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 aimed at benefiting cancer patients. The company focuses on innovative TRT products, utilizing the extensive business experience and networks of its founders in cross-border product development and deal-making. By targeting the Chinese market, Ablaze Pharmaceuticals seeks to provide effective cancer treatment options tailored to the needs of patients in the region.
Fountain Therapeutics
Series A in 2021
Fountain Therapeutics, established in 2018 and headquartered in San Francisco, specializes in developing treatments for age-related diseases using cellular models and an AI-based platform for target discovery. The company aims to recreate aging's complex hallmarks in lab dishes, combining this model with artificial intelligence and computer vision to identify novel targets unbiasedly.
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 Holding AG is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on advancing eye care and preserving vision. The company has developed a novel drug delivery platform that enhances the absorption of therapeutics to both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye. This innovative approach enables the treatment of posterior eye diseases, such as diabetic macular edema, through a simple topical application, thus offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional methods. Oculis's product pipeline includes OCS-01, a topical treatment for diabetic macular edema; OCS-02, a topical biologic for dry eye disease; and OCS-05, a disease-modifying candidate targeting acute optic neuritis and other neuro-ophthalmic disorders, including glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Through its cutting-edge technologies and therapeutic candidates, Oculis aims to significantly improve patient outcomes in the field of ophthalmology.
Arctic Vision
Series B in 2021
Arctic Vision is a clinical-stage specialty ophthalmology company based in China, focused on developing innovative therapies to meet the unmet clinical needs in ophthalmic diseases. The company boasts a leading portfolio of breakthrough technologies aimed at addressing various eye care challenges in China, Asia, and globally. Established by prominent life sciences investors, Arctic Vision is guided by a team of experienced professionals from the ophthalmic industry, who possess extensive knowledge in research and development as well as commercialization of eye care products. The company's efforts include the development of new ophthalmic medicines, particularly gene therapies, that hold significant commercial potential and aim to improve the recovery outcomes for patients with rare ophthalmic conditions.
Encodia, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, founded in 2015. The company specializes in proteomics research, providing innovative solutions for protein analysis through its proprietary technology. Encodia's platform utilizes a novel reverse-translation process that converts peptide sequence information into a DNA library, facilitating scalable and efficient protein sequencing. This technology allows researchers to gain comprehensive insights into cellular processes, thereby advancing personalized medicine and accelerating the discovery of novel approaches to address complex diseases. By democratizing protein sequencing, Encodia aims to enhance the capabilities of scientists in their pursuit of understanding the proteome.
Eargo, Inc. is a consumer-focused medical device company specializing in the design and sale of hearing aids for individuals with hearing loss in the United States. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in San Jose, California, Eargo offers innovative, rechargeable hearing aids that can be controlled via smartphone, enhancing user convenience. The company provides online hearing screenings and virtual support, eliminating the need for in-person consultations. By adopting a direct-to-consumer model, Eargo aims to make hearing aids more accessible and reduce the social stigma often associated with them. Its user-centric approach addresses the common challenges of traditional hearing aid adoption, including cost and accessibility, thereby improving the quality of life for those with hearing difficulties.
Arctic Vision
Series A in 2020
Arctic Vision is a clinical-stage specialty ophthalmology company based in China, focused on developing innovative therapies to meet the unmet clinical needs in ophthalmic diseases. The company boasts a leading portfolio of breakthrough technologies aimed at addressing various eye care challenges in China, Asia, and globally. Established by prominent life sciences investors, Arctic Vision is guided by a team of experienced professionals from the ophthalmic industry, who possess extensive knowledge in research and development as well as commercialization of eye care products. The company's efforts include the development of new ophthalmic medicines, particularly gene therapies, that hold significant commercial potential and aim to improve the recovery outcomes for patients with rare ophthalmic conditions.
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, established in 2018 and headquartered in San Francisco, specializes in developing treatments for age-related diseases using cellular models and an AI-based platform for target discovery. The company aims to recreate aging's complex hallmarks in lab dishes, combining this model with artificial intelligence and computer vision to identify novel targets unbiasedly.
Omniome, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, that specializes in developing a proprietary DNA sequencing platform aimed at providing high accuracy in clinical sequencing. Founded in 2013, Omniome utilizes its Sequencing By Binding technology to enhance nucleotide and DNA matching, leveraging the natural matching capabilities of polymerases. This innovative approach allows researchers to achieve accurate and rapid sequencing results while maintaining low costs. The company's ambition is to become a leading name in DNA sequencing, particularly in advancing cancer diagnostics and improving outcomes in clinical settings.
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, Inc. is a consumer-focused medical device company specializing in the design and sale of hearing aids for individuals with hearing loss in the United States. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in San Jose, California, Eargo offers innovative, rechargeable hearing aids that can be controlled via smartphone, enhancing user convenience. The company provides online hearing screenings and virtual support, eliminating the need for in-person consultations. By adopting a direct-to-consumer model, Eargo aims to make hearing aids more accessible and reduce the social stigma often associated with them. Its user-centric approach addresses the common challenges of traditional hearing aid adoption, including cost and accessibility, thereby improving the quality of life for those with hearing difficulties.
Bolt Biotherapeutics
Series B in 2019
Bolt Biotherapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative cancer immunotherapies. Utilizing its proprietary Boltbody platform, the company creates immune-stimulating antibody conjugates (ISAC) that link tumor-targeting antibodies with potent immune stimulants. This approach aims to transform cold tumors into immunologically active ones, enhancing the body’s ability to eliminate cancer. Bolt Biotherapeutics is advancing several candidates in its pipeline, including BDC-1001, which is being developed as a monotherapy for patients with HER2-expressing solid tumors. With a strong emphasis on myeloid biology and cancer drug development, the company is dedicated to harnessing both innate and adaptive immune responses to improve cancer treatment outcomes. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Redwood City, California, Bolt Biotherapeutics continues to push the boundaries of immuno-oncology.
Oculis Holding
Series B in 2019
Oculis Holding AG is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on advancing eye care and preserving vision. The company has developed a novel drug delivery platform that enhances the absorption of therapeutics to both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye. This innovative approach enables the treatment of posterior eye diseases, such as diabetic macular edema, through a simple topical application, thus offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional methods. Oculis's product pipeline includes OCS-01, a topical treatment for diabetic macular edema; OCS-02, a topical biologic for dry eye disease; and OCS-05, a disease-modifying candidate targeting acute optic neuritis and other neuro-ophthalmic disorders, including glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Through its cutting-edge technologies and therapeutic candidates, Oculis aims to significantly improve patient outcomes in the field of ophthalmology.
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, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, that specializes in developing a proprietary DNA sequencing platform aimed at providing high accuracy in clinical sequencing. Founded in 2013, Omniome utilizes its Sequencing By Binding technology to enhance nucleotide and DNA matching, leveraging the natural matching capabilities of polymerases. This innovative approach allows researchers to achieve accurate and rapid sequencing results while maintaining low costs. The company's ambition is to become a leading name in DNA sequencing, particularly in advancing cancer diagnostics and improving outcomes in clinical settings.
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, established in 2018 and headquartered in San Francisco, specializes in developing treatments for age-related diseases using cellular models and an AI-based platform for target discovery. The company aims to recreate aging's complex hallmarks in lab dishes, combining this model with artificial intelligence and computer vision to identify novel targets unbiasedly.
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 Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Evanston, Illinois, that specializes in discovering and developing innovative therapies for disorders of the brain and nervous system. Founded in 2015, the company focuses on proprietary synthetic small molecules that modulate the NMDA receptor, enhancing nerve cell communication. Aptinyx's pipeline includes NYX-2925, which is in Phase II clinical development for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy and fibromyalgia, and NYX-783, currently in Phase I trials for post-traumatic stress disorder. Additionally, NYX-458, another NMDA receptor modulator, is undergoing Phase I studies aimed at treating cognitive impairment associated with Parkinson's disease. The company also collaborates with Allergan plc to develop a compound for major depressive disorder, highlighting its commitment to addressing significant unmet medical needs in the central nervous system arena.
Eargo, Inc. is a consumer-focused medical device company specializing in the design and sale of hearing aids for individuals with hearing loss in the United States. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in San Jose, California, Eargo offers innovative, rechargeable hearing aids that can be controlled via smartphone, enhancing user convenience. The company provides online hearing screenings and virtual support, eliminating the need for in-person consultations. By adopting a direct-to-consumer model, Eargo aims to make hearing aids more accessible and reduce the social stigma often associated with them. Its user-centric approach addresses the common challenges of traditional hearing aid adoption, including cost and accessibility, thereby improving the quality of life for those with hearing difficulties.
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.