Neurona Therapeutics
Venture Round in 2025
Neurona Therapeutics Inc. is a pre-clinical biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing cell-based therapies for neurological disorders. Founded by a team of neuroscientists and stem cell experts from the University of California, San Francisco, Neurona aims to create therapeutic compositions of specific types of neurons for targeted delivery into the injured nervous system. The company is dedicated to addressing chronic neurological diseases through regenerative neural cell therapies, which hold the potential for single-dose curative treatments. Drawing on nearly two decades of research, Neurona believes that certain subpopulations of neurons can effectively integrate and repair dysfunctional neural circuits, thus offering new hope for patients facing significant unmet medical needs.
Surrozen, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing targeted regenerative antibodies to enhance tissue and organ repair in response to serious diseases. Founded in 2015, the company specializes in modulating the Wnt pathway, a crucial mediator of tissue regeneration, through its innovative antibody platforms that target specific organs and tissues. Notable programs include SZN-043, designed to stimulate liver regeneration in both acute and chronic liver diseases, and SZN-1326, aimed at repairing damaged epithelial tissue in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Surrozen's approach extends to multiple organ systems, with potential applications in the intestine, liver, retina, cornea, lung, kidney, cochlea, skin, pancreas, and central nervous system.
Eikon Therapeutics
Series D in 2025
Eikon Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Hayward, California, focused on developing innovative treatments for chronic and life-threatening diseases. Established in 2019, the company employs advanced super-resolution microscopy and live-cell imaging techniques to discover drugs targeting previously intractable proteins. By directly measuring the interactions of chemical compounds with individual proteins within a live cellular environment, Eikon Therapeutics enhances the understanding of biological processes and supports the development of targeted therapies. The integration of biology, engineering, and chemistry in its proprietary platforms allows Eikon Therapeutics to streamline the drug discovery process, advance clinical programs, and expand its pipeline of potential medications.
A2 Biotherapeutics
Series C in 2025
A2 Biotherapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing innovative cell therapies for tumor cancer treatment. Based in Agoura Hills, California, the company utilizes its proprietary Tmodâ„¢ platform to create T cell therapies that accurately differentiate between solid tumors and normal cells. This platform allows for the identification and engineering of binders derived from antibodies or T cell receptors, optimizing precision in targeting cancer cells. A2 Biotherapeutics specifically addresses various cancer types, including head, neck, pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancers, as well as cancer testis antigens. By engineering T cells to recognize genetic material loss in tumors, the company aims to selectively kill tumor cells while sparing healthy tissue. Founded in 2017, A2 Biotherapeutics continues to advance the field of cancer therapy through its innovative approaches.
RAPT Therapeutics
Post in 2024
RAPT Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing orally delivered small-molecule therapies for oncology and inflammatory diseases. It uses a proprietary discovery and development engine to create highly selective compounds that modulate immune responses. The company's lead oncology candidate, FLX475, targets the C-C motif chemokine receptor 4 and is in a Phase 1/2 program as monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab. The lead inflammation candidate, RPT193, is designed to selectively inhibit migration of type 2 T helper cells into inflamed tissues. Additional targets such as general control nonderepressible 2 and hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1 are in discovery. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in South San Francisco, the company aims to address unmet medical needs in cancer and inflammatory diseases.
Nura Bio, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, focusing on the discovery and development of neuroprotective drugs aimed at preventing axon loss due to acute injury or chronic degenerative diseases. Founded in 2017 and formerly known as Proneurotech, the company is advancing its lead drug candidate, NB-4746, which inhibits the SARM1 protein, a key player in axonal degeneration. This candidate has exhibited potential in preclinical studies for mitigating nerve damage and is scheduled to enter phase 1b/2 clinical trials in 2025. Nura Bio is dedicated to developing therapies that not only protect against neuronal loss but also enhance the immune surveillance capacity of the nervous system, addressing various neurological disorders. The company has successfully raised substantial financing to support its innovative drug programs.
Circle Pharma
Series D in 2024
Circle Pharma, Inc. is an early-stage biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, founded in 2012 by Matt Jacobson and Scott Lokey. The company specializes in developing cell-permeable macrocyclic peptide therapeutics aimed at critical clinical targets. It employs proprietary computational design algorithms and innovative synthetic chemistry to create first-in-class macrocycle therapies that can be administered through various routes, including oral delivery. Circle Pharma's platform utilizes structure-based rational drug design and an iterative process to generate large virtual libraries of diverse macrocycle scaffolds, which are selected for their permeability. This approach enables the company to address challenging targets, particularly in the context of intracellular protein-protein interactions that play a significant role in cancer, thereby fulfilling unmet clinical needs. The company is led by David J. Earp.
NGM Biopharmaceuticals
Series A in 2024
NGM Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing innovative therapeutics for cardio-metabolic, liver, oncologic, and ophthalmic diseases. Incorporated in 2007 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, the company is engaged in creating novel treatments informed by key biological pathways. Its product candidates include Aldafermin, an engineered variant of the FGF19 hormone currently in Phase 2b clinical trials for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and NGM313, an agonistic antibody in Phase 1b trials for type 2 diabetes and NASH. Other candidates in development include NGM395 for metabolic syndrome, NGM120 to address cancer anorexia/cachexia syndrome, NGM217 aimed at improving insulin production in diabetes patients, and NGM621 to target a protein involved in age-related macular degeneration. NGM Biopharmaceuticals collaborates with Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. to advance its research and development efforts in creating impactful medicines that enhance patient health.
Circle Pharma
Series D in 2024
Circle Pharma, Inc. is an early-stage biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, founded in 2012 by Matt Jacobson and Scott Lokey. The company specializes in developing cell-permeable macrocyclic peptide therapeutics aimed at critical clinical targets. It employs proprietary computational design algorithms and innovative synthetic chemistry to create first-in-class macrocycle therapies that can be administered through various routes, including oral delivery. Circle Pharma's platform utilizes structure-based rational drug design and an iterative process to generate large virtual libraries of diverse macrocycle scaffolds, which are selected for their permeability. This approach enables the company to address challenging targets, particularly in the context of intracellular protein-protein interactions that play a significant role in cancer, thereby fulfilling unmet clinical needs. The company is led by David J. Earp.
Surrozen, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing targeted regenerative antibodies to enhance tissue and organ repair in response to serious diseases. Founded in 2015, the company specializes in modulating the Wnt pathway, a crucial mediator of tissue regeneration, through its innovative antibody platforms that target specific organs and tissues. Notable programs include SZN-043, designed to stimulate liver regeneration in both acute and chronic liver diseases, and SZN-1326, aimed at repairing damaged epithelial tissue in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Surrozen's approach extends to multiple organ systems, with potential applications in the intestine, liver, retina, cornea, lung, kidney, cochlea, skin, pancreas, and central nervous system.
Kenai Therapeutics
Series A in 2024
Kenai Therapeutics is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing therapies for neurodegenerative movement disorders. The company specializes in providing off-the-shelf neuron replacement medicines that serve as effective disease-modifying treatments for various neurological conditions. By focusing on innovative approaches, Kenai Therapeutics aims to equip physicians with advanced techniques for treating disorders such as Parkinson's disease, ultimately enhancing patient care and outcomes in the field of neurology.
Tenaya Therapeutics
Post in 2024
Tenaya Therapeutics is a preclinical stage biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, specializing in the development of innovative therapies for heart disease, particularly heart failure. Established in 2016, the company employs a multipronged approach to address the fundamental cellular pathologies associated with cardiac muscle disease. Tenaya Therapeutics advances its product candidates through three primary platforms: a cellular regeneration platform that reprograms cardiac fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes using proprietary transcription factors, a gene therapy platform for targeted delivery of therapeutic payloads to cardiac fibroblasts, and a precision medicine platform that offers personalized treatment strategies. Through its research, the company aims to enable physicians to regenerate heart tissue and tackle various forms of cardiomyopathies effectively.
