Eshelman Ventures

Sapience Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company dedicated to the discovery and development of peptide-based therapeutics aimed at treating high mortality cancers. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Harrison, New York, the company focuses on advancing innovative treatments for major unmet medical needs, particularly glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most aggressive form of brain cancer. Its lead product, ST101, functions as an inhibitor of C/EBPß, a transcription factor that is often overexpressed in various cancers and plays a role in cellular differentiation, tumor survival, and proliferation. ST101 targets and reduces the expression of several genes and proteins linked to cancer cell survival and growth, inducing selective cytotoxicity across multiple tumor types, including breast cancer, melanoma, prostate cancer, GBM, lung cancer, and acute myeloid leukemia. Through its research, Sapience Therapeutics aims to translate scientific advancements into effective therapies that address oncogenic and immune dysregulation in cancer.

Incyclix Bio is a biotechnology company based in Durham, North Carolina, focused on the development of small molecule inhibitors targeting cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) for the treatment of advanced and resistant cancers. Founded in 2020 by a team including Patrick Roberts, Jay Strum, John Bisi, and Fred Eshelman, the company aims to provide potent and selective inhibition of challenging CDK targets. This approach enables pharmaceutical companies and medical practitioners to access innovative therapeutic options, thereby enhancing treatment opportunities for cancer patients facing difficult cases. Through its research and development efforts, Incyclix Bio seeks to contribute to the advancement of cancer treatment solutions.

Aravive Biologics, based in Houston, Texas, is a clinical-stage biotechnology company that develops innovative cancer therapeutics aimed at treating various malignancies. Founded in 2008, the company has created a therapeutic candidate designed to act as a decoy that binds to the GAS6 pathway, effectively preventing the activation of the AXL signaling pathway, which is crucial in cancer cell survival and proliferation. Aravive's focus includes targeting survival pathways in both solid tumors and hematologic malignancies, positioning it as a key player in the biopharmaceutical landscape dedicated to advancing cancer treatment options.

Incyclix Bio is a biotechnology company based in Durham, North Carolina, focused on the development of small molecule inhibitors targeting cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) for the treatment of advanced and resistant cancers. Founded in 2020 by a team including Patrick Roberts, Jay Strum, John Bisi, and Fred Eshelman, the company aims to provide potent and selective inhibition of challenging CDK targets. This approach enables pharmaceutical companies and medical practitioners to access innovative therapeutic options, thereby enhancing treatment opportunities for cancer patients facing difficult cases. Through its research and development efforts, Incyclix Bio seeks to contribute to the advancement of cancer treatment solutions.

Kinnate Biopharma develops precision oncology therapeutics to treat patients with genomically-defined cancers. Its mission is to expand the reach of targeted therapeutics by developing products for underserved populations. The company utilizes its deep expertise in structure-based drug discovery, translational research, and patient-driven precision medicine. Its programs include candidates in preclinical development for cancers that are driven by specific oncogenic alterations in either the BRAF kinase gene or in the FGFR2 and FGFR3 kinase genes.

Aruna Biomedical, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Athens, Georgia, specializing in human stem cell research aimed at drug discovery and basic research. Founded in 2003, the company develops proprietary exosomes for treating central nervous system injuries and neurodegenerative disorders. Its product offerings include STEMEZ hNP1 neural progenitor cell expansion kits and STEMEZ hN2 human neurons, utilized in various research applications such as neurotoxicity studies, drug discovery, and electrophysiological assays. Additionally, Aruna Biomedical provides the viPS Vector Kit for reprogramming somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells, along with human stem cell systems for various assays and studies. The company also offers drug discovery and development services, as well as testing and assay services, serving both pharmaceutical companies and academic researchers focused on brain and spinal cord research. Aruna Biomedical leverages the natural properties of neural exosomes to enhance the body’s repair mechanisms and facilitate research in the neuroscience field.

Kinnate Biopharma develops precision oncology therapeutics to treat patients with genomically-defined cancers. Its mission is to expand the reach of targeted therapeutics by developing products for underserved populations. The company utilizes its deep expertise in structure-based drug discovery, translational research, and patient-driven precision medicine. Its programs include candidates in preclinical development for cancers that are driven by specific oncogenic alterations in either the BRAF kinase gene or in the FGFR2 and FGFR3 kinase genes.

