Be Biopharma
Series C in 2025
Be Biopharma, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapeutics derived from engineered B-cells in the immune system. Founded in 2020 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Be Biopharma aims to address the limitations of existing cell and gene therapies, such as the need for chemotherapy prior to treatment and the challenges of providing multiple doses. The company employs precision genome editing to create durable and effective cell therapies, targeting a range of diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. By enhancing the functionality of B-cell medicines, Be Biopharma seeks to improve treatment outcomes for conditions like Hemophilia B and other serious health issues.
Be Biopharma
Venture Round in 2024
Be Biopharma, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapeutics derived from engineered B-cells in the immune system. Founded in 2020 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Be Biopharma aims to address the limitations of existing cell and gene therapies, such as the need for chemotherapy prior to treatment and the challenges of providing multiple doses. The company employs precision genome editing to create durable and effective cell therapies, targeting a range of diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. By enhancing the functionality of B-cell medicines, Be Biopharma seeks to improve treatment outcomes for conditions like Hemophilia B and other serious health issues.
Progentos Therapeutics
Series A in 2024
Progentos Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies for chronic diseases, specifically targeting multiple sclerosis. The company has created novel small-molecule therapeutics aimed at activating oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, which play a crucial role in myelin regeneration. By stimulating the body's natural repair mechanisms, Progentos Therapeutics seeks to help patients recover lost functions and enhance their quality of life. Through its research and development efforts, the company is committed to addressing the unmet medical needs of those affected by multiple sclerosis.
Transcarent
Series D in 2024
Transcarent is a consumer-directed health and care platform designed for employees of self-insured employers and their families. The company utilizes a blend of software, technology, and data science to provide consumers with unbiased information and trusted guidance. By connecting users to a network of high-value healthcare providers and services, Transcarent aims to empower individuals to make informed choices and achieve better health outcomes while navigating the complexities of the healthcare system. This approach fosters transparency and cost-effective decision-making, addressing a wide range of healthcare challenges faced by consumers today.
Edgewood Oncology
Series A in 2024
Edgewood Oncology is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing a novel, multi-kinase inhibitor, BTX-A51, for the treatment of genetically defined solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. Its mission is to extend and improve the lives of patients with significant unmet medical needs by targeting master regulators of cancer to induce programmed cell death.
Harbor Health
Series A in 2024
Harbor Health is a multi-specialty clinic group based in Austin, Texas, established in 2022. The company focuses on delivering personalized, patient-centered healthcare by leveraging technology to enhance the health experience. Harbor Health emphasizes a collaborative approach to care, co-creating individualized health paths that align with patients' specific health goals. It offers a range of services, including primary and specialty care, chronic disease management, and behavioral health. The clinic provides convenient access through same-day and virtual appointments, as well as accessible locations, ensuring that patients receive timely and comprehensive care tailored to their needs.
Lassen Therapeutics
Series B in 2023
Lassen Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing monoclonal antibodies as potential treatments for fibrosis, rare diseases, and oncology. Its lead candidate, LASN01, targets the IL-11 receptor alpha, a critical mediator in fibrosis and tumor microenvironment organization. By blocking IL-11, Lassen Therapeutics aims to offer a more effective treatment strategy compared to traditional approaches that focus on other factors, such as TGF-β and CTGF. The company's innovative biotherapeutics leverage advanced antibody technologies to address serious health conditions, ultimately improving the lives of patients suffering from these diseases.
MBrace Therapeutics
Series B in 2023
MBrace Therapeutics is a privately held biopharmaceutical company focused on enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients. The company specializes in the development of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) targeting novel oncology targets. By utilizing innovative technology, MBrace Therapeutics creates anti-tumor monoclonal human recombinant antibodies that specifically target cancer cells. This approach allows for the precise delivery of toxic agents directly into the cancer cells, enabling healthcare professionals to more effectively treat various forms of cancer.
Free Market Health
Series B in 2023
Free Market Health, founded in 2019 and based in Pittsburgh, PA, is a developer of a care-driven marketplace aimed at simplifying the complex specialty medication fulfillment process. The company offers a platform that enhances the efficiency of referral distribution and reimbursement, helping payers and specialty pharmacies navigate the intricacies of the healthcare landscape. By focusing on value drivers and accountabilities for patient referrals, Free Market Health enables timely access to lifesaving and life-altering medications. The company prioritizes the needs of all stakeholders, particularly patients, by optimizing resources and maximizing opportunities within the healthcare system.
BetterVet
Series A in 2022
BetterVet, established in 2020 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, operates a digital veterinary platform designed to improve pet care experiences. Through its user-friendly app, BetterVet facilitates virtual video consultations and arranges home visits for pets, providing convenient, mobile veterinary services tailored to modern pet owners' needs.
Novome Biotechnologies
Series B in 2022
Novome Biotechnologies, Inc. is a biotechnology company specializing in the engineering of gut bacteria to create innovative therapies for chronic diseases. Established in 2015 and located in South San Francisco, California, Novome has developed a pioneering platform for the controlled colonization of the gut with genetically engineered microbial medicines (GEMMs). This platform allows for the precise delivery of therapeutic activities aimed at treating conditions such as hyperoxaluria, with a focus on creating a bacterial strain that can degrade oxalate to help prevent kidney stone formation. The company is also expanding its synthetic biology capabilities to explore additional therapeutic indications, aiming to improve long-term health outcomes for patients through its living therapeutics.
Everside Health
Venture Round in 2022
Everside Health is a direct primary care provider founded in 2010 and based in Denver, Colorado. The company offers a range of services, including biometric screenings, health risk assessments, lifestyle coaching, and acute care, catering to patients across the nation. Everside's healthcare delivery model is data-driven and patient-centric, focusing on convenient on-site, near-site, and virtual care options. By aligning incentives among patients, physicians, and benefit providers, Everside aims to enhance patient engagement and overall health while simultaneously reducing the total cost of care.
DEM BioPharma
Series A in 2022
DEM BioPharma is an immuno-oncology company focused on developing innovative therapies to combat cancer by harnessing the innate immune system. The company is pioneering a platform dedicated to creating next-generation macrophage immunotherapies, which aim to activate macrophages and immune phagocytes to effectively target and eliminate tumors. By researching and targeting specific signals on both cancer cells and macrophages, DEM BioPharma seeks to provide healthcare researchers with advanced treatment options that enhance the body's ability to fight cancer.
Kelonia Therapeutics
Series A in 2022
Kelonia Therapeutics is developing a new wave of genetic medicines using its next-generation vivo gene delivery platform. The company's cutting-edge in vivo gene delivery technology is simple and elegant, relying on a few potent lentiviral vector-like particles to precisely and efficiently deliver genetic cargo to the desired target tissue, and only that tissue, every time. To deliver genetic cargo only to the desired tissue, the lentiviral vector gene delivery platform employs a simple and elegant solution based on decades of research, development, and technical experience. Kelonia's mission is to develop a new wave of accessible genetic medicines that will transform the lives of patients suffering from a broad range of conditions.
Free Market Health
Series A in 2022
Free Market Health, founded in 2019 and based in Pittsburgh, PA, is a developer of a care-driven marketplace aimed at simplifying the complex specialty medication fulfillment process. The company offers a platform that enhances the efficiency of referral distribution and reimbursement, helping payers and specialty pharmacies navigate the intricacies of the healthcare landscape. By focusing on value drivers and accountabilities for patient referrals, Free Market Health enables timely access to lifesaving and life-altering medications. The company prioritizes the needs of all stakeholders, particularly patients, by optimizing resources and maximizing opportunities within the healthcare system.
Be Biopharma
Series B in 2022
Be Biopharma, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapeutics derived from engineered B-cells in the immune system. Founded in 2020 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Be Biopharma aims to address the limitations of existing cell and gene therapies, such as the need for chemotherapy prior to treatment and the challenges of providing multiple doses. The company employs precision genome editing to create durable and effective cell therapies, targeting a range of diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. By enhancing the functionality of B-cell medicines, Be Biopharma seeks to improve treatment outcomes for conditions like Hemophilia B and other serious health issues.
