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, based in Houston, Texas, is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to developing innovative cancer therapeutics. The company specializes in targeting critical survival pathways involved in both solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. Its lead therapeutic candidate works as a decoy to effectively bind the GAS6 pathway, thereby preventing the activation of the AXL signaling pathway, which is often implicated in cancer progression. Founded in 2008 and initially known as Ruga Corporation, the company rebranded as Aravive Biologics in November 2016.

Sapience Therapeutics is a preclinical-stage biotechnology company focused on advancing novel therapeutics for major unmet medical needs, particularly high mortality cancers. Our drug development program involves translating science into novel therapies, and our initial goal is to develop a first-in-class treatment for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), which is the most severe and deadly form of brain cancer. The company was founded in 2015 by Barry Kappel and is based in Scarsdale, New York, United States.

Incyclix Bio develops small molecule inhibitors of CDKs for the treatment of advanced and resistant cancers. Founded by Patrick Roberts, Jay Strum, John Bisi, and Fred Eshelman in 2020 and is headquartered in Durham, North Carolina.

Aravive Biologics, based in Houston, Texas, is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to developing innovative cancer therapeutics. The company specializes in targeting critical survival pathways involved in both solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. Its lead therapeutic candidate works as a decoy to effectively bind the GAS6 pathway, thereby preventing the activation of the AXL signaling pathway, which is often implicated in cancer progression. Founded in 2008 and initially known as Ruga Corporation, the company rebranded as Aravive Biologics in November 2016.

Incyclix Bio develops small molecule inhibitors of CDKs for the treatment of advanced and resistant cancers. Founded by Patrick Roberts, Jay Strum, John Bisi, and Fred Eshelman in 2020 and is headquartered in Durham, North Carolina.

Liquidia Technologies is a clinical biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and commercializing therapeutics that address unmet patient needs, primarily through its proprietary PRINT technology. This particle engineering platform allows for the precise production of uniform drug particles, enhancing the safety and efficacy of various treatments. The company is currently advancing two key product candidates: LIQ861, aimed at treating pulmonary arterial hypertension, and LIQ865, designed for managing local post-operative pain. In addition to its internal pipeline, Liquidia collaborates with leading pharmaceutical companies to leverage its PRINT technology across diverse therapeutic areas and drug types. One of its marketed products is YUTREPIA, an inhalation powder for treating pulmonary arterial 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 is a preclinical-stage biotechnology company focused on advancing novel therapeutics for major unmet medical needs, particularly high mortality cancers. Our drug development program involves translating science into novel therapies, and our initial goal is to develop a first-in-class treatment for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), which is the most severe and deadly form of brain cancer. The company was founded in 2015 by Barry Kappel and is based in Scarsdale, New York, United States.

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. designs and manufactures advanced printing solutions that enhance product performance and accelerate market delivery. The company utilizes its proprietary Digital Light Synthesis technology, which combines digital light projection, oxygen-permeable optics, and programmable liquid resins to create parts with superior mechanical properties and surface finishes. Its SpeedCell system integrates various manufacturing processes for consistent production of end-use parts across different scales. Carbon's offerings include a range of printers and the automated Smart Part Washer, enabling streamlined workflows for industries such as automotive, consumer products, dental, industrial, and life sciences. Additionally, Carbon produces various polyurethane materials, including rigid and flexible options, as well as other advanced resins. Founded in 2013 and based in Redwood City, California, Carbon supports its clients with consulting services, helping them leverage its technologies for mass customization, on-demand inventory, and innovative product development.

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 discovers and develops novel oral inhibitors of CYP17 lyase, a validated enzyme target for the treatment of prostate cancer. The company offers CYP17 lyase, a validated enzyme target for the treatment of CRPC and other hormonally-driven conditions, such as breast cancer, endometriosis, or congenital adrenal hyperlplasia. Its product under pipeline is VT-464, a dual mechanism lyase-selective CYP17 inhibitor and androgen receptor (AR) antagonist that disrupts the validated biochemical pathways required for prostate cancer growth–androgen biosynthesis and AR transcriptional signaling.

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.