Neurona Therapeutics
Series E in 2024
Neurona Therapeutics Inc. is a pre-clinical biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing cell-based therapies for neurological disorders. Founded by a team of neuroscientists and stem cell experts from the University of California, San Francisco, Neurona aims to create therapeutic compositions of specific types of neurons for targeted delivery into the injured nervous system. The company is dedicated to addressing chronic neurological diseases through regenerative neural cell therapies, which hold the potential for single-dose curative treatments. Drawing on nearly two decades of research, Neurona believes that certain subpopulations of neurons can effectively integrate and repair dysfunctional neural circuits, thus offering new hope for patients facing significant unmet medical needs.
Accent Therapeutics
Series C in 2024
Accent Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing small molecule therapies for oncology, utilizing the emerging field of epitranscriptomics. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Lexington, Massachusetts, the company explores the post-transcriptional chemical modifications of RNA, which play a crucial role in regulating proteins essential for cellular growth and differentiation. By precisely targeting cancer-associated RNA-modifying proteins, Accent Therapeutics aims to innovate and deliver transformative therapies that can significantly improve patient outcomes in cancer treatment.
Tr1x is a biotechnology company focused on developing cellular therapies for the treatment of autoimmune disorders. Utilizing an exclusive platform, Tr1x creates innovative cell therapy products aimed at recalibrating the immune system to restore balance and promote long-term tolerance in patients. The company leverages advancements in genetic engineering and T-cell biology to design scalable and effective curative solutions that target inflammation and autoimmunity. Through its work, Tr1x aims to provide transformative therapies that address the needs of individuals suffering from autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Remix Therapeutics
Venture Round in 2024
Remix Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on the research and development of innovative small-molecule therapies aimed at reprogramming ribonucleic acid (RNA) processing to treat various diseases. Founded in 2018 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company utilizes its proprietary biology platform to discover and develop RNA processing modulators that target previously undruggable disease drivers. Through its REMseq platform, Remix Therapeutics validates therapeutic targets and optimizes chemical compounds, facilitating the identification of patterns in RNA processing. This approach allows for the modulation of gene expression, enabling healthcare practitioners to address the underlying causes of diseases by correcting, enhancing, or eliminating gene messages at their source.
Kimia Therapeutics
Series A in 2023
KimiaTherapeutics is a drug discovery business that uses high throughput precision chemistry in conjunction with genome editing and machine learning to uncover druggable sites at crucial nodes of intervention in human disease.
Atavistik Bio
Venture Round in 2023
Atavistik Bio is a pre-clinical biotechnology company dedicated to discovering and developing novel therapies for metabolic diseases and cancer. The company specializes in identifying metabolite-protein interactions and leveraging nature's allosteric control mechanisms to create innovative drug candidates. By focusing on genetically validated targets, Atavistik Bio aims to pioneer first-in-class treatments that harness these unique biological processes, positioning itself at the forefront of biopharmaceutical advancements.
Judo Bio
Seed Round in 2023
Judo Bio is a biotechnology company focused on developing precision therapeutics that target specific cell populations to treat genetic diseases. Utilizing an innovative receptor targeting approach, Judo Bio is building a pipeline of treatments designed to address both common and rare diseases. Currently, the company is operating in stealth mode, indicating a period of research and development prior to a public launch or disclosure of its initiatives.
Carmot Therapeutics
Series E in 2023
Carmot Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Berkeley, California, with an additional office in San Francisco. Founded in 2008, it focuses on discovering and developing innovative therapies for patients with metabolic diseases, including obesity and diabetes. Utilizing its proprietary Chemotype Evolution technology, Carmot Therapeutics aims to address the underlying causes of these conditions and accelerate the discovery of effective treatments. The company’s portfolio includes several clinical-stage drug candidates, such as CT-388 and CT-996, which are designed as GLP-1 receptor agonists for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes, and CT-868, intended for type 1 diabetes patients who are overweight or obese. Through these efforts, Carmot Therapeutics seeks to create life-changing therapeutics that improve the health outcomes of individuals affected by metabolic diseases.
Synthekine
Series C in 2023
Synthekine Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Menlo Park, California, specializing in the development of engineered cytokine therapies and immunotherapies aimed at treating cancer and autoimmune disorders. Founded in 2018, Synthekine utilizes advanced platform technologies, including engineered partial agonists and orthogonal cell therapies, to enhance the efficacy of cytokines while minimizing their toxic side effects. The company's innovative Synthekine Platform employs surrogate agonists instead of traditional mutant cytokines to create selective immunotherapies. Its product pipeline features candidates such as STK-009, an orthogonal ligand paired with SYNCAR-001, an orthogonal receptor-modified CAR-T therapy targeting CD-19. Additionally, Synthekine is developing STK-012, partial agonists of IL-2, and other novel immunotherapies that integrate cytokine receptors to initiate new signaling pathways without relying on wild-type cytokines.
Cajal Neuroscience
Series A in 2022
Cajal Neuroscience is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. It employs a combination of human genetics, functional genomics, and advanced microscopy techniques to identify novel targets and therapeutics. The company utilizes viral tools and platforms for screening targets that influence the progression of neurodegenerative conditions, alongside functional genetic screening and multi-omics methods. By integrating these state-of-the-art approaches, Cajal Neuroscience aims to advance precision medicine, ultimately enabling healthcare professionals to improve treatment outcomes for patients suffering from neurodegenerative disorders.
Escient Pharmaceuticals
Series C in 2022
Escient Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, specializing in the development and manufacture of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-targeted drugs aimed at treating neuro-immuno-inflammatory and autoreactive diseases. Founded in 2017, Escient focuses on harnessing the therapeutic potential of specific orphan GPCRs, particularly the Mas-Related G-Protein Receptors (Mrgprs). The company aims to provide innovative therapies for a variety of conditions, including mast cell-mediated disorders and cholestatic pruritus, thereby expanding treatment options for healthcare providers facing these complex diseases.
Casma Therapeutics
Series C in 2022
Casma Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that specializes in developing innovative therapeutic strategies centered on the natural cellular process of autophagy. Founded in 2017, the company aims to enhance autophagy to improve the clearance of unwanted proteins, organelles, and pathogens, thereby addressing significant medical challenges. Casma Therapeutics is advancing preclinical programs targeting various conditions, including muscle disorders, liver disease, inflammatory disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. By harnessing and manipulating the autophagy system, the company seeks to arrest or reverse disease progression, ultimately enabling physicians to meet unmet medical needs and provide effective treatments for patients with serious health issues.
Hexagon Bio
Venture Round in 2022
Hexagon Bio, Inc. is a biotechnology company that specializes in discovering novel small molecule therapeutics by mining genomic data from fungal genomes. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California, Hexagon Bio leverages a proprietary platform that integrates data science, synthetic biology, and automation to identify and engineer drugs. The company's innovative approach focuses on developing targeted therapies for diseases with unmet medical needs by searching for evolutionarily refined molecules and their associated protein targets. Through its unique methodology, Hexagon Bio aims to uncover new medicines encoded within the global metagenome, ultimately striving to improve patient outcomes.
Carmot Therapeutics
Series D in 2022
Carmot Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Berkeley, California, with an additional office in San Francisco. Founded in 2008, it focuses on discovering and developing innovative therapies for patients with metabolic diseases, including obesity and diabetes. Utilizing its proprietary Chemotype Evolution technology, Carmot Therapeutics aims to address the underlying causes of these conditions and accelerate the discovery of effective treatments. The company’s portfolio includes several clinical-stage drug candidates, such as CT-388 and CT-996, which are designed as GLP-1 receptor agonists for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes, and CT-868, intended for type 1 diabetes patients who are overweight or obese. Through these efforts, Carmot Therapeutics seeks to create life-changing therapeutics that improve the health outcomes of individuals affected by metabolic diseases.
Remix Therapeutics
Series B in 2022
Remix Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on the research and development of innovative small-molecule therapies aimed at reprogramming ribonucleic acid (RNA) processing to treat various diseases. Founded in 2018 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company utilizes its proprietary biology platform to discover and develop RNA processing modulators that target previously undruggable disease drivers. Through its REMseq platform, Remix Therapeutics validates therapeutic targets and optimizes chemical compounds, facilitating the identification of patterns in RNA processing. This approach allows for the modulation of gene expression, enabling healthcare practitioners to address the underlying causes of diseases by correcting, enhancing, or eliminating gene messages at their source.
