Column Group I

The Column Group, established in 2005 and headquartered in San Francisco, is a venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments in the biotechnology sector. It focuses on drug discovery and development, targeting areas such as cancer, inflammation, and infectious diseases. The firm invests $15 million to $30 million per deal, aiming to build companies with innovative scientific platforms that address unmet medical needs. It provides support throughout the development process, from seed financing to commercialization.

David Goeddel

Managing Partner

Sarah Hymowitz

Partner

JeenJoo Kang

Venture Partner

Craig Parker

Venture Partner

Millie Ray

Partner

Robert Tjian

Discovery Partner

Laurence Lasky Ph.D

Partner

Brian Wong Ph.D

Venture Partner

126 past transactions

Neurona Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2025
Neurona Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, that specializes in developing cell-based therapies for neurological disorders. Founded by neuroscientists and stem cell pioneers at The University of California, San Francisco, the company focuses on creating therapeutic compositions of specific types of neurons for targeted delivery into the injured nervous system. Drawing on nearly two decades of research, Neurona seeks to harness particular subpopulations of neurons capable of integrating and repairing dysregulated neural circuits. With a dedicated team of scientists and advisors, the company aims to accelerate the development of breakthrough treatments for patients suffering from significant unmet medical needs in the realm of chronic neurological diseases.

Surrozen

Post in 2025
Surrozen, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing targeted regenerative antibodies to repair damaged tissues and improve organ function. The company utilizes antibody platforms that act as Wnt and R-spondin mimetics to stimulate tissue regeneration in a variety of organs. Its key programs include SZN-043, which aims to promote hepatocyte regeneration in liver diseases, and SZN-1326, designed to repair diseased epithelial tissue for patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Surrozen's research targets several disease areas, including conditions affecting the intestine, liver, retina, cornea, lung, kidney, cochlea, skin, pancreas, and central nervous system, by engaging the body’s natural biological repair mechanisms. The company was incorporated in 2015 and continues to advance its innovative therapeutic approaches.

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. Founded in 2019, the company employs advanced super-resolution microscopy and live-cell imaging techniques to discover drugs targeting previously intractable proteins. By integrating biology, engineering, and chemistry, Eikon Therapeutics aims to enhance the understanding of cellular processes and improve drug discovery efficiency. Its proprietary platforms allow for the sensitive identification of compound-protein interactions, enabling the direct measurement of how chemical compounds affect individual proteins in live cells. This novel approach seeks to unlock new therapeutic opportunities and expand the company's pipeline of potential medications.

A2 Biotherapeutics

Series C in 2025
A2 Biotherapeutics is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of innovative T cell therapies aimed at treating tumor cancers. The company employs its proprietary Tmod™ platform, which integrates various signals to improve treatment efficacy while reducing harm to healthy tissues. A2 Biotherapeutics focuses on engineered T cells that specifically target genetic material loss in tumors, allowing for the selective destruction of cancerous cells without affecting normal cells. The company offers services related to cancer testis antigens and neoantigens associated with various solid tumors, including those of the head, neck, pancreas, colon, and lung. Founded in 2017 and based in Agoura Hills, California, A2 Biotherapeutics was previously known as HLA-A2, Inc.

Rapt

Post in 2024
RAPT Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in immunology. It focuses on discovering, developing, and commercializing oral small-molecule therapies aimed at addressing significant unmet medical needs in oncology and inflammatory diseases. RAPT's proprietary discovery engine has led to the advancement of two drug candidates: FLX475, which selectively inhibits the migration of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells into tumors, and RPT193, which targets type 2 T helper cells in inflamed tissues. Both candidates have progressed to clinical trials within a short time frame since the company's inception. Additionally, RAPT is exploring further therapeutic targets, including general control nonderepressible 2 and hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1, which are currently in the discovery phase.

Nura Bio

Series A in 2024
Nura Bio, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing neuroprotective therapies aimed at treating neurological diseases. The company specializes in discovering and developing drugs that prevent axon loss following acute injury or chronic degenerative conditions. Its primary drug candidate, NB-4746, is designed to inhibit the SARM1 protein, which is implicated in axonal degeneration. This candidate has shown promise in preclinical studies for preventing nerve damage and is progressing toward phase 1b/2 clinical trials scheduled for 2025. Nura Bio has successfully raised $140 million in financing to support its drug development initiatives and enhance the immune response of the nervous system following neurological injuries.

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 focuses on developing cell-permeable macrocyclic peptide therapeutics by employing proprietary computational design algorithms and innovative synthetic chemistry. Circle Pharma utilizes an iterative design process that leverages large virtual libraries of conformationally diverse macrocycle scaffolds, which are selected for their inherent permeability. This approach allows the company to create first-in-class macrocycle therapies that can be administered through multiple routes, including oral delivery. The therapeutics target challenging clinical issues, particularly intracellular protein-protein interactions that are significant contributors to cancer, thereby addressing unmet medical needs and enhancing the capabilities of healthcare professionals in their treatment efforts.

NGM Biopharmaceuticals

Series A in 2024
NGM Biopharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing innovative therapeutics for various diseases, including cardio-metabolic, liver, oncologic, and ophthalmic conditions. The company is advancing several product candidates, such as Aldafermin, currently in Phase 2b trials for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and NGM313, an antibody in Phase 1b trials aimed at treating type 2 diabetes and NASH. Other notable candidates include NGM395 for metabolic syndrome, NGM120 targeting cancer anorexia/cachexia syndrome, NGM217 to enhance insulin production in diabetes patients, and NGM621 for addressing dry age-related macular degeneration. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in South San Francisco, NGM Biopharmaceuticals is committed to leveraging insights from human clinical and genetic studies to develop transformative therapies, particularly focusing on the gastrointestinal endocrine system and its role in metabolic diseases. The company collaborates with Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp for research and product development initiatives.

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 focuses on developing cell-permeable macrocyclic peptide therapeutics by employing proprietary computational design algorithms and innovative synthetic chemistry. Circle Pharma utilizes an iterative design process that leverages large virtual libraries of conformationally diverse macrocycle scaffolds, which are selected for their inherent permeability. This approach allows the company to create first-in-class macrocycle therapies that can be administered through multiple routes, including oral delivery. The therapeutics target challenging clinical issues, particularly intracellular protein-protein interactions that are significant contributors to cancer, thereby addressing unmet medical needs and enhancing the capabilities of healthcare professionals in their treatment efforts.

Surrozen

Post in 2024
Surrozen, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing targeted regenerative antibodies to repair damaged tissues and improve organ function. The company utilizes antibody platforms that act as Wnt and R-spondin mimetics to stimulate tissue regeneration in a variety of organs. Its key programs include SZN-043, which aims to promote hepatocyte regeneration in liver diseases, and SZN-1326, designed to repair diseased epithelial tissue for patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Surrozen's research targets several disease areas, including conditions affecting the intestine, liver, retina, cornea, lung, kidney, cochlea, skin, pancreas, and central nervous system, by engaging the body’s natural biological repair mechanisms. The company was incorporated in 2015 and continues to advance its innovative therapeutic approaches.

Kenai Therapeutics

Series A in 2024
Kenai Therapeutics is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing therapies for neurodegenerative movement disorders. The company specializes in off-the-shelf neuron replacement therapies, which serve as effective disease-modifying treatments for various neurological conditions. By providing innovative therapeutic options, Kenai Therapeutics aims to equip healthcare professionals with advanced methods for treating disorders such as Parkinson's disease.

