Eshelman Ventures

Jupiter Bioventures is a venture builder firm dedicated to supporting early-stage therapeutic projects. The company aims to de-risk these initiatives by carefully evaluating opportunities against specific investment criteria. By providing small amounts of seed capital, Jupiter Bioventures enables founders to cultivate their projects and advance their development. Through its focused approach, the firm plays a crucial role in fostering innovation in the therapeutic sector.

Aravive Biologics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Houston, Texas, founded in 2008. The company specializes in developing novel cancer therapeutics aimed at treating various types of malignancies, including solid tumors and hematologic cancers. Aravive's approach involves targeting critical survival pathways, with a key therapeutic candidate designed to act as a decoy that binds to the GAS6 pathway with high affinity, thereby preventing the activation of the AXL signaling pathway. This strategy is intended to inhibit cancer cell growth and survival.

Sapience Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company dedicated to the discovery and development of peptide-based therapeutics aimed at treating high mortality cancers. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Harrison, New York, the company focuses on advancing innovative treatments for major unmet medical needs, particularly glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most aggressive form of brain cancer. Its lead product, ST101, functions as an inhibitor of C/EBPß, a transcription factor that is often overexpressed in various cancers and plays a role in cellular differentiation, tumor survival, and proliferation. ST101 targets and reduces the expression of several genes and proteins linked to cancer cell survival and growth, inducing selective cytotoxicity across multiple tumor types, including breast cancer, melanoma, prostate cancer, GBM, lung cancer, and acute myeloid leukemia. Through its research, Sapience Therapeutics aims to translate scientific advancements into effective therapies that address oncogenic and immune dysregulation in cancer.

Incyclix Bio is a biotechnology company based in Durham, North Carolina, focused on the development of small molecule inhibitors targeting cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) for the treatment of advanced and resistant cancers. Founded in 2020 by a team including Patrick Roberts, Jay Strum, John Bisi, and Fred Eshelman, the company aims to provide potent and selective inhibition of challenging CDK targets. This approach enables pharmaceutical companies and medical practitioners to access innovative therapeutic options, thereby enhancing treatment opportunities for cancer patients facing difficult cases. Through its research and development efforts, Incyclix Bio seeks to contribute to the advancement of cancer treatment solutions.

Aravive Biologics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Houston, Texas, founded in 2008. The company specializes in developing novel cancer therapeutics aimed at treating various types of malignancies, including solid tumors and hematologic cancers. Aravive's approach involves targeting critical survival pathways, with a key therapeutic candidate designed to act as a decoy that binds to the GAS6 pathway with high affinity, thereby preventing the activation of the AXL signaling pathway. This strategy is intended to inhibit cancer cell growth and survival.

Incyclix Bio is a biotechnology company based in Durham, North Carolina, focused on the development of small molecule inhibitors targeting cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) for the treatment of advanced and resistant cancers. Founded in 2020 by a team including Patrick Roberts, Jay Strum, John Bisi, and Fred Eshelman, the company aims to provide potent and selective inhibition of challenging CDK targets. This approach enables pharmaceutical companies and medical practitioners to access innovative therapeutic options, thereby enhancing treatment opportunities for cancer patients facing difficult cases. Through its research and development efforts, Incyclix Bio seeks to contribute to the advancement of cancer treatment solutions.

Liquidia Technologies is a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company based in the United States, dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative therapeutics. Utilizing its proprietary PRINT technology, a particle engineering platform, Liquidia produces uniform drug particles aimed at enhancing the safety and efficacy of various therapies. The company is advancing two key product candidates: LIQ861, intended for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension, and LIQ865, designed for managing local post-operative pain. Additionally, Liquidia collaborates with leading pharmaceutical firms to leverage its PRINT technology across multiple therapeutic areas, molecule types, and administration routes, addressing unmet patient needs, particularly in the realm of pulmonary hypertension.

Kinnate Biopharma Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in San Diego, California, focused on developing small molecule kinase inhibitors for the treatment of genomically defined cancers. Founded in 2018, the company aims to create precision oncology therapeutics to address the needs of underserved patient populations. Kinnate's lead product candidate, KIN002787, is a rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma inhibitor currently in preclinical development for lung cancer, melanoma, and other solid tumors. Additionally, the company is working on KIN003, which targets specific alterations in the FGFR2 and FGFR3 genes, and has other small molecule research programs, including a Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 12 inhibitor. Kinnate Biopharma employs expertise in structure-based drug discovery and translational research to advance its pipeline of candidates aimed at treating cancers associated with specific oncogenic alterations.

ArunA Biomedical, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on human stem cell research for drug discovery and basic research. Based in Athens, Georgia, it develops proprietary exosomes aimed at treating central nervous system injuries and neurodegenerative disorders. The company provides a range of neuroscience products, including STEMEZ hNP1 neural progenitor cell expansion kits and STEMEZ hN2 normal human neurons for various research applications such as neurotoxicity, neurogenesis, and drug discovery. Additionally, ArunA Biomedical offers the viPS Vector Kit for reprogramming somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells and human stem cell systems for cellular model studies and genetic manipulation. The company also delivers drug discovery and development services, along with testing and assay services, primarily serving pharmaceutical companies and academic researchers focused on brain and spinal cord research. Founded in 2003, ArunA Biomedical continues to leverage its expertise in stem cell technology to advance neuroscience research.