ImmuneID is a precision immunology company that specializes in identifying and therapeutically targeting antibody interactions responsible for immune diseases. Utilizing a proprietary platform, it employs massively parallel, multiplexed, and unbiased systems to analyze millions of these interactions. This innovative approach allows researchers to observe human immune responses throughout the progression of various diseases, including autoimmunity, severe allergies, oncology, and infectious diseases. By focusing on the intricate dynamics of the immune system, ImmuneID aims to develop more effective therapeutics that can improve patient outcomes in these challenging areas of health.
Transcarent
Series B in 2021
Transcarent is a consumer-directed health and care platform designed for employees of self-insured employers and their families. The company utilizes a blend of software, technology, and data science to provide consumers with unbiased information and trusted guidance. By connecting users to a network of high-value healthcare providers and services, Transcarent aims to empower individuals to make informed choices and achieve better health outcomes while navigating the complexities of the healthcare system. This approach fosters transparency and cost-effective decision-making, addressing a wide range of healthcare challenges faced by consumers today.
Tyra Biosciences
Series B in 2021
Tyra Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Carlsbad, California, dedicated to developing precision oncology therapies targeted at overcoming drug resistance in cancer treatment. Founded in 2018, the company utilizes its proprietary SNÅP platform to facilitate rapid and precise drug design by generating iterative molecular snapshots. This innovative approach allows Tyra to create next-generation therapies specifically aimed at addressing acquired resistance in tumors. The company's primary focus is on developing selective inhibitors of the Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor (FGFR) family, which are implicated in approximately 7% of all cancers. Tyra's lead product candidate, TYRA-300, is designed to selectively inhibit FGFR3, initially targeting patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma of the bladder and urinary tract.
DispatchHealth
Series D in 2021
DispatchHealth Management, LLC is a provider of on-demand mobile and virtual healthcare services, founded in 2013 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado. The company offers a wide range of services, including evaluation and treatment for acute injuries and illnesses, laceration repair, splinting of injured extremities, and management of conditions like nosebleeds and catheter placements. It also facilitates medication administration, laboratory testing, outpatient imaging arrangements, and coordination with primary care physicians and home health agencies. By delivering care directly to patients in their homes or workplaces, DispatchHealth aims to enhance the capabilities of existing care teams while providing high-quality, cost-effective healthcare solutions.
PatientsLikeMe
Venture Round in 2021
PatientsLikeMe, Inc. is a healthcare data-sharing platform founded in 2004 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The company enables patients to share their symptoms, treatments, and health experiences, facilitating communication among patients, caregivers, physicians, researchers, and pharmaceutical companies. With over 600,000 members, it serves as a trusted source for real-world disease information across various health conditions, including cancer, mental health, and neurological disorders. PatientsLikeMe actively collaborates with major pharmaceutical companies and government organizations to integrate the patient perspective into research and public policy. The platform not only helps individuals find new treatment options and connect with others but also contributes to the development of new therapies through shared health data. The company has published more than 100 research studies, establishing itself as a clinically robust resource in the healthcare landscape. PatientsLikeMe is a subsidiary of United Healthcare Services, Inc.
MBrace Therapeutics
Series A in 2021
MBrace Therapeutics is a privately held biopharmaceutical company focused on enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients. The company specializes in the development of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) targeting novel oncology targets. By utilizing innovative technology, MBrace Therapeutics creates anti-tumor monoclonal human recombinant antibodies that specifically target cancer cells. This approach allows for the precise delivery of toxic agents directly into the cancer cells, enabling healthcare professionals to more effectively treat various forms of cancer.
Be Biopharma
Series A in 2020
Be Biopharma, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapeutics derived from engineered B-cells in the immune system. Founded in 2020 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Be Biopharma aims to address the limitations of existing cell and gene therapies, such as the need for chemotherapy prior to treatment and the challenges of providing multiple doses. The company employs precision genome editing to create durable and effective cell therapies, targeting a range of diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. By enhancing the functionality of B-cell medicines, Be Biopharma seeks to improve treatment outcomes for conditions like Hemophilia B and other serious health issues.
Transcarent
Series A in 2020
Transcarent is a consumer-directed health and care platform designed for employees of self-insured employers and their families. The company utilizes a blend of software, technology, and data science to provide consumers with unbiased information and trusted guidance. By connecting users to a network of high-value healthcare providers and services, Transcarent aims to empower individuals to make informed choices and achieve better health outcomes while navigating the complexities of the healthcare system. This approach fosters transparency and cost-effective decision-making, addressing a wide range of healthcare challenges faced by consumers today.
DispatchHealth
Series C in 2020
DispatchHealth Management, LLC is a provider of on-demand mobile and virtual healthcare services, founded in 2013 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado. The company offers a wide range of services, including evaluation and treatment for acute injuries and illnesses, laceration repair, splinting of injured extremities, and management of conditions like nosebleeds and catheter placements. It also facilitates medication administration, laboratory testing, outpatient imaging arrangements, and coordination with primary care physicians and home health agencies. By delivering care directly to patients in their homes or workplaces, DispatchHealth aims to enhance the capabilities of existing care teams while providing high-quality, cost-effective healthcare solutions.
Lassen Therapeutics
Series A in 2020
Lassen Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing monoclonal antibodies as potential treatments for fibrosis, rare diseases, and oncology. Its lead candidate, LASN01, targets the IL-11 receptor alpha, a critical mediator in fibrosis and tumor microenvironment organization. By blocking IL-11, Lassen Therapeutics aims to offer a more effective treatment strategy compared to traditional approaches that focus on other factors, such as TGF-β and CTGF. The company's innovative biotherapeutics leverage advanced antibody technologies to address serious health conditions, ultimately improving the lives of patients suffering from these diseases.
Tyra Biosciences
Series A in 2020
Tyra Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Carlsbad, California, dedicated to developing precision oncology therapies targeted at overcoming drug resistance in cancer treatment. Founded in 2018, the company utilizes its proprietary SNÅP platform to facilitate rapid and precise drug design by generating iterative molecular snapshots. This innovative approach allows Tyra to create next-generation therapies specifically aimed at addressing acquired resistance in tumors. The company's primary focus is on developing selective inhibitors of the Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor (FGFR) family, which are implicated in approximately 7% of all cancers. Tyra's lead product candidate, TYRA-300, is designed to selectively inhibit FGFR3, initially targeting patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma of the bladder and urinary tract.
Novome Biotechnologies
Series A in 2020
Novome Biotechnologies, Inc. is a biotechnology company specializing in the engineering of gut bacteria to create innovative therapies for chronic diseases. Established in 2015 and located in South San Francisco, California, Novome has developed a pioneering platform for the controlled colonization of the gut with genetically engineered microbial medicines (GEMMs). This platform allows for the precise delivery of therapeutic activities aimed at treating conditions such as hyperoxaluria, with a focus on creating a bacterial strain that can degrade oxalate to help prevent kidney stone formation. The company is also expanding its synthetic biology capabilities to explore additional therapeutic indications, aiming to improve long-term health outcomes for patients through its living therapeutics.
Egenesis Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on gene editing and genome engineering to create human transplantable organs, tissues, and cells. Established in 2015 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with an additional office in New York City, Egenesis aims to address the global organ shortage by developing solid organs and therapeutic cell transplantation solutions for various diseases. The company utilizes a gene editing platform that incorporates techniques such as single-cell cloning and somatic cell nuclear transfer, which are essential for creating human-compatible organ tissues and cells. Egenesis is particularly engaged in advancing programs related to kidney and islet cell transplantation, striving to provide alternative treatment options for patients with life-threatening conditions.
