Chiesi Ventures

Glycomine, Inc. is a biotech company focused on developing nanomedicines for rare genetic disorders, particularly those related to protein and lipid glycosylation, which can severely impact patients' health. Established in 2014 and located in San Carlos, California, Glycomine aims to address the significant unmet medical need for effective treatments in the realm of rare diseases, where approximately 95% lack any FDA-approved therapies. The company specializes in creating replacement therapies that utilize a combination of substrates, enzymes, and proteins, delivered through bio-nano materials that target specific cells within clinically relevant organs. By innovating in this area, Glycomine seeks to provide new therapeutic options for patients suffering from disorders of metabolism and protein misfolding.

Glycomine, Inc. is a biotech company focused on developing nanomedicines for rare genetic disorders, particularly those related to protein and lipid glycosylation, which can severely impact patients' health. Established in 2014 and located in San Carlos, California, Glycomine aims to address the significant unmet medical need for effective treatments in the realm of rare diseases, where approximately 95% lack any FDA-approved therapies. The company specializes in creating replacement therapies that utilize a combination of substrates, enzymes, and proteins, delivered through bio-nano materials that target specific cells within clinically relevant organs. By innovating in this area, Glycomine seeks to provide new therapeutic options for patients suffering from disorders of metabolism and protein misfolding.

Aura Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on developing therapies to target and destroy cancer cells using viral nanoparticle conjugates. The company’s lead product, AU-011, utilizes viral nanoparticles modeled on the human papillomavirus, conjugated with infrared-activated small molecules, specifically for the treatment of ocular melanoma, a primary eye cancer. By employing nanotechnology, Aura aims to safely eliminate cancer locally, particularly in early-stage cases, to prevent progression to more severe forms of the disease, such as metastasis to the liver. Additionally, the company is advancing its bel-sar candidate for treating primary choroidal melanoma and exploring applications in bladder cancer. Founded in 2007, Aura Biosciences is committed to developing precision immunotherapies that preserve the function of organs affected by cancer.

Reneo Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company based in San Diego, California, that focuses on developing therapies for patients with rare genetic mitochondrial diseases. These conditions are linked to defects in energy metabolism, leading to issues such as muscle weakness and wasting. The company is developing REN001, an oral drug designed to modulate genes involved in mitochondrial function, aiming to enhance adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, which is essential for cellular energy. By improving mitochondrial activity, Reneo seeks to enhance the daily functioning and quality of life for patients suffering from these disorders. Founded in 2014, Reneo Pharmaceuticals is committed to addressing the needs of individuals with orphan metabolic diseases.

Glycomine, Inc. is a biotech company focused on developing nanomedicines for rare genetic disorders, particularly those related to protein and lipid glycosylation, which can severely impact patients' health. Established in 2014 and located in San Carlos, California, Glycomine aims to address the significant unmet medical need for effective treatments in the realm of rare diseases, where approximately 95% lack any FDA-approved therapies. The company specializes in creating replacement therapies that utilize a combination of substrates, enzymes, and proteins, delivered through bio-nano materials that target specific cells within clinically relevant organs. By innovating in this area, Glycomine seeks to provide new therapeutic options for patients suffering from disorders of metabolism and protein misfolding.

Mirum Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and commercializing therapies for serious liver diseases. Founded in 2018 and based in Foster City, California, the company focuses on addressing rare and orphan diseases. Its lead product candidate, maralixibat, is an investigational oral drug currently in Phase 3 clinical trials for treating progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC), Alagille syndrome (ALGS), and biliary atresia. Additionally, Mirum is developing volixibat, aimed at treating intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and primary sclerosing cholangitis. The company’s commitment to innovative therapies positions it as a key player in the biopharmaceutical landscape dedicated to improving the lives of patients with debilitating liver conditions.

CuraSen Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. The company specializes in small molecule drugs that target a novel mechanism in the brain, aiming to restore function, improve symptoms, and modify the progression of conditions such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and less common orphan neurodegenerative disorders. Founded in 2016, CuraSen Therapeutics is headquartered in Los Altos, California.

VelosBio, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in San Diego, California, focused on developing innovative antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) to treat various forms of cancer, including hematological cancers and solid tumors. The company's primary area of research centers on targeting receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 1 (ROR1), a cell-surface protein found in numerous tumors but absent in normal tissues, which makes it a promising target for cancer therapy. VelosBio's lead product, VLS-101, is a ROR1-directed ADC that has shown positive preclinical results and aims to provide new treatment options for patients. Founded in 2017, VelosBio operates under the umbrella of Merck & Co., Inc. as of December 2020, focusing on developing targeted therapies that can be administered alone or in combination with other treatments across a wide range of cancer types.

Minoryx Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in Mataro, Spain, founded in 2011. The company specializes in discovering and developing innovative treatments for life-threatening rare diseases, with a particular focus on pediatric neurometabolic conditions of genetic origin. Minoryx is known for its development of pharmacological chaperones, a new generation of small molecule drugs designed to restore protein functionality, thereby addressing unmet medical needs in genetic diseases that severely affect the central nervous system. Additionally, Minoryx engages in repositioning-based projects to explore alternative therapeutic options for these challenging conditions.