Kinnate Biopharma Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in San Diego, California, focused on developing small molecule kinase inhibitors for the treatment of genomically defined cancers. Founded in 2018, the company aims to create precision oncology therapeutics to address the needs of underserved patient populations. Kinnate's lead product candidate, KIN002787, is a rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma inhibitor currently in preclinical development for lung cancer, melanoma, and other solid tumors. Additionally, the company is working on KIN003, which targets specific alterations in the FGFR2 and FGFR3 genes, and has other small molecule research programs, including a Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 12 inhibitor. Kinnate Biopharma employs expertise in structure-based drug discovery and translational research to advance its pipeline of candidates aimed at treating cancers associated with specific oncogenic alterations.

Sapience Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company dedicated to the discovery and development of peptide-based therapeutics aimed at treating high mortality cancers. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Harrison, New York, the company focuses on advancing innovative treatments for major unmet medical needs, particularly glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most aggressive form of brain cancer. Its lead product, ST101, functions as an inhibitor of C/EBPß, a transcription factor that is often overexpressed in various cancers and plays a role in cellular differentiation, tumor survival, and proliferation. ST101 targets and reduces the expression of several genes and proteins linked to cancer cell survival and growth, inducing selective cytotoxicity across multiple tumor types, including breast cancer, melanoma, prostate cancer, GBM, lung cancer, and acute myeloid leukemia. Through its research, Sapience Therapeutics aims to translate scientific advancements into effective therapies that address oncogenic and immune dysregulation in cancer.

G1 Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative small molecule therapeutics for cancer treatment. The company is advancing several key drug candidates, including trilaciclib, an intravenous cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) 4/6 inhibitor currently in Phase 1b/2 trials for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and Phase 2 trials for first-line SCLC and metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. Additionally, G1 Therapeutics is developing lerociclib, an oral CDK4/6 inhibitor in Phase 1b/2a trials for breast cancer and Phase 1b trials for non-small cell lung cancer, as well as rintodestrant, an oral selective estrogen receptor degrader in Phase I/2 trials. The company partners with Quantum Leap Healthcare Collaborative to explore trilaciclib for neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced breast cancer. Founded in 2008 and based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, G1 Therapeutics aims to address unmet needs in oncology through its novel therapeutic approaches.

Carbon, Inc. is a technology company based in Redwood City, California, that specializes in advanced digital manufacturing solutions. Founded in 2013, Carbon designs and manufactures a range of products, including its proprietary Digital Light Synthesis technology, which utilizes digital light projection and programmable liquid resins to create high-quality parts with superior mechanical properties and surface finishes. The company also offers SpeedCell, a connected manufacturing system that facilitates the consistent production of end-use parts at scale, along with automated solutions like the Smart Part Washer. Carbon provides various materials, such as rigid and flexible polyurethanes, cyanate esters, and epoxies, serving diverse industries including automotive, consumer products, dental, industrial, and life sciences. By leveraging its Continuous Liquid Interface Production Technology, Carbon enables manufacturers to pursue innovative business models, including mass customization and on-demand inventory, while reducing tooling costs and accelerating time to market.

Cellective BioTherapy is a biotechnology company that focuses on developing innovative cellular and monoclonal antibody-based platforms aimed at treating various medical conditions, including cancer, autoimmunity, and immunodeficiency. The company specializes in B cell-based cellular therapies that enhance or inhibit immune responses, enabling the expansion of human B cells for autologous immunotherapy. This approach allows physicians to treat patients effectively while preserving essential immune cells and their protective functions. Cellective BioTherapy's research extends to potential treatments for cancers, diabetes, asthma, as well as congenital and acquired immunodeficiency, alongside vaccine development initiatives.

Innocrin Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a pharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing oral inhibitors specifically for the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). The company targets CYP17 lyase, an enzyme that plays a critical role in the treatment of CRPC and other hormonally-driven conditions, including breast cancer, endometriosis, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Innocrin's lead product in development is VT-464, a dual mechanism lyase-selective CYP17 inhibitor and androgen receptor antagonist. This innovative therapy aims to disrupt the biochemical pathways essential for prostate cancer growth, particularly targeting androgen biosynthesis and androgen receptor transcriptional signaling. Founded in 2004 and based in Durham, North Carolina, Innocrin Pharmaceuticals operates independently as of 2014.

G1 Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative small molecule therapeutics for cancer treatment. The company is advancing several key drug candidates, including trilaciclib, an intravenous cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) 4/6 inhibitor currently in Phase 1b/2 trials for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and Phase 2 trials for first-line SCLC and metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. Additionally, G1 Therapeutics is developing lerociclib, an oral CDK4/6 inhibitor in Phase 1b/2a trials for breast cancer and Phase 1b trials for non-small cell lung cancer, as well as rintodestrant, an oral selective estrogen receptor degrader in Phase I/2 trials. The company partners with Quantum Leap Healthcare Collaborative to explore trilaciclib for neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced breast cancer. Founded in 2008 and based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, G1 Therapeutics aims to address unmet needs in oncology through its novel therapeutic approaches.

Dignify Therapeutics LLC is a drug development company based in Durham, North Carolina, that focuses on creating innovative pharmaceutical agents aimed at restoring voluntary control of bladder and bowel functions in patients with spinal cord injuries, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological conditions. Founded in 2013, the company combines novel drug therapies with advanced drug delivery technologies to enhance the quality of life for individuals affected by these disorders. By targeting the specific needs of this patient population, Dignify Therapeutics aims to redefine treatment options and provide effective solutions that enable patients to regain dignity in their excretory functions.

Paradigm Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development of therapies for rare diseases. It employs a unique approach that combines model genetics and bioinformatics to identify and validate drug targets. The company's services include target identification and validation using gene knockout technology and in vivo pharmacology. Its drug discovery pipeline focuses on late-stage pre-clinical projects in areas such as pain, central nervous system disorders, hormone-dependent diseases like prostate and breast cancer, and metabolic diseases including diabetes, hyperlipidemias, obesity, and osteoporosis.