Aspire Capital

Satsuma Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative treatments for migraine. The company's lead product candidate, STS101, is a drug-device combination that features a proprietary dry-powder formulation of dihydroergotamine mesylate. This product is designed for self-administration through a pre-filled, single-use nasal delivery device and is currently undergoing Phase III clinical trials. Founded in 2016 and based in South San Francisco, California, Satsuma aims to provide an effective therapeutic option for individuals suffering from acute migraine episodes.

Solid Biosciences Inc. is a life science company focused on developing therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a genetic muscle-wasting disease primarily affecting boys. The company's lead product candidate, SGT-001, is a gene transfer therapy currently undergoing a Phase I/II clinical trial aimed at restoring functional dystrophin protein expression in patients' muscles. In addition to SGT-001, Solid Biosciences is advancing the Anti-LTBP4 program, which involves a monoclonal antibody designed to reduce fibrosis and inflammation by targeting the LTBP4 protein. The company also develops biomarkers and sensors, as well as the Solid Suit program, which focuses on creating wearable assistive devices with functional and therapeutic benefits. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Solid Biosciences has established a strategic collaboration with Ultragenyx to enhance gene therapy development for DMD. With no current cure for DMD, the company aims to provide innovative solutions for a condition that affects an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 cases in the United States.

Mereo Biopharma, established in London in 2015, specializes in acquiring and advancing late-stage drug candidates from larger pharmaceutical companies. These candidates, often overlooked due to resource constraints, target rare and specialized diseases with significant unmet medical needs. Mereo's strategy involves rapidly progressing these assets through clinical development, either by partnering or divesting them, or directly commercializing them, particularly in orphan disease indications. The company combines operational efficiency with financial resources, leveraging a unique partnership with a leading global CRO, ICON, to conduct comprehensive clinical studies. Mereo's focus is on transforming the lives of patients worldwide by developing innovative medicines that can significantly improve their quality of life.

Novan, Inc. is a clinical development-stage biotechnology company headquartered in Morrisville, North Carolina, focused on creating nitric oxide-based therapies for dermatological and oncovirus-mediated diseases. The company is engaged in the development of several clinical-stage dermatology product candidates, including SB204, a topical treatment for acne vulgaris; SB206, an anti-viral gel for viral skin infections; SB208, a broad-spectrum anti-fungal gel for skin and nail infections; and SB414, a topical cream for inflammatory skin diseases. Additionally, Novan is developing SB207, another topical anti-viral product candidate. By utilizing a proprietary technology platform that encapsulates nitric oxide in nano-particles, Novan aims to deliver therapeutic agents precisely to targeted areas in the body. Established in 2006, the company collaborates with strategic partners to advance its innovative therapies addressing unmet medical needs.

Titan Medical Inc. is a research and development stage company based in Toronto, Canada, specializing in the design and development of robotic surgical technologies for minimally invasive surgery (MIS). The company is advancing its flagship product, the SPORT Surgical System, which features a surgeon-controlled patient cart equipped with a 3D high-definition vision system and multi-articulating instruments. This system enables surgeons to perform a variety of surgical procedures, including gynecologic, urologic, colorectal, and abdominal surgeries, through a single port. Additionally, Titan Medical is also developing the Enos robotic single-access surgical system, further enhancing its focus on innovative solutions in the field of robotic-assisted surgery.

Viking Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company headquartered in San Diego, California, that develops innovative therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders. Its lead drug candidate, VK2809, is an orally available selective agonist of the thyroid hormone receptor beta, currently undergoing Phase 2b clinical trials for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Another key candidate, VK5211, is a non-steroidal selective androgen receptor modulator being tested in Phase II trials to aid recovery from non-elective hip fracture surgery. Additionally, the company is advancing VK0612, a drug candidate for type 2 diabetes, and VK0214, targeted for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. Viking Therapeutics emphasizes the development of first-in-class and best-in-class therapies, leveraging its expertise in metabolism to address significant unmet medical needs.

Ritter Pharmaceuticals, Inc. develops novel therapeutic products, which modulate the human gut microbiome to treat inflammatory, gastrointestinal and metabolic diseases. We are discovering a new frontier in human gut health research by exploring the metabolic capacity of the gut microbiota and translating the functionality of prebiotic-based therapeutics into safe and effective applications that can have a meaningful impact on a patient’s health. Our pipeline of novel microbiome modulators selectively increase the growth of beneficial bacteria in the colonic ecosystem and create a meaningful impact on a patient’s health. Our first therapy, RP-G28, is currently under development for the treatment of lactose intolerance and has the potential to become the first FDA-approved drug for the treatment of lactose intolerance, a debilitating disease that affects over 1 billion people worldwide. RP-G28 has been studied in a Phase 2 clinical trial and is a first-in-class compound.

Atossa Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Seattle, Washington, specializing in the development of innovative treatments for breast health conditions and oncology. The company focuses on addressing unmet medical needs, particularly in breast cancer, through its lead program, Endoxifen, an active metabolite of tamoxifen, which is currently undergoing Phase II studies for prevention and treatment. In addition to Endoxifen, Atossa is developing advanced intraductal microcatheter technology aimed at delivering therapies such as fulvestrant and immunotherapies directly to breast cancer sites. Moreover, Atossa is exploring treatments for COVID-19, including AT-H201, designed to improve lung function in hospitalized patients, and AT-301, a nasal spray intended for at-home use in COVID-19 patients. Originally founded as Atossa Genetics Inc. in 2009, the company rebranded to Atossa Therapeutics, Inc. in January 2020.

Sophiris Bio is a biotech company that develops a treatment for the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Their product includes topsalysin for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia and for the treatment of low- to intermediate-risk prostate cancer.

Mobiquity Technologies, Inc. is a location data intelligence company based in the United States, specializing in providing precise location-based data and insights into consumer behavior for marketing and research purposes. Founded in 1998, the company offers advanced mobile data collection and analysis solutions through its proprietary Software Development Kit (SDK) and utilizes various geo-location technologies. Mobiquity Technologies operates an Advertising Technology Operating System (ATOS) platform, which creates an automated marketplace for advertisers and publishers, facilitating online auctions across digital media outlets. This platform encompasses a range of tools, including an ad server, demand-side platform, analytics dashboard, and audience targeting tools, enabling advertisers to effectively engage with their audiences through various ad formats. The company also has subsidiaries, including Advangelists and Mobiquity Networks, which enhance its programmatic marketing technology and trade desk services. With applications in advertising, data licensing, real estate planning, and custom research, Mobiquity Technologies serves a diverse clientele.

MediciNova, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in La Jolla, California, established in 2000. The company specializes in acquiring and developing novel small-molecule therapeutics aimed at treating serious diseases with unmet medical needs, primarily within the United States. MediciNova's product pipeline includes MN-166, an oral anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective agent for neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; MN-221, a selective beta-2-adrenergic receptor agonist for acute asthma exacerbations; and MN-001, a small molecule for fibrotic diseases like nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Additionally, MediciNova is involved in the development of MN-029, a tubulin binding agent for solid tumors, and collaborates with BioComo and Mie University on a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. The company’s strategic alliances, particularly with Japanese pharmaceutical firms, enhance its diversified portfolio of clinical and preclinical candidates, which are characterized by their differentiated therapeutic profiles and significant commercial potential.

Athersys, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cleveland, Ohio, specializing in regenerative medicine. The company focuses on the research and development of therapeutic products aimed at treating various disease indications, including neurological conditions, cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory and immune disorders, and pulmonary issues. Athersys's primary product, MultiStem cell therapy, is an allogeneic stem cell treatment currently undergoing Phase III clinical trials for ischemic stroke and Phase II trials for acute myocardial infarction. Additionally, it has completed Phase I studies for treating leukemia and other blood-borne cancers. Athersys also explores applications of MultiStem in veterinary medicine for serious health conditions. The company maintains collaborative agreements with Healios K.K. and the University of Minnesota to expand the development and commercialization of its therapies. Revenue is generated through corporate partnerships, licensing agreements, and government grants.

Kips Bay Medical, Inc. is a medical device company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, that focuses on developing, manufacturing, and commercializing external saphenous vein support technology. The company's primary product, the eSVS Mesh, is an extravascular prosthesis made from nitinol, designed to be placed over saphenous vein grafts during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. The eSVS Mesh aims to enhance the long-term patency of saphenous vein grafts by reducing wall stress, thereby preventing intimal hyperplasia, which can lead to vessel narrowing and reduced blood flow. Kips Bay Medical primarily sells its products to distributors, who then provide them to hospitals and clinics, mainly in the European Union. Founded in 2007, the company is dedicated to improving outcomes in cardiac surgery through its innovative support technology.