Plexium, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, specializing in the development of targeted protein degradation therapeutics aimed at treating cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Founded in 2017, Plexium focuses on identifying E3 ligase modulating small molecules to create innovative therapies. The company has developed a screening platform known as DELPhe, which utilizes advanced techniques to miniaturize cell-based assays for high-content readouts. This platform enables the modulation of E3 ligases to selectively target various cancers, including small cell lung and breast tumors, while also inducing immune responses. By exploring next-generation drug candidates that extend beyond traditional approaches, Plexium is poised to uncover new therapeutic possibilities across a wide range of medical applications.
Kallyope Inc. is a biotechnology company based in New York City that focuses on understanding the gut-brain axis to develop innovative therapeutics and consumer products aimed at enhancing human health. Established in 2014, Kallyope employs advanced technologies, including sequencing, computational biology, neural imaging, and human genetics, to explore gut-brain biology. The company aims to address significant unmet medical needs, such as diabetes, obesity, gut disorders, inflammatory diseases, migraines, and allergies, by creating effective and user-friendly oral agents. Kallyope's team consists of experienced scientists from leading institutions, working alongside a skilled team with a strong track record in drug discovery and development. Through its research, Kallyope seeks to deliver transformative solutions that improve overall health outcomes.
Eikon Therapeutics
Series B in 2022
Eikon Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Hayward, California, focused on developing innovative treatments for chronic and life-threatening diseases. Established in 2019, the company employs advanced super-resolution microscopy and live-cell imaging techniques to discover drugs targeting previously intractable proteins. By directly measuring the interactions of chemical compounds with individual proteins within a live cellular environment, Eikon Therapeutics enhances the understanding of biological processes and supports the development of targeted therapies. The integration of biology, engineering, and chemistry in its proprietary platforms allows Eikon Therapeutics to streamline the drug discovery process, advance clinical programs, and expand its pipeline of potential medications.
Developer of transformative biotech company intended to create, annotate and biologically understand the world's most rigorous and extensive library of microproteins and produce entirely new, novel therapeutics. The company's technology identify novel, protein coding sequences hidden within the human genome, these small proteins mediate rich and diverse human biology, thereby harnessing the therapeutic potential of a novel class of human peptides.
Obsidian Therapeutics
Series B in 2021
Obsidian Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded in 2015. The company specializes in developing next-generation cell and gene therapies aimed at enhancing adoptive immunotherapy for cancer patients. Its innovative approach utilizes pharmacologic operating systems that enable precise control over protein activity within cells. This technology allows for the creation of adoptive cell therapies with novel functionalities, which can be regulated by treating physicians using simple and safe orally active medications. Through these advancements, Obsidian Therapeutics seeks to improve upon existing cell therapies and expand treatment options for a broader patient demographic.
Effector Therapeutics
Post in 2021
eFFECTOR Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, that specializes in the development of selective translation regulators for the treatment of cancer and other serious diseases. Founded in 2012, the company is pioneering a new class of oncology drugs known as selective translation regulator inhibitors (STRIs). These drug candidates specifically target the eIF4F complex and its associated kinase, MNK 1/2, which play critical roles in protein synthesis and are linked to prominent cancer signaling pathways such as PI3K-AKT and RAS-MEK. eFFECTOR's products aim to inhibit pathways that drive tumor growth, survival, and immune evasion by regulating the expression of oncoproteins and immunosuppressive proteins. The lead candidate, tomivosertib, is currently being evaluated in a Phase 2b trial for non-small cell lung cancer in combination with pembrolizumab. Additionally, zotatifin, an inhibitor of eIF4A, is undergoing dose-escalation in a Phase 1/2 trial, with further expansion cohorts anticipated. The company also collaborates with Pfizer to advance inhibitors targeting eIF4E.
Atavistik Bio
Series A in 2021
Atavistik Bio is a pre-clinical biotechnology company dedicated to discovering and developing novel therapies for metabolic diseases and cancer. The company specializes in identifying metabolite-protein interactions and leveraging nature's allosteric control mechanisms to create innovative drug candidates. By focusing on genetically validated targets, Atavistik Bio aims to pioneer first-in-class treatments that harness these unique biological processes, positioning itself at the forefront of biopharmaceutical advancements.
Surrozen, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing targeted regenerative antibodies to enhance tissue and organ repair in response to serious diseases. Founded in 2015, the company specializes in modulating the Wnt pathway, a crucial mediator of tissue regeneration, through its innovative antibody platforms that target specific organs and tissues. Notable programs include SZN-043, designed to stimulate liver regeneration in both acute and chronic liver diseases, and SZN-1326, aimed at repairing damaged epithelial tissue in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Surrozen's approach extends to multiple organ systems, with potential applications in the intestine, liver, retina, cornea, lung, kidney, cochlea, skin, pancreas, and central nervous system.
Hexagon Bio
Series B in 2021
Hexagon Bio, Inc. is a biotechnology company that specializes in discovering novel small molecule therapeutics by mining genomic data from fungal genomes. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California, Hexagon Bio leverages a proprietary platform that integrates data science, synthetic biology, and automation to identify and engineer drugs. The company's innovative approach focuses on developing targeted therapies for diseases with unmet medical needs by searching for evolutionarily refined molecules and their associated protein targets. Through its unique methodology, Hexagon Bio aims to uncover new medicines encoded within the global metagenome, ultimately striving to improve patient outcomes.
Neurona Therapeutics
Venture Round in 2021
Neurona Therapeutics Inc. is a pre-clinical biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing cell-based therapies for neurological disorders. Founded by a team of neuroscientists and stem cell experts from the University of California, San Francisco, Neurona aims to create therapeutic compositions of specific types of neurons for targeted delivery into the injured nervous system. The company is dedicated to addressing chronic neurological diseases through regenerative neural cell therapies, which hold the potential for single-dose curative treatments. Drawing on nearly two decades of research, Neurona believes that certain subpopulations of neurons can effectively integrate and repair dysfunctional neural circuits, thus offering new hope for patients facing significant unmet medical needs.
Circle Pharma
Series C in 2021
Circle Pharma, Inc. is an early-stage biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, founded in 2012 by Matt Jacobson and Scott Lokey. The company specializes in developing cell-permeable macrocyclic peptide therapeutics aimed at critical clinical targets. It employs proprietary computational design algorithms and innovative synthetic chemistry to create first-in-class macrocycle therapies that can be administered through various routes, including oral delivery. Circle Pharma's platform utilizes structure-based rational drug design and an iterative process to generate large virtual libraries of diverse macrocycle scaffolds, which are selected for their permeability. This approach enables the company to address challenging targets, particularly in the context of intracellular protein-protein interactions that play a significant role in cancer, thereby fulfilling unmet clinical needs. The company is led by David J. Earp.
Ribon Therapeutics
Series C in 2021
Ribon Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company founded in 2015 and headquartered in Lexington, Massachusetts. The company focuses on developing novel therapeutics that target monoPARP proteins, which are critical regulators of cancer cell survival mechanisms. By leveraging insights from its scientific founders, Ribon is establishing a proprietary drug discovery platform aimed at investigating the molecular actions and biological functions of a specific subset of the PARP protein family. This platform enables Ribon to create a pipeline of innovative small molecule inhibitors designed to disrupt the fundamental survival capabilities of cancer cells under stress. In addition to cancer treatment, the company's research may have implications for addressing other diseases. Ribon is supported by notable life science investors, which enhances its capacity to advance its therapeutic developments.
Synthekine
Series B in 2021
Synthekine Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Menlo Park, California, specializing in the development of engineered cytokine therapies and immunotherapies aimed at treating cancer and autoimmune disorders. Founded in 2018, Synthekine utilizes advanced platform technologies, including engineered partial agonists and orthogonal cell therapies, to enhance the efficacy of cytokines while minimizing their toxic side effects. The company's innovative Synthekine Platform employs surrogate agonists instead of traditional mutant cytokines to create selective immunotherapies. Its product pipeline features candidates such as STK-009, an orthogonal ligand paired with SYNCAR-001, an orthogonal receptor-modified CAR-T therapy targeting CD-19. Additionally, Synthekine is developing STK-012, partial agonists of IL-2, and other novel immunotherapies that integrate cytokine receptors to initiate new signaling pathways without relying on wild-type cytokines.