Variant Bio
Series A in 2019
Variant Bio Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutics through the exploration of human genetic diversity. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, the company seeks to identify individuals and populations exhibiting extreme outlier traits relevant to various medical conditions. By employing advanced sequencing technologies, statistical genetics, and machine learning, Variant Bio analyzes the genetic underpinnings of these traits to uncover new therapeutic targets. The company's mission is to enhance global health by addressing unmet medical needs, particularly in areas such as neurodegenerative, autoimmune, and cardiometabolic diseases.
DispatchHealth
Series B in 2019
DispatchHealth Management, LLC is a provider of on-demand mobile and virtual healthcare services, founded in 2013 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado. The company offers a wide range of services, including evaluation and treatment for acute injuries and illnesses, laceration repair, splinting of injured extremities, and management of conditions like nosebleeds and catheter placements. It also facilitates medication administration, laboratory testing, outpatient imaging arrangements, and coordination with primary care physicians and home health agencies. By delivering care directly to patients in their homes or workplaces, DispatchHealth aims to enhance the capabilities of existing care teams while providing high-quality, cost-effective healthcare solutions.
Vir Biotechnology
Series B in 2019
Vir Biotechnology, Inc. is a clinical-stage immunology company based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2016. It specializes in developing innovative therapeutic products aimed at treating and preventing serious infectious diseases. The company's pipeline includes several promising candidates, such as VIR-2218 and VIR-3434 for hepatitis B, VIR-2482 for influenza A, VIR-1111 for HIV, and VIR-2020 for tuberculosis. Vir Biotechnology employs advanced technologies and scientific expertise to manipulate immune responses and enhance pathogen-host interactions. The company has established various collaborations and agreements with notable organizations, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, among others. Additionally, it has a manufacturing agreement with Samsung Biologics for the production of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies aimed at potential COVID-19 treatment. Through its innovative approaches, Vir Biotechnology aspires to significantly reduce the burden of infectious diseases in the future.
CuraSen Therapeutics
Series A in 2018
CuraSen Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. The company specializes in small molecule drugs that target a novel mechanism in the brain, aiming to restore function, improve symptoms, and modify the progression of conditions such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and less common orphan neurodegenerative disorders. Founded in 2016, CuraSen Therapeutics is headquartered in Los Altos, California.
Everside Health
Venture Round in 2018
Everside Health is a direct primary care provider founded in 2010 and based in Denver, Colorado. The company offers a range of services, including biometric screenings, health risk assessments, lifestyle coaching, and acute care, catering to patients across the nation. Everside's healthcare delivery model is data-driven and patient-centric, focusing on convenient on-site, near-site, and virtual care options. By aligning incentives among patients, physicians, and benefit providers, Everside aims to enhance patient engagement and overall health while simultaneously reducing the total cost of care.
Qihan Biotech
Series A in 2018
Qihan Biotech is a biomedical company specializing in genetic technology with a focus on addressing the global shortage of organ donors. The company aims to produce safe and effective cells, tissues, and organs for human transplantation using advanced gene editing techniques. By applying these technologies to xenogenic organ transplantation, Qihan Biotech seeks to create organs that can be transplanted into humans, thereby reducing the need for traditional organ transplants and saving lives.
Allakos Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company founded in 2012 and headquartered in Redwood City, California. The company focuses on developing antibody-based therapeutics aimed at treating diseases associated with dysregulation of the T-helper type 2 immune response, which plays a crucial role in various allergic and inflammatory conditions. Its lead product, antolimab (AK002), is being investigated for the treatment of eosinophilic gastritis, eosinophilic gastroenteritis, chronic urticaria, indolent systemic mastocytosis, and severe allergic conjunctivitis. Additionally, Allakos is developing AK006, an antibody that targets the Siglec-6 receptor on mast cells, designed to activate the receptor's inhibitory function and reduce mast cell activation. Through these innovative therapies, Allakos aims to address the underlying mechanisms of diseases characterized by excessive inflammatory responses.
DispatchHealth
Venture Round in 2017
DispatchHealth Management, LLC is a provider of on-demand mobile and virtual healthcare services, founded in 2013 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado. The company offers a wide range of services, including evaluation and treatment for acute injuries and illnesses, laceration repair, splinting of injured extremities, and management of conditions like nosebleeds and catheter placements. It also facilitates medication administration, laboratory testing, outpatient imaging arrangements, and coordination with primary care physicians and home health agencies. By delivering care directly to patients in their homes or workplaces, DispatchHealth aims to enhance the capabilities of existing care teams while providing high-quality, cost-effective healthcare solutions.
Vertiflex
Venture Round in 2017
Vertiflex Inc., established in 2005 and headquartered in Carlsbad, California, is a medical device company specializing in minimally invasive spinal surgery technologies. The company's primary product is the Superion Interspinous Spacer, a titanium implant designed to treat moderate lumbar spinal stenosis by fitting between the spinous processes in the lumbar spine. This motion-preserving solution offers an indirect decompression system, providing an alternative treatment option for patients with lumbar stenosis who may not require traditional spine surgery. As of June 11, 2019, Vertiflex Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Boston Scientific Corporation.
Egenesis Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on gene editing and genome engineering to create human transplantable organs, tissues, and cells. Established in 2015 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with an additional office in New York City, Egenesis aims to address the global organ shortage by developing solid organs and therapeutic cell transplantation solutions for various diseases. The company utilizes a gene editing platform that incorporates techniques such as single-cell cloning and somatic cell nuclear transfer, which are essential for creating human-compatible organ tissues and cells. Egenesis is particularly engaged in advancing programs related to kidney and islet cell transplantation, striving to provide alternative treatment options for patients with life-threatening conditions.
GenePeeks
Series B in 2017
GenePeeks, Inc. is a genetic information company headquartered in New York, New York, that focuses on reducing the risk of heritable diseases through innovative technology. Incorporated in 2009, the company has developed a proprietary software platform that digitally combines the DNA of prospective parents to simulate genetic recombination and reduction. This process generates a comprehensive analysis of potential future children’s genetic profiles, identifying disease risks that existing pre-conception screening methods may overlook. By utilizing Next-Gen sequencing data, GenePeeks creates tens of thousands of virtual genomes, enabling healthcare providers to assess high-risk genetic matches and enhance their understanding of clinically relevant genotypes and variants. The company's mission is to help families safeguard the health of future generations by providing deeper genetic insights.
Vir Biotechnology
Venture Round in 2017
Vir Biotechnology, Inc. is a clinical-stage immunology company based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2016. It specializes in developing innovative therapeutic products aimed at treating and preventing serious infectious diseases. The company's pipeline includes several promising candidates, such as VIR-2218 and VIR-3434 for hepatitis B, VIR-2482 for influenza A, VIR-1111 for HIV, and VIR-2020 for tuberculosis. Vir Biotechnology employs advanced technologies and scientific expertise to manipulate immune responses and enhance pathogen-host interactions. The company has established various collaborations and agreements with notable organizations, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, among others. Additionally, it has a manufacturing agreement with Samsung Biologics for the production of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies aimed at potential COVID-19 treatment. Through its innovative approaches, Vir Biotechnology aspires to significantly reduce the burden of infectious diseases in the future.
aTyr Pharma
Series E in 2015
aTyr Pharma, Inc., established in 2005 and headquartered in San Diego, California, is a biotherapeutics company dedicated to discovering and developing innovative medicines based on novel immunological pathways. The company's primary focus is efzofitimod (formerly ATYR1923), a fusion protein currently in clinical trials for treating interstitial lung diseases by modulating immune engagement through the neuropilin-2 receptor. aTyr Pharma has collaborations with academic institutions and industry partners, including the University of Nebraska Medical Center, CSL Behring, Boston Children's Hospital, Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., and the Medical University of South Carolina, to advance its pipeline of immunomodulatory therapeutics derived from tRNA synthetases. The company is backed by prominent life sciences investors such as Alta Partners, Cardinal Partners, Domain Associates, and Polaris Ventures.
