The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is an independent non-profit organization based in Seattle, Washington, established in 2000. It is dedicated to reducing global inequities by focusing on improving health, alleviating extreme poverty, and supporting educational initiatives. The foundation also engages in community giving within the Pacific Northwest, promoting strategies and programs that assist low-income families. With regional offices in Washington, D.C.; New Delhi, India; Beijing, China; and London, United Kingdom, the foundation is governed by its co-founders, Bill and Melinda Gates, along with trustee Warren Buffett. Its mission encompasses a wide range of global challenges, aiming to create lasting change through targeted grant-making and programmatic efforts.
Director, Global Health Discovery and Translational Sciences
Keith Klugman
Director
Trevor Mundel
President, Global Health
Rob Nabors
Director, North America
Lynda Stuart
Deputy Director
Mark Suzman
President, Global Policy and Advocacy
Chris Wilson
Director
Past deals in Therapeutics
Likarda
Grant in 2025
Likarda is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative cell therapies and delivery technologies. Utilizing its patented Core-Shell Spherification® platform, Likarda specializes in cell encapsulation within biocompatible hydrogels, such as Hyaluronic Acid and PEG, which allows for customized delivery solutions tailored to the unique specifications of various cell therapies. The company's approach enables the creation of microcapsules that can provide injectable treatments with enhanced localization and efficacy or offer immunoprotective barriers for long-term cell transplants. Likarda is actively working on therapies for diabetes and osteoarthritis, including the delivery of islet-like cells for diabetes treatment and the slow-release injection of encapsulated stem cells for alleviating joint pain and reversing osteoarthritis degradation. The company has achieved significant recognition, including being named one of the "50 Most Promising Start-Ups in the World." To date, Likarda has secured over $8 million in funding through private investments, grants, and contract services.
Aptitude Medical Systems
Grant in 2025
Aptitude Medical Systems is a biotechnology research company specializing in molecular recognition technology that utilizes aptamers to address the limitations of traditional antibodies. By developing highly stable and resistant aptamers, the company offers solutions that bind with high affinity and specificity to challenging targets, even discriminating between targets that differ by a single functional group. This innovation enables a range of applications across life sciences, diagnostics, and therapeutics, facilitating the creation of advanced products tailored to meet the stringent demands of molecular recognition. Through its partnerships, Aptitude aims to advance the capabilities of molecular diagnostics and therapeutic interventions.
Tessera Therapeutics
Venture Round in 2024
Tessera Therapeutics is an early-stage life sciences company focused on pioneering Gene Writing technology, which allows for the permanent modification of the human genome. This innovative approach enables scientists and clinicians to introduce therapeutic messages into the genome, offering a potential cure for diseases at their source. By building on recent advancements in gene therapy and gene editing, Tessera Therapeutics aims to address significant limitations in these areas, enhancing their applicability and effectiveness. Founded by Flagship Pioneering, the company is positioned to transform genetic medicine and improve patient care through its groundbreaking technology.
Vitrivax
Grant in 2024
VitriVax is a biotechnology startup based in Boulder, Colorado, focused on developing an innovative vaccine formulation platform. The company utilizes its proprietary atomic layering thermostable antigen and adjuvant (ALTA) technology to create vaccines that are more effective, affordable, and accessible worldwide. This technology addresses the challenges associated with vaccine stability and administration by enabling the development of thermostable, single-shot vaccines that can effectively incorporate both prime and booster doses. VitriVax's advancements in vaccine formulation aim to eliminate barriers to global vaccination, ultimately enhancing immune responses for a broad range of medical indications. The company has received significant funding, including over $5 million from various sources such as the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to support its mission.
Freya Biosciences
Series A in 2024
Freya Biosciences is a clinical-stage company focused on women's health, with operations in Copenhagen and Boston. It specializes in developing microbial immunotherapies aimed at addressing significant unmet medical needs across various conditions. The company utilizes a proprietary platform to engineer and manufacture live microbes, ensuring their safety and efficacy for human use. Through this innovative approach, Freya Biosciences seeks to create new treatment options for a range of diseases, striving to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare sector.
PopVax
Grant in 2024
PopVax is a biotechnology company that developing novel mRNA vaccines and therapeutics using computational protein design.
AN2 Therapeutics
Grant in 2024
AN2 Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 2017. The company is dedicated to the research, development, and commercialization of innovative medicines aimed at addressing infectious diseases. AN2 Therapeutics is focused on developing epetraborole, a once-daily oral treatment for patients suffering from chronic non-tuberculous mycobacterial lung disease, which represents a significant unmet medical need. Additionally, the company has established a strategic partnership with Brii Biosciences to enhance its development efforts.
CanSino Biologics
Grant in 2024
CanSino Biologics focuses on the R&D, manufacturing, and commercialization of vaccine products for human use. These vaccine products include pneumococcal polysaccharide and conjugate vaccines, and a DTcP-based combo, and other items. It is also dedicated to the development of new vaccine-like recombinant adenovirus vector-based tuberculosis vaccines and a recombinant protein-based pneumococcal vaccine.
Radiant Biotherapeutics
Series A in 2024
Radiant Biotherapeutics is an innovative company focused on developing a modular platform for multi-valent and multi-specific therapeutics. This platform aims to advance antibody engineering by producing multi-functional biologics capable of addressing challenging diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. By leveraging enhanced binding power and multi-specificity, Radiant Biotherapeutics seeks to create potent therapeutics that have the potential to significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients. The company is committed to delivering transformative therapies through its cutting-edge approach to antibody technology.
Eyam Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics
Grant in 2024
Eyam Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics is a life science company focused on the research and development of vaccines aimed at combating infectious diseases. The company specializes in creating vaccines that target the spike glycoprotein protein, which generates neutralizing antibodies against the novel coronavirus. Eyam utilizes a self-amplifying vaccine platform designed to produce low-dose vaccines that offer advanced targeting capabilities for broad coverage and protection, addressing both current and emerging variants. By prioritizing the development of innovative vaccine solutions, Eyam aims to meet critical healthcare needs in the face of evolving infectious threats.
Immorna
Grant in 2024
Immorna is a biotechnology company focused on developing RNA-based therapeutics and vaccines. The company employs various RNA platforms, including conventional, self-replicating, and circular RNA, to create innovative treatments. Immorna has established a comprehensive central management console for RNA synthesis, purification, and analytical testing, which facilitates both clinical and commercial development. Additionally, the company has developed advanced screening tools and a range of RNA delivery vehicles, such as polymers and lipid nanoparticles, incorporating proprietary ionizable cationic lipids. This robust infrastructure positions Immorna to contribute significantly to the field of RNA therapeutics.
Snipr Biome
Grant in 2024
Snipr Biome ApS is a biotechnology company based in Copenhagen, Denmark, focusing on the development of CRISPR technology for the treatment of microbial diseases. Established in 2017, the company aims to revolutionize how such diseases are addressed by leveraging the adaptive immune system to create medicines that selectively target and eliminate harmful bacteria based on their specific DNA sequences. By utilizing a novel approach that subverts elements of the endogenous bacterial CRISPR machinery, Snipr Biome provides health professionals with innovative tools for targeted microbiome engineering, enhancing the precision and effectiveness of treatments for bacterial infections.
ETHRIS
Venture Round in 2024
Ethris GmbH is a biotechnology company based in Planegg, Germany, specializing in the development of innovative therapeutic solutions for diseases with unmet medical needs. The company has a focus on transcript therapeutics, particularly through its SNIM RNA platform, which offers a novel approach to treating various conditions by enabling the production of therapeutic proteins within the patient’s body. This platform presents an alternative to traditional recombinant protein and gene therapies, addressing a range of diseases, including rare and genetically predetermined conditions. Ethris also develops Magnetovax, a personalized tumor vaccine platform that utilizes magnetic fields for localized activation in tumors. The company has established strategic research collaborations with major pharmaceutical firms, enhancing its capabilities in regenerative medicine and therapeutic development. Founded in 2009, Ethris continues to advance its technologies to meet diverse medical needs.