Eikon Therapeutics
Series A in 2021
Eikon Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Hayward, California, focused on developing innovative treatments for chronic and life-threatening diseases. Established in 2019, the company employs advanced super-resolution microscopy and live-cell imaging techniques to discover drugs targeting previously intractable proteins. By directly measuring the interactions of chemical compounds with individual proteins within a live cellular environment, Eikon Therapeutics enhances the understanding of biological processes and supports the development of targeted therapies. The integration of biology, engineering, and chemistry in its proprietary platforms allows Eikon Therapeutics to streamline the drug discovery process, advance clinical programs, and expand its pipeline of potential medications.
Tenaya Therapeutics
Series C in 2021
Tenaya Therapeutics is a preclinical stage biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, specializing in the development of innovative therapies for heart disease, particularly heart failure. Established in 2016, the company employs a multipronged approach to address the fundamental cellular pathologies associated with cardiac muscle disease. Tenaya Therapeutics advances its product candidates through three primary platforms: a cellular regeneration platform that reprograms cardiac fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes using proprietary transcription factors, a gene therapy platform for targeted delivery of therapeutic payloads to cardiac fibroblasts, and a precision medicine platform that offers personalized treatment strategies. Through its research, the company aims to enable physicians to regenerate heart tissue and tackle various forms of cardiomyopathies effectively.
Plexium, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, specializing in the development of targeted protein degradation therapeutics aimed at treating cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Founded in 2017, Plexium focuses on identifying E3 ligase modulating small molecules to create innovative therapies. The company has developed a screening platform known as DELPhe, which utilizes advanced techniques to miniaturize cell-based assays for high-content readouts. This platform enables the modulation of E3 ligases to selectively target various cancers, including small cell lung and breast tumors, while also inducing immune responses. By exploring next-generation drug candidates that extend beyond traditional approaches, Plexium is poised to uncover new therapeutic possibilities across a wide range of medical applications.
Remix Therapeutics
Series A in 2020
Remix Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on the research and development of innovative small-molecule therapies aimed at reprogramming ribonucleic acid (RNA) processing to treat various diseases. Founded in 2018 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company utilizes its proprietary biology platform to discover and develop RNA processing modulators that target previously undruggable disease drivers. Through its REMseq platform, Remix Therapeutics validates therapeutic targets and optimizes chemical compounds, facilitating the identification of patterns in RNA processing. This approach allows for the modulation of gene expression, enabling healthcare practitioners to address the underlying causes of diseases by correcting, enhancing, or eliminating gene messages at their source.
A2 Biotherapeutics
Series B in 2020
A2 Biotherapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing innovative cell therapies for tumor cancer treatment. Based in Agoura Hills, California, the company utilizes its proprietary Tmodâ„¢ platform to create T cell therapies that accurately differentiate between solid tumors and normal cells. This platform allows for the identification and engineering of binders derived from antibodies or T cell receptors, optimizing precision in targeting cancer cells. A2 Biotherapeutics specifically addresses various cancer types, including head, neck, pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancers, as well as cancer testis antigens. By engineering T cells to recognize genetic material loss in tumors, the company aims to selectively kill tumor cells while sparing healthy tissue. Founded in 2017, A2 Biotherapeutics continues to advance the field of cancer therapy through its innovative approaches.
Carmot Therapeutics
Series C in 2020
Carmot Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Berkeley, California, with an additional office in San Francisco. Founded in 2008, it focuses on discovering and developing innovative therapies for patients with metabolic diseases, including obesity and diabetes. Utilizing its proprietary Chemotype Evolution technology, Carmot Therapeutics aims to address the underlying causes of these conditions and accelerate the discovery of effective treatments. The company’s portfolio includes several clinical-stage drug candidates, such as CT-388 and CT-996, which are designed as GLP-1 receptor agonists for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes, and CT-868, intended for type 1 diabetes patients who are overweight or obese. Through these efforts, Carmot Therapeutics seeks to create life-changing therapeutics that improve the health outcomes of individuals affected by metabolic diseases.
Synthekine
Series A in 2020
Synthekine Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Menlo Park, California, specializing in the development of engineered cytokine therapies and immunotherapies aimed at treating cancer and autoimmune disorders. Founded in 2018, Synthekine utilizes advanced platform technologies, including engineered partial agonists and orthogonal cell therapies, to enhance the efficacy of cytokines while minimizing their toxic side effects. The company's innovative Synthekine Platform employs surrogate agonists instead of traditional mutant cytokines to create selective immunotherapies. Its product pipeline features candidates such as STK-009, an orthogonal ligand paired with SYNCAR-001, an orthogonal receptor-modified CAR-T therapy targeting CD-19. Additionally, Synthekine is developing STK-012, partial agonists of IL-2, and other novel immunotherapies that integrate cytokine receptors to initiate new signaling pathways without relying on wild-type cytokines.
Hexagon Bio
Series A in 2020
Hexagon Bio, Inc. is a biotechnology company that specializes in discovering novel small molecule therapeutics by mining genomic data from fungal genomes. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California, Hexagon Bio leverages a proprietary platform that integrates data science, synthetic biology, and automation to identify and engineer drugs. The company's innovative approach focuses on developing targeted therapies for diseases with unmet medical needs by searching for evolutionarily refined molecules and their associated protein targets. Through its unique methodology, Hexagon Bio aims to uncover new medicines encoded within the global metagenome, ultimately striving to improve patient outcomes.
Escient Pharmaceuticals
Series B in 2020
Escient Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, specializing in the development and manufacture of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-targeted drugs aimed at treating neuro-immuno-inflammatory and autoreactive diseases. Founded in 2017, Escient focuses on harnessing the therapeutic potential of specific orphan GPCRs, particularly the Mas-Related G-Protein Receptors (Mrgprs). The company aims to provide innovative therapies for a variety of conditions, including mast cell-mediated disorders and cholestatic pruritus, thereby expanding treatment options for healthcare providers facing these complex diseases.
Casma Therapeutics
Series B in 2020
Casma Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that specializes in developing innovative therapeutic strategies centered on the natural cellular process of autophagy. Founded in 2017, the company aims to enhance autophagy to improve the clearance of unwanted proteins, organelles, and pathogens, thereby addressing significant medical challenges. Casma Therapeutics is advancing preclinical programs targeting various conditions, including muscle disorders, liver disease, inflammatory disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. By harnessing and manipulating the autophagy system, the company seeks to arrest or reverse disease progression, ultimately enabling physicians to meet unmet medical needs and provide effective treatments for patients with serious health issues.
Nura Bio, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, focusing on the discovery and development of neuroprotective drugs aimed at preventing axon loss due to acute injury or chronic degenerative diseases. Founded in 2017 and formerly known as Proneurotech, the company is advancing its lead drug candidate, NB-4746, which inhibits the SARM1 protein, a key player in axonal degeneration. This candidate has exhibited potential in preclinical studies for mitigating nerve damage and is scheduled to enter phase 1b/2 clinical trials in 2025. Nura Bio is dedicated to developing therapies that not only protect against neuronal loss but also enhance the immune surveillance capacity of the nervous system, addressing various neurological disorders. The company has successfully raised substantial financing to support its innovative drug programs.
Surrozen, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing targeted regenerative antibodies to enhance tissue and organ repair in response to serious diseases. Founded in 2015, the company specializes in modulating the Wnt pathway, a crucial mediator of tissue regeneration, through its innovative antibody platforms that target specific organs and tissues. Notable programs include SZN-043, designed to stimulate liver regeneration in both acute and chronic liver diseases, and SZN-1326, aimed at repairing damaged epithelial tissue in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Surrozen's approach extends to multiple organ systems, with potential applications in the intestine, liver, retina, cornea, lung, kidney, cochlea, skin, pancreas, and central nervous system.