Allakos Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company founded in 2012 and headquartered in Redwood City, California. The company focuses on developing antibody-based therapeutics aimed at treating diseases associated with dysregulation of the T-helper type 2 immune response, which plays a crucial role in various allergic and inflammatory conditions. Its lead product, antolimab (AK002), is being investigated for the treatment of eosinophilic gastritis, eosinophilic gastroenteritis, chronic urticaria, indolent systemic mastocytosis, and severe allergic conjunctivitis. Additionally, Allakos is developing AK006, an antibody that targets the Siglec-6 receptor on mast cells, designed to activate the receptor's inhibitory function and reduce mast cell activation. Through these innovative therapies, Allakos aims to address the underlying mechanisms of diseases characterized by excessive inflammatory responses.
Allakos Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company founded in 2012 and headquartered in Redwood City, California. The company focuses on developing antibody-based therapeutics aimed at treating diseases associated with dysregulation of the T-helper type 2 immune response, which plays a crucial role in various allergic and inflammatory conditions. Its lead product, antolimab (AK002), is being investigated for the treatment of eosinophilic gastritis, eosinophilic gastroenteritis, chronic urticaria, indolent systemic mastocytosis, and severe allergic conjunctivitis. Additionally, Allakos is developing AK006, an antibody that targets the Siglec-6 receptor on mast cells, designed to activate the receptor's inhibitory function and reduce mast cell activation. Through these innovative therapies, Allakos aims to address the underlying mechanisms of diseases characterized by excessive inflammatory responses.
St. George's University
Private Equity Round in 2014
St. George's University is a prominent educational institution based in Saint George's, Grenada, founded in 1976. Originally established as an independent School of Medicine, it has expanded to offer a diverse range of graduate and undergraduate programs across various fields, including medicine, veterinary medicine, public health, and the sciences. The university attracts a multicultural student body and faculty from over 140 countries, providing state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant campus environment. With more than 14,000 alumni, St. George's University has made significant contributions to the global workforce, particularly in healthcare and scientific fields. The institution is accredited by numerous governing bodies and maintains affiliations with educational establishments in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Ireland. Beyond academics, St. George's University actively engages in community outreach initiatives, supporting local charities and health programs, and significantly contributing to the Grenadian economy through employment and various expenditures. Additionally, the university is involved in research aimed at improving public health and has provided substantial scholarships to Caribbean students pursuing various disciplines.
Virobay Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Menlo Park, California, specializing in the development and commercialization of innovative drugs targeting neuropathic pain, autoimmune diseases, liver fibrosis, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease. The company employs a cysteine cathepsin platform to address significant unmet medical needs, creating therapies that regulate essential cellular processes. Its key products include VBY-129, a cathepsin S inhibitor for neuropathic pain and Crohn’s disease; VBY-376, an orally-delivered cathepsin B inhibitor for liver fibrosis in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis; and VBY-825, which targets autoimmune attacks on bile ducts and promotes fibrosis reversal. Additionally, Virobay has licensed VBY-891 to LEO Pharma A/S for specific dermatological applications, such as psoriasis. Founded in 2006, Virobay is committed to advancing treatments that improve patient outcomes in various challenging health conditions.
Lumena Pharmaceuticals
Series B in 2014
Lumena Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing oral therapeutics for rare liver diseases, particularly cholestatic liver disease. Its lead candidate, LUM001, targets a specific transporter in the intestine, which reduces the risk of systemic toxicities by being minimally absorbed in the body. LUM001 has been extensively studied across 12 clinical trials involving over 1,400 subjects, positioning it for rapid advancement in both pediatric and adult patients. While Lumena's primary objective is to provide novel treatments for rare liver diseases, its therapeutic approach also holds potential for addressing metabolic diseases affecting the liver, which are increasingly recognized as significant health concerns in both children and adults.
ZS Pharma
Series D in 2014
ZS Pharma, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Coppell, Texas, specializing in the development and commercialization of non-absorbed drugs aimed at treating renal, cardiovascular, liver, and metabolic diseases. Founded in 2008, the company focuses on creating highly selective ion-trap therapies using its proprietary zirconium silicate technology, which allows for the reduction of toxic electrolyte levels while maintaining overall electrolyte balance. Its lead product, ZS-9, is an insoluble, non-absorbed zirconium silicate currently in Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of hyperkalemia, a serious condition characterized by elevated potassium levels in the blood, often affecting patients with chronic kidney disease, hypertension, diabetes, or heart failure. As of December 2015, ZS Pharma operates as a subsidiary of Zeneca, Inc.
Evofem Biosciences
Series C in 2014
Evofem Biosciences is a biopharmaceutical company based in San Diego, California, focused on addressing unmet needs in women's sexual and reproductive health. The company has developed Phexxi, the first and only hormone-free prescription vaginal gel approved in the United States for pregnancy prevention. In addition to Phexxi, Evofem is also working on EVO100, a vaginal pH regulator aimed at preventing the urogenital transmission of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections in women. Through its innovative products, Evofem Biosciences aims to enhance reproductive health care options for women.
Neothetics
Series C in 2014
Neothetics, Inc. was a clinical-stage specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing therapeutics for the aesthetic market. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in San Diego, California, the company specialized in innovative treatments aimed at improving aesthetic outcomes. Its lead product candidate, LIPO-202, was an injectable formulation designed to reduce localized fat deposits under the chin and address central abdominal bulging in non-obese patients. Originally established as Lipothera, Inc., the company underwent a name change in August 2014, reflecting its commitment to aesthetic medicine. Neothetics was acquired by Evofem Biosciences, Inc. in a reverse merger transaction in January 2018.
Sutro Biopharma
Series D in 2013
Sutro Biopharma, Inc. is a clinical-stage drug discovery, development, and manufacturing company based in South San Francisco, California. The company specializes in creating next-generation protein therapeutics for cancer and autoimmune disorders using its proprietary integrated cell-free protein synthesis platform known as XpressCF. Sutro Biopharma’s product candidates include STRO-001, an antibody-drug conjugate targeting CD74 for patients with multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and STRO-002, an antibody-drug conjugate directed against folate receptor-alpha for treating ovarian and endometrial cancers. The company has also established collaboration and licensing agreements to advance bispecific antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates primarily in the field of immuno-oncology. Founded in 2003, Sutro Biopharma is dedicated to developing innovative biopharmaceutical solutions.
Larimar Therapeutics
Series E in 2013
Larimar Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, dedicated to developing treatments for complex rare diseases. Its primary focus is on Friedreich's ataxia, a rare and progressive genetic disorder, for which it is advancing its lead compound, CTI-1601, through a Phase 1 clinical program. CTI-1601 is designed as a recombinant fusion protein that delivers human frataxin, an essential protein, directly to the mitochondria using a novel cell-penetrating peptide technology. In addition to Friedreich's ataxia, Larimar aims to leverage its intracellular delivery platform to create additional fusion proteins targeting other rare diseases associated with deficiencies in bioactive compounds.
Immune Design
Series C in 2013
Immune Design Corp., a clinical-stage immunotherapy company based in Seattle, Washington, focuses on enabling the body's immune system to combat diseases, with a primary emphasis on cancer treatment. The company leverages its ZVex and GLAAS discovery platforms to develop innovative therapies. Its lead product candidate is G100, currently in Phase II clinical trials for treating follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma, both as a monotherapy and in combination therapy. Immune Design has collaboration and license agreements with Sanofi Pasteur. The company was founded in 2008 and operates under the umbrella of Merck & Co., Inc.
aTyr Pharma
Series D in 2013
aTyr Pharma, Inc., established in 2005 and headquartered in San Diego, California, is a biotherapeutics company dedicated to discovering and developing innovative medicines based on novel immunological pathways. The company's primary focus is efzofitimod (formerly ATYR1923), a fusion protein currently in clinical trials for treating interstitial lung diseases by modulating immune engagement through the neuropilin-2 receptor. aTyr Pharma has collaborations with academic institutions and industry partners, including the University of Nebraska Medical Center, CSL Behring, Boston Children's Hospital, Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., and the Medical University of South Carolina, to advance its pipeline of immunomodulatory therapeutics derived from tRNA synthetases. The company is backed by prominent life sciences investors such as Alta Partners, Cardinal Partners, Domain Associates, and Polaris Ventures.
Kite Pharma
Series A in 2013
Kite Pharma is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative immune-based therapies for various cancer indications. The company is dedicated to designing and advancing proprietary product candidates that leverage the patient's immune system to combat tumor cells. By harnessing the potential of cell therapy, Kite Pharma aims to provide effective treatment options and improve the management of a wide range of cancer types, offering new strategies in the fight against this disease.
Lumena Pharmaceuticals
Series A in 2013
Lumena Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing oral therapeutics for rare liver diseases, particularly cholestatic liver disease. Its lead candidate, LUM001, targets a specific transporter in the intestine, which reduces the risk of systemic toxicities by being minimally absorbed in the body. LUM001 has been extensively studied across 12 clinical trials involving over 1,400 subjects, positioning it for rapid advancement in both pediatric and adult patients. While Lumena's primary objective is to provide novel treatments for rare liver diseases, its therapeutic approach also holds potential for addressing metabolic diseases affecting the liver, which are increasingly recognized as significant health concerns in both children and adults.
Esperion
Venture Round in 2013
Esperion discovers and develops pharmaceutical products for the treatment of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Esperion intends to commercialize a novel class of drugs that focuses on a new treatment approach called "HDL Therapy," which is based on the Company's understanding of high-density lipoprotein, or HDL, function.
Achaogen, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, that specializes in the development and commercialization of antibacterial agents targeting multi-drug resistant (MDR) gram-negative infections. The company's primary focus is on plazomicin, which is intended for treating serious bacterial infections caused by MDR enterobacteriaceae, including carbapenem-resistant strains. Additionally, Achaogen is developing C-Scape, an orally-administered combination of clavulanate and ceftibuten aimed at addressing serious infections linked to expanded spectrum beta-lactamases producing enterobacteriaceae. Achaogen has established collaborations with various organizations, including Thermo Fisher Scientific and Ionis Pharmaceuticals, to support its drug development efforts. The company was incorporated in 2002, but faced financial difficulties, leading to a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 2019, which culminated in a liquidation plan approved in 2020. All of Achaogen's revenue has been derived from government contracts for research and development within the United States.
Carbylan Therapeutics
Venture Round in 2013
Carbylan Therapeutics is a clinical-stage specialty pharmaceutical company based in Palo Alto, California, founded in 2004. The company is dedicated to the development and commercialization of proprietary combination therapies aimed primarily at addressing pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee. By utilizing innovative approaches involving polysaccharides, biopolymers, and other related pharmaceutical products, Carbylan Therapeutics seeks to meet significant unmet clinical needs in large and growing markets. Through its commitment to delivering effective therapies, the company aims to improve patient outcomes and enhance quality of life for individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions.
Neothetics
Series C in 2012
Neothetics, Inc. was a clinical-stage specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing therapeutics for the aesthetic market. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in San Diego, California, the company specialized in innovative treatments aimed at improving aesthetic outcomes. Its lead product candidate, LIPO-202, was an injectable formulation designed to reduce localized fat deposits under the chin and address central abdominal bulging in non-obese patients. Originally established as Lipothera, Inc., the company underwent a name change in August 2014, reflecting its commitment to aesthetic medicine. Neothetics was acquired by Evofem Biosciences, Inc. in a reverse merger transaction in January 2018.
Evofem Biosciences
Series C in 2012
Evofem Biosciences is a biopharmaceutical company based in San Diego, California, focused on addressing unmet needs in women's sexual and reproductive health. The company has developed Phexxi, the first and only hormone-free prescription vaginal gel approved in the United States for pregnancy prevention. In addition to Phexxi, Evofem is also working on EVO100, a vaginal pH regulator aimed at preventing the urogenital transmission of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections in women. Through its innovative products, Evofem Biosciences aims to enhance reproductive health care options for women.
Larimar Therapeutics
Series D in 2012
Larimar Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, dedicated to developing treatments for complex rare diseases. Its primary focus is on Friedreich's ataxia, a rare and progressive genetic disorder, for which it is advancing its lead compound, CTI-1601, through a Phase 1 clinical program. CTI-1601 is designed as a recombinant fusion protein that delivers human frataxin, an essential protein, directly to the mitochondria using a novel cell-penetrating peptide technology. In addition to Friedreich's ataxia, Larimar aims to leverage its intracellular delivery platform to create additional fusion proteins targeting other rare diseases associated with deficiencies in bioactive compounds.
Kiadis Pharma
Venture Round in 2012
Kiadis Pharma N.V. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, specializing in the development of cell-based immunotherapy products for blood cancers and inherited blood disorders. The company is currently advancing its product pipeline, which includes K-NK002, an adjunctive immunotherapeutic in Phase II trials for blood cancer patients undergoing haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplants, and K-NK003, which is in Phase I/II trials for patients with acute myeloid leukemia who are relapsed or refractory. Additionally, Kiadis Pharma is developing K-NK00X, a preclinical NK-cell therapy candidate aimed at treating various solid tumors. The company is engaged in collaborative efforts with multiple institutions to explore innovative treatments, including a combination of a monoclonal antibody and natural killer cells for COVID-19. Established in 1997, Kiadis Pharma addresses critical unmet medical needs in oncology through its innovative therapeutic approaches.
Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative genetic therapies for patients with rare and debilitating diseases. The company has advanced product candidates in ophthalmology, including treatments for X-linked retinitis pigmentosa and achromatopsia, with the former having completed Phase I/II trials and the latter currently in the same stage. Additionally, AGTC is working on an optogenetic therapy for patients with advanced retinal diseases. Beyond ophthalmology, the company has initiated preclinical programs targeting otology and central nervous system disorders, including frontotemporal dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and adrenoleukodystrophy. AGTC employs gene therapy techniques to replace defective genes with functional ones, aiming to provide long-lasting treatment solutions through single injections. Established in 1999 and headquartered in Alachua, Florida, the company collaborates with various academic and industry partners to enhance its research and development efforts.
ZS Pharma
Series C in 2012
ZS Pharma, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Coppell, Texas, specializing in the development and commercialization of non-absorbed drugs aimed at treating renal, cardiovascular, liver, and metabolic diseases. Founded in 2008, the company focuses on creating highly selective ion-trap therapies using its proprietary zirconium silicate technology, which allows for the reduction of toxic electrolyte levels while maintaining overall electrolyte balance. Its lead product, ZS-9, is an insoluble, non-absorbed zirconium silicate currently in Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of hyperkalemia, a serious condition characterized by elevated potassium levels in the blood, often affecting patients with chronic kidney disease, hypertension, diabetes, or heart failure. As of December 2015, ZS Pharma operates as a subsidiary of Zeneca, Inc.
Cara Therapeutics
Series D in 2012
Cara Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Stamford, Connecticut, specializing in the development and commercialization of innovative therapeutics for pain and pruritus. The company primarily focuses on its lead product candidate, CR845 (difelikefalin), which is designed to selectively target kappa opioid receptors and is currently undergoing Phase III clinical trials for treating moderate-to-severe chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Cara is also advancing Oral KORSUVA, which has completed Phase II trials for pruritus in chronic kidney disease and is in trials for pruritus associated with chronic liver disease and atopic dermatitis. Furthermore, the company is developing CR845/difelikefalin Injection for acute postoperative pain, having completed Phase II/III trials. Cara Therapeutics collaborates with Maruishi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Chong Kun Dang Pharmaceutical Corporation for the development and commercialization of its product candidates in Japan and South Korea, respectively. Founded in 2004, Cara Therapeutics aims to leverage its proprietary drug screening technology to create a pipeline of first-in-class therapeutics.
