Myeloid Therapeutics is an immunology company dedicated to harnessing myeloid cells for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. The company employs its ATAK platform technology, which focuses on reprogramming innate immune cells to enhance their ability to target and eliminate cancerous cells. This platform is designed to be versatile and scalable, allowing for the development of various treatment modalities across multiple disease areas. Currently, Myeloid Therapeutics is advancing a cell therapy program aimed at T cell lymphoma, as well as a primed monocyte approach for treating glioblastoma. Through its innovative technology, the company seeks to overcome the limitations of existing cell therapies and improve patient outcomes.
Ten63 Therapeutics is a venture-backed startup developing durable therapeutics against some of the most lethal diseases. It combines low-residual, ML-based computational chemistry and mathematically guaranteed, superlinear search algorithms to find optimized drug candidates. The company's platform, COPPER, leverages its proprietary AI and state-of-the-art physical models to explore an unprecedentedly large chemical space, allowing them to discover new therapeutics to targets previously believed undruggable.
Garuda Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on creating off-the-shelf hematopoietic stem cell therapies aimed at treating various severe and life-threatening conditions. The company specializes in addressing blood, bone marrow, immune, and metabolic diseases. By leveraging expertise in innovative research methods, including the use of zebrafish, mice, and human-induced pluripotent stem cells, Garuda analyzes novel genes and mechanisms vital for blood formation. This approach enables the development of mechanism-based therapies designed to improve patient outcomes.
IgGenix, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative antibody therapeutics for the treatment of food and other severe allergies. Founded in 2019 and based in South San Francisco, California, the company specializes in isolating and transforming allergen-specific IgE antibodies into IgG antibodies. This process aims to alleviate and prevent allergic reactions by suppressing the allergic cascade. IgGenix captures and analyzes rare human B cells that produce allergen-binding antibodies and engineers these cells to enhance their immune-modulating properties. By addressing critical needs in the medical industry, IgGenix seeks to provide effective solutions for life-threatening allergic reactions.
Tavros Therapeutics is a biotechnology company founded in 2019 and based in Durham, North Carolina. The company focuses on discovering and developing therapies for cancer, aiming to improve oncological treatment outcomes. Tavros Therapeutics is dedicated to identifying vulnerabilities within tumors, which allows for the targeted application of specific drugs in conjunction with optimal combinations. This approach is intended to enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatments and increase the potential for patient cures.
Capstan Therapeutics is advancing precision in vivo cell engineering to develop therapeutics for a broad range of disease categories with unmet or underserved clinical need.
Ozette is a life sciences data startup company that develops an artificial intelligence-enabled immune monitoring platform. It empowers scientists to quickly extract reliable insights from single-cell data across instruments, experiments, and disease states, with a focus on cancer patients. The data can be used by doctors to diagnose and prescribe medication with greater accuracy. In 2020, co-founders Raphael Gottardo, Greg Finak, Ali Ansary, and Evan Greene headquartered the life science company in Seattle, Washington.
Cartography is shaping a world in which cancer immunotherapies are designed around and directed toward the safest and most effective targets.
DEM BioPharma is an immuno-oncology company focused on developing innovative therapies aimed at eradicating cancer by targeting the innate immune system. The company has created a platform that specializes in the next generation of macrophage immunotherapies, which work by activating macrophages and immune phagocytes to effectively eliminate tumors. By researching and harnessing these immune responses, DEM BioPharma aims to provide healthcare researchers with advanced treatments that specifically target signals on both cancer cells and macrophages, offering new hope in the fight against cancer.
Dren Bio is a biotechnology company with a portfolio of attractive projects focused on powerful protein engineering technologies for the depletion of cells, protein aggregates, and other disease-causing agents. It is a holding company business model aimed at creating value with multiple projects as stand-alone assets.
Developer of a multi-omic instrument designed for biological target detection for clinical testing and biomedical research. The company's platform provides monitoring of minimal residual disease and early multi-cancer screening, also detects a diverse collection of analytical targets that includes DNA, RNA, and protein biomarkers with unprecedented speed and precision, and leverages advanced microfluidics to automate all aspects of sample preparation and analysis, enabling healthcare providers to get access to diverse health monitoring technologies.
Remix Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on the research and development of innovative small molecule therapies that reprogram RNA processing to address various diseases. Founded in 2018, the company utilizes a biology platform to identify and prioritize therapeutic targets within RNA processing, aiming to tackle previously undruggable disease drivers. Its REMseq platform assists in validating these targets and optimizing chemical compounds for potential treatments. By analyzing patterns in RNA processing, Remix Therapeutics seeks to modulate gene expression, thereby enabling healthcare providers to correct or enhance genetic messages at their source, ultimately aiming to provide new approaches for treating diseases.
Pheast Therapeutics is a cancer immunotherapy company that specializes in developing innovative checkpoint therapies aimed at activating the innate immune system to combat cancer. The company focuses on blocking macrophage checkpoints, which enhances the ability of macrophages to effectively eliminate tumors, particularly in ovarian and breast cancers. By targeting these immune checkpoints, Pheast Therapeutics seeks to improve patient survival rates and advance treatment options within the healthcare sector.