Tenaya Therapeutics

Post in 2024
Tenaya Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing innovative therapies for heart disease, particularly heart failure. Established in 2016, the company employs three main platforms to address the underlying causes of heart disease: a cellular regeneration platform that reprograms cardiac fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes using proprietary transcription factors, a gene therapy platform for targeted delivery of therapeutic payloads, and a precision medicine approach tailored to individual patients. Through these platforms, Tenaya Therapeutics aims to enable the regeneration of heart tissue and tackle various forms of cardiomyopathies, leveraging advanced research in cardiac development and regeneration.

Neurona Therapeutics

Series E in 2024
Neurona Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, that specializes in developing cell-based therapies for neurological disorders. Founded by neuroscientists and stem cell pioneers at The University of California, San Francisco, the company focuses on creating therapeutic compositions of specific types of neurons for targeted delivery into the injured nervous system. Drawing on nearly two decades of research, Neurona seeks to harness particular subpopulations of neurons capable of integrating and repairing dysregulated neural circuits. With a dedicated team of scientists and advisors, the company aims to accelerate the development of breakthrough treatments for patients suffering from significant unmet medical needs in the realm of chronic neurological diseases.

Accent Therapeutics

Series C in 2024
Accent Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Lexington, Massachusetts, focused on developing small molecule therapies for oncology through the innovative field of epitranscriptomics. Founded in 2017, the company explores post-transcriptional chemical modifications of RNA, which play a crucial role in regulating proteins essential for cellular growth and differentiation. By precisely targeting RNA-modifying proteins associated with cancer, Accent Therapeutics aims to translate advanced scientific research into effective treatments for patients, ultimately providing new therapeutic options in the fight against cancer.

Tr1x

Series A in 2024
Tr1x is a biotechnology company focused on developing cellular therapies for the treatment of autoimmune disorders. The company leverages its proprietary platform to create advanced cell therapy products aimed at recalibrating the immune system and restoring homeostasis. By exploring genetic engineering and T-cell biology, Tr1x seeks to develop scalable and effective cellular cures that target inflammation and autoimmunity. Its mission is to provide innovative solutions for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, ultimately transforming the lives of patients affected by these conditions.

Remix Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2024
Remix Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on the research and development of innovative small-molecule therapies that target RNA processing to address various diseases. Established in 2018 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company employs its proprietary biology platform to identify and prioritize therapeutic targets within RNA processing. Through its REMseq platform, Remix Therapeutics validates potential drug targets and optimizes chemical compounds for therapeutic use. The company's approach aims to reprogram RNA processing to control gene expression, thereby correcting, enhancing, or eliminating problematic gene messages. This enables healthcare providers to tackle the underlying causes of diseases, offering novel solutions to previously undruggable conditions.

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 innovative therapies for metabolic diseases and cancer. The company focuses on identifying metabolite-protein interactions and harnessing nature's allosteric control mechanisms to create first-in-class drug candidates. By applying its platform to genetically validated targets, Atavistik Bio aims to advance novel treatments that address significant medical needs in these areas.

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 therapies designed to benefit patients suffering from both common and rare conditions. Currently, the company is operating in stealth mode, indicating a focus on research and development without public visibility.

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, the company focuses on discovering and developing therapies for metabolic diseases, including obesity and diabetes. Carmot employs a proprietary drug discovery approach known as Chemotype Evolution, which enables the exploration of novel chemical and biological frontiers. The company is advancing a portfolio of clinical-stage drug candidates, including CT-388, a once-weekly injectable dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist; CT-996, a once-daily oral GLP-1 receptor agonist; and CT-868, a once-daily injectable dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist for treating type 1 diabetes in patients with overweight or obesity. These innovative therapies aim to enhance glucose clearance and promote weight loss, addressing the fundamental causes of metabolic diseases.

Synthekine

Series C in 2023
Synthekine Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative cytokine therapies and immunotherapies for cancer and autoimmune disorders. Established in 2018 and located in Menlo Park, California, the company employs advanced platforms such as engineered partial agonists and orthogonal cell therapies. Its Synthekine Platform utilizes surrogate agonists instead of traditional mutant cytokines, allowing for the creation of therapeutics that enhance efficacy while minimizing side effects. The product pipeline includes STK-009, an orthogonal ligand, and SYNCAR-001, a CAR-T therapy targeting CD-19, along with STK-012, which consists of partial agonists of IL-2. Synthekine aims to revolutionize treatment paradigms by harnessing the principles of cytokine partial agonism and immunological specificity, leading to novel immunotherapies that improve patient outcomes.

Cajal Neuroscience

Series A in 2022
Cajal Neuroscience is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. By integrating human genetics, functional genomics, and advanced microscopy, the company aims to identify novel therapeutic targets. Cajal utilizes a range of cutting-edge technologies, including high-throughput functional genomics and multi-omics approaches, to screen for targets that significantly influence the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. This comprehensive methodology supports the development of precision medicine, ultimately aiding healthcare professionals in treating patients affected by these conditions.

Escient Pharmaceuticals

Series C in 2022
Escient Pharmaceuticals is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, that develops and manufactures drugs targeting G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) for the treatment of neuro-immuno-inflammatory and autoreactive diseases. Founded in 2017, the company specializes in harnessing the therapeutic potential of specific orphan GPCRs, particularly the Mas-Related G-Protein Receptors (Mrgprs), to address various neurosensory-inflammatory disorders. Escient's innovative approach aims to provide first-in-class therapies for conditions associated with mast cell-mediated disorders and cholestatic pruritus, thereby expanding treatment options for healthcare providers and patients facing these challenging diseases.

Casma Therapeutics

Series C in 2022
Casma Therapeutics, Inc. specializes in developing innovative therapeutic strategies centered on the natural cellular process of autophagy and lysosomal flux. By focusing on enhancing autophagy, the company aims to improve the clearance of unwanted proteins, organelles, and pathogens, thereby addressing the progression of various diseases. Its research targets several serious medical conditions, including lysosomal storage disorders, muscle disorders, inflammatory disorders, and neurodegeneration. Founded in 2017 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Casma Therapeutics is dedicated to creating effective treatment options that meet significant unmet medical needs in the field of drug discovery and development.

Hexagon Bio

Venture Round in 2022
Hexagon Bio, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Menlo Park, California, focused on discovering novel drugs for diseases that lack effective treatments. Established in 2016, the company utilizes a data-driven approach that combines genomics, synthetic biology, and computational techniques. By mining genomic data from fungal genomes, Hexagon Bio aims to identify targeted small molecule therapeutics. Its proprietary platform leverages data science to engineer drugs from DNA sequences, enabling the identification of small molecule inhibitors that interact with specific target proteins. This innovative method allows researchers to tap into the global metagenome, facilitating the development of new medicines aimed at improving 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, the company focuses on discovering and developing therapies for metabolic diseases, including obesity and diabetes. Carmot employs a proprietary drug discovery approach known as Chemotype Evolution, which enables the exploration of novel chemical and biological frontiers. The company is advancing a portfolio of clinical-stage drug candidates, including CT-388, a once-weekly injectable dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist; CT-996, a once-daily oral GLP-1 receptor agonist; and CT-868, a once-daily injectable dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist for treating type 1 diabetes in patients with overweight or obesity. These innovative therapies aim to enhance glucose clearance and promote weight loss, addressing the fundamental causes of 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 that target RNA processing to address various diseases. Established in 2018 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company employs its proprietary biology platform to identify and prioritize therapeutic targets within RNA processing. Through its REMseq platform, Remix Therapeutics validates potential drug targets and optimizes chemical compounds for therapeutic use. The company's approach aims to reprogram RNA processing to control gene expression, thereby correcting, enhancing, or eliminating problematic gene messages. This enables healthcare providers to tackle the underlying causes of diseases, offering novel solutions to previously undruggable conditions.

