CTI Life Sciences Fund L.P.

CTI Life Sciences Fund L.P. is a Montreal-based venture capital firm established in 2006, specializing in investments within the life sciences sector. The firm focuses on pre-clinical to proof-of-concept and proof-of-concept to Phase III stages of pharmaceutical development, primarily targeting biotechnology, medical technology, biopharmaceuticals, drug enabling technology, and medical devices. CTI Life Sciences typically invests between $5 million and $15 million for initial funding in pre-clinical projects, with post-money valuations ranging from $15 million to $35 million. For later-stage investments, it commits between $25 million and $50 million, with post-money valuations from $75 million to $150 million. The firm seeks to exit its investments through mergers and acquisitions, primarily concentrating on companies located in the United States and Canada, particularly in Quebec. Currently, CTI Life Sciences manages assets totaling approximately $245 million.

Anjan Aralihalli

Venture Partner

Youssef Bennani

Managing Partner

Paul Cassar

Associate

Xin Hang

Principal

Jean-Francois Leprince

Managing Partner

Laurence Rulleau

Partner

Shermaine Tilley

Managing Partner

32 past transactions

Domain Therapeutics

Series A in 2022
Domain Therapeutics SA is a biopharmaceutical company based in Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France, focused on the discovery and early development of therapeutic drugs targeting G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs), which are key drug targets in various diseases. The company specializes in developing treatments for Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders and cancer. Utilizing its proprietary DTect-All technology, Domain Therapeutics identifies both orthosteric and allosteric ligands, including Silent Allosteric Modulators (SAMs), which are not discoverable through conventional methods. This innovative approach allows the company to address challenging GPCRs, including orphan and peptidic receptors. Founded in 2001, the company was previously known as Faust Pharmaceuticals SA before rebranding in December 2008.

Epitopea

Seed Round in 2022
Epitopea is a transatlantic biotechnology company developing transformational immunotherapies to treat cancer by targeting a new class of antigens that are broadly shared between patients with the same cancer indication. Cryptigen™ TSAs are discovered by a proprietary approach deploying immunopetidomics, mass spectrometry, genomics, and bioinformatics, which allows the identification of conserved, aberrantly-expressed, tumour-specific antigens, hidden in cancer's 'junk' DNA. These hidden Cryptigen™ TSAs have been identified by research led by Drs. Claude Perreault and Pierre Thibault at the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer at Université de Montréal.

Phenomic AI

Seed Round in 2020
Phenomic AI is a developer of a drug discovery platform designed to discovery and optimize therapeutics directly against phenotypic assays.The company's platform uses artificial intelligence to analyze phenotypes in complex disease models including high-content co-culture and 3D assays, enabling pharmaceutical companies to discover drugs in an easier way.

Find Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2020
Find Therapeutics Inc. is a drug development technology company focused on creating therapies for rare inflammatory and fibrotic diseases affecting the airways, liver, and gastrointestinal systems. Established in 2020 and located in Saint-Laurent, Canada, the company specializes in developing GPCR allosteric modulators and peptide-based therapies aimed at treating autoimmune conditions. Utilizing a peptide discovery engine, Find Therapeutics designs peptides that target transmembrane domains of receptors involved in essential biological processes, facilitating the development of innovative treatments for these challenging diseases.

Phenomic AI

Seed Round in 2020
Phenomic AI is a developer of a drug discovery platform designed to discovery and optimize therapeutics directly against phenotypic assays.The company's platform uses artificial intelligence to analyze phenotypes in complex disease models including high-content co-culture and 3D assays, enabling pharmaceutical companies to discover drugs in an easier way.

Vaxcyte

Series D in 2020
Vaxcyte, Inc., a preclinical-stage biotechnology vaccine company, develops vaccines to prevent or treat infectious diseases worldwide. Its lead vaccine candidate is VAX-24, a 24-valent investigational pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. The company also develops VAX-XP to protect against emerging strains causing significant invasive pneumococcal disease and antibiotic resistance; VAX-A1, a conjugate vaccine candidate for protection against subtypes of Group A Strep; and VAX-PG, a novel protein vaccine candidate targeting porphyromonas gingivalis. The company was formerly known as SutroVax, Inc. and changed its name to Vaxcyte, Inc. in May 2020. Vaxcyte, Inc. was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in Foster City, California.