Sutro Biopharma
Series C in 2012
Sutro Biopharma, Inc. is a clinical-stage drug discovery, development, and manufacturing company based in South San Francisco, California. The company specializes in creating next-generation protein therapeutics for cancer and autoimmune disorders using its proprietary integrated cell-free protein synthesis platform known as XpressCF. Sutro Biopharma’s product candidates include STRO-001, an antibody-drug conjugate targeting CD74 for patients with multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and STRO-002, an antibody-drug conjugate directed against folate receptor-alpha for treating ovarian and endometrial cancers. The company has also established collaboration and licensing agreements to advance bispecific antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates primarily in the field of immuno-oncology. Founded in 2003, Sutro Biopharma is dedicated to developing innovative biopharmaceutical solutions.
SARcode Bioscience
Series B in 2011
SARcode Bioscience is a private biopharmaceutical company based in San Francisco, focused on developing a novel class of small molecule lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) antagonists. These antagonists are designed to serve as topical agents for addressing significant unmet medical needs in ophthalmology, dermatology, and other inflammatory diseases. By targeting LFA-1, SARcode aims to create innovative therapeutic solutions to improve patient outcomes in these areas.
Aerie Pharmaceuticals
Series B in 2011
Aerie Pharmaceuticals is a biotechnology company dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative therapies for various eye diseases. Founded in 2005, the company has its headquarters in Bridgewater, New Jersey, and research facilities in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. Aerie's portfolio includes Rhopressa, a once-daily eye drop to reduce elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension; Rocklatan, a fixed-dose combination of Rhopressa and latanoprost for similar indications; AVX-012, a clinical-stage product candidate for dry eye; and AR-1105 and AR-13503 sustained-release implants for retinal diseases. The company collaborates with DSM on research, development, and licensing agreements.
Chimerix, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Durham, North Carolina, focused on the development of innovative medicines for patients with cancer and serious viral infections. The company is advancing several clinical-stage programs, including dociparstat sodium (DSTAT), a glycosaminoglycan compound aimed at improving outcomes for patients with acute myeloid leukemia during chemotherapy. Another key candidate is brincidofovir (BCV), an antiviral drug being developed as a medical countermeasure for smallpox. Chimerix also leads the development of CMX001, a broad-spectrum antiviral agent targeting life-threatening double-stranded DNA viral infections, currently undergoing multiple clinical studies for use in immunocompromised patients. Additionally, CMX157, an antiviral compound with activity against HIV and hepatitis B, is in development, addressing challenges posed by existing therapies. The company collaborates with various organizations for research and commercialization, deriving revenue from licensing agreements and royalties. Founded in 2000, Chimerix is committed to transforming patient care through its advanced therapeutic candidates.
Vertiflex
Venture Round in 2011
Vertiflex Inc., established in 2005 and headquartered in Carlsbad, California, is a medical device company specializing in minimally invasive spinal surgery technologies. The company's primary product is the Superion Interspinous Spacer, a titanium implant designed to treat moderate lumbar spinal stenosis by fitting between the spinous processes in the lumbar spine. This motion-preserving solution offers an indirect decompression system, providing an alternative treatment option for patients with lumbar stenosis who may not require traditional spine surgery. As of June 11, 2019, Vertiflex Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Boston Scientific Corporation.
PneumRx
Venture Round in 2011
PneumRx, Inc. is a medical device company focused on developing minimally invasive treatments for patients with emphysema. Established in 2004 and based in Mountain View, California, the company is known for its investigational device, the RePneu Lung Volume Reduction Coil, which aims to improve lung function in individuals suffering from this chronic condition.
Sutro Biopharma
Series C in 2010
Sutro Biopharma, Inc. is a clinical-stage drug discovery, development, and manufacturing company based in South San Francisco, California. The company specializes in creating next-generation protein therapeutics for cancer and autoimmune disorders using its proprietary integrated cell-free protein synthesis platform known as XpressCF. Sutro Biopharma’s product candidates include STRO-001, an antibody-drug conjugate targeting CD74 for patients with multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and STRO-002, an antibody-drug conjugate directed against folate receptor-alpha for treating ovarian and endometrial cancers. The company has also established collaboration and licensing agreements to advance bispecific antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates primarily in the field of immuno-oncology. Founded in 2003, Sutro Biopharma is dedicated to developing innovative biopharmaceutical solutions.
aTyr Pharma
Series C in 2010
aTyr Pharma, Inc., established in 2005 and headquartered in San Diego, California, is a biotherapeutics company dedicated to discovering and developing innovative medicines based on novel immunological pathways. The company's primary focus is efzofitimod (formerly ATYR1923), a fusion protein currently in clinical trials for treating interstitial lung diseases by modulating immune engagement through the neuropilin-2 receptor. aTyr Pharma has collaborations with academic institutions and industry partners, including the University of Nebraska Medical Center, CSL Behring, Boston Children's Hospital, Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., and the Medical University of South Carolina, to advance its pipeline of immunomodulatory therapeutics derived from tRNA synthetases. The company is backed by prominent life sciences investors such as Alta Partners, Cardinal Partners, Domain Associates, and Polaris Ventures.
Pathwork Diagnostics
Series C in 2010
Pathwork Diagnostics, located in Redwood City, California, specializes in the development of molecular diagnostics for oncology. The company is known for its Pathwork Tissue of Origin Test, which was the first microarray-based gene expression test to receive FDA clearance. This innovative test assists in the identification of challenging tumors, including poorly differentiated, undifferentiated, and metastatic cancers. Pathwork Diagnostics offers lab services for various specimen types, including formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded, and frozen samples, leveraging genomic information to enhance tumor classification and support oncological decision-making.
Taligen Therapeutics
Series B in 2010
Taligen Therapeutics is a biotechnology company dedicated to discovering and developing novel protein therapeutics aimed at modulating the alternative pathway of the complement system. This approach targets a critical amplification loop in the inflammatory process, which is significant for treating a variety of inflammatory conditions and diseases. The company's lead therapeutic candidates include monoclonal antibodies and recombinant fusion proteins designed to interact with key factors in the alternative pathway. By focusing on the regulation of the complement system, Taligen Therapeutics seeks to provide innovative solutions for inflammatory and immune diseases.
Immune Design
Series B in 2010
Immune Design Corp., a clinical-stage immunotherapy company based in Seattle, Washington, focuses on enabling the body's immune system to combat diseases, with a primary emphasis on cancer treatment. The company leverages its ZVex and GLAAS discovery platforms to develop innovative therapies. Its lead product candidate is G100, currently in Phase II clinical trials for treating follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma, both as a monotherapy and in combination therapy. Immune Design has collaboration and license agreements with Sanofi Pasteur. The company was founded in 2008 and operates under the umbrella of Merck & Co., Inc.
ABIONYX Pharma
Series C in 2010
ABIONYX Pharma SA is a French biopharmaceutical company established in 2005, currently based in Labege. It specializes in the discovery and development of therapies targeting high-density lipoprotein (HDL) for treating cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The company's primary focus is on developing HDL mimetics to rapidly regress atherosclerotic plaque in high-risk patients. Its lead product candidate, CER-001, is a Phase II clinical trial asset designed to mimic the properties of pre-beta HDL for treating post-acute coronary syndrome patients and familial primary hypoalphalipoproteinemia patients. Additionally, ABIONYX Pharma has another drug candidate, CER-209, in Phase I trials for metabolic diseases and liver-related conditions such as atherosclerosis and non-alcoholic steato-hepatitis.
Cara Therapeutics
Series D in 2010
Cara Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Stamford, Connecticut, specializing in the development and commercialization of innovative therapeutics for pain and pruritus. The company primarily focuses on its lead product candidate, CR845 (difelikefalin), which is designed to selectively target kappa opioid receptors and is currently undergoing Phase III clinical trials for treating moderate-to-severe chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Cara is also advancing Oral KORSUVA, which has completed Phase II trials for pruritus in chronic kidney disease and is in trials for pruritus associated with chronic liver disease and atopic dermatitis. Furthermore, the company is developing CR845/difelikefalin Injection for acute postoperative pain, having completed Phase II/III trials. Cara Therapeutics collaborates with Maruishi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Chong Kun Dang Pharmaceutical Corporation for the development and commercialization of its product candidates in Japan and South Korea, respectively. Founded in 2004, Cara Therapeutics aims to leverage its proprietary drug screening technology to create a pipeline of first-in-class therapeutics.
Trevena, Inc., founded in 2007 and headquartered in Chesterbrook, Pennsylvania, is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of innovative medicines for central nervous system (CNS) disorders. The company specializes in creating G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) biased ligands, which aim to improve upon existing therapies by enhancing efficacy and reducing adverse effects. Trevena's pipeline includes several product candidates: Oliceridine injection, a mu-opioid receptor ligand completed Phase III trials for acute pain management; TRV250, a delta-opioid receptor agonist in Phase I study for migraine treatment; TRV734, a small molecule MOR ligand in Phase I study for acute and chronic pain; TRV027, currently in phase 2 clinical testing for the treatment of acute heart failure; and TRV045, an S1P modulator for managing chronic pain. Trevena has also collaborated with Imperial College London to evaluate Trv027 in Covid-19 patients.
Calistoga Pharmaceuticals
Series C in 2010
Calistoga Pharmaceuticals, Inc. specializes in developing innovative oral medications that target specific isoforms of the PI3 kinase pathway, aiming to enhance the health outcomes of patients suffering from cancer and inflammatory diseases. This critical cellular pathway plays a significant role in cell survival and the activation of immune cells. The company's lead product, CAL-101, is an oral delta-isoform selective PI3K inhibitor that has shown promising clinical responses in patients with B-cell malignancies and is currently under evaluation in various clinical trials. In addition to CAL-101, Calistoga Pharmaceuticals has a robust pipeline of proprietary compounds that selectively inhibit other isoforms of the PI3K pathway, which are in early preclinical development or poised for initial clinical trials targeting cancer and inflammatory conditions.
Nereus Pharmaceuticals
Series E in 2010
Nereus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. engages in the discovery and development of therapeutics for the treatment of oncology, infectious diseases, and inflammation. The company uses its marine microbiology technologies for the discovery and development of drug candidates. Its oncology drug candidates include NPI-2358, a tumor vascular disrupting agent for the treatment of solid tumors; and NPI-0052, a proteasome inhibitor for the treatment of solid tumors, lymphomas, and multiple myeloma. The company was founded in 1998 and is based in San Diego, California.
Virobay
Venture Round in 2010
Virobay Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Menlo Park, California, specializing in the development and commercialization of innovative drugs targeting neuropathic pain, autoimmune diseases, liver fibrosis, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease. The company employs a cysteine cathepsin platform to address significant unmet medical needs, creating therapies that regulate essential cellular processes. Its key products include VBY-129, a cathepsin S inhibitor for neuropathic pain and Crohn’s disease; VBY-376, an orally-delivered cathepsin B inhibitor for liver fibrosis in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis; and VBY-825, which targets autoimmune attacks on bile ducts and promotes fibrosis reversal. Additionally, Virobay has licensed VBY-891 to LEO Pharma A/S for specific dermatological applications, such as psoriasis. Founded in 2006, Virobay is committed to advancing treatments that improve patient outcomes in various challenging health conditions.
FoldRx Pharmaceuticals
Venture Round in 2010
FoldRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is engaged in the discovery and development of disease-modifying drug therapies targeting diseases caused by protein misfolding and amyloidosis. Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company focuses on addressing conditions related to the accumulation of misfolded proteins, which can result from genetic mutations or defects in cellular quality control mechanisms. Its pipeline includes advanced clinical programs aimed at treating transthyretin-associated amyloidoses, specifically those affecting the nervous and cardiovascular systems. Additionally, FoldRx is exploring therapeutic options for Parkinson's disease and cystic fibrosis. Founded in 2003, the company aims to provide healthcare professionals with effective treatments for these complex conditions.
Achaogen, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, that specializes in the development and commercialization of antibacterial agents targeting multi-drug resistant (MDR) gram-negative infections. The company's primary focus is on plazomicin, which is intended for treating serious bacterial infections caused by MDR enterobacteriaceae, including carbapenem-resistant strains. Additionally, Achaogen is developing C-Scape, an orally-administered combination of clavulanate and ceftibuten aimed at addressing serious infections linked to expanded spectrum beta-lactamases producing enterobacteriaceae. Achaogen has established collaborations with various organizations, including Thermo Fisher Scientific and Ionis Pharmaceuticals, to support its drug development efforts. The company was incorporated in 2002, but faced financial difficulties, leading to a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 2019, which culminated in a liquidation plan approved in 2020. All of Achaogen's revenue has been derived from government contracts for research and development within the United States.
TransMedics
Series E in 2010
TransMedics Group, Inc., established in 1998 and based in Andover, Massachusetts, is a commercial-stage medical technology company specializing in transforming organ transplant therapy for end-stage organ failure patients worldwide. The company's core product, the Organ Care System (OCS), is a portable, innovative technology that maintains donor organs outside the body in a near-physiologic state, replicating human-like conditions. This system includes OCS LUNG and OCS Heart, designed to preserve and optimize lungs and hearts respectively during transport, allowing for better assessment and improvement of organ condition. TransMedics also offers clinical services to enhance transplant volume, improve outcomes, and reduce learning curves for healthcare providers.
Virobay
Debt Financing in 2010
Virobay Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Menlo Park, California, specializing in the development and commercialization of innovative drugs targeting neuropathic pain, autoimmune diseases, liver fibrosis, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease. The company employs a cysteine cathepsin platform to address significant unmet medical needs, creating therapies that regulate essential cellular processes. Its key products include VBY-129, a cathepsin S inhibitor for neuropathic pain and Crohn’s disease; VBY-376, an orally-delivered cathepsin B inhibitor for liver fibrosis in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis; and VBY-825, which targets autoimmune attacks on bile ducts and promotes fibrosis reversal. Additionally, Virobay has licensed VBY-891 to LEO Pharma A/S for specific dermatological applications, such as psoriasis. Founded in 2006, Virobay is committed to advancing treatments that improve patient outcomes in various challenging health conditions.
Coapt Systems
Debt Financing in 2009
Coapt Systems, Inc. specializes in the design, development, and manufacture of bio-absorbable implants used in soft tissue fixation during facial cosmetic surgery. The company offers a range of products, including the ENDOTINE Forehead 3.0 and ENDOTINE Triple 3.0, which are designed for brow fixation, along with ENDOTINE Midface ST 4.5 for midface suspension. Other offerings include the ENDOTINE Ribbon and various surgical tools such as manual surgical drills and incisionless dissectors for precise application. Coapt's implants are utilized in procedures like forehead lifts, brow lifts, and midface and neck suspensions, catering to the needs of plastic surgeons in enhancing patient outcomes.