Nanite
Grant in 2024
Nanite is a biotechnology company focused on non-viral gene delivery through the development of programmable polymer nanoparticles. Utilizing an artificial intelligence-driven platform, Nanite combines advanced high-throughput experimental and computational methods to create tailored delivery vehicles. These vehicles are designed to effectively transport a wide range of genetic materials with specific targeting capabilities, facilitating research in functional chemistry and enhancing the design of therapeutically relevant gene delivery systems.
Surf Bio
Grant in 2024
Surf Bio is a preclinical biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapeutic solutions using a novel biotechnology platform. This platform centers around a next-generation surfactant designed to enhance drug effectiveness for a variety of medical conditions, including diabetes, oncology, infectious diseases, and gene therapy. By improving therapeutic applications, Surf Bio aims to provide healthcare organizations worldwide with access to new and more effective treatments for patients facing critical health issues.
Corner Therapeutics
Grant in 2024
Corner Therapeutics is a biotechnology research company focused on immunotherapy. It specializes in developing technologies that stimulate exceptional memory T cells to achieve lifelong immunity. The company utilizes a versatile dendritic cell hyperactivation platform that induces strong T-cell responses, aiming to provide robust and durable immunity against a wide range of cancers and infectious diseases. By enhancing T-cell activation, Corner Therapeutics seeks to enable healthcare providers to promote lasting immunity and optimize immune regulation.
Antibody Solutions
Grant in 2024
Antibody Solutions provides antigen design, polyclonal antibody generation, research and drug development for biopharmaceutical companies.
Sail Biomedicines
Grant in 2024
Sail Biomedicines is a biotechnology company developing innovative medicines using circular RNA technology and programmable nanoparticles. Its platform, Endless RNA (eRNA), combined with unique, naturally-derived nanoparticles, enables the comprehensive programming of drugs, enhancing their potency and targeting capabilities. The company aims to transform patient care by leveraging artificial intelligence and advanced delivery systems to create first-in-class therapeutics.
Radiant Biotherapeutics
Grant in 2023
Radiant Biotherapeutics is an innovative company focused on developing a modular platform for multi-valent and multi-specific therapeutics. This platform aims to advance antibody engineering by producing multi-functional biologics capable of addressing challenging diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. By leveraging enhanced binding power and multi-specificity, Radiant Biotherapeutics seeks to create potent therapeutics that have the potential to significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients. The company is committed to delivering transformative therapies through its cutting-edge approach to antibody technology.
Evotec
Grant in 2023
Evotec is a drug discovery partnership firm that collaborates with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations to advance innovative therapeutic solutions. The company specializes in a range of therapeutic areas, including central nervous system disorders, diabetes, inflammation, oncology, infectious diseases, and women's health. Approximately 80% of its revenue comes from shared research and development services, which involve fee-for-service work and integrated drug discovery collaborations utilizing proprietary assets. The remaining 20% of sales derive from its Just-Evotec Biologics segment, which provides contract development and manufacturing organization services for biologics. Evotec's approach emphasizes collaboration with various stakeholders, including patient advocacy groups and venture capitalists, to enhance drug discovery and development processes.
LTS Lohmann Therapie-Systeme AG
Grant in 2023
LTS is a leading pharmaceutical technology company that develops and manufactures innovative drug delivery systems such as Transdermal Patches ("TTS") and Oral Thin Films ("OTF") for the pharmaceutical industry. While we continuously refine our TTS and OTF technologies further, we also research complementary Micro Array Patches for the transdermal delivery of large molecule, biological actives. Incorporated in 1984, we operate today from two sites in Andernach, Germany and West Caldwell/NJ, USA, plus representative office in Shanghai/China.
LTS Lohmann Therapie-Systeme AG
Grant in 2023
LTS is a leading pharmaceutical technology company that develops and manufactures innovative drug delivery systems such as Transdermal Patches ("TTS") and Oral Thin Films ("OTF") for the pharmaceutical industry. While we continuously refine our TTS and OTF technologies further, we also research complementary Micro Array Patches for the transdermal delivery of large molecule, biological actives. Incorporated in 1984, we operate today from two sites in Andernach, Germany and West Caldwell/NJ, USA, plus representative office in Shanghai/China.
Vitrivax
Grant in 2023
VitriVax is a biotechnology startup based in Boulder, Colorado, focused on developing an innovative vaccine formulation platform. The company utilizes its proprietary atomic layering thermostable antigen and adjuvant (ALTA) technology to create vaccines that are more effective, affordable, and accessible worldwide. This technology addresses the challenges associated with vaccine stability and administration by enabling the development of thermostable, single-shot vaccines that can effectively incorporate both prime and booster doses. VitriVax's advancements in vaccine formulation aim to eliminate barriers to global vaccination, ultimately enhancing immune responses for a broad range of medical indications. The company has received significant funding, including over $5 million from various sources such as the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to support its mission.
STRM.BIO
Grant in 2023
STRM.BIO is a biotechnology company focused on enhancing gene therapy delivery through the use of extracellular vesicles (EVs). These natural carriers, which transport nucleic acids and proteins, offer innate targeting capabilities and can be mass-produced efficiently. By leveraging EVs, STRM.BIO aims to create a new class of therapeutics that not only introduces novel treatments but also improves the effectiveness of existing therapies. The company's approach seeks to simplify and enhance the safety of gene therapy delivery directly to patients, fulfilling the potential of this innovative medical field.
AN2 Therapeutics
Grant in 2023
AN2 Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 2017. The company is dedicated to the research, development, and commercialization of innovative medicines aimed at addressing infectious diseases. AN2 Therapeutics is focused on developing epetraborole, a once-daily oral treatment for patients suffering from chronic non-tuberculous mycobacterial lung disease, which represents a significant unmet medical need. Additionally, the company has established a strategic partnership with Brii Biosciences to enhance its development efforts.
A-Alpha Bio
Grant in 2023
A-Alpha Bio, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Seattle, Washington, established in 2017. The company specializes in synthetic biology, offering a platform known as AlphaSeq, which assists pharmaceutical companies in the development of drugs that interact with multiple targets. A-Alpha Bio provides cell-based tools for high-throughput and quantitative measurements of protein interactions, facilitating target discovery, library screening, and preclinical drug characterization. Its proprietary technology enables the mapping of protein-protein interactions at a large scale, allowing for the identification and quantification of interactions among thousands of protein pairs simultaneously. By delivering detailed maps of these interactions, A-Alpha Bio helps researchers identify potential drug targets and understand disease mechanisms, thereby streamlining the therapeutic discovery process and improving the efficiency of drug development. The company comprises a team of experts in synthetic biology, structural biology, and next-generation sequencing, focused on overcoming challenges in the drug development pipeline.
Aptitude Medical Systems
Grant in 2023
Aptitude Medical Systems is a biotechnology research company specializing in molecular recognition technology that utilizes aptamers to address the limitations of traditional antibodies. By developing highly stable and resistant aptamers, the company offers solutions that bind with high affinity and specificity to challenging targets, even discriminating between targets that differ by a single functional group. This innovation enables a range of applications across life sciences, diagnostics, and therapeutics, facilitating the creation of advanced products tailored to meet the stringent demands of molecular recognition. Through its partnerships, Aptitude aims to advance the capabilities of molecular diagnostics and therapeutic interventions.