4D Molecular Therapeutics is a clinical-stage gene therapy company based in Emeryville, California, that specializes in developing innovative gene therapy products to address unmet medical needs. The company utilizes targeted and evolved adeno-associated virus vectors to create a diverse portfolio of product candidates focused on ophthalmology, cardiology, and pulmonology. Among its key projects are 4D-125, currently in a Phase I/II clinical trial for X-linked retinitis pigmentosa; 4D-110, in a Phase I clinical trial for choroideremia; and 4D-310, also in a Phase I/II trial for Fabry disease. Additionally, 4D Molecular Therapeutics is advancing investigational new drug candidates such as 4D-150 for wet age-related macular degeneration and 4D-710 for cystic fibrosis lung disease. Founded in 2013, the company is dedicated to transforming the treatment landscape in these therapeutic areas.

Aura Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on developing therapies to target and destroy cancer cells using viral nanoparticle conjugates. The company’s lead product, AU-011, utilizes viral nanoparticles modeled on the human papillomavirus, conjugated with infrared-activated small molecules, specifically for the treatment of ocular melanoma, a primary eye cancer. By employing nanotechnology, Aura aims to safely eliminate cancer locally, particularly in early-stage cases, to prevent progression to more severe forms of the disease, such as metastasis to the liver. Additionally, the company is advancing its bel-sar candidate for treating primary choroidal melanoma and exploring applications in bladder cancer. Founded in 2007, Aura Biosciences is committed to developing precision immunotherapies that preserve the function of organs affected by cancer.

Kezar Life Sciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in the discovery and development of small molecule therapeutics aimed at addressing unmet medical needs in autoimmunity and cancer. The company's lead candidate, KZR-616, is a selective immunoproteasome inhibitor currently undergoing Phase 2 clinical trials for various autoimmune conditions, including lupus nephritis and autoimmune hemolytic anemia, as well as Phase 1b/2 trials in systemic lupus erythematosus. In addition to KZR-616, the company is developing KZR-TBD, which targets both oncology and autoimmune disorders. Founded in 2015 and based in South San Francisco, California, Kezar Life Sciences leverages insights from protein homeostasis to advance its drug discovery efforts.

Sentien Biotechnologies, Inc. is a clinical-stage company focused on developing innovative cell therapies aimed at restoring immune system balance and enhancing treatment options for patients with systemic inflammatory diseases. Founded in 2008, the company is headquartered in Medford, Massachusetts. Its flagship product, SBI-101, utilizes a novel blood conditioning approach that immobilizes Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs) in an extracorporeal device, allowing for sustained and controlled release of anti-inflammatory and regenerative molecules. This method significantly enhances the therapeutic activity of MSCs compared to traditional delivery methods like direct injection or intravenous infusion. Sentien Biotechnologies also offers the Sentinel device, which supplements patient blood with MSC-derived secretions during dialysis, addressing immune dysfunction in acute renal failure and promoting tissue repair.

Sentieon, Inc. is a biotechnology company founded in 2014 and headquartered in Mountain View, California, specializing in cloud-based bioinformatics solutions for the life sciences and clinical markets. The company develops a suite of bioinformatics tools designed for the efficient processing of genomics data, focusing on high accuracy and computational efficiency. Key products include Sentieon DNAseq, which facilitates germline DNA analysis, and Sentieon TNseq, used for detecting somatic variants in tumor-normal samples. Sentieon's software solutions are characterized by their scalability, deployability, and upgradability, allowing them to adapt to various user needs. The company's advanced algorithms and robust software implementation ensure rapid turnaround times and consistent results, benefiting scientists, clinicians, and patients by enhancing precision in genomic data analysis.

Glycomine, Inc. is a biotech company focused on developing nanomedicines for rare genetic disorders, particularly those related to protein and lipid glycosylation, which can severely impact patients' health. Established in 2014 and located in San Carlos, California, Glycomine aims to address the significant unmet medical need for effective treatments in the realm of rare diseases, where approximately 95% lack any FDA-approved therapies. The company specializes in creating replacement therapies that utilize a combination of substrates, enzymes, and proteins, delivered through bio-nano materials that target specific cells within clinically relevant organs. By innovating in this area, Glycomine seeks to provide new therapeutic options for patients suffering from disorders of metabolism and protein misfolding.

Minoryx Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in Mataro, Spain, founded in 2011. The company specializes in discovering and developing innovative treatments for life-threatening rare diseases, with a particular focus on pediatric neurometabolic conditions of genetic origin. Minoryx is known for its development of pharmacological chaperones, a new generation of small molecule drugs designed to restore protein functionality, thereby addressing unmet medical needs in genetic diseases that severely affect the central nervous system. Additionally, Minoryx engages in repositioning-based projects to explore alternative therapeutic options for these challenging conditions.

Aura Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on developing therapies to target and destroy cancer cells using viral nanoparticle conjugates. The company’s lead product, AU-011, utilizes viral nanoparticles modeled on the human papillomavirus, conjugated with infrared-activated small molecules, specifically for the treatment of ocular melanoma, a primary eye cancer. By employing nanotechnology, Aura aims to safely eliminate cancer locally, particularly in early-stage cases, to prevent progression to more severe forms of the disease, such as metastasis to the liver. Additionally, the company is advancing its bel-sar candidate for treating primary choroidal melanoma and exploring applications in bladder cancer. Founded in 2007, Aura Biosciences is committed to developing precision immunotherapies that preserve the function of organs affected by cancer.