Corcept Therapeutics
Post in 2009
Corcept Therapeutics Incorporated is a commercial-stage pharmaceutical company based in Menlo Park, California, focused on discovering, developing, and marketing drugs for severe metabolic, oncologic, and psychiatric disorders. Founded in 1998, the company primarily concentrates on the effects of cortisol and the potential benefits of glucocorticoid receptor antagonists. Its flagship product, Korlym (mifepristone), is a once-daily oral medication approved for treating hyperglycemia associated with hypercortisolism in adult patients with endogenous Cushing’s syndrome who have type 2 diabetes mellitus or glucose intolerance and are not candidates for surgery. Corcept is also advancing several clinical programs, including relacorilant, which is in Phase III trials for Cushing’s syndrome, and combinations involving Abraxane for treating serous ovarian tumors. Additionally, the company is exploring the use of selective cortisol modulators in various indications, including metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer and antipsychotic-induced weight gain.
aTyr Pharma
Series C in 2009
aTyr Pharma, Inc., established in 2005 and headquartered in San Diego, California, is a biotherapeutics company dedicated to discovering and developing innovative medicines based on novel immunological pathways. The company's primary focus is efzofitimod (formerly ATYR1923), a fusion protein currently in clinical trials for treating interstitial lung diseases by modulating immune engagement through the neuropilin-2 receptor. aTyr Pharma has collaborations with academic institutions and industry partners, including the University of Nebraska Medical Center, CSL Behring, Boston Children's Hospital, Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., and the Medical University of South Carolina, to advance its pipeline of immunomodulatory therapeutics derived from tRNA synthetases. The company is backed by prominent life sciences investors such as Alta Partners, Cardinal Partners, Domain Associates, and Polaris Ventures.
Chimerix, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Durham, North Carolina, focused on the development of innovative medicines for patients with cancer and serious viral infections. The company is advancing several clinical-stage programs, including dociparstat sodium (DSTAT), a glycosaminoglycan compound aimed at improving outcomes for patients with acute myeloid leukemia during chemotherapy. Another key candidate is brincidofovir (BCV), an antiviral drug being developed as a medical countermeasure for smallpox. Chimerix also leads the development of CMX001, a broad-spectrum antiviral agent targeting life-threatening double-stranded DNA viral infections, currently undergoing multiple clinical studies for use in immunocompromised patients. Additionally, CMX157, an antiviral compound with activity against HIV and hepatitis B, is in development, addressing challenges posed by existing therapies. The company collaborates with various organizations for research and commercialization, deriving revenue from licensing agreements and royalties. Founded in 2000, Chimerix is committed to transforming patient care through its advanced therapeutic candidates.
Neothetics
Series A in 2009
Neothetics, Inc. was a clinical-stage specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing therapeutics for the aesthetic market. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in San Diego, California, the company specialized in innovative treatments aimed at improving aesthetic outcomes. Its lead product candidate, LIPO-202, was an injectable formulation designed to reduce localized fat deposits under the chin and address central abdominal bulging in non-obese patients. Originally established as Lipothera, Inc., the company underwent a name change in August 2014, reflecting its commitment to aesthetic medicine. Neothetics was acquired by Evofem Biosciences, Inc. in a reverse merger transaction in January 2018.
Avid Radiopharmaceuticals
Series D in 2009
Avid Radiopharmaceuticals is a Philadelphia-based company focused on the development of molecular imaging agents designed to enhance the medical management of chronic diseases. Its mission centers on creating innovative imaging compounds that facilitate the early identification of pathological changes, thereby supporting earlier diagnosis and improved management of various conditions. Avid's notable product, Amyvid, is an imaging tool utilized in positron emission tomography to detect beta-amyloid plaques in the brain, which plays a crucial role in the assessment of Alzheimer's disease. Through its advancements in molecular imaging, Avid aims to contribute to the development of new therapies and improve clinical outcomes for patients suffering from significant chronic illnesses.
Calistoga Pharmaceuticals
Series B in 2009
Calistoga Pharmaceuticals, Inc. specializes in developing innovative oral medications that target specific isoforms of the PI3 kinase pathway, aiming to enhance the health outcomes of patients suffering from cancer and inflammatory diseases. This critical cellular pathway plays a significant role in cell survival and the activation of immune cells. The company's lead product, CAL-101, is an oral delta-isoform selective PI3K inhibitor that has shown promising clinical responses in patients with B-cell malignancies and is currently under evaluation in various clinical trials. In addition to CAL-101, Calistoga Pharmaceuticals has a robust pipeline of proprietary compounds that selectively inhibit other isoforms of the PI3K pathway, which are in early preclinical development or poised for initial clinical trials targeting cancer and inflammatory conditions.
Aerovance
Venture Round in 2009
Aerovance is a privately held biopharmaceutical company exclusively focused on developing and commercializing breakthrough medicines for respiratory and allergic diseases. The company maintains a solid intellectual property position with its strong portfolio of novel therapeutic candidates now in clinical development and several pre-clinical programs. The two lead products are human recombinant proteins: Aerovantâ„¢, an IL-4 and -13 receptor antagonist which is in Phase IIa studies for asthma and Aerodermâ„¢, a PEGylated IL-4 and IL-13 receptor antagonist in pre-clinical studies for eczema.
Sunesis Pharmaceuticals
Post in 2009
Sunesis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing targeted inhibitors for the treatment of hematologic and solid cancers. Its lead product candidate, vecabrutinib, is a non-covalent inhibitor of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) currently undergoing Phase 1b/2 clinical trials for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, mantle cell lymphoma, and other B-cell malignancies. Additionally, Sunesis is advancing SNS-510, which is in preclinical studies for various tumor types, alongside partnered programs such as TAK-580, a pan-Raf inhibitor in Phase 1 trials for pediatric low-grade glioma, and vosaroxin, an anti-cancer quinolone derivative. The company has established collaborations, including an agreement with Biogen Idec MA, Inc. for small molecule BTK inhibitors and a licensing agreement with Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited for preclinical PDK1 inhibitors. Founded in 1998 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, Sunesis Pharmaceuticals is committed to innovative approaches in the ongoing fight against cancer.
Sutro Biopharma
Series B in 2009
Sutro Biopharma, Inc. is a clinical-stage drug discovery, development, and manufacturing company based in South San Francisco, California. The company specializes in creating next-generation protein therapeutics for cancer and autoimmune disorders using its proprietary integrated cell-free protein synthesis platform known as XpressCF. Sutro Biopharma’s product candidates include STRO-001, an antibody-drug conjugate targeting CD74 for patients with multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and STRO-002, an antibody-drug conjugate directed against folate receptor-alpha for treating ovarian and endometrial cancers. The company has also established collaboration and licensing agreements to advance bispecific antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates primarily in the field of immuno-oncology. Founded in 2003, Sutro Biopharma is dedicated to developing innovative biopharmaceutical solutions.
Aegis Semiconductor
Series E in 2009
Aegis is a privately held company that builds solutions for embedded monitoring of advanced optical networks. The company's Active Thin Films are manufactured using proven high-volume processes with demonstrated high yield and superb uniformity. Aegis's solutions benefit from the reliability of solid-state, silicon-based design, extreme scalability, and low-cost packaging architectures.
7TM Pharma
Venture Round in 2009
7TM Pharma is a biotech company based in Lyngby, Hovedstaden, specializing in the discovery and development of therapeutic drugs targeting diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, metabolic conditions, asthma, and vascular diseases. Founded in 2000, the company has developed a portfolio of innovative treatments, including TM38837, a small molecule CB1 receptor antagonist, and TM30339, a selective agonist for the NPY Y4 receptor, aimed at addressing gastrointestinal disorders and short bowel syndrome. Additionally, 7TM Pharma is advancing a CRTH2 antagonist, an oral medication intended for the treatment of inflammatory and respiratory diseases. Through its focus on areas with significant unmet medical needs, the company seeks to provide effective solutions for clinically obese patients and others suffering from these conditions.
Intradigm
Series B in 2009
Intradigm is a private biotechnology company specializing in the development of systematic RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics aimed at treating serious diseases, particularly in the field of oncology. The company leverages its expertise in drug development and delivery to create an innovative RNAi platform. Central to its approach is the proprietary RNAi Nanoplex delivery technology, which allows for the targeted systemic delivery of RNAi therapeutics to specific tissues. Intradigm's portfolio includes a range of siRNA sequences designed to address various oncology and other disease targets, complemented by biodegradable polycationic polymers that enhance the delivery of these therapeutics.