Umaro Foods focuses on creating a sustainable plant-based protein derived from ocean-farmed seaweed. The company aims to provide a nutritious protein alternative while promoting the humane treatment of animals and environmental sustainability. Its innovative products include crispy, crunchy, and umami-flavored bacon alternatives, designed to appeal to consumers looking for healthier and more ethical food options. By collaborating with seaweed farmers, Umaro Foods seeks to establish a more productive and scalable protein source that surpasses traditional soy production, contributing to a thriving planet.
Eclipse Bioinnovations, founded in 2017, specializes in RNA Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies developed from research in Professor Gene Yeo's laboratory at UC San Diego. The company focuses on advancing RNA medicines through its Eclipse-Seq platform, which aims to enhance the safety and efficacy of these treatments. One of its key innovations is eCLIP, a unique and efficient technology for identifying RNA binding protein partners and mapping genes. Eclipse offers eCLIP both as a service and a kit, catering to biopharma companies and academic researchers. The technology is adaptable for various RNA types, including siRNA and miRNA, assisting scientists in identifying RNA binding protein targets, thereby facilitating research and the development of new drugs to address a wide range of diseases.
Creyon Bio is a pre-clinical stage company focused on advancing drug development through a data-driven methodology. It specializes in engineering RNA-based medicines and their components by creating proprietary datasets that inform advanced machine learning models. This innovative approach enables the rapid identification of design rules and engineering principles necessary for the development of safe and effective oligonucleotide-based medicines. By leveraging these insights, Creyon Bio aims to improve the efficiency of the drug development process, ultimately contributing to cost savings in the healthcare sector while catering to diverse patient populations.
Operator of a biotechnology company intended to provide services regarding the functional manipulation of immune cells. The company maps human tissue's behavior to disease processes, allowing it to identify and characterize novel targets for therapeutic intervention, enabling patients to get access to treatment and cure themselves of debilitating illnesses including cancer, fibrotic, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Terray Therapeutics, Inc. operates as a biotechnology company. The company develops treatments for intractable cause of human diseases. It engages in development of a screening platform for drug discovery and Platinum Technology, which is working on an electrode-like product for deep brain stimulation. The company was founded in 2018 and is based in Pasadena, California.
Harpe Bioherbicide Solutions is a Raleigh-based company that provides sustainable weed-management solutions for organic and industrial agriculture. The company was founded in 2020 by Chad Brommer and is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, United States.
Avalo is a biotechnology company focused on enhancing crop resilience through innovative gene discovery and control techniques. By employing interpretable machine learning, Avalo accelerates the identification of genes in plants, thereby facilitating the development of improved agricultural crops. The company's artificial intelligence-based platform is designed to uncover the biological origins of traits essential for future agriculture, such as drought tolerance, water-use efficiency, and nutrient density. This advancement in gene discovery not only aids researchers in validating and predicting crop quality but also addresses the challenges posed by a changing climate, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable agricultural landscape.
Ambys Medicines, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Redwood City, California, founded in 2016. The company focuses on discovering and developing innovative therapies for severe liver diseases. Its approach includes gene therapy, drug therapy, and cell therapy, aiming to restore liver function, halt the progression of liver disease, and address the serious complications associated with liver failure. Through its research and development efforts, Ambys Medicines seeks to significantly improve the quality of life for individuals affected by liver-related health issues.
Meiogenix SAS is a biotechnology company based in Paris, France, that specializes in developing breeding and genomic technologies aimed at unlocking the unexplored genetic diversity of organisms. Established in 2010, Meiogenix offers innovative solutions such as SpiX technology, which enhances homologous recombination in specific regions of the genome, and PhoeniX, a non-genetically modified method that facilitates meiotic recombination in hybrid diploid or polyploid yeast cells. These advancements enable the company to support the development of new products that address pressing global food and industrial challenges, expanding natural biodiversity through natural breeding techniques.
NextVivo is a biotech company developing an immune organoid technology platform to transform the future of drug development. Its mission is to accelerate the development of safer, more effective therapies that are generated and tested in immune-competent human-derived models.
Fountain Therapeutics is discovering and developing treatments for aging-associated diseases.
Fountain Therapeutics was founded with the belief that a future in which we live healthier lives longer is more desirable than one in which the company continues to be afflicted by the disease of aging. The company builds a transformative model of aging that re-creates many of the complex hallmark features of aging but in a laboratory dish. We are combining this powerful cellular model with the latest in artificial intelligence and computer vision to develop a disruptive unbiased platform for the identification of novel targets and potential therapeutics.
GeneCentric Diagnostics is engaged in the development and commercialization of molecular diagnostic tests aimed at assisting oncologists and patients in cancer treatment. The company has established two primary platform technologies: The Lung Subtype Platform (LSP), which classifies lung cancer patients into specific subtypes to guide therapeutic choices, and the Hypoxia Signature, designed to identify patients likely to benefit from anti-angiogenesis therapies. The LSP has been licensed to Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings and is available as HistoPlusSM: Lung Cancer through its Integrated Oncology division. GeneCentric's innovative partnership model facilitates the translation of significant cancer research into diagnostics that are clinically adopted by pathologists and clinicians. Incorporated in 2011 and located in Durham, North Carolina, GeneCentric aims to enhance treatment outcomes by enabling more precise targeting of therapeutic compounds based on tumor biology.
Parthenon Therapeutics is inventing a novel class of anti-cancer therapies that reprogram the tumor microenvironment (TME). The interplay between cancer cells and their surrounding microenvironment is relevant in drug development as manycancers use the TME to build barriers that shield immune system attack. One approach, PRTH-101, breaks these barriers to overcome recalcitrant cancers. Based on research, the company is designing a portfolio of drug candidates to treat the right patients at the right time.
