Astellas Venture Management

Astellas Venture Management is the corporate venture arm of Astellas Pharma Inc., established to invest in early-stage biotechnology companies focused on therapeutics and innovative drug discovery technologies. Headquartered in Brisbane, California, the firm aims to support the development of new pharmaceutical products by partnering with privately owned companies that align with its strategic interests. Since its inception, Astellas Venture Management has sought to foster advancements in the biotechnology sector, emphasizing the importance of early-stage investment in driving innovation within the pharmaceutical industry.

Bradley Hardiman

Senior Investment Director

Tadayoshi Hirata

Senior Investment Manager

Sorato Ikeda

Senior Investment Manager

Hiromichi Kimura

Investor

Satoshi Konagai

Associate Investment Director

Kazunori Maruyama

President

Shinichi Miyake

Senior Investment Manager

Takuya Nojima

Senior Investment Manager, New Business Incubator

Nagisa Sakurai

Senior Investment Manager

William Watt

President

55 past transactions

NeoPhore

Series B in 2023
NeoPhore is a provider of novel small molecule therapies intended to treat cancer through stimulation of the immune system.The company's small molecule therapies target genetic mechanisms in order to create neoantigen which is known to stimulate the immune system and potentially be a weak spot in a tumor cell's defense mechanisms, enabling cancer patients to get treated and achieve improved clinical outcomes.

DEM BioPharma

Series A in 2022
DEM BioPharma is an immuno-oncology company focused on developing innovative therapies aimed at eradicating cancer by targeting the innate immune system. The company has created a platform that specializes in the next generation of macrophage immunotherapies, which work by activating macrophages and immune phagocytes to effectively eliminate tumors. By researching and harnessing these immune responses, DEM BioPharma aims to provide healthcare researchers with advanced treatments that specifically target signals on both cancer cells and macrophages, offering new hope in the fight against cancer.

Carbon Biosciences

Series A in 2022
Carbon Biosciences develops genetic medicines for the treatment of devastating diseases. They develop their vector using industrial-scale viral production platforms and can be used to deliver a wide-range of therapeutic modalities.

Turn.bio

Venture Round in 2022
Turn Biotechnologies is a Stanford spinout developing therapies to effectively return mature differentiated cells to a dramatically younger state leaving their differentiated identity unaltered. ​Turn Biotechnologies surpasses traditional approaches based on single gene/pathway manipulations and tackles the multifaceted manifestation of cellular age at the organ, tissue, and organismal level to extend the healthspan of people. As a result, age is reset by epigenetically reprogramming cells.

Mogrify

Series A in 2021
Mogrify is a UK biotechnology company focused on advancing ex vivo cell therapies and developing innovative in vivo reprogramming therapies. It has created a proprietary platform that enables the direct conversion of mature cell types into other mature states without reverting to a stem cell stage, significantly improving the efficiency of stem cell-derived reprogramming. Mogrify aims to create a consistent and scalable source of cell types with the necessary efficacy and safety profiles for treating various high unmet clinical needs, particularly in oncology and ophthalmology. The company’s technology is protected by a foundational patent and additional applications that cover specific cell conversions. Mogrify employs a business model that includes internal cell therapy development, co-development partnerships, and licensing agreements for its novel cell conversions, targeting the expanding regenerative medicine market. Founded in 2016, Mogrify is headquartered in Cambridge, United Kingdom.

PhoreMost

Series B in 2021
PhoreMost Limited, a drug discovery company, engages in identifying new druggable targets for cancer and other unmet diseases. It develops Site-Seeker, a platform that systematically unmasks druggable sites in the human genome and links them to useful therapeutic functions in a live-cell context. The company was incorporated in 2014 and is based in Cambridge, United Kingdom.

NeoPhore

Series B in 2021
NeoPhore is a provider of novel small molecule therapies intended to treat cancer through stimulation of the immune system.The company's small molecule therapies target genetic mechanisms in order to create neoantigen which is known to stimulate the immune system and potentially be a weak spot in a tumor cell's defense mechanisms, enabling cancer patients to get treated and achieve improved clinical outcomes.

Orna Therapeutics

Series A in 2021
Orna Therapeutics is a biotechnology company dedicated to designing and delivering a new class of fully engineered circular RNA (oRNA) therapeutics with the potential to change the way we treat disease. Orna’s proprietary platform combines novel technology to create oRNAs that drive protein expression with validated and unique delivery solutions.

Keyhole Therapeutics

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Keyhole Therapeutics is a discovery stage drug company specializing in immunotherapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases. Keyhole's first program, a small molecule inhibitor of exosome release being investigated for promotion of immune-driven tumor destruction in cancer patients resistant to current immune checkpoint inhibitors, is at the hit-to-lead stage. Future programs will include additional inhibitors of exosome release, and novel exosome-related therapeutic opportunities for cellular cancer vaccines and for targeted suppression of autoreactive T cells. Keyhole Therapeutics is seeking bold, accomplished, and innovative scientists to join them in pioneering the next wave of immunotherapeutics.

Jupiter Therapeutics

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Jupiter Therapeutics is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of cell-membrane-based therapeutics. The company employs a synthetic biology approach to rapidly design and synthesize a diverse pipeline of therapeutic assets targeting cancer, autoimmune diseases, drug delivery, and gene therapy. By utilizing advanced cell engineering techniques, Jupiter Therapeutics creates customized vesicles that enhance immuno-oncology applications and gene therapy strategies. This innovative approach allows medical researchers to leverage insights gained from cell-membrane studies to improve treatments involving CAR T-cells and bi-specific antibodies.

Catamaran Bio

Series A in 2020
Catamaran Bio, Inc. develops CAR-NK immune cell therapies for the treatment of tumor. The company develops Tailwind platform to engineer, expand, and process NK cells into allogenic CAR-NK cell therapy shelf products. Catamaran Bio, Inc. was incorporated in 2019 and is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Trishula Therapeutics

Funding Round in 2020
Developer of cancer immunotherapy intended to provide an anti-tumor immune response. The company's immunotherapy prevents the formation of immune suppressive extracellular adenosine and maintains high levels of immune-activating extracellular, stimulating dendritic and myeloid-derived cells necessary for both innate and adaptive immunity, enabling the healthcare sectors and cancer patients with novel cancer medicines.

TScan Therapeutics

Series B in 2020
TScan Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative T cell therapies to treat various cancers, including liquid tumors and solid tumors. The company focuses on engineering T cell receptor (TCR) therapies, with specific candidates aimed at addressing hematologic malignancies and preventing relapse after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. TScan utilizes a specialized platform that identifies shared T cell antigens and minimizes off-target effects, enhancing the safety and effectiveness of its treatments. The company’s pipeline includes both liquid tumor therapies and multiplexed TCR-T candidates for solid tumors. Founded in 2018, TScan Therapeutics is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, and comprises a team of experts committed to expanding treatment options for patients with limited therapeutic alternatives.

Heartseed

Series B in 2019
Heartseed Inc., founded in 2015 and based in Tokyo, Japan, focuses on developing myocardial regeneration medicine utilizing induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. The company aims to advance the clinical application of regenerative medicine specifically for treating heart disease. Heartseed is dedicated to creating cardiomyocyte replacement therapies derived from iPS cells to address advanced heart failure, aspiring to transform the treatment landscape for patients suffering from this condition.

Coda Biotherapeutics

Series A in 2019
CODA Biotherapeutics’ revolutionary chemogenetic platform aims to control the activity of cells to treat disease with chemogenetics, the goal is to modify a target cell population using gene therapy to express a tunable “switch” protein. Cells modified with the “switch” can be activated or inactivated in a dose-dependent manner by a subsequently administered small molecule therapeutic, an effect that should only occur in the modified cells.

Cleave Therapeutics

Series C in 2019
Cleave Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2010. The company specializes in developing novel small-molecule drugs that target valosin-containing protein and other protein-degradation pathways critical for the survival of cancer cells. By focusing on these mechanisms, Cleave Therapeutics aims to create enzyme inhibitors that can effectively treat cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Its research efforts are directed toward discovering innovative therapies that may improve patient outcomes in oncology.

Twentyeight-Seven, Inc.

Series A in 2019
Twentyeight-Seven, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Watertown, Massachusetts, specializing in the development of small molecules that modulate microRNAs (miRNAs) by targeting the proteins that interact with these molecules. Their innovative approach focuses on using short non-coding RNAs to inhibit gene expression, suppress mRNA translation, and promote mRNA decay. By targeting miRNAs that play a critical role in cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis, Twentyeight-Seven aims to create effective therapeutic solutions for cancer treatment.

Coda Biotherapeutics

Series A in 2018
CODA Biotherapeutics’ revolutionary chemogenetic platform aims to control the activity of cells to treat disease with chemogenetics, the goal is to modify a target cell population using gene therapy to express a tunable “switch” protein. Cells modified with the “switch” can be activated or inactivated in a dose-dependent manner by a subsequently administered small molecule therapeutic, an effect that should only occur in the modified cells.

Twentyeight-Seven, Inc.

Series A in 2018
Twentyeight-Seven, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Watertown, Massachusetts, specializing in the development of small molecules that modulate microRNAs (miRNAs) by targeting the proteins that interact with these molecules. Their innovative approach focuses on using short non-coding RNAs to inhibit gene expression, suppress mRNA translation, and promote mRNA decay. By targeting miRNAs that play a critical role in cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis, Twentyeight-Seven aims to create effective therapeutic solutions for cancer treatment.

Heartseed

Series A in 2018
Heartseed Inc., founded in 2015 and based in Tokyo, Japan, focuses on developing myocardial regeneration medicine utilizing induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. The company aims to advance the clinical application of regenerative medicine specifically for treating heart disease. Heartseed is dedicated to creating cardiomyocyte replacement therapies derived from iPS cells to address advanced heart failure, aspiring to transform the treatment landscape for patients suffering from this condition.

Effector Therapeutics

Series C in 2017
Effector Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, that specializes in the development of small molecule drugs aimed at treating cancer and other serious diseases. Founded in 2012, the company focuses on creating selective translation regulators that target the regulation of protein synthesis, a critical process in tumor growth and survival. By selectively blocking dysregulated translation, Effector Therapeutics aims to inhibit cancer cell proliferation while providing a potent and targeted therapeutic approach. This innovative strategy positions the company to potentially deliver new and effective treatments to patients facing challenging health conditions.

Oncorus

Series A in 2016
Oncorus, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative viral immunotherapies for cancer treatment. The company's lead candidate, ONCR-177, utilizes an oncolytic herpes simplex virus type 1 platform and is currently in Phase I clinical trials aimed at treating various cancers. In addition to ONCR-177, Oncorus is advancing the ONCR-GBM program for brain cancer and exploring synthetic viral immunotherapies based on Coxsackievirus A21 and Seneca Valley Virus. The company has entered a collaboration with MSD International GmbH to evaluate the safety and tolerability of ONCR-177 in combination with Merck’s immunotherapy. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Oncorus is committed to advancing cancer care and has pledged to support cancer research and healthcare initiatives in developing regions through corporate philanthropy.

Trieza Therapeutics

Pre Seed Round in 2016
Trieza Therapeutics is a new company developing immunomodulatory oncolytic viruses for the treatment of cancer. Founded as a spin-out from Potenza Therapeutics, Trieza has a portfolio containing multiple pre-clinical candidates.

Cleave Therapeutics

Series B in 2016
Cleave Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2010. The company specializes in developing novel small-molecule drugs that target valosin-containing protein and other protein-degradation pathways critical for the survival of cancer cells. By focusing on these mechanisms, Cleave Therapeutics aims to create enzyme inhibitors that can effectively treat cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Its research efforts are directed toward discovering innovative therapies that may improve patient outcomes in oncology.

Tizona Therapeutics

Series B in 2016
Tizona Therapeutics, Inc. is an immunotherapy company focused on developing treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases. Founded in 2014 and located in South San Francisco, California, the company is known for its innovative products, including an Anti-CCR4 antibody aimed at cancer treatment, as well as IL-35 antagonists and agonists that target immune response modulation. Tizona is actively collaborating with its scientific founders to enhance understanding of the role of regulatory T cells in tumor immunosuppression, which is crucial for developing effective therapies. By targeting specific cell types and biological mechanisms responsible for immune suppression in the tumor microenvironment, Tizona aims to provide patients with durable and complete remissions from their conditions.

Tizona Therapeutics

Series A in 2016
Tizona Therapeutics, Inc. is an immunotherapy company focused on developing treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases. Founded in 2014 and located in South San Francisco, California, the company is known for its innovative products, including an Anti-CCR4 antibody aimed at cancer treatment, as well as IL-35 antagonists and agonists that target immune response modulation. Tizona is actively collaborating with its scientific founders to enhance understanding of the role of regulatory T cells in tumor immunosuppression, which is crucial for developing effective therapies. By targeting specific cell types and biological mechanisms responsible for immune suppression in the tumor microenvironment, Tizona aims to provide patients with durable and complete remissions from their conditions.

Effector Therapeutics

Series B in 2015
Effector Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, that specializes in the development of small molecule drugs aimed at treating cancer and other serious diseases. Founded in 2012, the company focuses on creating selective translation regulators that target the regulation of protein synthesis, a critical process in tumor growth and survival. By selectively blocking dysregulated translation, Effector Therapeutics aims to inhibit cancer cell proliferation while providing a potent and targeted therapeutic approach. This innovative strategy positions the company to potentially deliver new and effective treatments to patients facing challenging health conditions.

Crescendo Biologics

Venture Round in 2014
Crescendo Biologics Limited is a Cambridge-based company focused on developing innovative therapies for oncology and dermatology, particularly through small molecules and monoclonal antibodies. The company specializes in multi-specific immune-oncology modulators and Humabody Drug Conjugates, leveraging a proprietary transgenic mouse platform that facilitates the in vivo maturation of human VH domains. This technology allows Crescendo to optimize the affinity and biophysical properties of its Humabodies, which are small antibody fragments retaining essential binding capabilities. By addressing challenges in generating high-affinity, soluble human VH antibody fragments, Crescendo aims to develop potent, multi-functional therapeutics. The company engages in both in-house product development and partnerships with other organizations to expand its impact in the field of antibody therapeutics. Established in 2007, Crescendo Biologics was originally named Translocus Limited before rebranding in 2009.

Viamet Pharmaceuticals

Series D in 2014
Viamet Pharmaceuticals specializes in the discovery and development of novel therapeutic agents targeting metalloenzymes through its proprietary Metallophile™ Technology. This innovative approach leverages the company’s expertise in bioinorganic chemistry to develop inhibitors that demonstrate significant therapeutic and commercial potential. Viamet focuses on creating best-in-class analogs of existing metalloenzyme inhibitors, which allows for the rapid and cost-effective generation of patentable small molecule compounds. The company’s therapeutic pipeline addresses critical health challenges, including invasive fungal infections, cancer, cardiovascular conditions, and orphan diseases, by targeting the body's ability to utilize essential metal ions such as zinc and iron.

Bicycle Therapeutics

Series A in 2014
Bicycle Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a novel class of medicines which are referred to as Bicycles. The Bicycles are synthetic short peptides constrained to form two loops which stabilize their structural geometry. Its initial internal programs are focused on oncology indications with high unmet medical need. The company's product candidate, BT1718, is a Bicycle Toxin Conjugate, or BTC.

Raze Therapeutics

Series A in 2014
Raze Therapeutics focuses on discovering and developing innovative oncology therapeutics that target essential metabolic pathways crucial for cancer growth and survival. The company is advancing a pipeline of treatments based on novel biological insights into how cancer cells reprogram their metabolism to support tumor development. By selectively targeting one-carbon metabolism through a proprietary platform, Raze aims to provide patients with quicker access to treatment and improve the chances of successful outcomes.

Crescendo Biologics

Series A in 2014
Crescendo Biologics Limited is a Cambridge-based company focused on developing innovative therapies for oncology and dermatology, particularly through small molecules and monoclonal antibodies. The company specializes in multi-specific immune-oncology modulators and Humabody Drug Conjugates, leveraging a proprietary transgenic mouse platform that facilitates the in vivo maturation of human VH domains. This technology allows Crescendo to optimize the affinity and biophysical properties of its Humabodies, which are small antibody fragments retaining essential binding capabilities. By addressing challenges in generating high-affinity, soluble human VH antibody fragments, Crescendo aims to develop potent, multi-functional therapeutics. The company engages in both in-house product development and partnerships with other organizations to expand its impact in the field of antibody therapeutics. Established in 2007, Crescendo Biologics was originally named Translocus Limited before rebranding in 2009.

Crescendo Biologics

Series A in 2013
Crescendo Biologics Limited is a Cambridge-based company focused on developing innovative therapies for oncology and dermatology, particularly through small molecules and monoclonal antibodies. The company specializes in multi-specific immune-oncology modulators and Humabody Drug Conjugates, leveraging a proprietary transgenic mouse platform that facilitates the in vivo maturation of human VH domains. This technology allows Crescendo to optimize the affinity and biophysical properties of its Humabodies, which are small antibody fragments retaining essential binding capabilities. By addressing challenges in generating high-affinity, soluble human VH antibody fragments, Crescendo aims to develop potent, multi-functional therapeutics. The company engages in both in-house product development and partnerships with other organizations to expand its impact in the field of antibody therapeutics. Established in 2007, Crescendo Biologics was originally named Translocus Limited before rebranding in 2009.

Effector Therapeutics

Series A in 2013
Effector Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, that specializes in the development of small molecule drugs aimed at treating cancer and other serious diseases. Founded in 2012, the company focuses on creating selective translation regulators that target the regulation of protein synthesis, a critical process in tumor growth and survival. By selectively blocking dysregulated translation, Effector Therapeutics aims to inhibit cancer cell proliferation while providing a potent and targeted therapeutic approach. This innovative strategy positions the company to potentially deliver new and effective treatments to patients facing challenging health conditions.

DecImmune Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2013
DecImmune Therapeutics, Inc. develops novel peptides and antibodies for acute tissue damaging inflammation in myocardial infarction, burns, vascular injury, and reperfusion. It develops therapeutics for treating second degree burns and prevents reperfusion injury in transplant patients. DecImmune Therapeutics, Inc. was formerly known as Natural Antibodies, Inc. and changed its name to DecImmune Therapeutics, Inc. in September 2004. The company was incorporated in 2001 and is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Bicycle Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2012
Bicycle Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a novel class of medicines which are referred to as Bicycles. The Bicycles are synthetic short peptides constrained to form two loops which stabilize their structural geometry. Its initial internal programs are focused on oncology indications with high unmet medical need. The company's product candidate, BT1718, is a Bicycle Toxin Conjugate, or BTC.

F2G

Venture Round in 2012
F2G Ltd develops novel therapies to treat fungal diseases. It primarily focuses on developing an F3 series of anti-mold compound, which is an antifungal agent. The company offers orotomides that are antifungal agents against Aspergillus and other filamentous molds. F2G Ltd was formerly known as Functional Fungal Genomics Ltd and changed its name to F2G Ltd in July 1999. F2G Ltd was founded in 1998 and is based in Manchester, United Kingdom.

PhaseBio

Series B in 2012
PhaseBio Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Malvern, Pennsylvania, focused on developing innovative therapies for cardiopulmonary diseases. Its lead product candidate, PB2452, is a reversal agent for the antiplatelet drug ticagrelor and is currently undergoing Phase III clinical trials for patients experiencing uncontrolled bleeding or requiring urgent surgery. The company is also advancing PB1046, a fusion protein aimed at treating pulmonary arterial hypertension, which is in Phase IIb clinical trials. Additionally, PhaseBio is developing PB6440, an oral agent intended for the treatment of resistant hypertension. Founded in 2002, the company leverages proprietary recombinant biopolymers to enhance the stability and efficacy of its drug candidates.

Cleave Therapeutics

Series A in 2011
Cleave Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2010. The company specializes in developing novel small-molecule drugs that target valosin-containing protein and other protein-degradation pathways critical for the survival of cancer cells. By focusing on these mechanisms, Cleave Therapeutics aims to create enzyme inhibitors that can effectively treat cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Its research efforts are directed toward discovering innovative therapies that may improve patient outcomes in oncology.

Verastem

Series B in 2011
Verastem Oncology is a biopharmaceutical company committed to the development and commercialization of medicines to improve the lives of patients diagnosed with cancer. Its portfolio consists of small molecule kinase inhibitors that inhibit critical signaling pathways, which promote cancer cell survival and tumor growth.

Fate Therapeutics

Series B in 2011
Fate Therapeutics is using the fundamental biological mechanisms that guide cell fate to develop stem cell therapeutics. The company has brought together the foremost scientists from the nation's research hotbeds (Boston, San Francisco, San Diego, and Seattle) who have demonstrated the potential to create and modulate stem cells to restore health. The backstory is that while others were working towards therapies based on transplanting stem cell-derived cells into patients, Randall Moon (HHMI and the University of Washington) and Alex Rives (Arch Venture Capitol) envisioned a different approach to develop regenerative therapies. The concept, based on data from hematopoietic progenitor cells, was that one could modulate the properties of stem cells in vivo using small molecules or biologics. They presented this idea to Arch Venture Capitol in Seattle, which launched the company, soon to be joined by other investors.

PanOptica

Series A in 2011
PanOptica, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative topical eye drops for the treatment of sight-threatening eye diseases associated with abnormal or leaky blood vessels. Based in Mount Arlington, New Jersey, the company was founded in 2009 and is known for its lead compound, PAN-90806, a small-molecule selective VEGF receptor antagonist. This treatment shows potential for addressing conditions such as wet age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to significant vision loss. By seeking to license and develop new therapeutics, PanOptica aims to enhance the effectiveness of existing treatments and provide solutions for previously untreatable disorders, ultimately improving patients' vision and quality of life.

DecImmune Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2010
DecImmune Therapeutics, Inc. develops novel peptides and antibodies for acute tissue damaging inflammation in myocardial infarction, burns, vascular injury, and reperfusion. It develops therapeutics for treating second degree burns and prevents reperfusion injury in transplant patients. DecImmune Therapeutics, Inc. was formerly known as Natural Antibodies, Inc. and changed its name to DecImmune Therapeutics, Inc. in September 2004. The company was incorporated in 2001 and is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

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.

Fate Therapeutics

Series B in 2009
Fate Therapeutics is using the fundamental biological mechanisms that guide cell fate to develop stem cell therapeutics. The company has brought together the foremost scientists from the nation's research hotbeds (Boston, San Francisco, San Diego, and Seattle) who have demonstrated the potential to create and modulate stem cells to restore health. The backstory is that while others were working towards therapies based on transplanting stem cell-derived cells into patients, Randall Moon (HHMI and the University of Washington) and Alex Rives (Arch Venture Capitol) envisioned a different approach to develop regenerative therapies. The concept, based on data from hematopoietic progenitor cells, was that one could modulate the properties of stem cells in vivo using small molecules or biologics. They presented this idea to Arch Venture Capitol in Seattle, which launched the company, soon to be joined by other investors.

Evolva

Series B in 2009
Evolva Holding SA is a biotechnology company based in Switzerland that specializes in discovering, developing, and commercializing innovative ingredients for various sectors, including food, nutrition, personal healthcare, and agriculture. Founded in 2004, the company leverages a proprietary synthetic biology technology platform to create high-quality ingredients that mirror the properties of natural products while eliminating their drawbacks. Evolva's product portfolio includes branded ingredients like Veri-te Resveratrol, used for age-related health, and EverSweet Stevia, a natural sweetener. Additionally, the company offers Nootkashield for pest control, EveNootkatone for flavor and fragrance applications, and EveValencene, a citrus flavoring. Evolva serves diverse markets, including nutrition, flavors and fragrances, animal health, personal care, and pharmaceuticals, both developing its own products and collaborating with other industry players.

Epizyme

Series B in 2009
Epizyme, Inc. is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on developing epigenetic medicines for cancer and other diseases. The company has achieved a significant milestone with its approved product, Tazemetostat, which is used for treating metastatic or locally advanced epithelioid sarcoma in the United States. Additionally, Tazemetostat is being investigated in combination therapies for various cancers, including relapsed and refractory follicular lymphoma and high-risk diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Epizyme is also engaged in developing other drug candidates, such as pinometostat for acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia, alongside inhibitors targeting PRMT5 and PRMT1 for solid tumors and blood cancers. The company collaborates with several industry leaders and research organizations to advance its innovative therapeutic programs, reflecting its commitment to translating epigenetic research into effective treatments. Founded in 2007, Epizyme aims to reshape cancer treatment through its focus on molecularly targeted drugs.

Viamet Pharmaceuticals

Series B in 2009
Viamet Pharmaceuticals specializes in the discovery and development of novel therapeutic agents targeting metalloenzymes through its proprietary Metallophile™ Technology. This innovative approach leverages the company’s expertise in bioinorganic chemistry to develop inhibitors that demonstrate significant therapeutic and commercial potential. Viamet focuses on creating best-in-class analogs of existing metalloenzyme inhibitors, which allows for the rapid and cost-effective generation of patentable small molecule compounds. The company’s therapeutic pipeline addresses critical health challenges, including invasive fungal infections, cancer, cardiovascular conditions, and orphan diseases, by targeting the body's ability to utilize essential metal ions such as zinc and iron.

Intradigm

Series B in 2009
Private biotechnology company that develops systematic RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics for the treatment of serious diseases with an initial focus on oncology. The company's expertise in drug development and delivery serves as the foundation of Intradigm RNAi platform. In particular, the company proprietary RNAi Nanoplex delivery technology is unique in its ability to enable the targeted delivery of RNAi therapeutics to specific tissues through systemic administration of the drug product.

F2G

Venture Round in 2008
F2G Ltd develops novel therapies to treat fungal diseases. It primarily focuses on developing an F3 series of anti-mold compound, which is an antifungal agent. The company offers orotomides that are antifungal agents against Aspergillus and other filamentous molds. F2G Ltd was formerly known as Functional Fungal Genomics Ltd and changed its name to F2G Ltd in July 1999. F2G Ltd was founded in 1998 and is based in Manchester, United Kingdom.

Inimex Pharmaceuticals

Series B in 2008
Inimex Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Burnaby, Canada, specializing in the development and commercialization of Innate Defense Regulators (IDRs). These innovative drugs are designed to selectively modulate the body's innate immune defenses without inducing inflammation. The company's lead product, IMX942, aims to enhance survival rates, reduce tissue damage, and mitigate bacterial infections. Inimex's IDR products target a range of medical conditions, including infections and tissue injury-related ailments such as ventilator-associated pneumonia, tracheobronchitis, bacteremia, endocarditis, mucositis, and certain cancers. Founded in 2001, Inimex Pharmaceuticals is dedicated to advancing its unique therapies to improve patient outcomes.

CoMentis

Series B in 2006
CoMentis is a biotech company focused on the research and development of small molecule drugs to treat neurovascular diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other cognitive disorders. Originally founded in 2004 as Athenagen, Inc., the company was re-named CoMentis following its August 2006 merger with Zapaq, Inc., which created a leading neurovascular disease franchise.

F2G

Venture Round in 2006
F2G Ltd develops novel therapies to treat fungal diseases. It primarily focuses on developing an F3 series of anti-mold compound, which is an antifungal agent. The company offers orotomides that are antifungal agents against Aspergillus and other filamentous molds. F2G Ltd was formerly known as Functional Fungal Genomics Ltd and changed its name to F2G Ltd in July 1999. F2G Ltd was founded in 1998 and is based in Manchester, United Kingdom.

Lectus Therapeutics

Series A in 2006
Lectus Therapeutics Limited is a UK-based pharmaceutical company dedicated to drug discovery and development, specializing in next-generation ion channel modulators. The company aims to create a robust pipeline of first-in-class therapeutics, primarily targeting pain management and urinary bladder disorders. Utilizing proprietary proteomics technology, Lectus Therapeutics focuses on developing innovative treatments for various conditions, including angina, asthma, and epilepsy, alongside its core areas of interest. Through its commitment to advancing ion channel therapeutics, the company seeks to address unmet medical needs in the pharmaceutical landscape.
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