Accent Therapeutics
Series B in 2020
Accent Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing small molecule therapies for oncology, utilizing the emerging field of epitranscriptomics. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Lexington, Massachusetts, the company explores the post-transcriptional chemical modifications of RNA, which play a crucial role in regulating proteins essential for cellular growth and differentiation. By precisely targeting cancer-associated RNA-modifying proteins, Accent Therapeutics aims to innovate and deliver transformative therapies that can significantly improve patient outcomes in cancer treatment.
Circle Pharma
Series B in 2020
Circle Pharma, Inc. is an early-stage biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, founded in 2012 by Matt Jacobson and Scott Lokey. The company specializes in developing cell-permeable macrocyclic peptide therapeutics aimed at critical clinical targets. It employs proprietary computational design algorithms and innovative synthetic chemistry to create first-in-class macrocycle therapies that can be administered through various routes, including oral delivery. Circle Pharma's platform utilizes structure-based rational drug design and an iterative process to generate large virtual libraries of diverse macrocycle scaffolds, which are selected for their permeability. This approach enables the company to address challenging targets, particularly in the context of intracellular protein-protein interactions that play a significant role in cancer, thereby fulfilling unmet clinical needs. The company is led by David J. Earp.
Nurix Therapeutics
Venture Round in 2020
Nurix Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of small molecule therapies aimed at modulating cellular protein levels for the treatment of cancer and immune disorders. The company has developed an integrated discovery platform known as DELigase, which leverages its expertise in E3 ligases—enzymes capable of modulating proteins within cells. Nurix's pipeline includes promising candidates such as NX-2127, an orally available Bruton’s tyrosine kinase degrader targeting relapsed or refractory B-cell malignancies, and NX-1607, an orally available inhibitor of Casitas B-lineage lymphoma proto-oncogene B, intended for immuno-oncology applications. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, Nurix Therapeutics was formerly known as Nurix Inc. and rebranded in October 2018. The company has established strategic collaborations with major industry players, enhancing its research and development capabilities.
Kallyope Inc. is a biotechnology company based in New York City that focuses on understanding the gut-brain axis to develop innovative therapeutics and consumer products aimed at enhancing human health. Established in 2014, Kallyope employs advanced technologies, including sequencing, computational biology, neural imaging, and human genetics, to explore gut-brain biology. The company aims to address significant unmet medical needs, such as diabetes, obesity, gut disorders, inflammatory diseases, migraines, and allergies, by creating effective and user-friendly oral agents. Kallyope's team consists of experienced scientists from leading institutions, working alongside a skilled team with a strong track record in drug discovery and development. Through its research, Kallyope seeks to deliver transformative solutions that improve overall health outcomes.
A2 Biotherapeutics
Series A in 2019
A2 Biotherapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing innovative cell therapies for tumor cancer treatment. Based in Agoura Hills, California, the company utilizes its proprietary Tmodâ„¢ platform to create T cell therapies that accurately differentiate between solid tumors and normal cells. This platform allows for the identification and engineering of binders derived from antibodies or T cell receptors, optimizing precision in targeting cancer cells. A2 Biotherapeutics specifically addresses various cancer types, including head, neck, pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancers, as well as cancer testis antigens. By engineering T cells to recognize genetic material loss in tumors, the company aims to selectively kill tumor cells while sparing healthy tissue. Founded in 2017, A2 Biotherapeutics continues to advance the field of cancer therapy through its innovative approaches.
Plexium, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, specializing in the development of targeted protein degradation therapeutics aimed at treating cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Founded in 2017, Plexium focuses on identifying E3 ligase modulating small molecules to create innovative therapies. The company has developed a screening platform known as DELPhe, which utilizes advanced techniques to miniaturize cell-based assays for high-content readouts. This platform enables the modulation of E3 ligases to selectively target various cancers, including small cell lung and breast tumors, while also inducing immune responses. By exploring next-generation drug candidates that extend beyond traditional approaches, Plexium is poised to uncover new therapeutic possibilities across a wide range of medical applications.
Tenaya Therapeutics
Series B in 2019
Tenaya Therapeutics is a preclinical stage biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, specializing in the development of innovative therapies for heart disease, particularly heart failure. Established in 2016, the company employs a multipronged approach to address the fundamental cellular pathologies associated with cardiac muscle disease. Tenaya Therapeutics advances its product candidates through three primary platforms: a cellular regeneration platform that reprograms cardiac fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes using proprietary transcription factors, a gene therapy platform for targeted delivery of therapeutic payloads to cardiac fibroblasts, and a precision medicine platform that offers personalized treatment strategies. Through its research, the company aims to enable physicians to regenerate heart tissue and tackle various forms of cardiomyopathies effectively.
Constellation Pharmaceuticals
Post in 2019
Constellation Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative therapeutics for unmet medical needs in cancer treatment. The company specializes in the field of epigenetics, aiming to address cancers associated with abnormal gene expression and drug resistance. Its lead product candidates include CPI-0610, which is undergoing Phase II clinical trials for myelofibrosis in combination with ruxolitinib, and CPI-1205, currently in Phase Ib/II trials for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer in conjunction with androgen receptor signaling inhibitors. Additionally, Constellation is developing CPI-0209, which is in the Phase I dose escalation stage of a Phase I/II trial aimed at treating solid tumors. Founded in 2008, the company was previously known as Epigenetix, Inc. before rebranding to its current name in March 2008.
ORIC Pharmaceuticals
Series D in 2019
ORIC Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies to combat cancer by overcoming resistance mechanisms. The company's lead product candidate, ORIC-101, is a small molecule antagonist of the glucocorticoid receptor, which plays a significant role in resistance to various cancer treatments across multiple solid tumors. Another key candidate, ORIC-533, is an orally bioavailable inhibitor of CD73, targeting a critical pathway in the adenosine metabolism that contributes to resistance against chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Additionally, ORIC is working on a pipeline of precision medicines aimed at addressing other cancer resistance mechanisms. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, ORIC Pharmaceuticals leverages the expertise of its scientific founders, who have extensive backgrounds in cancer research and target discovery.
Revolution Medicines
Series C in 2019
Revolution Medicines is a clinical-stage precision oncology company dedicated to developing novel targeted therapies for cancer treatment. Founded by Martin D. Burke, the company leverages an innovative approach to synthesize complex natural products into optimized drug candidates. This method involves rapidly assembling simple chemical building blocks into refined structures with significant therapeutic potential. Revolution Medicines focuses on inhibiting elusive targets within key growth and survival pathways, particularly RAS and mTOR signaling pathways. The company's portfolio includes therapies like RMC-4630, a SHP2 inhibitor, as well as programs targeting SOS1 and 4EBP1/mTORC1.
RAPT Therapeutics
Series C in 2019
RAPT Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing orally delivered small-molecule therapies for oncology and inflammatory diseases. It uses a proprietary discovery and development engine to create highly selective compounds that modulate immune responses. The company's lead oncology candidate, FLX475, targets the C-C motif chemokine receptor 4 and is in a Phase 1/2 program as monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab. The lead inflammation candidate, RPT193, is designed to selectively inhibit migration of type 2 T helper cells into inflamed tissues. Additional targets such as general control nonderepressible 2 and hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1 are in discovery. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in South San Francisco, the company aims to address unmet medical needs in cancer and inflammatory diseases.
Surrozen, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing targeted regenerative antibodies to enhance tissue and organ repair in response to serious diseases. Founded in 2015, the company specializes in modulating the Wnt pathway, a crucial mediator of tissue regeneration, through its innovative antibody platforms that target specific organs and tissues. Notable programs include SZN-043, designed to stimulate liver regeneration in both acute and chronic liver diseases, and SZN-1326, aimed at repairing damaged epithelial tissue in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Surrozen's approach extends to multiple organ systems, with potential applications in the intestine, liver, retina, cornea, lung, kidney, cochlea, skin, pancreas, and central nervous system.