Nitrase Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing drugs targeting a newly identified class of enzymes known as Nitrases. Initially concentrating on Parkinson’s disease, Nitrase aims to create therapies that may slow or halt the progression of this neurodegenerative condition. Beyond its primary focus, the company plans to expand its research to address other aging-related diseases, including Type II diabetes, heart disease, and various cancer types. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Jackson, Wyoming, with additional facilities in San Francisco, California, Nitrase Therapeutics is positioned to contribute significantly to the treatment of complex diseases associated with aging.
Deka Biosciences
Series A in 2021
Early stage biotechnology start-up developing next generation cytokine therapeutics
Immunai Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing an artificial intelligence-based immune profiling platform aimed at enhancing drug development, disease detection, diagnosis, and treatment. The company utilizes single-cell genomics and machine learning to conduct high-resolution profiling of the immune system at an industrial scale, generating valuable biological insights that facilitate research and promote novel discoveries. Immunai's platform supports biomarker discovery and helps understand how various cell types respond to their changing environments. Its research and development efforts concentrate on cancer therapies, including blockade and vaccine strategies. The company collaborates with academic institutions, biopharmaceutical firms, and other biotechnology companies to advance its mission of mapping the immune system. Founded in 2018, Immunai is headquartered in New York City, with additional offices in San Francisco, California, and Tel Aviv, Israel.
Soli Organic is a company that specializes in the cultivation, packing, and shipping of fresh organic culinary herbs. Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Harrisonburg, Virginia, it operates a production facility in Jefferson, Georgia. Soli Organic offers a diverse range of products, including various herbs such as basil, cilantro, dill, mint, and thyme, as well as herb blends and microgreens. The company provides a year-round supply of these organic herbs to grocery stores, enabling consumers to enjoy locally sourced, flavorful ingredients throughout the year. In addition to its agricultural operations, Soli Organic also offers refrigerated transportation services to ensure efficient delivery. It primarily serves retailers across several states in the southeastern United States, including Georgia, Florida, and North Carolina.
Developer of disease-modifying therapies designed to focus on developing novel immune engagers. The company offers CD8 T-cell immune modulators for the treatment of autoimmune diseases as well as it specifically targets a subset of t-lymphocytes to delay the onset and ameliorate targeted autoimmune diseases, enabling doctors to administer state-of-the-art drugs for treating autoimmune disorders in patients.
Crop Enhancement LLC is a specialty materials company based in San Jose, California, established in 2011. It focuses on developing innovative formulation technologies that enhance the effectiveness of agricultural chemicals, including pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. By utilizing advanced and environmentally friendly chemistry, Crop Enhancement creates proprietary films that modify plant surfaces, improving resistance to pests and diseases. This approach not only helps farmers increase crop yields and profitability but also reduces reliance on synthetic pesticides, promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The company’s technologies facilitate the controlled release of active ingredients, allowing for precise application and minimizing environmental impact.
IpiNovyx Bio is a biopharmaceutical company developing a platform of best-in-class immunoproteasome modulating therapeutics to transform the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Kytopen Corp. is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on advancing cell therapy through its innovative Flowfect technology. Established in 2017, Kytopen specializes in non-viral delivery systems for molecules into challenging immune cells that are typically hard to transfect. The company utilizes a combination of microfluidics and automation to streamline the delivery process, making it faster, more efficient, and cost-effective. By employing a unique platform that integrates continuous fluid flow with electric fields, Kytopen enables researchers to produce high-quality engineered cells in a matter of minutes while preserving their health and functionality. This approach supports the discovery of novel biological insights and the development of affordable cell and gene therapies.
Acrigen Biosciences focuses on enhancing the safety and efficacy of gene editing technologies, particularly those based on the CRISPR-Cas system. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Berkeley, California, the company develops innovative solutions that aim to produce effective in vivo drug therapies to combat various diseases. Acrigen's proprietary technologies include Acro proteins that regulate the CRISPR-Cas gene editing process and an advanced bioinformatics discovery software platform that identifies suitable CRISPR systems for human therapeutic applications. Through these advancements, Acrigen Biosciences seeks to improve the precision, efficacy, and safety of genetic therapies, ultimately contributing to the potential prevention and cure of debilitating diseases.
ROME Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative therapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases. Established in 2019, ROME Therapeutics is pioneering the exploration of the repeatome, which consists of extensive regions of genetic material previously considered "junk DNA." The company has identified several drug targets and is actively advancing multiple discovery programs. To facilitate its research, ROME has assembled a team of experts across various disciplines, including oncology, immunology, virology, and machine learning, to harness this uncharted area of biology for therapeutic advancements.
Lycia Therapeutics
Series B in 2021
Lycia Therapeutics is a biotechnology company that focuses on developing technology that utilizes lysosome-targeting chimeras. The company was founded by Carolyn R. Bertozzi in 2019 and is based in San Diego, California, USA.
Disc Medicine, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutics based on human genetics to address ineffective red blood cell production in hematologic diseases. The company specializes in programs targeting the hepcidin metabolism axis for the treatment of disorders related to hepcidin. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Disc Medicine is led by a team of experienced scientists and industry experts, supported by a panel of advisors with a proven history in discovering and developing innovative therapies. The company was established with backing from Atlas Venture, along with contributions from Novo Ventures and Access Biotechnology.
