Therapeutics

Series A in 2014
PIQUR Therapeutics AG is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company based in Basel, Switzerland, founded in 2011. The company specializes in the discovery and development of innovative anti-cancer drugs, focusing on lipid kinase (PI3K) and mTOR inhibition, which are recognized as effective drug targets in oncology. PIQUR's pipeline includes promising compounds, with its lead drug, bimiralisib, designed to dual inhibit the PI3K/mTOR pathway. By developing targeted therapies for oncology and dermatology, PIQUR Therapeutics aims to improve the lives of cancer patients and address genetic diseases, ultimately enhancing their recovery and overall quality of life. The company holds a secured patent scope that protects many of its chemical compounds, reinforcing its commitment to advancing cancer treatment.

Bird Rock Bio

Series B in 2014
Bird Rock Bio, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in La Jolla, California, with a research facility in Shanghai, China. The company specializes in the discovery and development of novel biologic therapeutics aimed at addressing immune-inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, metabolic diseases, fibrosis, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Bird Rock Bio's technology focuses on creating highly selective monoclonal antibodies targeting specific members of the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) family, a class of proteins critical for therapeutic efficacy. Its lead product, RYI-008, is a potent monoclonal antibody targeting IL-6, a cytokine linked to inflammation and cancer. The company is dedicated to meeting the medical needs of patients in China while also aiming for global impact. Bird Rock Bio has a growing pipeline of therapeutic antibodies developed through proprietary technologies that ensure specificity and effectiveness in treatment.

Immune Design

Series C in 2013
Immune Design Corp., a clinical-stage immunotherapy company based in Seattle, Washington, focuses on enabling the body's immune system to combat diseases, with a primary emphasis on cancer treatment. The company leverages its ZVex and GLAAS discovery platforms to develop innovative therapies. Its lead product candidate is G100, currently in Phase II clinical trials for treating follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma, both as a monotherapy and in combination therapy. Immune Design has collaboration and license agreements with Sanofi Pasteur. The company was founded in 2008 and operates under the umbrella of Merck & Co., Inc.

Audentes Therapeutics

Series A in 2013
Audentes Therapeutics, a clinical stage biotechnology company based in San Francisco, specializes in developing gene therapy products aimed at treating serious, life-threatening rare diseases resulting from single gene defects. The company is advancing several therapeutic candidates, including AT132 for X-linked myotubular myopathy, AT342 for Crigler-Najjar syndrome, and AT845, which is in preclinical studies for Pompe disease. Additionally, Audentes is developing vectorized antisense treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and myotonic dystrophy type 1. It has established collaborative agreements with Genethon and the University of Pennsylvania to further research and commercialization efforts for these therapies. Founded in 2012, Audentes Therapeutics was acquired by Astellas Pharma in January 2020 and operates under the name Astellas Gene Therapies, focusing on gene therapy research, development, and future commercialization.

GenSight Biologics

Series A in 2013
GenSight Biologics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing therapies for mitochondrial and neurodegenerative diseases of the eye. It uses gene therapy-based platforms, Mitochondrial Targeting Sequence and Optogenetics, to preserve or restore vision in patients with severe degenerative retinal diseases.
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