Peloton Therapeutics
Series E in 2019
Peloton Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company based in Dallas, Texas, dedicated to developing innovative medicines for patients with cancer and other serious conditions. The company focuses on targeting HIF-2a, a transcription factor previously considered difficult to address with small molecules. Its lead drug candidate, PT2977, is an oral HIF-2a inhibitor currently undergoing Phase 2 clinical trials for advanced or metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma, and it is being evaluated in various settings, including in patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease-associated renal cell carcinoma and in combination with cabozantinib. Additionally, Peloton is advancing PT2567, another oral HIF-2a inhibitor in preclinical development for non-oncology indications such as pulmonary arterial hypertension. Founded in 2010 and previously known as Damascus Pharmaceutics, Peloton Therapeutics aims to leverage its scientific expertise and collaborations to become a leading biotech company in the region.
Ribon Therapeutics
Series B in 2019
Ribon Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company founded in 2015 and headquartered in Lexington, Massachusetts. The company focuses on developing novel therapeutics that target monoPARP proteins, which are critical regulators of cancer cell survival mechanisms. By leveraging insights from its scientific founders, Ribon is establishing a proprietary drug discovery platform aimed at investigating the molecular actions and biological functions of a specific subset of the PARP protein family. This platform enables Ribon to create a pipeline of innovative small molecule inhibitors designed to disrupt the fundamental survival capabilities of cancer cells under stress. In addition to cancer treatment, the company's research may have implications for addressing other diseases. Ribon is supported by notable life science investors, which enhances its capacity to advance its therapeutic developments.
Remix Therapeutics
Seed Round in 2019
Remix Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on the research and development of innovative small-molecule therapies aimed at reprogramming ribonucleic acid (RNA) processing to treat various diseases. Founded in 2018 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company utilizes its proprietary biology platform to discover and develop RNA processing modulators that target previously undruggable disease drivers. Through its REMseq platform, Remix Therapeutics validates therapeutic targets and optimizes chemical compounds, facilitating the identification of patterns in RNA processing. This approach allows for the modulation of gene expression, enabling healthcare practitioners to address the underlying causes of diseases by correcting, enhancing, or eliminating gene messages at their source.
Kallyope Inc. is a biotechnology company based in New York City that focuses on understanding the gut-brain axis to develop innovative therapeutics and consumer products aimed at enhancing human health. Established in 2014, Kallyope employs advanced technologies, including sequencing, computational biology, neural imaging, and human genetics, to explore gut-brain biology. The company aims to address significant unmet medical needs, such as diabetes, obesity, gut disorders, inflammatory diseases, migraines, and allergies, by creating effective and user-friendly oral agents. Kallyope's team consists of experienced scientists from leading institutions, working alongside a skilled team with a strong track record in drug discovery and development. Through its research, Kallyope seeks to deliver transformative solutions that improve overall health outcomes.
Accent Therapeutics
Series A in 2018
Accent Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing small molecule therapies for oncology, utilizing the emerging field of epitranscriptomics. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Lexington, Massachusetts, the company explores the post-transcriptional chemical modifications of RNA, which play a crucial role in regulating proteins essential for cellular growth and differentiation. By precisely targeting cancer-associated RNA-modifying proteins, Accent Therapeutics aims to innovate and deliver transformative therapies that can significantly improve patient outcomes in cancer treatment.
Escient Pharmaceuticals
Series A in 2018
Escient Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, specializing in the development and manufacture of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-targeted drugs aimed at treating neuro-immuno-inflammatory and autoreactive diseases. Founded in 2017, Escient focuses on harnessing the therapeutic potential of specific orphan GPCRs, particularly the Mas-Related G-Protein Receptors (Mrgprs). The company aims to provide innovative therapies for a variety of conditions, including mast cell-mediated disorders and cholestatic pruritus, thereby expanding treatment options for healthcare providers facing these complex diseases.
Revolution Medicines
Series B in 2018
Revolution Medicines is a clinical-stage precision oncology company dedicated to developing novel targeted therapies for cancer treatment. Founded by Martin D. Burke, the company leverages an innovative approach to synthesize complex natural products into optimized drug candidates. This method involves rapidly assembling simple chemical building blocks into refined structures with significant therapeutic potential. Revolution Medicines focuses on inhibiting elusive targets within key growth and survival pathways, particularly RAS and mTOR signaling pathways. The company's portfolio includes therapies like RMC-4630, a SHP2 inhibitor, as well as programs targeting SOS1 and 4EBP1/mTORC1.
Constellation Pharmaceuticals
Series F in 2018
Constellation Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative therapeutics for unmet medical needs in cancer treatment. The company specializes in the field of epigenetics, aiming to address cancers associated with abnormal gene expression and drug resistance. Its lead product candidates include CPI-0610, which is undergoing Phase II clinical trials for myelofibrosis in combination with ruxolitinib, and CPI-1205, currently in Phase Ib/II trials for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer in conjunction with androgen receptor signaling inhibitors. Additionally, Constellation is developing CPI-0209, which is in the Phase I dose escalation stage of a Phase I/II trial aimed at treating solid tumors. Founded in 2008, the company was previously known as Epigenetix, Inc. before rebranding to its current name in March 2008.
Kallyope Inc. is a biotechnology company based in New York City that focuses on understanding the gut-brain axis to develop innovative therapeutics and consumer products aimed at enhancing human health. Established in 2014, Kallyope employs advanced technologies, including sequencing, computational biology, neural imaging, and human genetics, to explore gut-brain biology. The company aims to address significant unmet medical needs, such as diabetes, obesity, gut disorders, inflammatory diseases, migraines, and allergies, by creating effective and user-friendly oral agents. Kallyope's team consists of experienced scientists from leading institutions, working alongside a skilled team with a strong track record in drug discovery and development. Through its research, Kallyope seeks to deliver transformative solutions that improve overall health outcomes.
ORIC Pharmaceuticals
Series C in 2018
ORIC Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies to combat cancer by overcoming resistance mechanisms. The company's lead product candidate, ORIC-101, is a small molecule antagonist of the glucocorticoid receptor, which plays a significant role in resistance to various cancer treatments across multiple solid tumors. Another key candidate, ORIC-533, is an orally bioavailable inhibitor of CD73, targeting a critical pathway in the adenosine metabolism that contributes to resistance against chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Additionally, ORIC is working on a pipeline of precision medicines aimed at addressing other cancer resistance mechanisms. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, ORIC Pharmaceuticals leverages the expertise of its scientific founders, who have extensive backgrounds in cancer research and target discovery.
ProNeurotech
Venture Round in 2018
ProNeurotech is a developer of neuroprotective drugs that prevent axon loss after acute injury or chronic degenerative disease. The company's business includes research in biochemistry, genetics, neurology and synthetic chemistry that drive the synthesis of the cardinal metabolite, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, enabling patients with neurodegenerative diseases to have access to treatment of neurologic and ocular diseases.
Carmot Therapeutics
Series B in 2018
Carmot Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Berkeley, California, with an additional office in San Francisco. Founded in 2008, it focuses on discovering and developing innovative therapies for patients with metabolic diseases, including obesity and diabetes. Utilizing its proprietary Chemotype Evolution technology, Carmot Therapeutics aims to address the underlying causes of these conditions and accelerate the discovery of effective treatments. The company’s portfolio includes several clinical-stage drug candidates, such as CT-388 and CT-996, which are designed as GLP-1 receptor agonists for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes, and CT-868, intended for type 1 diabetes patients who are overweight or obese. Through these efforts, Carmot Therapeutics seeks to create life-changing therapeutics that improve the health outcomes of individuals affected by metabolic diseases.
RAPT Therapeutics
Series C in 2017
RAPT Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing orally delivered small-molecule therapies for oncology and inflammatory diseases. It uses a proprietary discovery and development engine to create highly selective compounds that modulate immune responses. The company's lead oncology candidate, FLX475, targets the C-C motif chemokine receptor 4 and is in a Phase 1/2 program as monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab. The lead inflammation candidate, RPT193, is designed to selectively inhibit migration of type 2 T helper cells into inflamed tissues. Additional targets such as general control nonderepressible 2 and hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1 are in discovery. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in South San Francisco, the company aims to address unmet medical needs in cancer and inflammatory diseases.