Asher Biotherapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing immunotherapy drugs for cancer treatment. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, the company aims to create innovative therapeutic solutions to improve patient outcomes in oncology. Asher Bio leverages advanced technologies and research to enhance the effectiveness of immune-based therapies, positioning itself as a key player in the evolving field of cancer treatment.
Humacyte, Inc. is a medical research and development company based in Morrisville, North Carolina, focused on creating and commercializing human tissue-based products for regenerative medicine and vascular surgery. Founded in 2004, the company specializes in developing acellular extracellular matrices derived from banked vascular smooth muscle cells, which are decellularized to prevent rejection. These matrices serve as tissue-engineered grafts, providing solutions for patients requiring vascular repair or replacement. Humacyte's innovative biotechnology platform aims to deliver universally implantable bioengineered human tissues and organs, addressing a variety of diseases, injuries, and chronic conditions, ultimately seeking to enhance patient outcomes and transform medical practices.
Effector Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, that specializes in the development of small molecule drugs aimed at treating cancer and other serious diseases. Founded in 2012, the company focuses on creating selective translation regulators that target the regulation of protein synthesis, a critical process in tumor growth and survival. By selectively blocking dysregulated translation, Effector Therapeutics aims to inhibit cancer cell proliferation while providing a potent and targeted therapeutic approach. This innovative strategy positions the company to potentially deliver new and effective treatments to patients facing challenging health conditions.
Thryv Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies for long QT syndrome, a genetic disorder characterized by prolonged ventricular repolarization, which can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias. The company's research centers on SGK-1, a regulator of sodium channels in heart cells, which is implicated in the overactivity associated with long QT syndrome. By targeting this kinase, Thryv aims to address the underlying causes of the disorder and improve treatment options for affected patients. Based in Laval, Canada, the company is committed to advancing its pipeline to enhance patient outcomes in this critical area of cardiovascular health.
Deep Genomics Inc. is an artificial intelligence therapeutics company that focuses on developing individualized genetic medicines. Founded in 2014 and based in Toronto, Canada, the company utilizes advanced AI systems to enhance various stages of drug discovery and development, including target identification, lead optimization, toxicity evaluation, and trial design. Deep Genomics specializes in creating oligonucleotide therapies that address the genetic causes of diseases at the RNA and DNA levels. Its innovative AI-powered platform analyzes RNA biology to uncover new therapeutic targets and mechanisms that traditional methods cannot access, enabling the development of treatments for rare metabolic, ophthalmologic, and neurodegenerative disorders. The company recruits top talent in genomics, drug development, and AI to drive its mission of revolutionizing drug discovery.
IgGenix, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative antibody therapeutics for the treatment of food and other severe allergies. Founded in 2019 and based in South San Francisco, California, the company specializes in isolating and transforming allergen-specific IgE antibodies into IgG antibodies. This process aims to alleviate and prevent allergic reactions by suppressing the allergic cascade. IgGenix captures and analyzes rare human B cells that produce allergen-binding antibodies and engineers these cells to enhance their immune-modulating properties. By addressing critical needs in the medical industry, IgGenix seeks to provide effective solutions for life-threatening allergic reactions.
Wugen is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative CAR-T therapies for T-cell malignancies. Utilizing advanced gene editing technologies, Wugen aims to address the challenges associated with the clinical development of allogeneic CAR-T cells. The company is working on next-generation off-the-shelf memory natural killer (NK) and CAR-T cell therapies, leveraging its proprietary Moneta platform and deep expertise in genomic engineering. These efforts are directed toward creating a new class of memory NK cell therapies to effectively treat both hematological and solid tumor malignancies, ultimately enhancing the medical community's ability to combat life-threatening cancers.
Developer of neurological disorders therapy designed for critical mediators of inhibition within the brain. The company's platform has developed a proprietary neuron-specific K-Cl cotransporter (KCC2) discovery engine to improve the lives of people suffering from neurological disorders by fine-tuning inhibition to treat conditions such as epilepsy, pain, and other central nervous system pathologies, thereby enabling the healthcare industry to resist neurodegeneration, restore excitation, and regenerate neurons.
Cyrus Biotechnology builds software tools to accelerate basic research in biotech, pharma, and industrial biotechnology. Cyrus Bench delivers an enterprise version of the Rosetta molecular modeling and design toolkit, with the associated array of bio-molecular computation tools.
It was founded in 2014 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington.
ImmuneID is a precision immunology company that has developed a proprietary platform aimed at identifying and therapeutically targeting antibody interactions involved in immune diseases. The platform utilizes advanced methodologies, including massively parallel, multiplexed, and unbiased systems, to facilitate the development of therapeutics for various conditions such as autoimmunity, severe allergies, oncology, and infectious diseases. By enabling researchers to observe and analyze human immune responses across different stages of disease progression, ImmuneID seeks to enhance the understanding of immune mechanisms and improve treatment strategies.
Operator of a biotechnology company intended to provide services regarding the functional manipulation of immune cells. The company maps human tissue's behavior to disease processes, allowing it to identify and characterize novel targets for therapeutic intervention, enabling patients to get access to treatment and cure themselves of debilitating illnesses including cancer, fibrotic, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Neurona Therapeutics Inc. develops cell-based therapies for the treatment of neurological disorders. The company develop therapeutic compositions of specific nerve cells for targeted delivery into the injured nervous system. The company was incorporated in 2008 and is based in South San Francisco, California.