Plexium

Series B in 2022
Plexium, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, that specializes in developing targeted protein degradation therapies aimed at treating cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Founded in 2017, Plexium utilizes a platform that identifies small molecules capable of modulating E3 ligases, which play a crucial role in protein degradation. This platform includes the DELPhe screening technology, designed for high-content readouts from cell-based assays. By harnessing E3 ligases, Plexium's approach enables selective targeting of various cancers, including small cell lung and breast tumors. The company's innovative research extends beyond existing therapies, exploring new drug-like protein degraders and molecular glues to enhance treatment options for cancer and inflammatory diseases.

Kallyope

Series D in 2022
Kallyope Inc. is a biotechnology company based in New York City that focuses on the gut-brain axis to develop innovative therapeutics and consumer products aimed at enhancing human health. Founded in 2014, Kallyope employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating technologies such as sequencing, computational biology, neural imaging, and human genetics to deepen the understanding of gut-brain biology. This comprehensive understanding enables the company to create effective and well-tolerated oral medications targeting various health issues, including diabetes, obesity, gut disorders, inflammatory diseases, migraines, and allergies. With a team of experienced scientists and a strong foundation in drug discovery, Kallyope aims to address significant unmet medical needs through its research and development efforts.

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. Founded in 2019, the company employs advanced super-resolution microscopy and live-cell imaging techniques to discover drugs targeting previously intractable proteins. By integrating biology, engineering, and chemistry, Eikon Therapeutics aims to enhance the understanding of cellular processes and improve drug discovery efficiency. Its proprietary platforms allow for the sensitive identification of compound-protein interactions, enabling the direct measurement of how chemical compounds affect individual proteins in live cells. This novel approach seeks to unlock new therapeutic opportunities and expand the company's pipeline of potential medications.

Velia

Series A in 2022
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 develops innovative cell and gene therapies aimed at enhancing adoptive immunotherapy for cancer patients. Founded in 2015 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company focuses on creating next-generation therapies that utilize pharmacologic operating systems to provide precise control over protein activity within cells. This technology allows for the development of adoptive cell therapies with advanced functionalities that can be managed by physicians using simple, safe, and orally active medications. By offering improved control over treatment, Obsidian Therapeutics aims to provide better outcomes for patients compared to existing cell therapy options.

Effector Therapeutics

Post in 2021
eFFECTOR Therapeutics Inc is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in San Diego, California. Established in 2012, the company specializes in developing selective translation regulators for cancer and other serious diseases. Its innovative approach involves small molecule drugs known as selective translation regulator inhibitors (STRIs), which target the eIF4F complex and its associated kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinase 1/2 (MNK 1/2). This complex plays a crucial role in the translation of specific messenger RNA into proteins linked to cancer progression. eFFECTOR's lead product candidate, tomivosertib, is currently being evaluated in a Phase 2b trial in combination with pembrolizumab for non-small cell lung cancer. Additionally, zotatifin, an inhibitor of eIF4A, is undergoing dose-escalation trials with plans for further expansion. The company also collaborates with Pfizer to develop inhibitors targeting eIF4E. Through these efforts, eFFECTOR aims to address the challenges of tumor growth, survival, and immune evasion in cancer treatment.

Atavistik Bio

Series A in 2021
Atavistik Bio is a pre-clinical biotechnology company dedicated to discovering and developing innovative therapies for metabolic diseases and cancer. The company focuses on identifying metabolite-protein interactions and harnessing nature's allosteric control mechanisms to create first-in-class drug candidates. By applying its platform to genetically validated targets, Atavistik Bio aims to advance novel treatments that address significant medical needs in these areas.

Surrozen

Post in 2021
Surrozen, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing targeted regenerative antibodies to repair damaged tissues and improve organ function. The company utilizes antibody platforms that act as Wnt and R-spondin mimetics to stimulate tissue regeneration in a variety of organs. Its key programs include SZN-043, which aims to promote hepatocyte regeneration in liver diseases, and SZN-1326, designed to repair diseased epithelial tissue for patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Surrozen's research targets several disease areas, including conditions affecting the intestine, liver, retina, cornea, lung, kidney, cochlea, skin, pancreas, and central nervous system, by engaging the body’s natural biological repair mechanisms. The company was incorporated in 2015 and continues to advance its innovative therapeutic approaches.

Hexagon Bio

Series B in 2021
Hexagon Bio, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Menlo Park, California, focused on discovering novel drugs for diseases that lack effective treatments. Established in 2016, the company utilizes a data-driven approach that combines genomics, synthetic biology, and computational techniques. By mining genomic data from fungal genomes, Hexagon Bio aims to identify targeted small molecule therapeutics. Its proprietary platform leverages data science to engineer drugs from DNA sequences, enabling the identification of small molecule inhibitors that interact with specific target proteins. This innovative method allows researchers to tap into the global metagenome, facilitating the development of new medicines aimed at improving patient outcomes.

Neurona Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2021
Neurona Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, that specializes in developing cell-based therapies for neurological disorders. Founded by neuroscientists and stem cell pioneers at The University of California, San Francisco, the company focuses on creating therapeutic compositions of specific types of neurons for targeted delivery into the injured nervous system. Drawing on nearly two decades of research, Neurona seeks to harness particular subpopulations of neurons capable of integrating and repairing dysregulated neural circuits. With a dedicated team of scientists and advisors, the company aims to accelerate the development of breakthrough treatments for patients suffering from significant unmet medical needs in the realm of chronic neurological diseases.

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 focuses on developing cell-permeable macrocyclic peptide therapeutics by employing proprietary computational design algorithms and innovative synthetic chemistry. Circle Pharma utilizes an iterative design process that leverages large virtual libraries of conformationally diverse macrocycle scaffolds, which are selected for their inherent permeability. This approach allows the company to create first-in-class macrocycle therapies that can be administered through multiple routes, including oral delivery. The therapeutics target challenging clinical issues, particularly intracellular protein-protein interactions that are significant contributors to cancer, thereby addressing unmet medical needs and enhancing the capabilities of healthcare professionals in their treatment efforts.

Ribon Therapeutics

Series C in 2021
Ribon Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Lexington, Massachusetts, focused on developing novel cancer therapies that target monoPARP proteins, which are essential regulators of cancer survival mechanisms. Established in 2015, Ribon is leveraging insights from its scientific founders and an experienced management team to create a proprietary drug discovery platform aimed at understanding the molecular actions and biological functions of monoPARPs. This platform enables the development of small molecule inhibitors designed to disrupt cancer cells' abilities to withstand stress, potentially leading to innovative treatments for cancer and other diseases. The company is supported by notable life science investors, positioning it for growth in the biopharmaceutical sector.