Arcus Biosciences
Series C in 2017
Arcus Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Hayward, California, focused on developing innovative immunotherapies for cancer treatment. Founded in 2015, the company leverages insights from immunology to create novel therapies targeting the ATP-adenosine pathway, a critical driver of immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. Arcus has a diverse product pipeline featuring several candidates, including Etrumadenant (AB928), a dual A2a/A2b adenosine receptor antagonist in Phase 1b/2 trials; Zimberelimab, an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody in Phase Ib trials; and AB154, an anti-TIGIT monoclonal antibody in Phase 2 development for first-line metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. Additionally, AB680, a small-molecule CD73 inhibitor, is undergoing Phase 1/1b studies for the treatment of first-line metastatic pancreatic cancer. The company collaborates with other organizations, including AstraZeneca and Strata Oncology, to advance its clinical programs.
Exonics Therapeutics
Series A in 2017
Exonics Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing gene editing technologies to address severe genetic neuromuscular disorders, particularly Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with an additional office in Dallas, Texas, Exonics employs CRISPR/Cas9 technology to create potential one-time therapies that permanently correct mutations responsible for DMD. The company's innovative approach utilizes adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors to deliver gene editing components that target and correct exon mutations, thereby facilitating the production of dystrophin, a crucial protein that stabilizes and protects muscle fibers. By enabling the restoration of dystrophin production, Exonics aims to significantly improve the quality of life for patients affected by this debilitating condition. The company operates as a subsidiary of Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated.
Gritstone bio
Series B in 2017
Gritstone bio is a biotechnology company focused on developing immunotherapies for cancer and infectious diseases. The company initially concentrated on tumor-specific neoantigens but has expanded its programs to include viral antigens found on the surface of infected cells. Gritstone bio's approach leverages the body's natural immune system recognition of targets on abnormal cells, which is applicable to both anti-tumor and anti-viral immunity. Their pipeline includes several product candidates for treating solid tumors, such as GRANITE, SLATE, and CORAL. The company operates in a field that has seen significant advancements with the development and commercialization of immunotherapy drugs like checkpoint inhibitors, transforming cancer treatment.
Effector Therapeutics
Series C in 2017
eFFECTOR Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, that specializes in the development of selective translation regulators for the treatment of cancer and other serious diseases. Founded in 2012, the company is pioneering a new class of oncology drugs known as selective translation regulator inhibitors (STRIs). These drug candidates specifically target the eIF4F complex and its associated kinase, MNK 1/2, which play critical roles in protein synthesis and are linked to prominent cancer signaling pathways such as PI3K-AKT and RAS-MEK. eFFECTOR's products aim to inhibit pathways that drive tumor growth, survival, and immune evasion by regulating the expression of oncoproteins and immunosuppressive proteins. The lead candidate, tomivosertib, is currently being evaluated in a Phase 2b trial for non-small cell lung cancer in combination with pembrolizumab. Additionally, zotatifin, an inhibitor of eIF4A, is undergoing dose-escalation in a Phase 1/2 trial, with further expansion cohorts anticipated. The company also collaborates with Pfizer to advance inhibitors targeting eIF4E.
Constellation Pharmaceuticals
Series E in 2017
Constellation Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative therapeutics for unmet medical needs in cancer treatment. The company specializes in the field of epigenetics, aiming to address cancers associated with abnormal gene expression and drug resistance. Its lead product candidates include CPI-0610, which is undergoing Phase II clinical trials for myelofibrosis in combination with ruxolitinib, and CPI-1205, currently in Phase Ib/II trials for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer in conjunction with androgen receptor signaling inhibitors. Additionally, Constellation is developing CPI-0209, which is in the Phase I dose escalation stage of a Phase I/II trial aimed at treating solid tumors. Founded in 2008, the company was previously known as Epigenetix, Inc. before rebranding to its current name in March 2008.
Surrozen, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing targeted regenerative antibodies to enhance tissue and organ repair in response to serious diseases. Founded in 2015, the company specializes in modulating the Wnt pathway, a crucial mediator of tissue regeneration, through its innovative antibody platforms that target specific organs and tissues. Notable programs include SZN-043, designed to stimulate liver regeneration in both acute and chronic liver diseases, and SZN-1326, aimed at repairing damaged epithelial tissue in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Surrozen's approach extends to multiple organ systems, with potential applications in the intestine, liver, retina, cornea, lung, kidney, cochlea, skin, pancreas, and central nervous system.
Revolution Medicines
Series A in 2016
Revolution Medicines is a clinical-stage precision oncology company dedicated to developing novel targeted therapies for cancer treatment. Founded by Martin D. Burke, the company leverages an innovative approach to synthesize complex natural products into optimized drug candidates. This method involves rapidly assembling simple chemical building blocks into refined structures with significant therapeutic potential. Revolution Medicines focuses on inhibiting elusive targets within key growth and survival pathways, particularly RAS and mTOR signaling pathways. The company's portfolio includes therapies like RMC-4630, a SHP2 inhibitor, as well as programs targeting SOS1 and 4EBP1/mTORC1.
Tenaya Therapeutics
Series A in 2016
Tenaya Therapeutics is a preclinical stage biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, specializing in the development of innovative therapies for heart disease, particularly heart failure. Established in 2016, the company employs a multipronged approach to address the fundamental cellular pathologies associated with cardiac muscle disease. Tenaya Therapeutics advances its product candidates through three primary platforms: a cellular regeneration platform that reprograms cardiac fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes using proprietary transcription factors, a gene therapy platform for targeted delivery of therapeutic payloads to cardiac fibroblasts, and a precision medicine platform that offers personalized treatment strategies. Through its research, the company aims to enable physicians to regenerate heart tissue and tackle various forms of cardiomyopathies effectively.
Peloton Therapeutics
Series D in 2016
Peloton Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company based in Dallas, Texas, dedicated to developing innovative medicines for patients with cancer and other serious conditions. The company focuses on targeting HIF-2a, a transcription factor previously considered difficult to address with small molecules. Its lead drug candidate, PT2977, is an oral HIF-2a inhibitor currently undergoing Phase 2 clinical trials for advanced or metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma, and it is being evaluated in various settings, including in patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease-associated renal cell carcinoma and in combination with cabozantinib. Additionally, Peloton is advancing PT2567, another oral HIF-2a inhibitor in preclinical development for non-oncology indications such as pulmonary arterial hypertension. Founded in 2010 and previously known as Damascus Pharmaceutics, Peloton Therapeutics aims to leverage its scientific expertise and collaborations to become a leading biotech company in the region.
Arcus Biosciences
Series B in 2016
Arcus Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Hayward, California, focused on developing innovative immunotherapies for cancer treatment. Founded in 2015, the company leverages insights from immunology to create novel therapies targeting the ATP-adenosine pathway, a critical driver of immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. Arcus has a diverse product pipeline featuring several candidates, including Etrumadenant (AB928), a dual A2a/A2b adenosine receptor antagonist in Phase 1b/2 trials; Zimberelimab, an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody in Phase Ib trials; and AB154, an anti-TIGIT monoclonal antibody in Phase 2 development for first-line metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. Additionally, AB680, a small-molecule CD73 inhibitor, is undergoing Phase 1/1b studies for the treatment of first-line metastatic pancreatic cancer. The company collaborates with other organizations, including AstraZeneca and Strata Oncology, to advance its clinical programs.
RAPT Therapeutics
Series B in 2016
RAPT Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing orally delivered small-molecule therapies for oncology and inflammatory diseases. It uses a proprietary discovery and development engine to create highly selective compounds that modulate immune responses. The company's lead oncology candidate, FLX475, targets the C-C motif chemokine receptor 4 and is in a Phase 1/2 program as monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab. The lead inflammation candidate, RPT193, is designed to selectively inhibit migration of type 2 T helper cells into inflamed tissues. Additional targets such as general control nonderepressible 2 and hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1 are in discovery. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in South San Francisco, the company aims to address unmet medical needs in cancer and inflammatory diseases.
Ribon Therapeutics
Series A in 2016
Ribon Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company founded in 2015 and headquartered in Lexington, Massachusetts. The company focuses on developing novel therapeutics that target monoPARP proteins, which are critical regulators of cancer cell survival mechanisms. By leveraging insights from its scientific founders, Ribon is establishing a proprietary drug discovery platform aimed at investigating the molecular actions and biological functions of a specific subset of the PARP protein family. This platform enables Ribon to create a pipeline of innovative small molecule inhibitors designed to disrupt the fundamental survival capabilities of cancer cells under stress. In addition to cancer treatment, the company's research may have implications for addressing other diseases. Ribon is supported by notable life science investors, which enhances its capacity to advance its therapeutic developments.
Effector Therapeutics
Series B in 2015
eFFECTOR Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, that specializes in the development of selective translation regulators for the treatment of cancer and other serious diseases. Founded in 2012, the company is pioneering a new class of oncology drugs known as selective translation regulator inhibitors (STRIs). These drug candidates specifically target the eIF4F complex and its associated kinase, MNK 1/2, which play critical roles in protein synthesis and are linked to prominent cancer signaling pathways such as PI3K-AKT and RAS-MEK. eFFECTOR's products aim to inhibit pathways that drive tumor growth, survival, and immune evasion by regulating the expression of oncoproteins and immunosuppressive proteins. The lead candidate, tomivosertib, is currently being evaluated in a Phase 2b trial for non-small cell lung cancer in combination with pembrolizumab. Additionally, zotatifin, an inhibitor of eIF4A, is undergoing dose-escalation in a Phase 1/2 trial, with further expansion cohorts anticipated. The company also collaborates with Pfizer to advance inhibitors targeting eIF4E.
Ribon Therapeutics
Venture Round in 2015
Ribon Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company founded in 2015 and headquartered in Lexington, Massachusetts. The company focuses on developing novel therapeutics that target monoPARP proteins, which are critical regulators of cancer cell survival mechanisms. By leveraging insights from its scientific founders, Ribon is establishing a proprietary drug discovery platform aimed at investigating the molecular actions and biological functions of a specific subset of the PARP protein family. This platform enables Ribon to create a pipeline of innovative small molecule inhibitors designed to disrupt the fundamental survival capabilities of cancer cells under stress. In addition to cancer treatment, the company's research may have implications for addressing other diseases. Ribon is supported by notable life science investors, which enhances its capacity to advance its therapeutic developments.
Kallyope Inc. is a biotechnology company based in New York City that focuses on understanding the gut-brain axis to develop innovative therapeutics and consumer products aimed at enhancing human health. Established in 2014, Kallyope employs advanced technologies, including sequencing, computational biology, neural imaging, and human genetics, to explore gut-brain biology. The company aims to address significant unmet medical needs, such as diabetes, obesity, gut disorders, inflammatory diseases, migraines, and allergies, by creating effective and user-friendly oral agents. Kallyope's team consists of experienced scientists from leading institutions, working alongside a skilled team with a strong track record in drug discovery and development. Through its research, Kallyope seeks to deliver transformative solutions that improve overall health outcomes.
Constellation Pharmaceuticals
Series E in 2015
Constellation Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative therapeutics for unmet medical needs in cancer treatment. The company specializes in the field of epigenetics, aiming to address cancers associated with abnormal gene expression and drug resistance. Its lead product candidates include CPI-0610, which is undergoing Phase II clinical trials for myelofibrosis in combination with ruxolitinib, and CPI-1205, currently in Phase Ib/II trials for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer in conjunction with androgen receptor signaling inhibitors. Additionally, Constellation is developing CPI-0209, which is in the Phase I dose escalation stage of a Phase I/II trial aimed at treating solid tumors. Founded in 2008, the company was previously known as Epigenetix, Inc. before rebranding to its current name in March 2008.
ORIC Pharmaceuticals
Series B in 2015
ORIC Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies to combat cancer by overcoming resistance mechanisms. The company's lead product candidate, ORIC-101, is a small molecule antagonist of the glucocorticoid receptor, which plays a significant role in resistance to various cancer treatments across multiple solid tumors. Another key candidate, ORIC-533, is an orally bioavailable inhibitor of CD73, targeting a critical pathway in the adenosine metabolism that contributes to resistance against chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Additionally, ORIC is working on a pipeline of precision medicines aimed at addressing other cancer resistance mechanisms. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, ORIC Pharmaceuticals leverages the expertise of its scientific founders, who have extensive backgrounds in cancer research and target discovery.
Neurona Therapeutics
Series A in 2015
Neurona Therapeutics Inc. is a pre-clinical biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing cell-based therapies for neurological disorders. Founded by a team of neuroscientists and stem cell experts from the University of California, San Francisco, Neurona aims to create therapeutic compositions of specific types of neurons for targeted delivery into the injured nervous system. The company is dedicated to addressing chronic neurological diseases through regenerative neural cell therapies, which hold the potential for single-dose curative treatments. Drawing on nearly two decades of research, Neurona believes that certain subpopulations of neurons can effectively integrate and repair dysfunctional neural circuits, thus offering new hope for patients facing significant unmet medical needs.
Gritstone bio
Series A in 2015
Gritstone bio is a biotechnology company focused on developing immunotherapies for cancer and infectious diseases. The company initially concentrated on tumor-specific neoantigens but has expanded its programs to include viral antigens found on the surface of infected cells. Gritstone bio's approach leverages the body's natural immune system recognition of targets on abnormal cells, which is applicable to both anti-tumor and anti-viral immunity. Their pipeline includes several product candidates for treating solid tumors, such as GRANITE, SLATE, and CORAL. The company operates in a field that has seen significant advancements with the development and commercialization of immunotherapy drugs like checkpoint inhibitors, transforming cancer treatment.
Arcus Biosciences
Series A in 2015
Arcus Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Hayward, California, focused on developing innovative immunotherapies for cancer treatment. Founded in 2015, the company leverages insights from immunology to create novel therapies targeting the ATP-adenosine pathway, a critical driver of immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. Arcus has a diverse product pipeline featuring several candidates, including Etrumadenant (AB928), a dual A2a/A2b adenosine receptor antagonist in Phase 1b/2 trials; Zimberelimab, an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody in Phase Ib trials; and AB154, an anti-TIGIT monoclonal antibody in Phase 2 development for first-line metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. Additionally, AB680, a small-molecule CD73 inhibitor, is undergoing Phase 1/1b studies for the treatment of first-line metastatic pancreatic cancer. The company collaborates with other organizations, including AstraZeneca and Strata Oncology, to advance its clinical programs.
NGM Biopharmaceuticals
Series D in 2015
NGM Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing innovative therapeutics for cardio-metabolic, liver, oncologic, and ophthalmic diseases. Incorporated in 2007 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, the company is engaged in creating novel treatments informed by key biological pathways. Its product candidates include Aldafermin, an engineered variant of the FGF19 hormone currently in Phase 2b clinical trials for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and NGM313, an agonistic antibody in Phase 1b trials for type 2 diabetes and NASH. Other candidates in development include NGM395 for metabolic syndrome, NGM120 to address cancer anorexia/cachexia syndrome, NGM217 aimed at improving insulin production in diabetes patients, and NGM621 to target a protein involved in age-related macular degeneration. NGM Biopharmaceuticals collaborates with Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. to advance its research and development efforts in creating impactful medicines that enhance patient health.
Flexus Biosciences
Series B in 2014
Flexus Biosciences, established in 2013 and based in San Carlos, California, is a privately-held biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative small-molecule cancer therapeutics. Its primary focus lies in targeting regulatory T cells, aiming to create novel immunotherapies that enhance the body's immune response against cancer.
ORIC Pharmaceuticals
Series A in 2014
ORIC Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies to combat cancer by overcoming resistance mechanisms. The company's lead product candidate, ORIC-101, is a small molecule antagonist of the glucocorticoid receptor, which plays a significant role in resistance to various cancer treatments across multiple solid tumors. Another key candidate, ORIC-533, is an orally bioavailable inhibitor of CD73, targeting a critical pathway in the adenosine metabolism that contributes to resistance against chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Additionally, ORIC is working on a pipeline of precision medicines aimed at addressing other cancer resistance mechanisms. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, ORIC Pharmaceuticals leverages the expertise of its scientific founders, who have extensive backgrounds in cancer research and target discovery.