Veralox Therapeutics specializes in the development of small molecule therapeutics aimed at addressing the underlying causes of thrombosis and type one diabetes. By leveraging a deep understanding of the molecular mechanisms associated with these conditions, the company seeks to create innovative treatment options that can lead to improved health outcomes for patients. Their focus includes therapies specifically targeting heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis, with the goal of providing patients with effective solutions for complete recovery from diabetes and associated complications.
Operator of a drug discovery platform designed to develop immune based therapies, including powerful cell therapies, that create accessible cures for solid tumors and blood cancers. The company's platform offers leveraging epigenetic variation and CAR-T precision genetic engineering technology to target tumorous epitopes that are broadly represented across various cancers, enabling patients to get allogeneic treatments to overcome disease.
Senda Biosciences is pioneering the field of Intersystems Biology to create novel treatments for human disease. Intersystems Biology focuses on how molecular connections between botanical, bacterial, and human cells—coevolved over millennia—define health and disease. Senda's Intersytems Biology discovery platform, built using new techniques in machine learning and computational biology, has been able to generate novel, actionable insights into the trillions of interspecies molecular connections in the human body, and harnesses the power of this "pharmacy within us" with novel pharmacological approaches. The power of the Senda platform is illustrated by six preclinical programs in oncology, neurology, chronic disease, and metabolic disease.
Bright Peak Therapeutics
Series B in 2021
Bright Peak Therapeutics is a biotechnology company with a platform capable of chemically synthesizing and optimizing natural proteins such as cytokines.
Founded by Stuart Schreiber, Benjamin Cravatt, Stephanie Dougan, and Vasanthi Viswanathan, Kojin is accelerating a drug discovery platform that connects complex cell states to known biochemical processes such as ferroptosis, or iron-dependent cell death, and enables the development of selective therapies for a broad range of hard-to-treat diseases. The company’s investors include Polaris Partners, Newpath Partners, Cathay Health, Leaps by Bayer, AbbVie Inc., Eventide Asset Management, Alexandria, and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute venture firm, Binney Street Capital.
miRecule, Inc. is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of microRNA-based therapeutics, with a focus on addressing challenges in cancer treatment and other diseases such as muscular dystrophy. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland, the company has created a drug discovery platform called DREAmiR. This platform leverages genomic and outcome data from thousands of patients to identify genetic changes linked to diseases. It combines genomic sequencing, expression, and prognostic data from cancer patients with high-throughput screening data to pinpoint microRNA candidates for replacement therapy. miRecule's approach aims to formulate these candidates into tumor-targeted nanoparticles, enabling oncologists to effectively target and eliminate drug-resistant cancer cells.
Invaio Sciences
Series C in 2021
Invaio Sciences, Inc. is a Flagship Pioneering Company startup in Cambridge. They are at the forefront of developing novel technologies based on groundbreaking science with an intent to positively impact their planet by enabling the application of breakthrough solutions in agriculture, human health, animal nutrition and animal health.
Soteria Biotherapeutics, Inc., founded in 2018 and based in San Francisco, California, specializes in the development of innovative immunotherapies for cancer treatment. The company is focused on creating next-generation conditionally active bispecific T-cell engaging antibodies aimed at addressing solid tumors. Utilizing its proprietary T-LITE™ platform, Soteria enables the small molecule-dependent activation of these bispecific antibody therapies. This approach allows for safer and more effective treatments, characterized by pulsatile activity that minimizes side effects and permits higher dosing levels for patients. Through its advancements, Soteria Biotherapeutics strives to improve the therapeutic options available for cancer patients.
Inari Agriculture, Inc. is a biotechnology company that specializes in developing customized seeds through CRISPR gene editing technology, aimed at optimizing crop growth in diverse environmental conditions. Founded in 2016 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Inari focuses on crops such as wheat, soybean, and corn, addressing significant agricultural challenges like climate change. The company employs advanced multiplex gene editing and predictive design to create efficient and sustainable plant breeding solutions, thereby reducing the time and cost associated with traditional breeding methods. Inari's approach aims to enhance agricultural productivity while respecting environmental sustainability, and it collaborates with a diverse team of scientists and partners globally to drive innovation in the agricultural sector.
Advanced Animal Diagnostics, Inc. commercializes proprietary technology for the diagnosis of farm-animal diseases. It uses an animal's own immune response to detect and stage infections to improve the quality of life for producers, processors, animals, and consumers. The company offers QuickSmear, a rapid differential slide to speed and simplify production animal research using differential cell counts; and SCC+ System for early detection of mastitis. Advanced Animal Diagnostics was founded in 2001 and is based in Durham, North Carolina.
Twinstrand Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company that engages in the discovery, development, and commercialization of biological drugs for the treatment of life-threatening diseases. The product of the company is TST10088. It is a recombinant protein-based prodrug for activation by matrix metalloproteinases associated with solid tumor forms of cancer. Twinstrand is a Canada-based company that was founded in 1995. The company was acquired by Cangene on July 7, 2009.