Synthekine

Series B in 2021
Synthekine Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative cytokine therapies and immunotherapies for cancer and autoimmune disorders. Established in 2018 and located in Menlo Park, California, the company employs advanced platforms such as engineered partial agonists and orthogonal cell therapies. Its Synthekine Platform utilizes surrogate agonists instead of traditional mutant cytokines, allowing for the creation of therapeutics that enhance efficacy while minimizing side effects. The product pipeline includes STK-009, an orthogonal ligand, and SYNCAR-001, a CAR-T therapy targeting CD-19, along with STK-012, which consists of partial agonists of IL-2. Synthekine aims to revolutionize treatment paradigms by harnessing the principles of cytokine partial agonism and immunological specificity, leading to novel immunotherapies that improve patient outcomes.

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. Founded in 2019, the company employs advanced super-resolution microscopy and live-cell imaging techniques to discover drugs targeting previously intractable proteins. By integrating biology, engineering, and chemistry, Eikon Therapeutics aims to enhance the understanding of cellular processes and improve drug discovery efficiency. Its proprietary platforms allow for the sensitive identification of compound-protein interactions, enabling the direct measurement of how chemical compounds affect individual proteins in live cells. This novel approach seeks to unlock new therapeutic opportunities and expand the company's pipeline of potential medications.

Tenaya Therapeutics

Series C in 2021
Tenaya Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing innovative therapies for heart disease, particularly heart failure. Established in 2016, the company employs three main platforms to address the underlying causes of heart disease: a cellular regeneration platform that reprograms cardiac fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes using proprietary transcription factors, a gene therapy platform for targeted delivery of therapeutic payloads, and a precision medicine approach tailored to individual patients. Through these platforms, Tenaya Therapeutics aims to enable the regeneration of heart tissue and tackle various forms of cardiomyopathies, leveraging advanced research in cardiac development and regeneration.

Plexium

Series A in 2021
Plexium, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, that specializes in developing targeted protein degradation therapies aimed at treating cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Founded in 2017, Plexium utilizes a platform that identifies small molecules capable of modulating E3 ligases, which play a crucial role in protein degradation. This platform includes the DELPhe screening technology, designed for high-content readouts from cell-based assays. By harnessing E3 ligases, Plexium's approach enables selective targeting of various cancers, including small cell lung and breast tumors. The company's innovative research extends beyond existing therapies, exploring new drug-like protein degraders and molecular glues to enhance treatment options for cancer and inflammatory diseases.

Remix Therapeutics

Series A in 2020
Remix Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on the research and development of innovative small-molecule therapies that target RNA processing to address various diseases. Established in 2018 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company employs its proprietary biology platform to identify and prioritize therapeutic targets within RNA processing. Through its REMseq platform, Remix Therapeutics validates potential drug targets and optimizes chemical compounds for therapeutic use. The company's approach aims to reprogram RNA processing to control gene expression, thereby correcting, enhancing, or eliminating problematic gene messages. This enables healthcare providers to tackle the underlying causes of diseases, offering novel solutions to previously undruggable conditions.

A2 Biotherapeutics

Series B in 2020
A2 Biotherapeutics is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of innovative T cell therapies aimed at treating tumor cancers. The company employs its proprietary Tmod™ platform, which integrates various signals to improve treatment efficacy while reducing harm to healthy tissues. A2 Biotherapeutics focuses on engineered T cells that specifically target genetic material loss in tumors, allowing for the selective destruction of cancerous cells without affecting normal cells. The company offers services related to cancer testis antigens and neoantigens associated with various solid tumors, including those of the head, neck, pancreas, colon, and lung. Founded in 2017 and based in Agoura Hills, California, A2 Biotherapeutics was previously known as HLA-A2, Inc.

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, the company focuses on discovering and developing therapies for metabolic diseases, including obesity and diabetes. Carmot employs a proprietary drug discovery approach known as Chemotype Evolution, which enables the exploration of novel chemical and biological frontiers. The company is advancing a portfolio of clinical-stage drug candidates, including CT-388, a once-weekly injectable dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist; CT-996, a once-daily oral GLP-1 receptor agonist; and CT-868, a once-daily injectable dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist for treating type 1 diabetes in patients with overweight or obesity. These innovative therapies aim to enhance glucose clearance and promote weight loss, addressing the fundamental causes of metabolic diseases.

Synthekine

Series A in 2020
Synthekine Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative cytokine therapies and immunotherapies for cancer and autoimmune disorders. Established in 2018 and located in Menlo Park, California, the company employs advanced platforms such as engineered partial agonists and orthogonal cell therapies. Its Synthekine Platform utilizes surrogate agonists instead of traditional mutant cytokines, allowing for the creation of therapeutics that enhance efficacy while minimizing side effects. The product pipeline includes STK-009, an orthogonal ligand, and SYNCAR-001, a CAR-T therapy targeting CD-19, along with STK-012, which consists of partial agonists of IL-2. Synthekine aims to revolutionize treatment paradigms by harnessing the principles of cytokine partial agonism and immunological specificity, leading to novel immunotherapies that improve patient outcomes.

Hexagon Bio

Series A in 2020
Hexagon Bio, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Menlo Park, California, focused on discovering novel drugs for diseases that lack effective treatments. Established in 2016, the company utilizes a data-driven approach that combines genomics, synthetic biology, and computational techniques. By mining genomic data from fungal genomes, Hexagon Bio aims to identify targeted small molecule therapeutics. Its proprietary platform leverages data science to engineer drugs from DNA sequences, enabling the identification of small molecule inhibitors that interact with specific target proteins. This innovative method allows researchers to tap into the global metagenome, facilitating the development of new medicines aimed at improving patient outcomes.

Escient Pharmaceuticals

Series B in 2020
Escient Pharmaceuticals is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, that develops and manufactures drugs targeting G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) for the treatment of neuro-immuno-inflammatory and autoreactive diseases. Founded in 2017, the company specializes in harnessing the therapeutic potential of specific orphan GPCRs, particularly the Mas-Related G-Protein Receptors (Mrgprs), to address various neurosensory-inflammatory disorders. Escient's innovative approach aims to provide first-in-class therapies for conditions associated with mast cell-mediated disorders and cholestatic pruritus, thereby expanding treatment options for healthcare providers and patients facing these challenging diseases.

Casma Therapeutics

Series B in 2020
Casma Therapeutics, Inc. specializes in developing innovative therapeutic strategies centered on the natural cellular process of autophagy and lysosomal flux. By focusing on enhancing autophagy, the company aims to improve the clearance of unwanted proteins, organelles, and pathogens, thereby addressing the progression of various diseases. Its research targets several serious medical conditions, including lysosomal storage disorders, muscle disorders, inflammatory disorders, and neurodegeneration. Founded in 2017 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Casma Therapeutics is dedicated to creating effective treatment options that meet significant unmet medical needs in the field of drug discovery and development.

Nura Bio

Series A in 2020
Nura Bio, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing neuroprotective therapies aimed at treating neurological diseases. The company specializes in discovering and developing drugs that prevent axon loss following acute injury or chronic degenerative conditions. Its primary drug candidate, NB-4746, is designed to inhibit the SARM1 protein, which is implicated in axonal degeneration. This candidate has shown promise in preclinical studies for preventing nerve damage and is progressing toward phase 1b/2 clinical trials scheduled for 2025. Nura Bio has successfully raised $140 million in financing to support its drug development initiatives and enhance the immune response of the nervous system following neurological injuries.

Surrozen

Series C in 2020
Surrozen, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing targeted regenerative antibodies to repair damaged tissues and improve organ function. The company utilizes antibody platforms that act as Wnt and R-spondin mimetics to stimulate tissue regeneration in a variety of organs. Its key programs include SZN-043, which aims to promote hepatocyte regeneration in liver diseases, and SZN-1326, designed to repair diseased epithelial tissue for patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Surrozen's research targets several disease areas, including conditions affecting the intestine, liver, retina, cornea, lung, kidney, cochlea, skin, pancreas, and central nervous system, by engaging the body’s natural biological repair mechanisms. The company was incorporated in 2015 and continues to advance its innovative therapeutic approaches.

Accent Therapeutics

Series B in 2020
Accent Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Lexington, Massachusetts, focused on developing small molecule therapies for oncology through the innovative field of epitranscriptomics. Founded in 2017, the company explores post-transcriptional chemical modifications of RNA, which play a crucial role in regulating proteins essential for cellular growth and differentiation. By precisely targeting RNA-modifying proteins associated with cancer, Accent Therapeutics aims to translate advanced scientific research into effective treatments for patients, ultimately providing new therapeutic options in the fight against cancer.

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 focuses on developing cell-permeable macrocyclic peptide therapeutics by employing proprietary computational design algorithms and innovative synthetic chemistry. Circle Pharma utilizes an iterative design process that leverages large virtual libraries of conformationally diverse macrocycle scaffolds, which are selected for their inherent permeability. This approach allows the company to create first-in-class macrocycle therapies that can be administered through multiple routes, including oral delivery. The therapeutics target challenging clinical issues, particularly intracellular protein-protein interactions that are significant contributors to cancer, thereby addressing unmet medical needs and enhancing the capabilities of healthcare professionals in their treatment efforts.

Nurix Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2020
Nurix Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the discovery, development, and commercialization of small molecule therapies aimed at modulating cellular protein levels to treat cancer and immune disorders. The company's pipeline includes promising preclinical candidates such as NX-2127, an orally available Bruton’s tyrosine kinase degrader targeted at relapsed or refractory B-cell malignancies, and NX-1607, a Casitas B-lineage lymphoma proto-oncogene-B inhibitor for immuno-oncology applications. Nurix's innovative drug discovery platform, DELigase, leverages its expertise in E3 ligases—enzymes that regulate protein modulation within cells—to identify and advance novel drug candidates. Founded in 2009 and based in San Francisco, Nurix Therapeutics aims to provide effective therapies for challenging diseases through its cutting-edge research and development efforts.

Kallyope

Series C in 2020
Kallyope Inc. is a biotechnology company based in New York City that focuses on the gut-brain axis to develop innovative therapeutics and consumer products aimed at enhancing human health. Founded in 2014, Kallyope employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating technologies such as sequencing, computational biology, neural imaging, and human genetics to deepen the understanding of gut-brain biology. This comprehensive understanding enables the company to create effective and well-tolerated oral medications targeting various health issues, including diabetes, obesity, gut disorders, inflammatory diseases, migraines, and allergies. With a team of experienced scientists and a strong foundation in drug discovery, Kallyope aims to address significant unmet medical needs through its research and development efforts.

A2 Biotherapeutics

Series A in 2019
A2 Biotherapeutics is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of innovative T cell therapies aimed at treating tumor cancers. The company employs its proprietary Tmod™ platform, which integrates various signals to improve treatment efficacy while reducing harm to healthy tissues. A2 Biotherapeutics focuses on engineered T cells that specifically target genetic material loss in tumors, allowing for the selective destruction of cancerous cells without affecting normal cells. The company offers services related to cancer testis antigens and neoantigens associated with various solid tumors, including those of the head, neck, pancreas, colon, and lung. Founded in 2017 and based in Agoura Hills, California, A2 Biotherapeutics was previously known as HLA-A2, Inc.

Plexium

Series A in 2019
Plexium, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, that specializes in developing targeted protein degradation therapies aimed at treating cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Founded in 2017, Plexium utilizes a platform that identifies small molecules capable of modulating E3 ligases, which play a crucial role in protein degradation. This platform includes the DELPhe screening technology, designed for high-content readouts from cell-based assays. By harnessing E3 ligases, Plexium's approach enables selective targeting of various cancers, including small cell lung and breast tumors. The company's innovative research extends beyond existing therapies, exploring new drug-like protein degraders and molecular glues to enhance treatment options for cancer and inflammatory diseases.

Tenaya Therapeutics

Series B in 2019
Tenaya Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing innovative therapies for heart disease, particularly heart failure. Established in 2016, the company employs three main platforms to address the underlying causes of heart disease: a cellular regeneration platform that reprograms cardiac fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes using proprietary transcription factors, a gene therapy platform for targeted delivery of therapeutic payloads, and a precision medicine approach tailored to individual patients. Through these platforms, Tenaya Therapeutics aims to enable the regeneration of heart tissue and tackle various forms of cardiomyopathies, leveraging advanced research in cardiac development and regeneration.

Constellation Pharmaceuticals

Post in 2019
Constellation Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapeutics for cancers linked to abnormal gene expression and drug resistance. The company specializes in the field of epigenetics, targeting selective regulators of epigenetic function that are vital for gene expression control. Its lead product candidates include CPI-0610, currently in Phase II clinical trials for myelofibrosis in combination with ruxolitinib, and CPI-1205, which is undergoing Phase Ib/II clinical trials for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer alongside androgen receptor signaling inhibitors. Additionally, Constellation is advancing CPI-0209, which is in the dose escalation phase of a Phase I/II clinical trial aimed at treating solid tumors. Founded in 2008 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company was previously known as Epigenetix, Inc. before rebranding in March 2008.

ORIC Pharmaceuticals

Series D in 2019
ORIC Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies to overcome resistance in cancer treatments. Founded in 2014 and based in South San Francisco, the company’s lead product candidate, ORIC-101, is a small molecule antagonist of the glucocorticoid receptor, which is associated with resistance to various cancer therapies in solid tumors. Its second candidate, ORIC-533, is an orally bioavailable small molecule inhibitor of CD73, targeting a critical component of the adenosine pathway linked to resistance against chemotherapy and immunotherapy. In addition to these products, ORIC is advancing multiple precision medicines aimed at addressing other mechanisms of cancer resistance. The company’s founders, Charles Sawyers and Scott Lowe, have extensive experience in identifying novel cancer targets that have led to innovative therapies.

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

Series C in 2019
RAPT Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in immunology. It focuses on discovering, developing, and commercializing oral small-molecule therapies aimed at addressing significant unmet medical needs in oncology and inflammatory diseases. RAPT's proprietary discovery engine has led to the advancement of two drug candidates: FLX475, which selectively inhibits the migration of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells into tumors, and RPT193, which targets type 2 T helper cells in inflamed tissues. Both candidates have progressed to clinical trials within a short time frame since the company's inception. Additionally, RAPT is exploring further therapeutic targets, including general control nonderepressible 2 and hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1, which are currently in the discovery phase.