Phenomic AI

Seed Round in 2018
Phenomic AI is a developer of a drug discovery platform designed to discovery and optimize therapeutics directly against phenotypic assays.The company's platform uses artificial intelligence to analyze phenotypes in complex disease models including high-content co-culture and 3D assays, enabling pharmaceutical companies to discover drugs in an easier way.

Visterra

Series C in 2017
Visterra, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing precision antibody-based treatments for difficult-to-treat diseases, particularly infectious diseases. Utilizing its Hierotope platform, Visterra designs monoclonal antibodies such as VIS410, aimed at treating hospitalized patients with influenza A, and VIS513 for Dengue fever. The company is also advancing VIS705, an antibody-drug conjugate for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, and VIS649, which targets Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy (IgAN). Founded in 2007 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, Visterra was previously known as Parasol Therapeutics, Inc. The company operates as a subsidiary of Otsuka America, Inc. and emphasizes innovative therapeutic solutions to address significant unmet medical needs.

PreciThera

Series A in 2017
PreciThera, Inc. is a biotechnology company committed to the development of therapies for rare bone diseases using the combined application of computational technology and a deep understanding of disease pathology. The company focuses on heterogeneous genetic disorders that primarily manifest in bone dysfunction. In depth understanding of disease mechanism will allow PreciThera’s targeted strategies to meaningfully impact both the skeletal symptoms as well as the extraskeletal issues found in these patients.

PHEMI

Series B in 2017
PHEMI Systems Corporation specializes in developing a privacy, security, governance, and data management system tailored for Microsoft Azure. Founded in 2013 and based in Vancouver, Canada, the company provides the PHEMI Data Privacy Manager, a cloud-based solution designed for the healthcare sector. This system addresses the critical need for organizations to secure and govern access to privacy-sensitive information while facilitating compliance with privacy regulations. Optimized for Microsoft Azure, the software connects to numerous data sources and integrates seamlessly with popular data science and business analysis tools. Built on a privacy-by-design architecture, PHEMI Data Privacy Manager supports data sharing and offers a flexible usage-based pricing model, making it scalable for organizations of varying sizes.

Vaxcyte

Series B in 2017
Vaxcyte, Inc., a preclinical-stage biotechnology vaccine company, develops vaccines to prevent or treat infectious diseases worldwide. Its lead vaccine candidate is VAX-24, a 24-valent investigational pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. The company also develops VAX-XP to protect against emerging strains causing significant invasive pneumococcal disease and antibiotic resistance; VAX-A1, a conjugate vaccine candidate for protection against subtypes of Group A Strep; and VAX-PG, a novel protein vaccine candidate targeting porphyromonas gingivalis. The company was formerly known as SutroVax, Inc. and changed its name to Vaxcyte, Inc. in May 2020. Vaxcyte, Inc. was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in Foster City, California.

CellAegis Devices

Series C in 2017
CellAegis Devices Inc. is a Toronto-based company that develops, manufactures, and commercializes medical devices aimed at enhancing cardiovascular care. Its flagship product, the autoRIC Device, delivers remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) in a non-invasive manner, providing critical therapy to minimize heart damage during heart attacks and various cardiovascular procedures. Additionally, the company offers CRICtrac, a mobile application that enables clinicians to administer self-delivered chronic RIC therapy to patients at home. CellAegis Devices caters to a wide range of settings, including hospitals, ambulances, and home care, and serves markets in Canada, Europe, and the United States.

Ilkos Therapeutic

Series A in 2016
Ilkos Therapeutic is a company focused on developing an oral compound specifically designed to treat venous lower limb ulcers, a condition primarily affecting older adults. The firm capitalizes on Quebec's strong life sciences sector, leveraging its quality research and development infrastructure alongside available capital to advance new therapeutic solutions. By providing an effective treatment option for this challenging medical issue, Ilkos Therapeutic aims to enhance patient care and improve outcomes for those suffering from venous lower limb ulcers.

IMV

Post in 2016
IMV Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative cancer immunotherapies and vaccines for infectious diseases, including COVID-19. Utilizing its proprietary delivery platform, the company targets immune cells within the human body to enhance their ability to attack cancer cells. Its lead candidate, DPX-Survivac, is a targeted T cell therapy that has shown promise in multiple Phase 1 and 1b trials for late-stage ovarian cancer and relapsed/refractory DLBCL. DPX-Survivac is currently undergoing Phase 2 clinical trials across six cancer types and is being evaluated in combination with Keytruda. IMV is also progressing with a DPX-based vaccine for COVID-19, developed in collaboration with experts in infectious diseases, and is working on a vaccine targeting the respiratory syncytial virus strain A. Founded in 2000 and based in Dartmouth, Canada, the company was previously known as Immunovaccine Inc. before rebranding in 2018.

Visterra

Series C in 2016
Visterra, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing precision antibody-based treatments for difficult-to-treat diseases, particularly infectious diseases. Utilizing its Hierotope platform, Visterra designs monoclonal antibodies such as VIS410, aimed at treating hospitalized patients with influenza A, and VIS513 for Dengue fever. The company is also advancing VIS705, an antibody-drug conjugate for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, and VIS649, which targets Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy (IgAN). Founded in 2007 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, Visterra was previously known as Parasol Therapeutics, Inc. The company operates as a subsidiary of Otsuka America, Inc. and emphasizes innovative therapeutic solutions to address significant unmet medical needs.

DalCor Pharmaceuticals

Series B in 2016
DalCor Pharmaceuticals specializes in precision medicine aimed at treating cardiovascular diseases by tailoring therapies to individual patients based on their genetic profiles. The company's primary product, dalcetrapib, is a cholesterol ester transfer protein inhibitor designed to mitigate residual cardiovascular risk in patients with a specific ADCY9 genetic profile. This approach is supported by pharmacogenomic research indicating that patients with acute coronary syndrome who possess a particular genetic variant experience a significant reduction in cardiovascular events when treated with dalcetrapib compared to placebo. Founded in 2015, DalCor has established its headquarters in Montreal, Canada, with additional offices in Sarasota, Florida; Zug, Switzerland; and Leatherhead, United Kingdom. The company has secured exclusive worldwide rights to dalcetrapib and the associated ADCY9 genetic marker from Roche, allowing it to focus on enhancing treatment outcomes for genetically targeted patients.

Zymeworks

Series A in 2016
Zymeworks Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Vancouver, Canada, that specializes in the discovery, development, and commercialization of biotherapeutics, primarily for cancer treatment. The company’s leading candidates include ZW25, a bispecific antibody currently undergoing Phase I and II clinical trials targeting various cancers, and ZW49, a bispecific antibody-drug conjugate in Phase I trials for advanced HER2-expressing cancers. Zymeworks employs advanced computational biotechnology techniques, utilizing proprietary molecular modeling and high-performance computing to optimize therapeutic antibodies and other protein-based therapeutics. The company has established strategic partnerships and collaborations with several major pharmaceutical firms, including Merck, Eli Lilly, and Bristol-Myers Squibb, among others, to enhance its research and development efforts. Founded in 2003, Zymeworks continues to focus on developing innovative solutions for cancer and other serious diseases.

PHEMI

Series A in 2015
PHEMI Systems Corporation specializes in developing a privacy, security, governance, and data management system tailored for Microsoft Azure. Founded in 2013 and based in Vancouver, Canada, the company provides the PHEMI Data Privacy Manager, a cloud-based solution designed for the healthcare sector. This system addresses the critical need for organizations to secure and govern access to privacy-sensitive information while facilitating compliance with privacy regulations. Optimized for Microsoft Azure, the software connects to numerous data sources and integrates seamlessly with popular data science and business analysis tools. Built on a privacy-by-design architecture, PHEMI Data Privacy Manager supports data sharing and offers a flexible usage-based pricing model, making it scalable for organizations of varying sizes.

Vaxcyte

Series A in 2015
Vaxcyte, Inc., a preclinical-stage biotechnology vaccine company, develops vaccines to prevent or treat infectious diseases worldwide. Its lead vaccine candidate is VAX-24, a 24-valent investigational pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. The company also develops VAX-XP to protect against emerging strains causing significant invasive pneumococcal disease and antibiotic resistance; VAX-A1, a conjugate vaccine candidate for protection against subtypes of Group A Strep; and VAX-PG, a novel protein vaccine candidate targeting porphyromonas gingivalis. The company was formerly known as SutroVax, Inc. and changed its name to Vaxcyte, Inc. in May 2020. Vaxcyte, Inc. was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in Foster City, California.

Xagenic

Series B in 2015
Xagenic Inc. is a Toronto-based molecular diagnostics company focused on developing innovative technology for decentralized and rapid diagnostic testing. The company aims to enhance patient care by enabling on-demand, near-patient molecular testing, which allows clinicians to make informed treatment decisions during the initial consultation. Xagenic's technology facilitates rapid, enzyme-free detection of nucleic acids from clinical samples, yielding results in just 20 minutes. By commercializing a simple and fully automated platform, Xagenic is positioned to revolutionize diagnostic testing by enabling it to be conducted outside of traditional clinical laboratories. The company is also working on tests for infectious diseases that provide clinically actionable results in a timely manner, thereby improving overall healthcare efficiency and reducing costs.

XTuit Pharmaceuticals

Series A in 2015
XTuit Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapeutics that target the disease-promoting microenvironment associated with fibrotic diseases and cancer. Founded in 2011 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, the company works on innovative pharmaceutical preparations aimed at diagnosing and treating oncological and inflammatory conditions. Its drug development pipeline includes micro-environment activated therapeutics that utilize pleiotropic mechanisms to inhibit the synthesis and stabilization of extracellular matrix and to silence activated stromal cells. Through these novel approaches, XTuit Pharmaceuticals seeks to improve cancer therapies by addressing the tumor microenvironment effectively.

Profound Medical

Venture Round in 2015
Profound Medical Corp. is a medical technology company that specializes in the development of magnetic resonance guided ablation procedures for treating conditions such as prostate disease, uterine fibroids, and palliative pain from bone metastases. The company's lead product, the TULSA-PRO system, combines real-time MRI guidance with robotically driven ultrasound to provide precise, non-invasive tissue ablation. This system is designed to work seamlessly with existing MRI infrastructure in hospitals and treatment facilities. Additionally, Profound Medical offers the Sonalleve platform, which targets uterine fibroids and bone metastases. The company is headquartered in Mississauga, Canada, and has established a co-development agreement with GE Healthcare to enhance access to its TULSA-PRO system. Profound Medical is committed to improving patient care by providing safe and effective treatment options that allow for quicker recovery and a return to daily activities.

Zymeworks

Venture Round in 2015
Zymeworks Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Vancouver, Canada, that specializes in the discovery, development, and commercialization of biotherapeutics, primarily for cancer treatment. The company’s leading candidates include ZW25, a bispecific antibody currently undergoing Phase I and II clinical trials targeting various cancers, and ZW49, a bispecific antibody-drug conjugate in Phase I trials for advanced HER2-expressing cancers. Zymeworks employs advanced computational biotechnology techniques, utilizing proprietary molecular modeling and high-performance computing to optimize therapeutic antibodies and other protein-based therapeutics. The company has established strategic partnerships and collaborations with several major pharmaceutical firms, including Merck, Eli Lilly, and Bristol-Myers Squibb, among others, to enhance its research and development efforts. Founded in 2003, Zymeworks continues to focus on developing innovative solutions for cancer and other serious diseases.

Visterra

Series B in 2014
Visterra, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing precision antibody-based treatments for difficult-to-treat diseases, particularly infectious diseases. Utilizing its Hierotope platform, Visterra designs monoclonal antibodies such as VIS410, aimed at treating hospitalized patients with influenza A, and VIS513 for Dengue fever. The company is also advancing VIS705, an antibody-drug conjugate for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, and VIS649, which targets Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy (IgAN). Founded in 2007 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, Visterra was previously known as Parasol Therapeutics, Inc. The company operates as a subsidiary of Otsuka America, Inc. and emphasizes innovative therapeutic solutions to address significant unmet medical needs.

Glypharma

Series A in 2012
GLyPharma was created in Montréal in August 2012 for the purpose of a strategic partnership between Ferring Pharmaceuticals, a European pharmaceutical company specialized in the discovery and development of active peptides, FONDS de solidarité FTQ and CTI Life Sciences Fund. The compound, FE 203799, is a long-acting GLP-2 receptor agonist, with intestine-trophic and intestine-protective activity. GLyPharma is granted by Ferring an exclusive worldwide license for development and commercialization of this compound as first-in-class indication in supportive care in oncology for protecting from chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis.

Xagenic

Series A in 2012
Xagenic Inc. is a Toronto-based molecular diagnostics company focused on developing innovative technology for decentralized and rapid diagnostic testing. The company aims to enhance patient care by enabling on-demand, near-patient molecular testing, which allows clinicians to make informed treatment decisions during the initial consultation. Xagenic's technology facilitates rapid, enzyme-free detection of nucleic acids from clinical samples, yielding results in just 20 minutes. By commercializing a simple and fully automated platform, Xagenic is positioned to revolutionize diagnostic testing by enabling it to be conducted outside of traditional clinical laboratories. The company is also working on tests for infectious diseases that provide clinically actionable results in a timely manner, thereby improving overall healthcare efficiency and reducing costs.

Medicago

Private Equity Round in 2011
Medicago Inc., a biotechnology company, focuses on the research, development, production, and commercialization of vaccines in Canada. The company develops its vaccines based on its proprietary technologies, including the plant-based Proficia technology and Virus-Like Particles (VLP) technology. Its product candidate includes H5N1 pandemic influenza VLP vaccine, which has completed a Phase I human clinical trial. The company is also developing H1N1 VLP vaccine for Influenza A/California/04/09 virus; and seasonal influenza vaccines. Medicago Inc. has collaboration agreements with Viridis S.A.; Genopole biopark to manufacture pandemic and seasonal influenza vaccines; and Philip Morris International to produce a therapeutic protein with a humancompatible glycosylation pattern. The company was incorporated in 1997 and is headquartered in Quebec City, Canada.

NeurAxon

Debt Financing in 2010
NeurAxon, Inc. discovers and develops pain therapeutics targeting neuronal nitric oxide synthase. It has oral products in pipeline addressing acute migraine, neuropathic pain chronic daily headache, inflammatory pain, migraine prophylaxis, and severe pain. The company was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

Somnus Therapeutics

Series A in 2010
Somnus Therapeutics, Inc. is a drug development company focused on creating therapeutics for patients suffering from insomnia. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Bedminster, New Jersey, the company aims to address specific challenges faced by individuals with sleep disorders, particularly by developing products designed to prevent midnight awakenings. Through its innovative approach, Somnus Therapeutics seeks to improve the quality of sleep for those affected by insomnia.

Chlorion Pharma

Venture Round in 2007
Chlorion Pharma is a biotechnology start-up focused on developing innovative therapeutics aimed at treating neuropathic pain and epilepsy. The company's approach centers on addressing neuronal hyperactivity by restoring proper chloride homeostasis, which is crucial for normal nerve function. By targeting these underlying mechanisms, Chlorion Pharma aims to provide effective solutions for patients suffering from these debilitating conditions.

Enobia Pharma

Series B in 2007
Enobia Pharma focuses on developing therapies for serious genetic bone disorders that currently lack approved treatments. The company specifically targets conditions such as hypophosphatasia (HPP), a rare metabolic disorder that affects bone mineralization and can lead to severe skeletal deformities and other health complications. Through its innovative research and development efforts, Enobia aims to provide effective solutions for patients suffering from these debilitating conditions.

TargeGen

Series D in 2007
TargeGen, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company specializing in vascular biology, focused on discovering and developing small molecule kinase inhibitors. These inhibitors target critical processes such as vascular leakage, vascular proliferation, and inflammation. TargeGen's product offerings address a range of serious medical conditions, including heart attack, cancer, eye diseases, pleural effusions, arthritis, pulmonary edema, transplant ischemia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), brain inflammation, and various central nervous system disorders. The company plays a significant role in treating conditions like macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, and diabetic retinopathy. Founded in 2002 and based in San Diego, California, TargeGen was acquired by Sanofi Aventis in 2010.
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