Nan Fung Life Sciences

Nan Fung Life Sciences is a global investment platform focused on the life sciences sector, operating as the venture capital arm of Nan Fung Development Limited. Established in 2017 and based in San Francisco, California, the firm specializes in various investment stages, including incubation, seed funding, early-stage, and growth capital. It primarily targets the biotechnology and life sciences industries, encompassing therapeutics, medical devices, and diagnostics. Nan Fung Life Sciences utilizes direct investments through its Pivotal bioVenture Partners funds and supports fund investments, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the industry. With a team experienced in company formation, venture capital, and drug discovery, the firm is committed to fostering innovation and development across different regions, including the United States and Greater China.

Peter Bisgaard

Managing Director

Vincent Cheung

Managing Director and the CEO

24 past transactions

DermBiont

Series A in 2021
DermBiont, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing skin microbial therapeutics aimed at treating, curing, and preventing skin diseases. Founded in 2017 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, with an additional office in Emeryville, California, DermBiont operates at the intersection of dermatology and the microbiome. The company leverages naturally occurring microbes on human skin, which have evolved to compete with pathogenic organisms such as fungi, bacteria, and viruses. DermBiont's product portfolio includes therapeutics for various skin conditions, including fungal infections and hyperpigmentation disorders like melasma, as well as treatments for seborrheic keratoses. The company employs a unique discovery platform that utilizes its skin microbiome library, integrating prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics to develop innovative topical therapies with defined mechanisms of action.

Ablaze Pharmaceuticals

Series A in 2021
Ablaze Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing targeted radiotherapy (TRT) treatments for cancer patients. The company aims to introduce innovative TRT products to the Chinese market, leveraging the founders' extensive experience and networks in cross-border product development and deal-making. By focusing on advanced therapeutic solutions, Ablaze Pharmaceuticals seeks to improve the outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients in China.

Fountain Therapeutics

Series A in 2021
Fountain Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing treatments for age-related diseases. Founded in 2018 and based in San Francisco, California, the company aims to create a future where individuals live healthier for longer. It employs a transformative cellular model that mimics the complex characteristics of aging within a laboratory setting. By integrating this model with advanced artificial intelligence and computer vision, Fountain Therapeutics seeks to establish an innovative platform for identifying novel therapeutic targets. This approach is designed to facilitate the development of effective treatments for diseases associated with aging, ultimately aiming to reverse cellular aging and improve health outcomes.

Engrail Therapeutics

Series A in 2021
Engrail Therapeutics, Inc. is dedicated to developing and commercializing neuro drugs aimed at treating diseases of the nervous system. Founded in 2019 and based in San Diego, California, the company focuses on creating transformative medicines to alleviate the significant burden of such conditions. One of its key products is ENX-101, a preclinical compound designed to modulate a receptor for GABA, a critical neurotransmitter in the brain. Engrail Therapeutics combines biological insights with clinically meaningful solutions to advance its portfolio of therapies, utilizing a flexible transaction model to efficiently progress its drug candidates from development to commercialization.

Oculis Holding

Series C in 2021
Oculis is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on advancing eye care and preserving vision through innovative drug delivery solutions. The company's unique platform enables effective drug absorption in both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye, allowing for the treatment of conditions such as diabetic macular edema (DME) with a simple topical application, thus eliminating the need for invasive procedures. Oculis is developing several therapeutic candidates, including OCS-01, a topical treatment for DME; OCS-02, aimed at addressing dry eye disease; and OCS-05, which targets acute optic neuritis and other neuro-ophthalmic disorders. This novel approach not only facilitates treatment for posterior eye diseases but also reduces the required frequency of applications for anterior conditions compared to traditional eye drops.

Arctic Vision

Series B in 2021
Arctic Vision is a clinical-stage specialty ophthalmology company based in China, focused on developing innovative therapies to address unmet clinical needs in the treatment of ophthalmic diseases. The company boasts a portfolio of breakthrough technologies aimed at providing effective solutions for patients with rare eye conditions. Founded by prominent life sciences investors, Arctic Vision is led by an experienced team of industry veterans skilled in research and development as well as the commercialization of eye care products. Its commitment to advancing ophthalmic medicine positions it as a key player in both the Asian and global markets.

Encodia

Series C in 2020
Encodia, Inc., founded in 2015 and headquartered in San Diego, California, specializes in proteomics research and the development of innovative protein analysis technology. The company offers a platform that utilizes reverse-translation technology to convert peptide sequence information into DNA libraries, facilitating scalable and efficient protein sequencing. This capability enables researchers to analyze protein samples comprehensively, thereby advancing the field of personalized medicine. By democratizing access to detailed information on cellular processes, Encodia aims to accelerate the discovery of novel approaches to addressing challenging diseases.

Eargo

Series E in 2020
Eargo, Inc. is a consumer-focused medical device company based in San Jose, California, specializing in the design and development of hearing aids for individuals with hearing loss. Founded in 2010, Eargo offers a range of rechargeable hearing aids that can be controlled via smartphone, along with online hearing screenings and virtual support services to eliminate the need for in-person visits. The company's innovative approach aims to address common barriers to hearing aid adoption, such as social stigma, accessibility, and cost, thereby enhancing the quality of life for its users. Eargo sells its products directly to consumers through online platforms, positioning itself as a modern alternative to traditional hearing aid solutions.

Arctic Vision

Series A in 2020
Arctic Vision is a clinical-stage specialty ophthalmology company based in China, focused on developing innovative therapies to address unmet clinical needs in the treatment of ophthalmic diseases. The company boasts a portfolio of breakthrough technologies aimed at providing effective solutions for patients with rare eye conditions. Founded by prominent life sciences investors, Arctic Vision is led by an experienced team of industry veterans skilled in research and development as well as the commercialization of eye care products. Its commitment to advancing ophthalmic medicine positions it as a key player in both the Asian and global markets.

Engrail Therapeutics

Series A in 2020
Engrail Therapeutics, Inc. is dedicated to developing and commercializing neuro drugs aimed at treating diseases of the nervous system. Founded in 2019 and based in San Diego, California, the company focuses on creating transformative medicines to alleviate the significant burden of such conditions. One of its key products is ENX-101, a preclinical compound designed to modulate a receptor for GABA, a critical neurotransmitter in the brain. Engrail Therapeutics combines biological insights with clinically meaningful solutions to advance its portfolio of therapies, utilizing a flexible transaction model to efficiently progress its drug candidates from development to commercialization.

Fountain Therapeutics

Series A in 2020
Fountain Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing treatments for age-related diseases. Founded in 2018 and based in San Francisco, California, the company aims to create a future where individuals live healthier for longer. It employs a transformative cellular model that mimics the complex characteristics of aging within a laboratory setting. By integrating this model with advanced artificial intelligence and computer vision, Fountain Therapeutics seeks to establish an innovative platform for identifying novel therapeutic targets. This approach is designed to facilitate the development of effective treatments for diseases associated with aging, ultimately aiming to reverse cellular aging and improve health outcomes.

Omniome

Series C in 2020
Omniome, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, focused on developing a DNA sequencing platform that aims to deliver high accuracy in clinical sequencing. Founded in 2013, the company utilizes its proprietary Sequencing By Binding technology, which enhances nucleotide and DNA matching by harnessing the natural capabilities of polymerase. This innovative approach allows researchers to obtain accurate and rapid sequencing results at a lower cost, with the potential to significantly advance cancer diagnostics. Omniome is supported by prominent life sciences venture investors and is committed to becoming a trusted leader in the field of DNA sequencing.

OncXerna Therapeutics

Series B in 2019
OncXerna Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing precision medicines for cancer patients by utilizing an RNA-based biomarker platform. The company aims to improve patient outcomes by prospectively identifying individuals based on the unique RNA biology of their tumor microenvironments. This innovative approach enables OncXerna to match patients with targeted oncology therapies that correspond to their specific tumor characteristics. Founded in 2018 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, with an additional location in Shanghai, China, OncXerna was formerly known as Oncologie, Inc. and changed its name in September 2020 to reflect its commitment to advancing next-generation precision medicine for a broader range of cancer patients.

Eargo

Series D in 2019
Eargo, Inc. is a consumer-focused medical device company based in San Jose, California, specializing in the design and development of hearing aids for individuals with hearing loss. Founded in 2010, Eargo offers a range of rechargeable hearing aids that can be controlled via smartphone, along with online hearing screenings and virtual support services to eliminate the need for in-person visits. The company's innovative approach aims to address common barriers to hearing aid adoption, such as social stigma, accessibility, and cost, thereby enhancing the quality of life for its users. Eargo sells its products directly to consumers through online platforms, positioning itself as a modern alternative to traditional hearing aid solutions.

Bolt Biotherapeutics

Series B in 2019
Bolt Biotherapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative immunotherapy solutions for cancer treatment. The company employs its proprietary Boltbody platform, which features immune-stimulating antibody conjugates (ISAC) that link tumor-targeting antibodies with powerful immune stimulants. This approach aims to activate the immune system against tumors, effectively transforming cold tumors into immunologically active ones. Bolt Biotherapeutics is advancing several candidates in its pipeline, including BDC-1001, a monotherapy targeting HER2-expressing solid tumors, and BDC-3042, among others. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Redwood City, California, the company leverages its expertise in myeloid biology and cancer drug development to create targeted therapies that harness both innate and adaptive immune responses.

Oculis Holding

Series B in 2019
Oculis is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on advancing eye care and preserving vision through innovative drug delivery solutions. The company's unique platform enables effective drug absorption in both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye, allowing for the treatment of conditions such as diabetic macular edema (DME) with a simple topical application, thus eliminating the need for invasive procedures. Oculis is developing several therapeutic candidates, including OCS-01, a topical treatment for DME; OCS-02, aimed at addressing dry eye disease; and OCS-05, which targets acute optic neuritis and other neuro-ophthalmic disorders. This novel approach not only facilitates treatment for posterior eye diseases but also reduces the required frequency of applications for anterior conditions compared to traditional eye drops.

Galera Therapeutics

Series C in 2018
Galera Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Malvern, Pennsylvania, dedicated to developing innovative therapeutics aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of radiotherapy for cancer patients. The company's lead product candidate, avasopasem manganese (GC4419), is a small molecule dismutase mimetic currently undergoing Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of radiation-induced severe oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer. Additionally, GC4419 is being evaluated in Phase IIa trials for the treatment of radiotherapy-induced esophagitis in lung cancer patients. Galera is also advancing another candidate, GC4711, which is in Phase I/II trials for pancreatic and lung cancers. The company's research is focused on targeting oxygen metabolic pathways to improve patient outcomes in radiation therapy, and GC4419 has received Fast Track and Breakthrough Therapy designations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Omniome

Series B in 2018
Omniome, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, focused on developing a DNA sequencing platform that aims to deliver high accuracy in clinical sequencing. Founded in 2013, the company utilizes its proprietary Sequencing By Binding technology, which enhances nucleotide and DNA matching by harnessing the natural capabilities of polymerase. This innovative approach allows researchers to obtain accurate and rapid sequencing results at a lower cost, with the potential to significantly advance cancer diagnostics. Omniome is supported by prominent life sciences venture investors and is committed to becoming a trusted leader in the field of DNA sequencing.

OncXerna Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2018
OncXerna Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing precision medicines for cancer patients by utilizing an RNA-based biomarker platform. The company aims to improve patient outcomes by prospectively identifying individuals based on the unique RNA biology of their tumor microenvironments. This innovative approach enables OncXerna to match patients with targeted oncology therapies that correspond to their specific tumor characteristics. Founded in 2018 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, with an additional location in Shanghai, China, OncXerna was formerly known as Oncologie, Inc. and changed its name in September 2020 to reflect its commitment to advancing next-generation precision medicine for a broader range of cancer patients.

Fountain Therapeutics

Series A in 2018
Fountain Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing treatments for age-related diseases. Founded in 2018 and based in San Francisco, California, the company aims to create a future where individuals live healthier for longer. It employs a transformative cellular model that mimics the complex characteristics of aging within a laboratory setting. By integrating this model with advanced artificial intelligence and computer vision, Fountain Therapeutics seeks to establish an innovative platform for identifying novel therapeutic targets. This approach is designed to facilitate the development of effective treatments for diseases associated with aging, ultimately aiming to reverse cellular aging and improve health outcomes.

SomaLogic

Private Equity Round in 2018
SomaLogic, Inc. is a commercial-stage company based in Boulder, Colorado, specializing in protein biomarker discovery and clinical diagnostics. Founded in 1999, the company has developed advanced technologies such as SOMAmers, slow off-rate modified aptamers that specifically bind to target proteins, and the SOMAscan platform, which facilitates comprehensive protein measurement. This innovative approach allows for the analysis of protein biomarker signatures, significantly enhancing the understanding of health and disease beyond traditional genomic methods. SomaLogic's products are utilized in a variety of applications, including diagnostics for conditions in oncology, neurology, and cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, as well as in drug discovery and development. The company also offers diagnostic tests and protein measurement solutions for life science and biopharma researchers, contributing to advancements in medical science.

Aptinyx

Series B in 2017
Aptinyx Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering and developing innovative therapies for brain and nervous system disorders. Founded in 2015 and based in Evanston, Illinois, the company focuses on novel, synthetic small molecules that modulate the NMDA receptor, enhancing communication pathways between nerve cells. Its primary products in development include NYX-2925, which is undergoing Phase II trials for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy and fibromyalgia, and NYX-783, currently in Phase I trials for post-traumatic stress disorder. Additionally, Aptinyx is developing NYX-458, another NMDA receptor modulator, which is in Phase I clinical studies aimed at treating cognitive impairment associated with Parkinson’s disease. The company also collaborates with Allergan to develop compounds for major depressive disorder, underscoring its commitment to addressing significant unmet medical needs in the central nervous system arena.

Eargo

Series C in 2017
Eargo, Inc. is a consumer-focused medical device company based in San Jose, California, specializing in the design and development of hearing aids for individuals with hearing loss. Founded in 2010, Eargo offers a range of rechargeable hearing aids that can be controlled via smartphone, along with online hearing screenings and virtual support services to eliminate the need for in-person visits. The company's innovative approach aims to address common barriers to hearing aid adoption, such as social stigma, accessibility, and cost, thereby enhancing the quality of life for its users. Eargo sells its products directly to consumers through online platforms, positioning itself as a modern alternative to traditional hearing aid solutions.

Harmony Biosciences

Venture Round in 2017
Harmony Biosciences, established in 2017 and based in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing therapies for patients with rare neurological disorders. Its primary product, WAKIX (pitolisant), is a first-in-class medication designed to increase histamine signaling in the brain, approved for treating cataplexy in adult narcolepsy patients. Harmony Biosciences operates as a subsidiary of Harmony Biosciences Holdings, Inc., which is dedicated to addressing unmet medical needs in this therapeutic area.
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