Eshelman Ventures

Jupiter Bioventures is a venture builder company dedicated to de-risking early-stage therapeutic projects. It operates by evaluating opportunities through a specific set of investment criteria and providing initial seed capital to founders. This approach enables the growth of innovative projects in the biotechnology sector, supporting entrepreneurs as they navigate the challenges of early development. By focusing on early-stage initiatives, Jupiter Bioventures aims to foster advancements in therapeutic solutions while minimizing the inherent risks associated with new ventures.

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 focused on discovering and developing peptide-based therapeutics aimed at addressing high mortality cancers. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Harrison, New York, the company is advancing novel therapies to meet significant unmet medical needs. Its lead product, ST101, is an inhibitor of the transcription factor C/EBPß, which is overexpressed in various cancers and plays a critical role in cellular differentiation, tumor survival, and proliferation. ST101 reduces the expression of several target genes and proteins associated with cancer cell survival and growth, inducing selective cytotoxicity in tumor types such as breast cancer, melanoma, prostate cancer, glioblastoma multiforme, lung cancer, and acute myeloid leukemia. The company aims to develop first-in-class treatments for deadly conditions, with a particular focus on glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain cancer.

Incyclix Bio is a biotechnology company based in Durham, North Carolina, focused on developing small molecule inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) for the treatment of advanced and resistant cancers. Founded in 2020 by Patrick Roberts, Jay Strum, John Bisi, and Fred Eshelman, the company aims to provide potent and selective inhibition of challenging CDK targets. Incyclix Bio's innovative approach seeks to equip pharmaceutical companies and medical practitioners with novel therapeutic options, enhancing the treatment landscape for cancer patients.

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 developing small molecule inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) for the treatment of advanced and resistant cancers. Founded in 2020 by Patrick Roberts, Jay Strum, John Bisi, and Fred Eshelman, the company aims to provide potent and selective inhibition of challenging CDK targets. Incyclix Bio's innovative approach seeks to equip pharmaceutical companies and medical practitioners with novel therapeutic options, enhancing the treatment landscape for cancer patients.

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 dedicated to the discovery and development of small molecule kinase inhibitors aimed at treating genomically defined cancers. Established in 2018 and headquartered in San Diego, California, the company focuses on precision oncology therapeutics, leveraging its expertise in structure-based drug discovery and translational research. 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 advancing other preclinical candidates, including KIN003, which targets cancer-associated alterations in FGFR2 and FGFR3 genes, and a Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 12 inhibitor in the KIN004 program. Kinnate Biopharma is committed to developing targeted therapeutics for underserved patient populations, aiming to expand the reach of precision medicine in cancer treatment.

ArunA Biomedical, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on advancing human stem cell research to facilitate drug discovery and basic research. Founded in 2003 and based in Athens, Georgia, the company develops proprietary exosomes aimed at treating central nervous system injuries and neurodegenerative disorders. ArunA Biomedical offers a range of neuroscience products, including neural progenitor cell expansion kits and normal human neurons, which are utilized in diverse research applications such as neurotoxicity studies, drug discovery, and electrophysiology. Additionally, the company provides tools for reprogramming somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells and offers human stem cell systems for various applications, including cellular model studies and high-content screening. The firm also delivers drug discovery and development services, as well as testing and assay services, catering to the needs of pharmaceutical companies and academic researchers focused on brain and spinal cord research.

Kinnate Biopharma Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery and development of small molecule kinase inhibitors aimed at treating genomically defined cancers. Established in 2018 and headquartered in San Diego, California, the company focuses on precision oncology therapeutics, leveraging its expertise in structure-based drug discovery and translational research. 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 advancing other preclinical candidates, including KIN003, which targets cancer-associated alterations in FGFR2 and FGFR3 genes, and a Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 12 inhibitor in the KIN004 program. Kinnate Biopharma is committed to developing targeted therapeutics for underserved patient populations, aiming to expand the reach of precision medicine in cancer treatment.

Sapience Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing peptide-based therapeutics aimed at addressing high mortality cancers. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Harrison, New York, the company is advancing novel therapies to meet significant unmet medical needs. Its lead product, ST101, is an inhibitor of the transcription factor C/EBPß, which is overexpressed in various cancers and plays a critical role in cellular differentiation, tumor survival, and proliferation. ST101 reduces the expression of several target genes and proteins associated with cancer cell survival and growth, inducing selective cytotoxicity in tumor types such as breast cancer, melanoma, prostate cancer, glioblastoma multiforme, lung cancer, and acute myeloid leukemia. The company aims to develop first-in-class treatments for deadly conditions, with a particular focus on glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain cancer.

G1 Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of 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 clinical trials for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer and Phase 2 trials for first-line small cell lung cancer and metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. Additionally, G1 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 collaborates with Quantum Leap Healthcare Collaborative to explore trilaciclib's potential in neoadjuvant treatment for locally advanced breast cancer. Founded in 2008, G1 Therapeutics aims to address unmet medical needs in oncology by enhancing the effectiveness of existing cancer therapies.

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 focused on developing innovative cellular and monoclonal antibody-based platforms aimed at treating cancer, autoimmune diseases, and immunodeficiency disorders. The company specializes in the research and development of B cell-based cellular therapies, which are designed to modulate immune responses effectively. Cellective BioTherapy's platform enables the expansion of human B cells for autologous cellular immunotherapy, allowing for treatment options that preserve essential cells and their protective functions. The company's research efforts extend to various conditions, including cancers, diabetes, asthma, and both congenital and acquired immunodeficiencies, as well as vaccine development.

Innocrin Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a pharmaceutical company based in Durham, North Carolina, focused on the discovery and development of oral inhibitors targeting CYP17 lyase for the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and other hormonally-driven conditions, including breast cancer, endometriosis, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. The company's lead product in development, VT-464, is a dual mechanism inhibitor that selectively targets CYP17 and acts as an androgen receptor antagonist. This compound aims to disrupt the critical biochemical pathways involved in prostate cancer growth, specifically those related to androgen biosynthesis and androgen receptor transcriptional signaling. Founded in 2004, Innocrin operates independently and is dedicated to advancing innovative therapies for patients with hormone-dependent cancers.

G1 Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of 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 clinical trials for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer and Phase 2 trials for first-line small cell lung cancer and metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. Additionally, G1 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 collaborates with Quantum Leap Healthcare Collaborative to explore trilaciclib's potential in neoadjuvant treatment for locally advanced breast cancer. Founded in 2008, G1 Therapeutics aims to address unmet medical needs in oncology by enhancing the effectiveness of existing cancer therapies.

Dignify Therapeutics LLC is a drug development company based in Durham, North Carolina, specializing in creating pharmaceutical agents aimed at restoring voluntary control of bladder and bowel functions for individuals affected by neurological conditions such as spinal cord injury, spina bifida, and multiple sclerosis. Founded in 2013, the company focuses on delivering innovative drug therapies that combine novel pharmaceutical agents with advanced drug delivery technologies. By redefining treatment approaches for bladder and bowel disorders, Dignify Therapeutics aims to enhance the quality of life for patients, enabling them to regain dignity and control over 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.