Surrozen

Series B in 2019
Surrozen, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing targeted regenerative antibodies to repair damaged tissues and improve organ function. The company utilizes antibody platforms that act as Wnt and R-spondin mimetics to stimulate tissue regeneration in a variety of organs. Its key programs include SZN-043, which aims to promote hepatocyte regeneration in liver diseases, and SZN-1326, designed to repair diseased epithelial tissue for patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Surrozen's research targets several disease areas, including conditions affecting the intestine, liver, retina, cornea, lung, kidney, cochlea, skin, pancreas, and central nervous system, by engaging the body’s natural biological repair mechanisms. The company was incorporated in 2015 and continues to advance its innovative therapeutic approaches.

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 cancer and other serious conditions. Its lead candidate, PT2977, is an oral HIF-2a inhibitor currently undergoing Phase 2 clinical trials for advanced or metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Additionally, PT2977 is being tested in various combinations and settings, including von Hippel-Lindau disease associated renal cell carcinoma and glioblastoma multiforme. The company is also working on PT2567, another HIF-2a inhibitor in preclinical development targeting non-oncology conditions such as pulmonary arterial hypertension. Founded in 2010 by Steven L. McKnight and supported by the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas and experienced investors, Peloton aims to leverage its scientific collaborations and robust pipeline to establish itself as a leading biotech firm in cancer drug discovery and development.

Ribon Therapeutics

Series B in 2019
Ribon Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Lexington, Massachusetts, focused on developing novel cancer therapies that target monoPARP proteins, which are essential regulators of cancer survival mechanisms. Established in 2015, Ribon is leveraging insights from its scientific founders and an experienced management team to create a proprietary drug discovery platform aimed at understanding the molecular actions and biological functions of monoPARPs. This platform enables the development of small molecule inhibitors designed to disrupt cancer cells' abilities to withstand stress, potentially leading to innovative treatments for cancer and other diseases. The company is supported by notable life science investors, positioning it for growth in the biopharmaceutical sector.

Remix Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2019
Remix Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on the research and development of innovative small-molecule therapies that target RNA processing to address various diseases. Established in 2018 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company employs its proprietary biology platform to identify and prioritize therapeutic targets within RNA processing. Through its REMseq platform, Remix Therapeutics validates potential drug targets and optimizes chemical compounds for therapeutic use. The company's approach aims to reprogram RNA processing to control gene expression, thereby correcting, enhancing, or eliminating problematic gene messages. This enables healthcare providers to tackle the underlying causes of diseases, offering novel solutions to previously undruggable conditions.

Kallyope

Series B in 2018
Kallyope Inc. is a biotechnology company based in New York City that focuses on the gut-brain axis to develop innovative therapeutics and consumer products aimed at enhancing human health. Founded in 2014, Kallyope employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating technologies such as sequencing, computational biology, neural imaging, and human genetics to deepen the understanding of gut-brain biology. This comprehensive understanding enables the company to create effective and well-tolerated oral medications targeting various health issues, including diabetes, obesity, gut disorders, inflammatory diseases, migraines, and allergies. With a team of experienced scientists and a strong foundation in drug discovery, Kallyope aims to address significant unmet medical needs through its research and development efforts.

Accent Therapeutics

Series A in 2018
Accent Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Lexington, Massachusetts, focused on developing small molecule therapies for oncology through the innovative field of epitranscriptomics. Founded in 2017, the company explores post-transcriptional chemical modifications of RNA, which play a crucial role in regulating proteins essential for cellular growth and differentiation. By precisely targeting RNA-modifying proteins associated with cancer, Accent Therapeutics aims to translate advanced scientific research into effective treatments for patients, ultimately providing new therapeutic options in the fight against cancer.

Escient Pharmaceuticals

Series A in 2018
Escient Pharmaceuticals is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, that develops and manufactures drugs targeting G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) for the treatment of neuro-immuno-inflammatory and autoreactive diseases. Founded in 2017, the company specializes in harnessing the therapeutic potential of specific orphan GPCRs, particularly the Mas-Related G-Protein Receptors (Mrgprs), to address various neurosensory-inflammatory disorders. Escient's innovative approach aims to provide first-in-class therapies for conditions associated with mast cell-mediated disorders and cholestatic pruritus, thereby expanding treatment options for healthcare providers and patients facing these challenging 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 is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapeutics for cancers linked to abnormal gene expression and drug resistance. The company specializes in the field of epigenetics, targeting selective regulators of epigenetic function that are vital for gene expression control. Its lead product candidates include CPI-0610, currently in Phase II clinical trials for myelofibrosis in combination with ruxolitinib, and CPI-1205, which is undergoing Phase Ib/II clinical trials for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer alongside androgen receptor signaling inhibitors. Additionally, Constellation is advancing CPI-0209, which is in the dose escalation phase of a Phase I/II clinical trial aimed at treating solid tumors. Founded in 2008 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company was previously known as Epigenetix, Inc. before rebranding in March 2008.

Kallyope

Series B in 2018
Kallyope Inc. is a biotechnology company based in New York City that focuses on the gut-brain axis to develop innovative therapeutics and consumer products aimed at enhancing human health. Founded in 2014, Kallyope employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating technologies such as sequencing, computational biology, neural imaging, and human genetics to deepen the understanding of gut-brain biology. This comprehensive understanding enables the company to create effective and well-tolerated oral medications targeting various health issues, including diabetes, obesity, gut disorders, inflammatory diseases, migraines, and allergies. With a team of experienced scientists and a strong foundation in drug discovery, Kallyope aims to address significant unmet medical needs through its research and development efforts.

ORIC Pharmaceuticals

Series C in 2018
ORIC Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies to overcome resistance in cancer treatments. Founded in 2014 and based in South San Francisco, the company’s lead product candidate, ORIC-101, is a small molecule antagonist of the glucocorticoid receptor, which is associated with resistance to various cancer therapies in solid tumors. Its second candidate, ORIC-533, is an orally bioavailable small molecule inhibitor of CD73, targeting a critical component of the adenosine pathway linked to resistance against chemotherapy and immunotherapy. In addition to these products, ORIC is advancing multiple precision medicines aimed at addressing other mechanisms of cancer resistance. The company’s founders, Charles Sawyers and Scott Lowe, have extensive experience in identifying novel cancer targets that have led to innovative therapies.

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, the company focuses on discovering and developing therapies for metabolic diseases, including obesity and diabetes. Carmot employs a proprietary drug discovery approach known as Chemotype Evolution, which enables the exploration of novel chemical and biological frontiers. The company is advancing a portfolio of clinical-stage drug candidates, including CT-388, a once-weekly injectable dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist; CT-996, a once-daily oral GLP-1 receptor agonist; and CT-868, a once-daily injectable dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist for treating type 1 diabetes in patients with overweight or obesity. These innovative therapies aim to enhance glucose clearance and promote weight loss, addressing the fundamental causes of metabolic diseases.

Rapt

Series C in 2017
RAPT Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in immunology. It focuses on discovering, developing, and commercializing oral small-molecule therapies aimed at addressing significant unmet medical needs in oncology and inflammatory diseases. RAPT's proprietary discovery engine has led to the advancement of two drug candidates: FLX475, which selectively inhibits the migration of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells into tumors, and RPT193, which targets type 2 T helper cells in inflamed tissues. Both candidates have progressed to clinical trials within a short time frame since the company's inception. Additionally, RAPT is exploring further therapeutic targets, including general control nonderepressible 2 and hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1, which are currently in the discovery phase.

Arcus Biosciences

Series C in 2017
Arcus Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Hayward, California, focused on developing innovative cancer therapies. The company’s product pipeline includes several key candidates, such as AB928, a dual A2a/A2b adenosine receptor antagonist in Phase 1b/2 trials, and Zimberelimab, an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody currently being evaluated in Phase Ib studies. Additionally, Arcus is advancing AB154, an anti-TIGIT monoclonal antibody in Phase 2 trials, and AB680, a small-molecule CD73 inhibitor in Phase 1/1b studies for the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer. The company collaborates with Strata Oncology and AstraZeneca to enhance the development of its therapies and has strategic partnerships with firms like WuXi Biologics. Founded in 2015, Arcus aims to leverage emerging insights in immunology to create effective cancer treatments across various indications, including non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer.

Exonics Therapeutics

Series A in 2017
Exonics Therapeutics, Inc. is focused on developing gene editing technologies to address Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a severe genetic neuromuscular disorder. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with an additional office in Dallas, Texas, the company utilizes CRISPR/Cas9 technology in conjunction with adeno-associated virus (AAV) delivery systems. This innovative approach targets and corrects specific exon mutations that hinder the production of dystrophin, a crucial protein for muscle fiber stability and protection. By aiming for a permanent correction of these genetic mutations, Exonics Therapeutics seeks to provide patients with lasting improvements in their quality of life. 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 personalized 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 surfaces of infected cells. This approach leverages the immune system's ability to recognize abnormal cell targets, which is crucial for both anti-tumor and anti-viral immunity. Gritstone bio is building a robust pipeline of immunotherapy product candidates, including GRANITE, SLATE, and CORAL, designed to address various solid tumors. Through these developments, Gritstone bio aims to contribute to the evolving landscape of cancer treatment and enhance patient outcomes.

Effector Therapeutics

Series C in 2017
eFFECTOR Therapeutics Inc is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in San Diego, California. Established in 2012, the company specializes in developing selective translation regulators for cancer and other serious diseases. Its innovative approach involves small molecule drugs known as selective translation regulator inhibitors (STRIs), which target the eIF4F complex and its associated kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinase 1/2 (MNK 1/2). This complex plays a crucial role in the translation of specific messenger RNA into proteins linked to cancer progression. eFFECTOR's lead product candidate, tomivosertib, is currently being evaluated in a Phase 2b trial in combination with pembrolizumab for non-small cell lung cancer. Additionally, zotatifin, an inhibitor of eIF4A, is undergoing dose-escalation trials with plans for further expansion. The company also collaborates with Pfizer to develop inhibitors targeting eIF4E. Through these efforts, eFFECTOR aims to address the challenges of tumor growth, survival, and immune evasion in cancer treatment.

Constellation Pharmaceuticals

Series E in 2017
Constellation Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapeutics for cancers linked to abnormal gene expression and drug resistance. The company specializes in the field of epigenetics, targeting selective regulators of epigenetic function that are vital for gene expression control. Its lead product candidates include CPI-0610, currently in Phase II clinical trials for myelofibrosis in combination with ruxolitinib, and CPI-1205, which is undergoing Phase Ib/II clinical trials for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer alongside androgen receptor signaling inhibitors. Additionally, Constellation is advancing CPI-0209, which is in the dose escalation phase of a Phase I/II clinical trial aimed at treating solid tumors. Founded in 2008 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company was previously known as Epigenetix, Inc. before rebranding in March 2008.

Surrozen

Series A in 2017
Surrozen, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing targeted regenerative antibodies to repair damaged tissues and improve organ function. The company utilizes antibody platforms that act as Wnt and R-spondin mimetics to stimulate tissue regeneration in a variety of organs. Its key programs include SZN-043, which aims to promote hepatocyte regeneration in liver diseases, and SZN-1326, designed to repair diseased epithelial tissue for patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Surrozen's research targets several disease areas, including conditions affecting the intestine, liver, retina, cornea, lung, kidney, cochlea, skin, pancreas, and central nervous system, by engaging the body’s natural biological repair mechanisms. The company was incorporated in 2015 and continues to advance its innovative therapeutic approaches.

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 biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on developing innovative therapies for heart disease, particularly heart failure. Established in 2016, the company employs three main platforms to address the underlying causes of heart disease: a cellular regeneration platform that reprograms cardiac fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes using proprietary transcription factors, a gene therapy platform for targeted delivery of therapeutic payloads, and a precision medicine approach tailored to individual patients. Through these platforms, Tenaya Therapeutics aims to enable the regeneration of heart tissue and tackle various forms of cardiomyopathies, leveraging advanced research in cardiac development and regeneration.

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 cancer and other serious conditions. Its lead candidate, PT2977, is an oral HIF-2a inhibitor currently undergoing Phase 2 clinical trials for advanced or metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Additionally, PT2977 is being tested in various combinations and settings, including von Hippel-Lindau disease associated renal cell carcinoma and glioblastoma multiforme. The company is also working on PT2567, another HIF-2a inhibitor in preclinical development targeting non-oncology conditions such as pulmonary arterial hypertension. Founded in 2010 by Steven L. McKnight and supported by the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas and experienced investors, Peloton aims to leverage its scientific collaborations and robust pipeline to establish itself as a leading biotech firm in cancer drug discovery and development.

Arcus Biosciences

Series B in 2016
Arcus Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Hayward, California, focused on developing innovative cancer therapies. The company’s product pipeline includes several key candidates, such as AB928, a dual A2a/A2b adenosine receptor antagonist in Phase 1b/2 trials, and Zimberelimab, an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody currently being evaluated in Phase Ib studies. Additionally, Arcus is advancing AB154, an anti-TIGIT monoclonal antibody in Phase 2 trials, and AB680, a small-molecule CD73 inhibitor in Phase 1/1b studies for the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer. The company collaborates with Strata Oncology and AstraZeneca to enhance the development of its therapies and has strategic partnerships with firms like WuXi Biologics. Founded in 2015, Arcus aims to leverage emerging insights in immunology to create effective cancer treatments across various indications, including non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer.

Rapt

Series B in 2016
RAPT Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in immunology. It focuses on discovering, developing, and commercializing oral small-molecule therapies aimed at addressing significant unmet medical needs in oncology and inflammatory diseases. RAPT's proprietary discovery engine has led to the advancement of two drug candidates: FLX475, which selectively inhibits the migration of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells into tumors, and RPT193, which targets type 2 T helper cells in inflamed tissues. Both candidates have progressed to clinical trials within a short time frame since the company's inception. Additionally, RAPT is exploring further therapeutic targets, including general control nonderepressible 2 and hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1, which are currently in the discovery phase.

Ribon Therapeutics

Series A in 2016
Ribon Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Lexington, Massachusetts, focused on developing novel cancer therapies that target monoPARP proteins, which are essential regulators of cancer survival mechanisms. Established in 2015, Ribon is leveraging insights from its scientific founders and an experienced management team to create a proprietary drug discovery platform aimed at understanding the molecular actions and biological functions of monoPARPs. This platform enables the development of small molecule inhibitors designed to disrupt cancer cells' abilities to withstand stress, potentially leading to innovative treatments for cancer and other diseases. The company is supported by notable life science investors, positioning it for growth in the biopharmaceutical sector.

Effector Therapeutics

Series B in 2015
eFFECTOR Therapeutics Inc is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in San Diego, California. Established in 2012, the company specializes in developing selective translation regulators for cancer and other serious diseases. Its innovative approach involves small molecule drugs known as selective translation regulator inhibitors (STRIs), which target the eIF4F complex and its associated kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinase 1/2 (MNK 1/2). This complex plays a crucial role in the translation of specific messenger RNA into proteins linked to cancer progression. eFFECTOR's lead product candidate, tomivosertib, is currently being evaluated in a Phase 2b trial in combination with pembrolizumab for non-small cell lung cancer. Additionally, zotatifin, an inhibitor of eIF4A, is undergoing dose-escalation trials with plans for further expansion. The company also collaborates with Pfizer to develop inhibitors targeting eIF4E. Through these efforts, eFFECTOR aims to address the challenges of tumor growth, survival, and immune evasion in cancer treatment.

Ribon Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2015
Ribon Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Lexington, Massachusetts, focused on developing novel cancer therapies that target monoPARP proteins, which are essential regulators of cancer survival mechanisms. Established in 2015, Ribon is leveraging insights from its scientific founders and an experienced management team to create a proprietary drug discovery platform aimed at understanding the molecular actions and biological functions of monoPARPs. This platform enables the development of small molecule inhibitors designed to disrupt cancer cells' abilities to withstand stress, potentially leading to innovative treatments for cancer and other diseases. The company is supported by notable life science investors, positioning it for growth in the biopharmaceutical sector.

Kallyope

Series A in 2015
Kallyope Inc. is a biotechnology company based in New York City that focuses on the gut-brain axis to develop innovative therapeutics and consumer products aimed at enhancing human health. Founded in 2014, Kallyope employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating technologies such as sequencing, computational biology, neural imaging, and human genetics to deepen the understanding of gut-brain biology. This comprehensive understanding enables the company to create effective and well-tolerated oral medications targeting various health issues, including diabetes, obesity, gut disorders, inflammatory diseases, migraines, and allergies. With a team of experienced scientists and a strong foundation in drug discovery, Kallyope aims to address significant unmet medical needs through its research and development efforts.

Constellation Pharmaceuticals

Series E in 2015
Constellation Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapeutics for cancers linked to abnormal gene expression and drug resistance. The company specializes in the field of epigenetics, targeting selective regulators of epigenetic function that are vital for gene expression control. Its lead product candidates include CPI-0610, currently in Phase II clinical trials for myelofibrosis in combination with ruxolitinib, and CPI-1205, which is undergoing Phase Ib/II clinical trials for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer alongside androgen receptor signaling inhibitors. Additionally, Constellation is advancing CPI-0209, which is in the dose escalation phase of a Phase I/II clinical trial aimed at treating solid tumors. Founded in 2008 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company was previously known as Epigenetix, Inc. before rebranding in March 2008.

ORIC Pharmaceuticals

Series B in 2015
ORIC Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies to overcome resistance in cancer treatments. Founded in 2014 and based in South San Francisco, the company’s lead product candidate, ORIC-101, is a small molecule antagonist of the glucocorticoid receptor, which is associated with resistance to various cancer therapies in solid tumors. Its second candidate, ORIC-533, is an orally bioavailable small molecule inhibitor of CD73, targeting a critical component of the adenosine pathway linked to resistance against chemotherapy and immunotherapy. In addition to these products, ORIC is advancing multiple precision medicines aimed at addressing other mechanisms of cancer resistance. The company’s founders, Charles Sawyers and Scott Lowe, have extensive experience in identifying novel cancer targets that have led to innovative therapies.

Neurona Therapeutics

Series A in 2015
Neurona Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, that specializes in developing cell-based therapies for neurological disorders. Founded by neuroscientists and stem cell pioneers at The University of California, San Francisco, the company focuses on creating therapeutic compositions of specific types of neurons for targeted delivery into the injured nervous system. Drawing on nearly two decades of research, Neurona seeks to harness particular subpopulations of neurons capable of integrating and repairing dysregulated neural circuits. With a dedicated team of scientists and advisors, the company aims to accelerate the development of breakthrough treatments for patients suffering from significant unmet medical needs in the realm of chronic neurological diseases.

Gritstone bio

Series A in 2015
Gritstone bio is a biotechnology company focused on developing personalized 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 surfaces of infected cells. This approach leverages the immune system's ability to recognize abnormal cell targets, which is crucial for both anti-tumor and anti-viral immunity. Gritstone bio is building a robust pipeline of immunotherapy product candidates, including GRANITE, SLATE, and CORAL, designed to address various solid tumors. Through these developments, Gritstone bio aims to contribute to the evolving landscape of cancer treatment and enhance patient outcomes.

Arcus Biosciences

Series A in 2015
Arcus Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Hayward, California, focused on developing innovative cancer therapies. The company’s product pipeline includes several key candidates, such as AB928, a dual A2a/A2b adenosine receptor antagonist in Phase 1b/2 trials, and Zimberelimab, an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody currently being evaluated in Phase Ib studies. Additionally, Arcus is advancing AB154, an anti-TIGIT monoclonal antibody in Phase 2 trials, and AB680, a small-molecule CD73 inhibitor in Phase 1/1b studies for the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer. The company collaborates with Strata Oncology and AstraZeneca to enhance the development of its therapies and has strategic partnerships with firms like WuXi Biologics. Founded in 2015, Arcus aims to leverage emerging insights in immunology to create effective cancer treatments across various indications, including non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer.

NGM Biopharmaceuticals

Series D in 2015
NGM Biopharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing innovative therapeutics for various diseases, including cardio-metabolic, liver, oncologic, and ophthalmic conditions. The company is advancing several product candidates, such as Aldafermin, currently in Phase 2b trials for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and NGM313, an antibody in Phase 1b trials aimed at treating type 2 diabetes and NASH. Other notable candidates include NGM395 for metabolic syndrome, NGM120 targeting cancer anorexia/cachexia syndrome, NGM217 to enhance insulin production in diabetes patients, and NGM621 for addressing dry age-related macular degeneration. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in South San Francisco, NGM Biopharmaceuticals is committed to leveraging insights from human clinical and genetic studies to develop transformative therapies, particularly focusing on the gastrointestinal endocrine system and its role in metabolic diseases. The company collaborates with Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp for research and product development initiatives.

Flexus Biosciences

Series B in 2014
Flexus Biosciences is a privately-held biopharmaceutical company established in 2013 and headquartered in San Carlos, California. The company specializes in the creation, development, and commercialization of innovative anti-cancer therapeutics, particularly through the application of insights in immunology. Flexus focuses on developing small-molecule cancer therapeutics that specifically target regulatory T cells. This targeted approach aims to enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatments, enabling healthcare providers to better address the complexities of cancer care.

ORIC Pharmaceuticals

Series A in 2014
ORIC Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies to overcome resistance in cancer treatments. Founded in 2014 and based in South San Francisco, the company’s lead product candidate, ORIC-101, is a small molecule antagonist of the glucocorticoid receptor, which is associated with resistance to various cancer therapies in solid tumors. Its second candidate, ORIC-533, is an orally bioavailable small molecule inhibitor of CD73, targeting a critical component of the adenosine pathway linked to resistance against chemotherapy and immunotherapy. In addition to these products, ORIC is advancing multiple precision medicines aimed at addressing other mechanisms of cancer resistance. The company’s founders, Charles Sawyers and Scott Lowe, have extensive experience in identifying novel cancer targets that have led to innovative therapies.
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