Aegis Life
Grant in 2023
Aegis Life is a biotechnology company focused on advancing nucleic acid delivery technology, specifically through its proprietary platform known as fusogenix PLV. This technology, developed over two decades, is designed to facilitate the rapid development and commercialization of vaccines and therapeutics aimed at preventing and treating infectious diseases. Aegis Life's innovative approach supports the pharmaceutical industry in accelerating the discovery, clinical development, and manufacturing processes for vaccines and treatments, particularly in response to emerging health threats such as COVID-19.
Kallyope
Grant in 2023
Kallyope Inc. is a biotechnology company based in New York City that focuses on the gut-brain axis to develop innovative therapeutics and consumer products aimed at enhancing human health. Founded in 2014, Kallyope employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating technologies such as sequencing, computational biology, neural imaging, and human genetics to deepen the understanding of gut-brain biology. This comprehensive understanding enables the company to create effective and well-tolerated oral medications targeting various health issues, including diabetes, obesity, gut disorders, inflammatory diseases, migraines, and allergies. With a team of experienced scientists and a strong foundation in drug discovery, Kallyope aims to address significant unmet medical needs through its research and development efforts.
Vir Biotechnology
Grant in 2023
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.
Osivax
Grant in 2023
Osivax is a company focused on developing immunotherapy vaccines aimed at treating infectious diseases. Its innovative vaccines enhance the uptake into dendritic cells and boost the immunogenicity of natural proteins, which triggers a more effective immune response, particularly through significant CD8 T cell activation. This technology is designed to serve as a universal vaccine, targeting not only existing but also emerging coronavirus infections, as well as other globally impactful infectious diseases. In addition to infectious diseases, Osivax's vaccines also support cancer treatment, providing medical practitioners with advanced tools to treat a range of serious health conditions effectively.
Evotec
Grant in 2023
Evotec is a drug discovery partnership firm that collaborates with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations to advance innovative therapeutic solutions. The company specializes in a range of therapeutic areas, including central nervous system disorders, diabetes, inflammation, oncology, infectious diseases, and women's health. Approximately 80% of its revenue comes from shared research and development services, which involve fee-for-service work and integrated drug discovery collaborations utilizing proprietary assets. The remaining 20% of sales derive from its Just-Evotec Biologics segment, which provides contract development and manufacturing organization services for biologics. Evotec's approach emphasizes collaboration with various stakeholders, including patient advocacy groups and venture capitalists, to enhance drug discovery and development processes.
SpyBiotech
Grant in 2023
SpyBiotech Limited, founded in 2017 and based in Oxford, United Kingdom, specializes in the development of innovative vaccines using a proprietary technology known as molecular superglue. This platform allows for the rapid creation of bonding vaccines by attaching antigens to viruses and other particles, enhancing the vaccine development process. By leveraging this unique approach, SpyBiotech aims to provide medical institutions and research centers with more effective vaccines that can be developed in a shorter timeframe, ultimately improving immunity against various diseases, including bacterial infections.
Aspen Pharmacare Holdings
Grant in 2022
Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited is a global specialty pharmaceutical company headquartered in Durban, South Africa. It manufactures and supplies a diverse portfolio of specialty, branded, and generic pharmaceutical products across more than 150 countries. The company operates through two main segments: Commercial Pharmaceuticals and Manufacturing. Aspen offers a range of products, including general anaesthetics, muscle relaxants, cytotoxic medicines, and injectable anticoagulants, with a focus on low molecular weight heparins. Additionally, Aspen engages in the contract manufacturing and supply of active pharmaceutical ingredients and finished dose pharmaceuticals for third parties. The company's extensive product offerings include oral solids, injectables, liquids, semi-solids, and biologicals. With a strong presence in various international markets, including Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, Aspen continues to expand its operations through strategic acquisitions and partnerships. Founded in 1850, Aspen has established itself as a leading player in the pharmaceutical industry.
ExploRNA Therapeutics
Grant in 2022
ExploRNA Therapeutics specializes in the development of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) therapeutics, focusing on applications in cancer treatment and vaccinations. The company enhances its mRNA technology by modifying the cap structure, which stabilizes the mRNA and improves its translation efficiency. This innovative approach aims to stimulate adaptive immune responses, thereby enhancing treatment outcomes for patients. ExploRNA Therapeutics collaborates with pharmaceutical partners to implement its advancements into distinct therapeutic programs, providing both technology and medicines to further the field of mRNA-based therapies.
Sherlock Biosciences
Grant in 2022
Sherlock Biosciences, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative molecular diagnostic solutions. The company utilizes advanced engineering biology tools, such as CRISPR and synthetic biology, to create diagnostic platforms capable of delivering accurate and rapid results. Its notable technologies include SHERLOCK, a method for detecting and quantifying specific genetic sequences, and INSPECTR, which is designed for versatile, easy-to-use diagnostics. Sherlock Biosciences aims to serve various applications, including precision oncology, infectious disease identification, food safety, at-home testing, and general disease detection. Founded in 2018, the company is committed to providing affordable diagnostics suitable for diverse settings, including those with low-resource environments.
Touchlight Genetics
Grant in 2022
Touchlight Genetics Ltd. is a biotechnology company based in Leatherhead, United Kingdom, specializing in DNA therapies and technology. Founded in 2007, it has developed the proTL synthetic DNA platform, which allows for the production of doggybone closed linear DNA without the need for bacterial fermentation. This innovative approach supports various applications, including veterinary vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, cancer and gene therapies, allergy treatments, RNA interference therapies, and stem cell reprogramming. The company boasts a skilled scientific and drug development team, led by founder and CEO Jonny Ohlson, and includes experienced professionals such as Clive Dix and John Tite. Touchlight has established partnerships with several leading academic institutions, including Imperial College London and the University of Pennsylvania, to advance its research and development efforts. The company has successfully patented its synthetic DNA platform and demonstrated therapeutic proof-of-principle through collaboration with these academic partners.
Adapsyn Bioscience
Grant in 2022
Adapsyn Bioscience Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Hamilton, Canada, focused on the discovery and development of novel medicines derived from organic biomolecules, particularly those produced by microorganisms. Founded in 2016, the company utilizes an advanced bioinformatics platform that incorporates proprietary algorithms and artificial intelligence to analyze genomic and metabolomic data. Its key products include various tools such as PRISM, which identifies biosynthetic gene clusters in microbial genomes; GARLIC, which defines gene clusters for natural product drug variants; the GRAPE algorithm, which reveals evolved drug fragments; and CLAMS, which matches gene clusters to compounds identified through mass spectrometry. By leveraging these innovative technologies, Adapsyn aims to uncover small molecules with unique biological activities, thereby enhancing drug discovery efforts in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors.
Eleven Therapeutics
Seed Round in 2022
Eleven Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on advancing RNA-based therapies through the integration of artificial intelligence and innovative drug development techniques. The company specializes in developing extended durability messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics aimed at addressing unmet medical needs in metabolic, endocrinologic, and infectious diseases. By employing proprietary high-throughput AI-enabled screening platforms, Eleven Therapeutics enhances the stability and targeted delivery of its therapeutic molecules. Its signature technology, SCSI-RNA, represents a programmable approach that allows for precise targeting of various diseases and biological targets. Through these advancements, Eleven Therapeutics is positioned to transform the landscape of RNA drug development, offering promising solutions for complex health challenges.
Sapient
Grant in 2022
Sapient enables the discovery of circulating small molecule biomarkers at unprecedented speed and scale. Leveraging next-generation mass spectrometry, biocomputational analysis, and large-scale human biology databases, its platform supports the rapid identification and validation of circulating biomarkers of health, disease, and drug response which are needed to align patients, disease biology, and specific therapies.
Yemaachi Biotechnology
Grant in 2022
Yemaachi Biotechnology is focused on advancing the diagnosis and treatment of cancer through innovative therapeutic technologies. The company employs immunogenomics, bioinformatics, and artificial intelligence to enhance the development of effective cancer detection and treatment strategies. By leveraging these advanced methodologies, Yemaachi aims to lower the economic burden of cancer and improve patient outcomes through more accurate and efficient therapeutic solutions.
Aridis Pharmaceuticals
Grant in 2022
Aridis Pharmaceuticals is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company based in San Jose, California, founded in 2003. The company specializes in discovering and developing targeted immunotherapy treatments using fully human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to combat life-threatening infections. Its lead product candidate, AR-301, is currently in Phase III trials for treating lung infections caused by S. aureus alphatoxin. Additionally, Aridis Pharmaceuticals is advancing several other mAb candidates through various stages of clinical development, including AR-105 and AR-101 for gram-negative bacterial infections, AR-401 for Acinetobacter baumannii infections, AR-201 for respiratory syncytial virus, and AR-501 for chronic lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients. The company employs proprietary technology platforms to rapidly identify and manufacture these mAbs from patients who have successfully overcome infections, leveraging the natural potency of the human immune system.
Evotec
Grant in 2021
Evotec is a drug discovery partnership firm that collaborates with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations to advance innovative therapeutic solutions. The company specializes in a range of therapeutic areas, including central nervous system disorders, diabetes, inflammation, oncology, infectious diseases, and women's health. Approximately 80% of its revenue comes from shared research and development services, which involve fee-for-service work and integrated drug discovery collaborations utilizing proprietary assets. The remaining 20% of sales derive from its Just-Evotec Biologics segment, which provides contract development and manufacturing organization services for biologics. Evotec's approach emphasizes collaboration with various stakeholders, including patient advocacy groups and venture capitalists, to enhance drug discovery and development processes.
Providence Therapeutics
Grant in 2021
Providence Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Toronto, Canada, founded in 2015. The company specializes in the development and production of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines formulated in lipid nanoparticles. Its portfolio includes PTX-101, a personalized mRNA cancer vaccine aimed at treating advanced ovarian cancer, and various COVID-19 vaccines, including PTX-COVID19-B and PTX-COVID19-T, which target the coronavirus and elicit immune responses against the virus. Providence Therapeutics is committed to creating safe and effective therapies to address unmet medical needs, particularly in oncology and infectious diseases, thereby enhancing the quality of life for patients.
Titan Pharmaceuticals
Post in 2021
Titan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing proprietary therapeutics for chronic diseases through its innovative ProNeura long-term drug delivery platform. The company's key product, Probuphine, is the first slow-release implant formulation of buprenorphine, designed to provide stable medication levels for up to six months, thereby enhancing patient compliance in the treatment of opioid dependence. Titan also develops ProNeura-Ropinirole, an implant for delivering ropinirole to treat Parkinson's disease, and a similar implant for managing hypothyroidism. The ProNeura technology holds promise for addressing various chronic conditions by ensuring consistent drug delivery, which can improve patient outcomes. In December 2012, Titan entered a licensing agreement granting Braeburn Pharmaceuticals exclusive commercialization rights to Probuphine in the U.S. and Canada, receiving significant financial incentives tied to regulatory approvals and sales milestones. Additionally, Titan receives royalties from the sales of Fanapt, an atypical antipsychotic, further supporting its development efforts.
Exscientia
Grant in 2021
Exscientia is a biotechnology company that leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance the discovery and design of novel therapeutic compounds. By integrating human expertise with advanced computational techniques, Exscientia accelerates the development of small-molecule drug candidates, aiming to produce safe and effective treatments for clinical testing. The company's innovative approach seeks to revolutionize the pharmaceutical industry by improving the precision and efficiency of drug discovery, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.
Eleven Therapeutics
Grant in 2021
Eleven Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on advancing RNA-based therapies through the integration of artificial intelligence and innovative drug development techniques. The company specializes in developing extended durability messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics aimed at addressing unmet medical needs in metabolic, endocrinologic, and infectious diseases. By employing proprietary high-throughput AI-enabled screening platforms, Eleven Therapeutics enhances the stability and targeted delivery of its therapeutic molecules. Its signature technology, SCSI-RNA, represents a programmable approach that allows for precise targeting of various diseases and biological targets. Through these advancements, Eleven Therapeutics is positioned to transform the landscape of RNA drug development, offering promising solutions for complex health challenges.
Sunflower Therapeutics
Grant in 2021
Sunflower Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on advancing protein manufacturing solutions to enhance global access to biological medicines. By employing strain engineering and integrated process development, the company aims to create efficient, automated systems for protein production. These innovations are designed to support a wide range of applications, including new medicines and food products, allowing clients to significantly reduce the time and costs associated with developing and manufacturing biologics. Sunflower Therapeutics emphasizes values such as wellness, integrity, ethics, equity, community, and efficiency in its operations, reflecting its commitment to benefiting the global population.
CRISPR Therapeutics
Grant in 2020
CRISPR Therapeutics AG is a biotechnology company based in Zug, Switzerland, dedicated to developing transformative gene-based medicines for serious human diseases using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. This revolutionary gene-editing platform allows for precise changes to genomic DNA. The company's portfolio includes therapeutic programs targeting hemoglobinopathies, oncology, regenerative medicine, and rare diseases. Their lead product candidate is CTX001, a gene-edited therapy for transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia or severe sickle cell disease, which has been approved as Casgevy in collaboration with Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Additionally, CRISPR Therapeutics is developing CTX110, an allogeneic CAR-T therapy targeting CD19-positive malignancies, and other programs like CTX120 for multiple myeloma and CTX130 for solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. The company also engages in regenerative medicine programs for diabetes and genetic disease treatments such as glycogen storage disease Ia, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and cystic fibrosis. CRISPR Therapeutics has strategic partnerships with Bayer Healthcare LLC, Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, and ViaCyte, Inc.
Exscientia
Grant in 2020
Exscientia is a biotechnology company that leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance the discovery and design of novel therapeutic compounds. By integrating human expertise with advanced computational techniques, Exscientia accelerates the development of small-molecule drug candidates, aiming to produce safe and effective treatments for clinical testing. The company's innovative approach seeks to revolutionize the pharmaceutical industry by improving the precision and efficiency of drug discovery, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.
Icosavax
Grant in 2020
Icosavax, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Seattle, Washington, founded in 2017. The company specializes in developing vaccines using its innovative virus-like particle (VLP) technology platform, which allows for the multivalent display of complex viral antigens. This technology aims to provide broad and durable protection against various infectious diseases, with an initial focus on life-threatening respiratory illnesses. Icosavax's pipeline includes vaccine candidates targeting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus (hMPV), and SARS-CoV-2. The company is dedicated to advancing its VLP technology to discover, develop, and ultimately commercialize effective vaccines against these infectious diseases.
Evotec
Grant in 2020
Evotec is a drug discovery partnership firm that collaborates with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations to advance innovative therapeutic solutions. The company specializes in a range of therapeutic areas, including central nervous system disorders, diabetes, inflammation, oncology, infectious diseases, and women's health. Approximately 80% of its revenue comes from shared research and development services, which involve fee-for-service work and integrated drug discovery collaborations utilizing proprietary assets. The remaining 20% of sales derive from its Just-Evotec Biologics segment, which provides contract development and manufacturing organization services for biologics. Evotec's approach emphasizes collaboration with various stakeholders, including patient advocacy groups and venture capitalists, to enhance drug discovery and development processes.
Atomwise
Grant in 2020
Atomwise, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Francisco that specializes in using deep learning artificial intelligence for small molecule drug discovery. Founded in 2012, Atomwise developed the AtomNet platform, which enables virtual screening of molecules by predicting the binding of small molecules to proteins through a statistical approach that leverages experimental affinity measurements and protein structures. The company focuses on addressing over 600 unique disease targets and has established partnerships with more than 250 organizations, including pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms. Atomwise's technology has been recognized for its ability to unlock previously undruggable targets, and the company has raised significant funding to support its mission of accelerating drug discovery and development.
Sapient
Grant in 2020
Sapient enables the discovery of circulating small molecule biomarkers at unprecedented speed and scale. Leveraging next-generation mass spectrometry, biocomputational analysis, and large-scale human biology databases, its platform supports the rapid identification and validation of circulating biomarkers of health, disease, and drug response which are needed to align patients, disease biology, and specific therapies.
A-Alpha Bio
Grant in 2020
A-Alpha Bio, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Seattle, Washington, established in 2017. The company specializes in synthetic biology, offering a platform known as AlphaSeq, which assists pharmaceutical companies in the development of drugs that interact with multiple targets. A-Alpha Bio provides cell-based tools for high-throughput and quantitative measurements of protein interactions, facilitating target discovery, library screening, and preclinical drug characterization. Its proprietary technology enables the mapping of protein-protein interactions at a large scale, allowing for the identification and quantification of interactions among thousands of protein pairs simultaneously. By delivering detailed maps of these interactions, A-Alpha Bio helps researchers identify potential drug targets and understand disease mechanisms, thereby streamlining the therapeutic discovery process and improving the efficiency of drug development. The company comprises a team of experts in synthetic biology, structural biology, and next-generation sequencing, focused on overcoming challenges in the drug development pipeline.
Vaxxas
Grant in 2020
Vaxxas is a biotechnology company based in Brisbane, Australia, that specializes in developing a needle-free vaccination technology aimed at transforming vaccine delivery. The company's innovative system employs an array of vaccine-coated micro projections that penetrate the outer layers of the skin when applied with a specialized applicator device. This approach allows for direct deposition of vaccines among a dense concentration of immune cells in the skin. Additionally, Vaxxas utilizes proprietary dry-coating technology to minimize or eliminate the need for refrigeration during the storage and transport of vaccines, thereby alleviating the logistical challenges associated with maintaining the cold chain. Founded in 2011, Vaxxas aims to enhance global vaccination efforts through its novel delivery system.
Inovio Pharmaceuticals
Grant in 2020
Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biotechnology company dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of DNA medicines aimed at treating, curing, and protecting individuals from diseases related to human papillomavirus (HPV), cancer, and infectious diseases. The company's innovative SynCon immunotherapy design enables the immune system to target cancerous cells while providing cross-strain protection against various pathogens. Inovio's clinical studies focus on HPV-associated precancers, cancers, and other disorders, as well as diseases such as glioblastoma multiforme, HIV, and COVID-19. The company has developed a proprietary delivery system that allows DNA medicine to be introduced directly into cells, producing a strong immune response. Notably, its lead candidate, VGX-3100, is undergoing Phase 3 trials for precancerous cervical dysplasia, having shown promise in earlier trials by effectively clearing high-risk HPV strains. Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, Inovio collaborates with various partners, including major pharmaceutical companies and research institutions, to advance its clinical initiatives and expand its therapeutic reach.
Immunocore
Series B in 2020
Immunocore Limited is a biotechnology company based in Abingdon, United Kingdom, with a focus on discovering and developing novel therapeutics for cancer, viral diseases, and autoimmune conditions. The company specializes in T cell receptor (TCR) technology, which allows it to create innovative bispecific immunotherapies. Its lead product candidate, IMCgp100, is currently undergoing clinical trials for the treatment of metastatic melanoma. Immunocore's proprietary platform enables efficient manufacturing of TCR-based drugs, addressing significant unmet medical needs. Founded in 1999 and previously known as Avidex Limited, Immunocore has expanded its operations with an additional office in Conshohocken.
Biological Dynamics
Grant in 2020
Biological Dynamics Inc. is a healthcare company based in San Diego, California, focused on enhancing global health outcomes through early disease detection. The company has developed a proprietary technology platform that enables the direct and selective capture of large necrotic particles from physiological solutions, including whole blood, serum, and plasma. This platform facilitates the analysis of native-state biomarkers and nanoparticles, supporting multiomics applications. Biological Dynamics specializes in cancer detection and offers a range of services, including the TR(ACE) Assay for monitoring treatment responses and tumor burdens, as well as liquid biopsy testing for personalized medicine. Additionally, the company provides clinical laboratory services, including molecular and next-generation sequencing, and has programs aimed at drug development in areas such as Alzheimer's disease. Founded in 2008, Biological Dynamics is committed to utilizing machine learning and its advanced technology to address various health challenges, including autoimmune diseases, transplant rejection, and traumatic brain injury.
Almac Group
Grant in 2019
Almac Group is a contract development and manufacturing organization that provides a comprehensive range of services to pharmaceutical and biotech companies worldwide. Established over 40 years ago and privately owned, the company specializes in research and development, biomarker discovery, active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing, formulation development, clinical trial supply, and companion diagnostic development. Headquartered in Craigavon, Northern Ireland, Almac operates additional facilities in the UK, Ireland, the US, and Asia. With a workforce exceeding 4,500 employees, the company is committed to continuous investment in its service offerings, including advancements in biomarker and companion diagnostics, clinical trial data management, and biocatalytic API manufacturing. Almac Discovery, a division of the group, is dedicated to the research and development of innovative cancer treatments, focusing on early-stage partnerships for further program development.
RJH Biosciences
Grant in 2019
RJH Biosciences is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of transfection reagents and delivery systems designed to transport various types of nucleic acids into human cells and cell lines. The company emphasizes innovative solutions for addressing blood cancers and modifying immune cells, thereby enhancing the therapeutic potential of nucleic acids in medical applications. RJH Biosciences distributes its products through its website and is also engaged in projects aimed at developing new medical treatments.
Enesi Pharma
Grant in 2019
Enesi Pharma is an innovative pharmaceutical company developing novel products with potential to transform performance and delivery of vaccines and make a material impact on global healthcare. The company’s primary focus is the development of novel solid dose vaccines against a range of infectious and other select diseases, working in partnership with global companies, government agencies and non-governmental organizations.
Credence MedSystems
Grant in 2019
Credence MedSystems, Inc. is a drug delivery and specialty pharmaceutical company based in Menlo Park, California, focused on enhancing the safety of injectable medications for patients and caregivers. The company develops innovative products, including the Companion Staked Needle Syringe, Companion Luer Syringe, and the Epiphany Safety Syringe system, which features a vacuum-triggered, auto-retractable mechanism for safer use. Credence MedSystems aims to simplify the commercialization process for pharmaceutical partners by integrating advanced safety features into existing drug delivery systems without necessitating significant changes to their manufacturing processes. This approach, termed "Innovation Without Change," allows for a more efficient path to market while ensuring that the delivery systems meet high standards of safety and efficacy. The company, formerly known as SafeShot Technologies, Inc., was established in 2011 and has formed a strategic collaboration with SCHOTT AG to further enhance its product offerings.
Vedanta Biosciences
Series C in 2019
Vedanta Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage microbiome company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on developing therapies for immune-mediated and infectious diseases using human microbiome-derived bacteria. Established in 2010, the company utilizes microbial ecology and mucosal immunology to create innovative immunotherapies. Its platform includes a comprehensive library of bacteria sourced from the human microbiome, proprietary assays for selecting effective bacterial strains, and extensive datasets from human interventional studies. Vedanta also possesses cGMP-compliant manufacturing capabilities, allowing for the production of defined bacterial consortia in powder form. This enables the development of oral therapies aimed at treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, providing physicians with effective access to live bacterial drugs. Vedanta operates as a subsidiary of Pure Tech Health plc.
BioNTech
Post in 2019
BioNTech is a Germany-based biotechnology company that specializes in developing innovative immunotherapies for cancer and other serious diseases, as well as vaccines for infectious diseases, including COVID-19. The company’s oncology pipeline includes a range of drug classes, such as mRNA-based drugs that encode antigens and neoantigens, cell therapies, bispecific antibodies, and antibody-drug conjugates. BioNTech has established partnerships with several major pharmaceutical companies, enhancing its research and development capabilities. Its COVID-19 vaccine, Comirnaty, represents its first commercialized product, demonstrating the company's commitment to addressing urgent health challenges through advanced therapeutic approaches.
Lyndra Therapeutics
Grant in 2019
Lyndra Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company that specializes in the development of ultra-long-acting oral medicines. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts, the company focuses on creating orally administered dosage forms that can deliver a sustained release of medications for periods ranging from a week to a month while remaining in the stomach. Lyndra's therapeutic initiatives target a variety of conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, psychiatric issues, opioid use disorders, immunology, HIV, malaria vector control, and oral contraceptives. By enhancing medication adherence and improving health outcomes, Lyndra Therapeutics aims to contribute to lower healthcare costs and better patient care.
Integrated BioTherapeutics
Grant in 2019
Integrated BioTherapeutics is a biotechnology company that focuses on discovering novel vaccines and therapeutics for emerging infectious diseases. Its antiviral pipeline includes unique pan-filovirus antibody candidates, vaccines, and a variety of other product candidates for emerging viruses.
Biological Dynamics
Grant in 2019
Biological Dynamics Inc. is a healthcare company based in San Diego, California, focused on enhancing global health outcomes through early disease detection. The company has developed a proprietary technology platform that enables the direct and selective capture of large necrotic particles from physiological solutions, including whole blood, serum, and plasma. This platform facilitates the analysis of native-state biomarkers and nanoparticles, supporting multiomics applications. Biological Dynamics specializes in cancer detection and offers a range of services, including the TR(ACE) Assay for monitoring treatment responses and tumor burdens, as well as liquid biopsy testing for personalized medicine. Additionally, the company provides clinical laboratory services, including molecular and next-generation sequencing, and has programs aimed at drug development in areas such as Alzheimer's disease. Founded in 2008, Biological Dynamics is committed to utilizing machine learning and its advanced technology to address various health challenges, including autoimmune diseases, transplant rejection, and traumatic brain injury.
AbCellera
Grant in 2019
AbCellera is a biotechnology company specializing in antibody discovery and development. It uses an integrated platform combining proprietary hardware, software, tools, and advanced data science to efficiently identify and develop optimal antibodies for clinical use. The company partners with both emerging biotechs and established pharmaceutical companies, leveraging its expertise to accelerate the drug development process and improve patient outcomes.
Vedanta Biosciences
Series C in 2018
Vedanta Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage microbiome company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on developing therapies for immune-mediated and infectious diseases using human microbiome-derived bacteria. Established in 2010, the company utilizes microbial ecology and mucosal immunology to create innovative immunotherapies. Its platform includes a comprehensive library of bacteria sourced from the human microbiome, proprietary assays for selecting effective bacterial strains, and extensive datasets from human interventional studies. Vedanta also possesses cGMP-compliant manufacturing capabilities, allowing for the production of defined bacterial consortia in powder form. This enables the development of oral therapies aimed at treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, providing physicians with effective access to live bacterial drugs. Vedanta operates as a subsidiary of Pure Tech Health plc.
Lyell Immunopharma
Series A in 2018
Lyell Immunopharma Inc is a clinical-stage cell therapy company focused on developing innovative treatments for patients with solid tumors through T cell reprogramming. The company aims to overcome significant challenges in adoptive T cell therapy, specifically T cell exhaustion and loss of durable stemness, which impede effective and lasting responses in cancer treatment. Utilizing its proprietary platforms, Gen-R and Epi-R, Lyell is working to enhance the proliferative capacity, self-renewal, and differentiation abilities of T cells. The company's product pipeline includes several candidates, such as LYL797, LYL119, and LYL845, all designed to deliver improved and potentially curative outcomes for patients suffering from solid tumors.
Evolve Biosystems
Series C in 2018
Evolve Biosystems, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Davis, California, focused on developing and marketing probiotic-based biotherapeutics aimed at establishing, restoring, and maintaining a healthy human microbiome. The company specializes in addressing gut dysbiosis across the human life cycle, particularly in newborns during their first six months of life. Evolve Biosystems utilizes a platform that combines specific probiotic bacteria with prebiotic oligosaccharides to create effective delivery systems. Their products include consumer-directed solutions for home use as well as specialized formulations for neonatal intensive care units. In addition to human health, the company also applies its discovery platform to address similar microbiome issues in production animals. Evolve Biosystems was incorporated in 2011.
Scripps Research
Grant in 2018
Scripps Research, established in 1924, is a prominent, not-for-profit biomedical research institution with campuses in La Jolla, CA, and Jupiter, FL. Employing around 3,000 people, it's renowned for its contributions to science and health, including breakthroughs in cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and hemophilia treatments. The institute, which ranks among the top ten for its graduate program in biology and chemistry, is led by distinguished scientists, including Nobel laureates. Its drug discovery and development division, Calibr, collaborates with scientists to expedite the delivery of innovative medicines to patients. Scripps Research is recognized as a leader in biomedical innovation, ranking No.1 by the Nature Index.
Immunethep
Grant in 2017
Immunethep is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies for immune system-related diseases. Originating as a spin-off from the University of Porto, the company leverages proprietary technology to address significant unmet medical needs. Immunethep has identified a novel mechanism by which various pathogenic bacteria suppress the host immune response. By targeting this mechanism, the company aims to create broad-spectrum anti-bacterial immunotherapies. Among its initiatives, Immunethep is working on neonatal vaccines designed to protect infants from bacterial infections before birth, thereby enhancing their immunity and preventing multi-bacterial infections. Through these advancements, Immunethep strives to improve patient outcomes and contribute to the field of advanced healthcare.
Visterra
Series C in 2017
Visterra, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing precision antibody-based treatments for difficult-to-treat diseases, particularly infectious diseases. Utilizing its Hierotope platform, Visterra designs monoclonal antibodies such as VIS410, aimed at treating hospitalized patients with influenza A, and VIS513 for Dengue fever. The company is also advancing VIS705, an antibody-drug conjugate for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, and VIS649, which targets Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy (IgAN). Founded in 2007 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, Visterra was previously known as Parasol Therapeutics, Inc. The company operates as a subsidiary of Otsuka America, Inc. and emphasizes innovative therapeutic solutions to address significant unmet medical needs.
Immunocore
Series B in 2017
Immunocore Limited is a biotechnology company based in Abingdon, United Kingdom, with a focus on discovering and developing novel therapeutics for cancer, viral diseases, and autoimmune conditions. The company specializes in T cell receptor (TCR) technology, which allows it to create innovative bispecific immunotherapies. Its lead product candidate, IMCgp100, is currently undergoing clinical trials for the treatment of metastatic melanoma. Immunocore's proprietary platform enables efficient manufacturing of TCR-based drugs, addressing significant unmet medical needs. Founded in 1999 and previously known as Avidex Limited, Immunocore has expanded its operations with an additional office in Conshohocken.
Arsanis
Series D in 2017
Arsanis, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Waltham, Massachusetts, specializing in monoclonal antibody (mAb) immunotherapies for serious infectious diseases. Founded in 2010, Arsanis develops mAbs targeting various bacterial and viral pathogens, including its lead program ASN100, which is focused on preventing Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia in high-risk, mechanically ventilated patients and is currently in Phase 2 clinical trials. The company's pipeline also includes ASN500, targeting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), as well as preclinical candidates ASN300 for Klebsiella pneumoniae and ASN200 for Escherichia coli. Additionally, Arsanis operates research and preclinical development efforts in Vienna, Austria, through its subsidiary, Arsanis Biosciences GmbH. The company's advanced understanding of infection pathogenesis and mAb discovery techniques underpins its efforts to tackle significant health challenges posed by infectious diseases.
Vaxess Technologies
Grant in 2017
Vaxess Technologies, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 2011. The company focuses on developing and commercializing innovative silk biomaterial technologies. Its key product, the MIMIX microneedle platform, facilitates the transdermal delivery of vaccines and therapeutics. This sustained release patch technology allows for a controlled release of vaccines, mimicking the natural infection process to enhance immune response and effectiveness. Vaxess's patch is engineered for stability, eliminating the need for refrigeration, which enables shipping and application in low-resource settings. In addition to its vaccine delivery systems, Vaxess is also engaged in creating novel therapies aimed at oncology care and infectious diseases, ultimately striving to improve patient outcomes with reduced treatment burdens.
Arsanis
Grant in 2017
Arsanis, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Waltham, Massachusetts, specializing in monoclonal antibody (mAb) immunotherapies for serious infectious diseases. Founded in 2010, Arsanis develops mAbs targeting various bacterial and viral pathogens, including its lead program ASN100, which is focused on preventing Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia in high-risk, mechanically ventilated patients and is currently in Phase 2 clinical trials. The company's pipeline also includes ASN500, targeting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), as well as preclinical candidates ASN300 for Klebsiella pneumoniae and ASN200 for Escherichia coli. Additionally, Arsanis operates research and preclinical development efforts in Vienna, Austria, through its subsidiary, Arsanis Biosciences GmbH. The company's advanced understanding of infection pathogenesis and mAb discovery techniques underpins its efforts to tackle significant health challenges posed by infectious diseases.
AbCellera
Grant in 2017
AbCellera is a biotechnology company specializing in antibody discovery and development. It uses an integrated platform combining proprietary hardware, software, tools, and advanced data science to efficiently identify and develop optimal antibodies for clinical use. The company partners with both emerging biotechs and established pharmaceutical companies, leveraging its expertise to accelerate the drug development process and improve patient outcomes.
Kymab
Grant in 2017
Kymab Limited is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, focused on discovering and developing fully human monoclonal antibody therapeutics. The company utilizes its proprietary Kymouse platform, which is part of the broader IntelliSelect® integrated platforms, to target difficult and novel drug challenges in various therapeutic areas, including immuno-oncology and immune-mediated diseases. Kymab’s technology allows for the generation of a diverse range of human antibodies, enhancing the potential for novel therapies in treating conditions such as cancer and autoimmune disorders. The company has established strategic collaborations, including partnerships with Heptares Therapeutics and LifeArc, to further its research and development efforts. Founded in 2009, Kymab Limited operates as a subsidiary of Kymab Group Limited.
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.
Intarcia Therapeutics
Series E in 2016
Intarcia Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies for chronic conditions requiring long-term treatment. The company is known for its innovative drug delivery platform, DUROS, which stabilizes and administers therapeutic proteins and peptides effectively. Among its key products is ITCA 650, currently in phase 3 clinical trials for type 2 diabetes, designed to provide patients with continuous dosing of an incretin mimetic therapy. Intarcia also explores treatments for obesity and other chronic disorders. Established in 1995 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Intarcia operates a manufacturing facility in Hayward, California, and a research and development center in Durham, North Carolina. The company was previously known as BioMedicines, Inc. before adopting its current name in 2004.
Kymab
Series C in 2016
Kymab Limited is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, focused on discovering and developing fully human monoclonal antibody therapeutics. The company utilizes its proprietary Kymouse platform, which is part of the broader IntelliSelect® integrated platforms, to target difficult and novel drug challenges in various therapeutic areas, including immuno-oncology and immune-mediated diseases. Kymab’s technology allows for the generation of a diverse range of human antibodies, enhancing the potential for novel therapies in treating conditions such as cancer and autoimmune disorders. The company has established strategic collaborations, including partnerships with Heptares Therapeutics and LifeArc, to further its research and development efforts. Founded in 2009, Kymab Limited operates as a subsidiary of Kymab Group Limited.
Batavia Biosciences
Grant in 2016
Batavia Biosciences is a biotechnology company that specializes in accelerating the development of biopharmaceutical products, including viral and bacterial vaccines, recombinant proteins, antibodies, and gene therapy products. The company offers a comprehensive range of services that encompass candidate selection, production of research materials, and both upstream and downstream process development. Additionally, Batavia Biosciences provides assay development, product characterization, and clinical manufacturing. By leveraging unique technologies such as STEP® protein expression technology and SCOUT® high throughput process technology, the company aims to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the early stages of product development. This focus allows Batavia Biosciences to help clients complete their preclinical phases more quickly while improving the likelihood of success in transitioning to clinical trials.
Hangzhou Just Biotherapeutics
Series A in 2016
Hangzhou Just Biotherapeutics, also known as Just China, is a biotechnology company founded in 2016 and based in Hangzhou, China. The company focuses on the development of antibody and recombinant protein bio-therapeutics, utilizing advanced molecular and process design techniques. As a subsidiary of MabSpace Biosciences Co., Ltd., Hangzhou Just Biotherapeutics aims to overcome scientific and technical challenges in the field of biologics. Their innovative technology enhances the development process for bio-medicine while significantly lowering manufacturing costs, thereby accelerating the availability of therapeutic solutions.
Just - Evotec Biologics
Series A in 2016
Just Evotec Biologics, founded in 2014 and acquired by Evotec in 2019, specializes in the development of biotherapeutic technologies aimed at enhancing global access to biotherapeutics. The company focuses on innovative and integrated technologies that streamline the design, development, and manufacturing processes of biologics. Its key strengths lie in antibody discovery, molecular design, and the design of manufacturing processes and facilities. By leveraging scientific expertise and machine learning-driven technologies, Just Evotec Biologics provides clients with comprehensive solutions that accelerate biotherapeutic development while significantly lowering manufacturing costs.
Takeda Ventures
Grant in 2016
Takeda Ventures, established in 2001, is the venture capital arm of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with additional offices in San Diego, California, and globally, the firm specializes in direct and fund-of-fund investments, focusing on seed to mid-stage biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. Takeda Ventures invests in therapeutics, including cardiovascular, inflammatory, metabolic, and oncological diseases, as well as regenerative medicines and novel technologies like RNA and DNA modulation. It typically invests between $0.25 million to $5 million, preferring minority stakes and board observer roles, and co-invests with other venture capital firms. Additionally, Takeda Ventures facilitates preclinical therapeutic discovery alliances and invests in digital health companies that improve patient outcomes and care delivery.
Affinivax
Series A in 2016
Affinivax, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Lexington, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative vaccines using its proprietary Multiple Antigen Presenting System (MAPS) technology. This approach allows for the combination of protective polysaccharides and proteins into a single vaccine, thereby enhancing immune responses against a variety of infectious diseases affecting both children and adults. Affinivax targets several significant pathogens, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, bacterial nosocomial infections, Salmonella typhi, and Staphylococcus aureus. The company aims to create vaccines that not only provide broader disease coverage compared to existing options but also address infectious diseases lacking effective immunization strategies. Founded in 2014, Affinivax benefits from the expertise of leading professionals in infectious diseases and vaccines, and it has received backing from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, along with an exclusive license from Boston Children’s Hospital for its MAPS technology.
Moderna
Grant in 2016
Moderna, Inc. is a biotechnology company established in 2010 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The company specializes in developing therapeutics and vaccines using messenger RNA (mRNA) technology, which provides instructions for cells to produce proteins essential for various biological functions. Moderna has a diverse pipeline, with numerous programs targeting infectious diseases, immuno-oncology, rare diseases, and cardiovascular conditions. As of September 2024, it has 40 mRNA development candidates in clinical trials across multiple therapeutic areas. The company's mRNA technology gained significant recognition with the authorization of its COVID-19 vaccine in December 2020. Moderna maintains strategic alliances with various organizations, including major pharmaceutical companies and research institutions, to enhance its research and development efforts.
Lodo Therapeutics
Series A in 2016
Lodo Therapeutics Corporation is a drug discovery and development company dedicated to creating novel therapeutics derived from natural sources. It focuses on addressing significant health challenges, particularly resistant infectious diseases and cancers, by collaborating with global pharmaceutical companies and leading non-governmental organizations. Founded to realize the scientific vision of Dr. Sean Brady from Rockefeller University, Lodo Therapeutics utilizes a genome-based, culture-independent platform to discover and characterize small molecules sourced from environmental microbial DNA. This innovative approach leverages advancements in DNA sequencing and bioinformatics to explore the untapped potential of microbial evolution, aiming to identify therapeutically valuable pharmaceutical products. Headquartered in New York City at the Alexandria Center for Life Science, Lodo Therapeutics is committed to harnessing the power of nature in the fight against undruggable targets and high unmet medical needs.
CureVac
Series F in 2015
CureVac is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Germany, established in 2000, that specializes in developing vaccines and therapies utilizing messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA). The company focuses on both prophylactic and therapeutic applications of mRNA, enabling the human body to produce proteins that combat various diseases. CureVac's innovative pipeline includes mRNA-based cancer immunotherapies, such as CV9104, which is in Phase IIb development for prostate cancer, as well as RNActive vaccines against infectious diseases and RNArt molecular therapies designed to stimulate the production of therapeutic proteins. Additionally, the company has collaborated with GSK to advance second-generation vaccines for seasonal influenza and COVID-19, alongside an avian influenza vaccine, while also exploring mRNA therapies for oncology and other conditions affecting the liver and eyes.
Novavax
Grant in 2015
Novavax Inc., established in 1987 and headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland, is a late-stage biotechnology company dedicated to discovering, developing, and commercializing vaccines to prevent serious infectious diseases worldwide. Its primary focus lies in advancing vaccine candidates through clinical trials, with notable projects including ResVax for RSV in infants via maternal immunization (Phase III), NanoFlu for seasonal influenza in older adults (Phase III), and NVX-CoV2373 for COVID-19 (preclinical). Novavax's proprietary Matrix-M adjuvant enhances immune response and enables lower antigen doses. The company collaborates globally to address urgent health needs, with Europe being its primary revenue source.
CureVac
Series E in 2015
CureVac is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Germany, established in 2000, that specializes in developing vaccines and therapies utilizing messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA). The company focuses on both prophylactic and therapeutic applications of mRNA, enabling the human body to produce proteins that combat various diseases. CureVac's innovative pipeline includes mRNA-based cancer immunotherapies, such as CV9104, which is in Phase IIb development for prostate cancer, as well as RNActive vaccines against infectious diseases and RNArt molecular therapies designed to stimulate the production of therapeutic proteins. Additionally, the company has collaborated with GSK to advance second-generation vaccines for seasonal influenza and COVID-19, alongside an avian influenza vaccine, while also exploring mRNA therapies for oncology and other conditions affecting the liver and eyes.
Hangzhou Just Biotherapeutics
Grant in 2015
Hangzhou Just Biotherapeutics, also known as Just China, is a biotechnology company founded in 2016 and based in Hangzhou, China. The company focuses on the development of antibody and recombinant protein bio-therapeutics, utilizing advanced molecular and process design techniques. As a subsidiary of MabSpace Biosciences Co., Ltd., Hangzhou Just Biotherapeutics aims to overcome scientific and technical challenges in the field of biologics. Their innovative technology enhances the development process for bio-medicine while significantly lowering manufacturing costs, thereby accelerating the availability of therapeutic solutions.
Synlogic
Series A in 2014
Synlogic, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializing in the development of synthetic biotic medicines aimed at treating metabolic, inflammatory, and cancer-related diseases. The company’s lead therapeutic program, SYNB1618, is currently undergoing Phase I/IIa clinical trials for the treatment of phenylketonuria, a rare genetic metabolic disorder. Additionally, Synlogic is advancing SYNB1891, an intratumoral synthetic biotic medicine in Phase I clinical trials targeting solid tumors and lymphoma. The company employs a proprietary approach that utilizes engineered probiotics, specifically Escherichia coli Nissle 1917, to create GI-restricted oral therapies that are non-colonizing and reversible, facilitating easier administration and storage. Synlogic is also exploring treatments for other conditions, including secondary hyperoxaluria, inflammatory bowel disease, and various metabolic disorders, and has established a collaboration with Ginkgo Bioworks to further its development efforts.
Genocea Biosciences
Grant in 2014
Genocea Biosciences is a biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on the discovery and development of innovative cancer immunotherapies and vaccines. Utilizing its proprietary ATLAS platform, the company profiles patients' CD4+ and CD8+ T cell immune responses to identify potential antigens in tumors. Genocea is advancing several immuno-oncology programs, including GEN-009, an adjuvanted neoantigen peptide vaccine currently in phase I/IIa clinical trials, and GEN-011, a neoantigen adoptive T cell therapy. Additionally, the company has developed GEN-003, an immunotherapy aimed at treating genital herpes, and is working on personalized cancer vaccines through its pre-clinical immuno-oncology program. Established in 2006, Genocea aims to address significant unmet medical needs with its targeted therapeutic approaches.
Kymab
Series B in 2014
Kymab Limited is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, focused on discovering and developing fully human monoclonal antibody therapeutics. The company utilizes its proprietary Kymouse platform, which is part of the broader IntelliSelect® integrated platforms, to target difficult and novel drug challenges in various therapeutic areas, including immuno-oncology and immune-mediated diseases. Kymab’s technology allows for the generation of a diverse range of human antibodies, enhancing the potential for novel therapies in treating conditions such as cancer and autoimmune disorders. The company has established strategic collaborations, including partnerships with Heptares Therapeutics and LifeArc, to further its research and development efforts. Founded in 2009, Kymab Limited operates as a subsidiary of Kymab Group Limited.
Visterra
Series A in 2013
Visterra, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing precision antibody-based treatments for difficult-to-treat diseases, particularly infectious diseases. Utilizing its Hierotope platform, Visterra designs monoclonal antibodies such as VIS410, aimed at treating hospitalized patients with influenza A, and VIS513 for Dengue fever. The company is also advancing VIS705, an antibody-drug conjugate for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, and VIS649, which targets Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy (IgAN). Founded in 2007 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, Visterra was previously known as Parasol Therapeutics, Inc. The company operates as a subsidiary of Otsuka America, Inc. and emphasizes innovative therapeutic solutions to address significant unmet medical needs.
TetraGenetics
Grant in 2013
TetraGenetics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutic proteins and vaccines for the biopharmaceutical industry. Established in 2004 and based in Arlington, Massachusetts, the company utilizes its proprietary TetraExpress system to produce recombinant human ion channel proteins and other complex biologics. TetraGenetics specializes in the production of eukaryotic membrane and secretory proteins, which are often difficult to express using conventional systems. Among its products is IchVax, a recombinant subunit vaccine aimed at preventing white-spot disease in freshwater fish. The company is also engaged in a strategic research and development collaboration with Imbrium Therapeutics L.P., aiming to address autoimmune diseases and provide solutions for ion channel-related conditions. TetraGenetics' technology enables rapid production of properly folded, functional transmembrane proteins, positioning the company as a valuable player in the development of novel therapeutics and vaccines for both human and animal health.
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