ALS Investment Fund

Verge Genomics is a biotechnology company focused on transforming drug discovery through the application of artificial intelligence. Founded by experts in machine learning and seasoned neuroscience drug developers, the company aims to leverage advancements in computational genomics and insights into neuroscience to discover innovative therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases. Its drug discovery platform employs machine learning algorithms to analyze large datasets, identifying potential drug targets and predicting effective treatments. By accelerating the development of life-saving therapies, Verge Genomics seeks to enhance patient outcomes and reduce the costs associated with pharmaceutical development, thereby addressing critical challenges in the healthcare sector.

Bloom Science, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in San Diego, California, that specializes in developing neuroprotective therapies leveraging the microbiome to treat epilepsy and other neurological disorders. Founded in 2017, the company employs its proprietary IrisRx™ platform to explore innovative treatments that target the Gut-Brain Axis, aiming to create therapeutics with enhanced safety profiles. Bloom Science's approach focuses on harnessing gut commensal microbes and integrating insights from synthetic biology to develop multi-functional therapeutics. The company is advancing a robust pipeline of programs addressing complex conditions such as Dravet syndrome, various rare epilepsies, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and other neurodegenerative and cognitive disorders, with the goal of delivering transformative solutions for patients facing serious, life-altering illnesses.

Prilenia is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative treatments for neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders. Founded in 2018 and operating from locations in Israel, the Netherlands, and Boston, the company’s primary asset is Pridopidine, an oral drug candidate noted for its established safety profile. Pridopidine demonstrates potential in treating various movement disorders and neurodegenerative diseases that affect both adults and children, aiming to help healthcare institutions preserve functional capacity in patients, including those undergoing early hemodialysis.

Apic Bio, Inc. is a gene therapy company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative treatment options for rare and undertreated neurological and liver diseases. Established in 2017, the company is advancing several novel gene therapies, particularly targeting Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, genetic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and other central nervous system disorders. Apic Bio utilizes a gene therapy platform that employs a Dual Function Vector to silence the Z-AAT protein while augmenting the M-AAT protein, thereby addressing the underlying genetic issues. Through its targeted approach, Apic Bio aims to provide effective solutions for patients suffering from these challenging conditions.

Verge Genomics is a biotechnology company focused on transforming drug discovery through the application of artificial intelligence. Founded by experts in machine learning and seasoned neuroscience drug developers, the company aims to leverage advancements in computational genomics and insights into neuroscience to discover innovative therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases. Its drug discovery platform employs machine learning algorithms to analyze large datasets, identifying potential drug targets and predicting effective treatments. By accelerating the development of life-saving therapies, Verge Genomics seeks to enhance patient outcomes and reduce the costs associated with pharmaceutical development, thereby addressing critical challenges in the healthcare sector.

Emulate, Inc. is a biotechnology company specializing in organs-on-chips technology that emulates human biology to enhance the understanding of diseases, medicines, chemicals, and food impacts on human health. The company develops organ-chips that replicate normal organ functions as well as various disease states, primarily targeting the lung, intestine, liver, and skin. Emulate's innovative human emulation system provides researchers with advanced in vitro models that offer more precise and detailed predictions of human responses compared to traditional experimental methods, such as cell culture or animal testing. The company serves a diverse range of markets, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, consumer health, cosmetics, chemicals, food, agrochemicals, government agencies, and academic research. Founded in 2013 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, Emulate was previously known as Emulate Living MicroDevices, Inc. before rebranding in July 2014.

Orphazyme is a Copenhagen-based biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies for lysosomal storage diseases, a group of serious genetic disorders. The company was founded on research conducted by Professor Marja Jäättela and Thomas Kirkegaard Jensen at the Danish Cancer Society. Orphazyme is engaged in biopharmaceutical research and development, and it has established collaborations with leading academic institutions in Europe and the United States. The company has also entered into a strategic partnership with CombiGene AB, further enhancing its capabilities in the field.

Amylyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s disease, and Wolfram syndrome. Founded in 2013 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company is best known for its investigational therapy AMX0035, a fixed-dose co-formulation of sodium phenylbutyrate and Taurursodiol. This treatment aims to address the energy crisis within mitochondria and the accumulation of toxic, unfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum, both of which contribute to the progression of neurodegenerative conditions. Through its research and development efforts, Amylyx seeks to provide effective solutions to mitigate the suffering caused by these debilitating diseases.