Molecular Assemblies, Inc. is a San Diego-based company that specializes in enzymatic DNA synthesis technology, which allows for the precise reading and writing of DNA. Founded in 2013, the company targets multiple markets, including life sciences, industrial applications, information storage, nanotechnology, and DNA electronics. Its innovative approach is inspired by natural processes and focuses on producing long, high-quality, sequence-specific DNA in a reliable, affordable, and sustainable manner. The company boasts a strong executive and scientific team and holds an extensive intellectual property portfolio. It has garnered investments from various notable entities, highlighting its potential to advance products in industrial synthetic biology, personalized therapeutics, and precision diagnostics.
Ventus Therapeutics U.S., Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Natick, Massachusetts, with an additional location in Montreal, Canada. Founded in 2019, it focuses on discovering and developing novel small-molecule medicines that target the innate immune system to address autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, and cancer. The company employs a structural immunology platform that integrates protein engineering to elucidate molecular structures and mechanisms of action. This platform facilitates the development of precise binding and functional screening assays, as well as structure-based modeling. Ventus Therapeutics is advancing an emerging pipeline of drug programs aimed at key targets within the innate immune system, leveraging its proprietary capabilities in rational and structure-based drug design.
Alloy Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on enhancing drug discovery through accessible platforms and services. Founded in 2017 and based in Lexington, Massachusetts, the company offers Alloy-Gx, a comprehensive suite of immunocompetent transgenic mice that supports advanced human antibody discovery without royalty fees. This innovative platform aims to simplify and promote antibody discovery projects by providing broad, non-exclusive access to essential drug discovery tools. By democratizing these resources, Alloy Therapeutics enables scientists to pursue their antibody research more efficiently and effectively.
SeQure DX
Venture Round in 2021
SeQure DX is in the business activities at non-commercial site business. It was founded in 2020 and is based in Waltham, Massachusetts.
Ensoma is expanding the reach of the curative power of genomic medicine by pioneering a next-generation in vivo approach using its Engenious™ vectors. Ensoma’s vectors are designed to deliver a diverse range of gene modification technologies without the need for stem cell collection or prior myeloablative conditioning (e.g., chemotherapy). As a result, Ensoma’s therapies can be delivered as a single injection in a diverse range of settings, including outpatient and settings where access to sophisticated healthcare systems may be limited.
Vera Therapeutics is engaged in the development of innovative gene editing solutions aimed at curing genetic diseases, particularly sickle cell disease and cystic fibrosis. The company utilizes a proprietary triplex gene editing platform to create a pipeline of therapeutic products targeting high-penetrance disease genes. Founded in 2016 and based in South San Francisco, California, Vera Therapeutics is dedicated to alleviating and potentially curing genetic disorders in affected patients.
Operator of a proprietary peptide-based platform intended to diagnose and neutralize toxic precursors to amyloid diseases. The company's platform provides a novel approach for tackling amyloid diseases, with diagnostic, therapeutic, and anti-biofilm applications that focus on soluble oligomer binding assay for early detection of toxic oligomers in Alzheimer's disease, enabling healthcare institutes to improve human health through the early detection and treatment of amyloid diseases.
Blacksmith Medicines developing medicines targeting metal-dependent enzymes found in human physiology. Over 30% of known enzymes are metalloenzymes, covering all major enzyme classes: oxidoreductases, transferases, hydrolases, lyases, isomerases, and ligases. Metal ions, including magnesium, zinc, iron, manganese and copper, are the essential ingredient in these metalloenzymes.
Lexeo Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in genetic medicines. The company develops adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated therapies, primarily in collaboration with Weill Cornell Medicine’s Department of Genetic Medicine. Its pipeline includes treatments for both rare and non-rare monogenic diseases, as well as hereditary and acquired conditions. Lexeo Therapeutics aims to address high unmet medical needs across various patient populations, focusing on both preclinical and clinical gene therapy candidates. The company is committed to advancing its clinical programs towards commercialization while maintaining research partnerships to enhance its preclinical pipeline.
Myeloid Therapeutics is an immunology company dedicated to harnessing myeloid cells for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. The company employs its ATAK platform technology, which focuses on reprogramming innate immune cells to enhance their ability to target and eliminate cancerous cells. This platform is designed to be versatile and scalable, allowing for the development of various treatment modalities across multiple disease areas. Currently, Myeloid Therapeutics is advancing a cell therapy program aimed at T cell lymphoma, as well as a primed monocyte approach for treating glioblastoma. Through its innovative technology, the company seeks to overcome the limitations of existing cell therapies and improve patient outcomes.
Encodia, Inc. engages in proteomics research and creates scalable and parallelized approaches to protein analysis. The company was founded in 2015 and is based in San Diego, California.
Faze Medicines is a biotechnology company established in 2020 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The company focuses on developing small molecule drugs targeting the underlying drivers of disease pathology, particularly for conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). Faze Medicines leverages innovative research on biomolecular condensates to create potential therapeutic breakthroughs. Through advanced screening and proteomics techniques, the company aims to pioneer new treatments for various diseases, including frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and DM1, thereby addressing significant unmet medical needs.
Remix Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on the research and development of innovative small molecule therapies that reprogram RNA processing to address various diseases. Founded in 2018, the company utilizes a biology platform to identify and prioritize therapeutic targets within RNA processing, aiming to tackle previously undruggable disease drivers. Its REMseq platform assists in validating these targets and optimizing chemical compounds for potential treatments. By analyzing patterns in RNA processing, Remix Therapeutics seeks to modulate gene expression, thereby enabling healthcare providers to correct or enhance genetic messages at their source, ultimately aiming to provide new approaches for treating diseases.
Vigil will use the Series A funds to progress its lead pipeline candidate, a monoclonal antibody TREM2 agonist, through Phase 1 studies, advance their small molecule TREM2 agonist to IND, as well as pursue additional assets to grow the pipeline and increase the body of data supporting microglia biology as an important therapeutic pathway.
Ubiq Security, Inc. is a technology company based in San Diego, California, that specializes in digital data encryption. Founded in 2012, Ubiq has developed a platform that simplifies the complexities of encryption through user-friendly application programming interfaces (APIs). This allows developers to seamlessly integrate encryption into their applications across various programming languages, cloud environments, and storage types. The company's API-based encryption and key management solutions empower organizations to enhance their data security, reduce the risk of data theft, and ensure compliance with security standards. By providing scalable and extensible encryption tools, Ubiq enables innovators to build secure products and experiences efficiently.
Dren Bio is a biotechnology company with a portfolio of attractive projects focused on powerful protein engineering technologies for the depletion of cells, protein aggregates, and other disease-causing agents. It is a holding company business model aimed at creating value with multiple projects as stand-alone assets.
Sonoma Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a specialty pharmaceutical company that develops and markets stabilized hypochlorous acid (HOCl) products for a range of healthcare applications, including wound care, dermatology, animal health, and eye care. The company offers a diverse portfolio of products designed to address various medical needs, such as Epicyn, an antimicrobial facial cleanser; Levicyn, for managing dermatoses; and Celacyn, which promotes healing of surgical scars and trauma wounds. Other notable products include SebuDerm for seborrheic dermatitis, Ceramax for dry skin, and Acuicyn for eye irritation. Sonoma also provides solutions for animal health, like MicrocynAH and MicrocynVS, targeting skin conditions in pets. With over 100 products commercialized globally across 33 countries, the company aims to enhance patient care while addressing unmet medical needs and reducing healthcare costs. Founded in 1999 and based in Woodstock, Georgia, Sonoma Pharmaceuticals was previously known as Oculus Innovative Sciences, Inc. before rebranding in 2016.
Sonoma Biotherapeutics develops adoptive Treg cell therapies aimed at treating autoimmune and degenerative diseases. The company employs advanced genome editing and target-specific cell therapy to create therapeutic solutions that promote self-tolerance and mitigate harmful inflammatory responses associated with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, with an additional office in Seattle, Washington, Sonoma Biotherapeutics combines expertise in Treg biology and proprietary methodologies to advance its therapeutic platform, focusing on developing disease-modifying and potentially curative treatments.
Korro Bio Inc. specializes in the development of nucleic acid-based therapeutics aimed at targeting specific sequences in genetic code, with a focus on treating rare diseases. Founded in 2018 and located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company utilizes a proprietary platform that enables efficient and selective RNA editing by leveraging natural processes found in multi-cellular organisms. This innovative approach allows Korro Bio to edit messenger RNA and recode specific codons, facilitating targeted modifications in protein structure and function across various tissues.
Private Equity Round in 2020
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Vesigen, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapeutic products that utilize extracellular vesicle delivery technology to target intracellular sites. Founded in 2020 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company employs its proprietary ARMMs technology to facilitate the direct delivery of various payloads, including RNAs, proteins, and gene-editing complexes, into the cytoplasm of target cells. This approach aims to overcome the challenges associated with intracellular drug delivery, thereby broadening the range of potential druggable targets and enabling the creation of novel treatments for various diseases. Vesigen's mission is to address unmet medical needs through its advanced therapeutic solutions.
Frequency Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Woburn, Massachusetts, dedicated to leveraging the body's natural biology to repair or reverse damage from various degenerative diseases. The company employs a unique Progenitor Cell Activation approach, utilizing combinations of small molecules to stimulate progenitor cells to regenerate functional tissue. Its lead product candidate, FX-322, is currently undergoing phase 2a clinical trials aimed at addressing the underlying causes of sensorineural hearing loss. In addition to hearing loss, Frequency Therapeutics is developing therapies for a variety of degenerative conditions, including multiple sclerosis and ailments affecting muscle, skin, gastrointestinal tract, and bone health. The company has also established a collaboration agreement with Astellas Pharma for the development and commercialization of FX-322. Founded in 2014, Frequency Therapeutics is focused on disease modification through innovative therapeutic strategies.
Vor Biopharma, Inc. develops engineered hematopoietic stem cell (eHSC) therapies for cancer patients. It offers VOR33, an eHSC product candidate that is in preclinical development to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The company’s VOR33 eHSCs lacks CD33, a protein that is expressed by AML cancer cells. Vor Biopharma, Inc. was incorporated in 2015 and is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Element Biosciences, Inc. develops genetic analysis tools for the research and diagnostic markets. The company provides a disruptive DNA sequencing technology and a sequencing platform, such as surface chemistry, sequencing chemistry, detection, and data analysis. The company was incorporated in 2017 and is based in San Diego, California.
TARA Biosystems, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing organ-on-a-chip technology, specifically human cardiac tissue models, to enhance drug discovery and safety assessments. Founded in 2014 and based in the United States, the company utilizes stem cell-derived cardiac tissue that mimics adult physiological conditions, enabling precise measurement of cardiac functionality. This innovative platform aims to facilitate the faster and safer development of new therapies by providing predictive in vitro models that can assess the effects of drug compounds on heart function without the need for human testing. Through its advanced technology, TARA Biosystems seeks to improve the health of patients by enabling more reliable assessments of cardiac drug efficacy and safety.
Autobahn Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in San Diego, California, dedicated to developing small molecule therapies for central nervous system (CNS) disorders. The company focuses on leveraging its expertise in brain-targeting chemistry to create innovative treatments that harness the regenerative capabilities of the human body. Its primary product candidate, ABX-002, is a thyroid hormone receptor beta agonist aimed at treating multiple sclerosis and adrenomyeloneuropathy, a rare genetic disorder. Founded in 2017, Autobahn Therapeutics is committed to addressing significant unmet medical needs in areas such as neuropsychiatry, neurodegeneration, and neuroinflammation, utilizing validated clinical and biological targets to guide its research and development efforts.
Nitrase Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing drugs targeting a newly identified class of enzymes known as Nitrases. Initially concentrating on Parkinson’s disease, Nitrase aims to create therapies that may slow or halt the progression of this neurodegenerative condition. Beyond its primary focus, the company plans to expand its research to address other aging-related diseases, including Type II diabetes, heart disease, and various cancer types. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Jackson, Wyoming, with additional facilities in San Francisco, California, Nitrase Therapeutics is positioned to contribute significantly to the treatment of complex diseases associated with aging.
MoMa Therapeutics, Inc. discovers precision medicines by targeting the molecular machines that underlie human disease. MoMa Therapeutics, Inc. was formerly known as ATPases NewCo, Inc. and changed its name to MoMa Therapeutics, Inc. in March 2020. The company was founded in 2019 and is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Crop Enhancement LLC is a specialty materials company based in San Jose, California, established in 2011. It focuses on developing innovative formulation technologies that enhance the effectiveness of agricultural chemicals, including pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. By utilizing advanced and environmentally friendly chemistry, Crop Enhancement creates proprietary films that modify plant surfaces, improving resistance to pests and diseases. This approach not only helps farmers increase crop yields and profitability but also reduces reliance on synthetic pesticides, promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The company’s technologies facilitate the controlled release of active ingredients, allowing for precise application and minimizing environmental impact.
Affinia Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing gene therapies for various diseases, particularly those affecting muscle and the central nervous system (CNS). Founded in 2019 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, the company specializes in creating rationally designed adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors. By integrating synthetic and systems biology with high-throughput screening and advanced resolution techniques, Affinia Therapeutics aims to address significant unmet medical needs. The company’s innovative approach allows for the development of novel gene therapies with enhanced properties, targeting the treatment of devastating diseases and improving the lives of affected individuals.
Redpin Therapeutics, Inc., gene therapy company, develops a chemo genetics platform for targeted cell therapies that address intractable diseases of the nervous system. It discovers and develops an ion channel-based chemo genetics platform that enables targeted cell activation/inhibition controlled by low doses of the anti-smoking drug Varenicline. Redpin Therapeutics, Inc. was incorporated in 2017 and is headquartered in New York, New York.
Silverback Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Seattle, Washington, focused on developing tissue-targeted therapeutics for cancer, chronic viral infections, and other serious diseases. The company's lead product candidate, SBT6050, is currently in a Phase I/Ib clinical trial. It is a TLR8 agonist linker-payload conjugated to a HER2-directed monoclonal antibody, specifically targeting tumors such as breast, gastric, and non-small cell lung cancers. Additionally, Silverback is advancing SBT6290, a preclinical candidate that targets Nectin4, expressed in various cancers, and SBT8230, aimed at treating chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Utilizing its proprietary ImmunoTAC technology, Silverback aims to develop a new generation of therapies that can be systemically delivered yet act locally at disease sites, thereby modulating critical disease pathways that were previously considered inaccessible.
Kallyope Inc. is a biotechnology company based in New York that focuses on the gut-brain axis, the complex communication network between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. Founded in 2014, Kallyope develops innovative therapeutics and consumer products aimed at enhancing human health and nutrition. The company leverages advanced technologies in sequencing, computational biology, neural imaging, and human genetics to gain insights into gut-brain biology. This understanding allows Kallyope to engage in drug discovery efforts that target the fundamental processes of human physiology, with the potential to transform approaches to health and nutrition.
Twinstrand Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company that engages in the discovery, development, and commercialization of biological drugs for the treatment of life-threatening diseases. The product of the company is TST10088. It is a recombinant protein-based prodrug for activation by matrix metalloproteinases associated with solid tumor forms of cancer. Twinstrand is a Canada-based company that was founded in 1995. The company was acquired by Cangene on July 7, 2009.
Novome Biotechnologies, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, that specializes in engineering bacteria from the human gut to address chronic diseases. Founded in 2015, the company has developed a platform for the controlled colonization of the gut with genetically engineered bacteria, known as Genetically Engineered Microbial Medicines (GEMMs). This innovative approach allows for sustained therapeutic interventions through the precise delivery of microbial activities. Novome's lead preclinical program targets hyperoxaluria by creating a therapeutic strain of bacteria aimed at degrading oxalate to help prevent kidney stone formation. The company is also expanding its synthetic biology platform to explore additional therapeutic applications.
Triplet Therapeutics, Inc. develops therapeutics and treatments for triplet disorders. It develops treatment for repeat expansion disorders, including Huntington’s disease, myotonic dystrophy, and spinocerebellar ataxias. Triplet Therapeutics, Inc. was formerly known as rzna, Inc. The company was founded in 2018 and is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.