Sapience Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company dedicated to the discovery and development of peptide-based therapeutics aimed at treating high mortality cancers. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Harrison, New York, the company focuses on advancing innovative treatments for major unmet medical needs, particularly glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most aggressive form of brain cancer. Its lead product, ST101, functions as an inhibitor of C/EBPß, a transcription factor that is often overexpressed in various cancers and plays a role in cellular differentiation, tumor survival, and proliferation. ST101 targets and reduces the expression of several genes and proteins linked to cancer cell survival and growth, inducing selective cytotoxicity across multiple tumor types, including breast cancer, melanoma, prostate cancer, GBM, lung cancer, and acute myeloid leukemia. Through its research, Sapience Therapeutics aims to translate scientific advancements into effective therapies that address oncogenic and immune dysregulation in cancer.

G1 Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of small molecule therapeutics for cancer treatment. Founded in 2008, the company is headquartered in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. G1 Therapeutics is advancing several investigational therapies, including trilaciclib, an intravenous cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitor, currently undergoing Phase 1b/2 trials for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer and Phase 2 trials for first-line small cell lung cancer and metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. The company is also developing lerociclib, an oral CDK4/6 inhibitor, which is in Phase 1b/2a trials for breast cancer and Phase 1b trials for non-small cell lung cancer. Additionally, G1 Therapeutics is progressing rintodestrant, an oral selective estrogen receptor degrader, currently in Phase I/2 trials. The company has partnered with Quantum Leap Healthcare Collaborative to evaluate trilaciclib for neoadjuvant treatment in locally advanced breast cancer. G1 Therapeutics aims to improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients through its innovative therapeutic approaches.

Cellective BioTherapy is a biotechnology company based in Raleigh, North Carolina, founded in April 2015 by Dr. Thomas F. Tedder. The company specializes in developing novel cellular and monoclonal antibody-based platforms aimed at treating a range of conditions, including cancer, autoimmunity, and immunodeficiency. Its primary focus is on B cell-based cellular therapies that modulate immune responses, allowing for innovative autologous immunotherapy solutions. Cellective BioTherapy's research encompasses treatments for various illnesses, such as cancers, diabetes, asthma, and both congenital and acquired immunodeficiency, as well as vaccine development. The company's approach enables the expansion of human B cells for therapeutic use, ensuring that essential immune cells and their protective functions are preserved during treatment.

Innocrin Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a pharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing oral inhibitors specifically for the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). The company targets CYP17 lyase, an enzyme that plays a critical role in the treatment of CRPC and other hormonally-driven conditions, including breast cancer, endometriosis, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Innocrin's lead product in development is VT-464, a dual mechanism lyase-selective CYP17 inhibitor and androgen receptor antagonist. This innovative therapy aims to disrupt the biochemical pathways essential for prostate cancer growth, particularly targeting androgen biosynthesis and androgen receptor transcriptional signaling. Founded in 2004 and based in Durham, North Carolina, Innocrin Pharmaceuticals operates independently as of 2014.

G1 Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of small molecule therapeutics for cancer treatment. Founded in 2008, the company is headquartered in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. G1 Therapeutics is advancing several investigational therapies, including trilaciclib, an intravenous cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitor, currently undergoing Phase 1b/2 trials for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer and Phase 2 trials for first-line small cell lung cancer and metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. The company is also developing lerociclib, an oral CDK4/6 inhibitor, which is in Phase 1b/2a trials for breast cancer and Phase 1b trials for non-small cell lung cancer. Additionally, G1 Therapeutics is progressing rintodestrant, an oral selective estrogen receptor degrader, currently in Phase I/2 trials. The company has partnered with Quantum Leap Healthcare Collaborative to evaluate trilaciclib for neoadjuvant treatment in locally advanced breast cancer. G1 Therapeutics aims to improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients through its innovative therapeutic approaches.

Dignify Therapeutics is a drug development company focused on delivering novel drug therapies for bladder and bowel disorders in spinal cord injured, multiple sclerosis and similar patient populations. By combining novel pharmaceutical agents with drug delivery technology, Dignify Therapeutics will redefine the treatment of these disorders and restore the dignity of voluntary excretory function for these patients. The company was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina.