Erasca, Inc. is a clinical-stage precision oncology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing therapies for cancers driven by the RAS/MAPK pathway. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in San Diego, California, Erasca utilizes its oncology pattern recognition algorithm (OPRA), an artificial intelligence-driven drug discovery platform, to analyze large-scale data sets and uncover novel tumor biology that can inhibit key cancer pathways. The company is advancing multiple drug candidates, including Naporafenib, an innovative pan-RAF inhibitor aimed at treating NRAS mutant melanoma and other RAS/MAPK-driven tumors, as well as ERAS-007 and ERAS-601, which are oral inhibitors targeting ERK1/2 and SHP2, respectively. Through collaborations with academic and biopharmaceutical partners, Erasca aims to expand its pipeline and provide new therapeutic options for cancer patients.
Shattuck Labs, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Austin, Texas, focused on developing innovative therapeutics for cancer and autoimmune diseases. Founded in 2016, the company leverages its proprietary Agonist Redirected Checkpoint (ARC) platform to create dual-function fusion proteins that enhance immune responses against tumors. Its lead product candidate, SL-172154, is currently undergoing a Phase 1 clinical trial for ovarian cancer, designed to inhibit the CD47/SIRPa checkpoint interaction while activating the CD40 costimulatory receptor. Additionally, Shattuck collaborates with Takeda Pharmaceuticals on SL-279252, also in Phase 1 trials, which targets the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction and activates the OX40 receptor to improve anti-tumor immunity. Through its innovative approaches, Shattuck Labs aims to advance the field of immuno-oncology and provide effective treatments for various malignancies.
Pulmonx Corporation is a medical technology company focused on developing minimally invasive devices for diagnosing and treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), particularly severe emphysema. The company offers key products including the Zephyr Endobronchial Valve, which addresses hyperinflation in adult patients, and the Chartis Pulmonary Assessment System, a tool that evaluates collateral ventilation through flow and pressure measurements. Additionally, Pulmonx provides the StratX Lung Analysis Platform, a cloud-based service that utilizes computed tomography to analyze lung conditions, aiding in the identification of treatment targets for the Zephyr Valve. With a strong clinical foundation supported by numerous published studies, Pulmonx has received regulatory recognition, including FDA approval for its Zephyr Valve, which is now used by physicians in over 25 countries. The company aims to enhance the quality of life for emphysema patients worldwide, having facilitated the treatment of more than 19,000 patients with over 76,000 valves deployed. Founded in 1995 and headquartered in Redwood City, California, Pulmonx continues to lead in interventional procedures for COPD treatment.
Apella is a technology company that brings modern engineering to improve surgery. It was founded in 2020 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.
Outset Medical, Inc. is a medical technology company that specializes in developing advanced hemodialysis systems for both acute and chronic patient care. The company's flagship product, the Tablo Hemodialysis System, is a compact and user-friendly dialysis machine designed to provide efficient care in various settings. Tablo integrates essential features such as water purification, on-demand dialysate production, and connectivity capabilities, making it versatile and convenient for healthcare providers. With its wireless data transmission, sensor-based automation, and an intuitive animated touchscreen, Tablo aims to enhance the patient care experience while driving innovation in service models to reduce costs. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in San Jose, California, Outset Medical was previously known as Home Dialysis Plus, Ltd. until its rebranding in 2015.
Avidity Biosciences is a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development of oligonucleotide-based therapies known as antibody oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs). These therapies aim to address the limitations of traditional oligonucleotide treatments by combining the tissue selectivity of monoclonal antibodies with the precision of oligonucleotide therapies. Avidity's lead product candidate, AOC 1001, targets myotonic dystrophy type 1, a rare genetic muscle disorder. The company's development pipeline also includes programs focused on treating various muscle diseases, such as muscle atrophy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, and Pompe disease. Additionally, Avidity is exploring therapeutic applications for immune and other cell types, leveraging its proprietary AOC platform to reach previously undruggable tissues and effectively target the genetic underpinnings of these conditions. Founded in 2012, Avidity Biosciences is headquartered in La Jolla, California.
Karuna Pharmaceuticals, Inc. engages in development of drugs for the treatment of schizophrenia. The company was incorporated in 2009 and is based in Boston, Massachusetts.
Auris Health, Inc. is a company based in Redwood City, California, focused on developing advanced robotics technology for medical applications. Founded in 2007, it specializes in creating innovative solutions for diagnostic and therapeutic bronchoscopic procedures. The company's flagship product, the Monarch Platform, utilizes small cameras and instruments to facilitate endoscopic procedures through natural body openings. This platform incorporates cutting-edge advancements in imaging technology, robotics, endoscope design, sensing, and data science, aiming to enhance patient outcomes and reduce medical costs. Additionally, Auris Health is developing a dual-arm microsurgical system designed for ophthalmic surgery, further expanding its capabilities in the medical robotics field. As a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, Auris Health continues to transform medical intervention through its integration of various technological innovations.
Outset Medical, Inc. is a medical technology company that specializes in developing advanced hemodialysis systems for both acute and chronic patient care. The company's flagship product, the Tablo Hemodialysis System, is a compact and user-friendly dialysis machine designed to provide efficient care in various settings. Tablo integrates essential features such as water purification, on-demand dialysate production, and connectivity capabilities, making it versatile and convenient for healthcare providers. With its wireless data transmission, sensor-based automation, and an intuitive animated touchscreen, Tablo aims to enhance the patient care experience while driving innovation in service models to reduce costs. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in San Jose, California, Outset Medical was previously known as Home Dialysis Plus, Ltd. until its rebranding in 2015.
Cytrellis Biosystems, Inc. is a clinical-stage medical technology company focused on the design and development of devices for dermatology, scar reduction, and aesthetic medicine. Founded in 2011 and based in Massachusetts, the company specializes in creating hand-held devices aimed at addressing sagging skin associated with aging without the need for surgery or resulting scars. This innovative approach allows aesthetic practitioners to effectively improve age-related changes in skin, thereby enhancing the quality of life for patients seeking non-invasive solutions to restore youthful appearance.
Unity Biotechnology is a biotechnology company dedicated to the research and development of therapeutics aimed at extending human health span by addressing diseases associated with aging. The company specializes in clearing senescent cells through the creation of senolytic medicines, which target vulnerabilities specific to these cells while preserving normal ones. Its lead drug candidates include UBX0101, currently undergoing Phase II trials for musculoskeletal disorders and Phase Ib trials for moderate-to-severe knee osteoarthritis, and UBX1325, which is in Phase I trials for diabetic macular edema. Additionally, Unity is exploring treatments for various age-related conditions, including ophthalmologic, pulmonary, kidney, and liver diseases. Founded in 2009 and based in South San Francisco, California, Unity Biotechnology was formerly known as Forge, Inc. and rebranded in 2015.
Aptinyx Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering and developing innovative therapies for brain and nervous system disorders. Founded in 2015 and based in Evanston, Illinois, the company focuses on novel, synthetic small molecules that modulate the NMDA receptor, enhancing communication pathways between nerve cells. Its primary products in development include NYX-2925, which is undergoing Phase II trials for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy and fibromyalgia, and NYX-783, currently in Phase I trials for post-traumatic stress disorder. Additionally, Aptinyx is developing NYX-458, another NMDA receptor modulator, which is in Phase I clinical studies aimed at treating cognitive impairment associated with Parkinson’s disease. The company also collaborates with Allergan to develop compounds for major depressive disorder, underscoring its commitment to addressing significant unmet medical needs in the central nervous system arena.
Allakos Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Redwood City, California, founded in 2012. The company specializes in developing antibody-based therapeutics aimed at treating various diseases linked to dysregulation of the T-helper type 2 immune response, including allergic diseases, inflammation, and conditions characterized by excessive inflammatory cell production. Its lead therapeutic candidate, antolimab (AK002), targets conditions such as eosinophilic gastritis, eosinophilic gastroenteritis, chronic urticaria, indolent systemic mastocytosis, and severe allergic conjunctivitis. Additionally, Allakos is advancing another program, AK006, which targets the Siglec-6 receptor on mast cells to modulate their activity and reduce excessive activation. Through these initiatives, Allakos aims to address significant unmet medical needs in immunological health.
Neon Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in neoantigen-targeted therapies aimed at advancing cancer treatment. By focusing on the immune system's response to neoantigens, the company seeks to develop innovative therapies that enhance the body's ability to fight cancer. Its product pipeline includes NEO-PV-01, NEO-PTC-01, and NEO-SV-01, which are designed to leverage the unique characteristics of neoantigens to improve patient outcomes.
Unity Biotechnology is a biotechnology company dedicated to the research and development of therapeutics aimed at extending human health span by addressing diseases associated with aging. The company specializes in clearing senescent cells through the creation of senolytic medicines, which target vulnerabilities specific to these cells while preserving normal ones. Its lead drug candidates include UBX0101, currently undergoing Phase II trials for musculoskeletal disorders and Phase Ib trials for moderate-to-severe knee osteoarthritis, and UBX1325, which is in Phase I trials for diabetic macular edema. Additionally, Unity is exploring treatments for various age-related conditions, including ophthalmologic, pulmonary, kidney, and liver diseases. Founded in 2009 and based in South San Francisco, California, Unity Biotechnology was formerly known as Forge, Inc. and rebranded in 2015.
Auris Health, Inc. is a company based in Redwood City, California, focused on developing advanced robotics technology for medical applications. Founded in 2007, it specializes in creating innovative solutions for diagnostic and therapeutic bronchoscopic procedures. The company's flagship product, the Monarch Platform, utilizes small cameras and instruments to facilitate endoscopic procedures through natural body openings. This platform incorporates cutting-edge advancements in imaging technology, robotics, endoscope design, sensing, and data science, aiming to enhance patient outcomes and reduce medical costs. Additionally, Auris Health is developing a dual-arm microsurgical system designed for ophthalmic surgery, further expanding its capabilities in the medical robotics field. As a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, Auris Health continues to transform medical intervention through its integration of various technological innovations.
Outset Medical, Inc. is a medical technology company that specializes in developing advanced hemodialysis systems for both acute and chronic patient care. The company's flagship product, the Tablo Hemodialysis System, is a compact and user-friendly dialysis machine designed to provide efficient care in various settings. Tablo integrates essential features such as water purification, on-demand dialysate production, and connectivity capabilities, making it versatile and convenient for healthcare providers. With its wireless data transmission, sensor-based automation, and an intuitive animated touchscreen, Tablo aims to enhance the patient care experience while driving innovation in service models to reduce costs. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in San Jose, California, Outset Medical was previously known as Home Dialysis Plus, Ltd. until its rebranding in 2015.
Sienna Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Westlake Village, California. Founded in 2010, the company specializes in the development of innovative therapies in immunology and inflammation, particularly targeting dermatological conditions. Its lead candidates include SNA-120, a first-in-class inhibitor currently undergoing Phase IIb trials for psoriasis and associated itching, and SNA-125, a dual Janus kinase 3 inhibitor in Phase I/II trials for atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and pruritus. Additionally, Sienna is advancing SNA-001, a topical silver particle suspension in pivotal clinical trials aimed at treating acne and reducing light-pigmented hair. The company previously operated as Sienna Labs, Inc. and underwent significant financial restructuring, including a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 2019, which transitioned to Chapter 7. Sienna Biopharmaceuticals aims to enhance patient outcomes and the practice of medicine through its targeted topical therapies.
Neon Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in neoantigen-targeted therapies aimed at advancing cancer treatment. By focusing on the immune system's response to neoantigens, the company seeks to develop innovative therapies that enhance the body's ability to fight cancer. Its product pipeline includes NEO-PV-01, NEO-PTC-01, and NEO-SV-01, which are designed to leverage the unique characteristics of neoantigens to improve patient outcomes.
Sienna Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Westlake Village, California. Founded in 2010, the company specializes in the development of innovative therapies in immunology and inflammation, particularly targeting dermatological conditions. Its lead candidates include SNA-120, a first-in-class inhibitor currently undergoing Phase IIb trials for psoriasis and associated itching, and SNA-125, a dual Janus kinase 3 inhibitor in Phase I/II trials for atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and pruritus. Additionally, Sienna is advancing SNA-001, a topical silver particle suspension in pivotal clinical trials aimed at treating acne and reducing light-pigmented hair. The company previously operated as Sienna Labs, Inc. and underwent significant financial restructuring, including a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 2019, which transitioned to Chapter 7. Sienna Biopharmaceuticals aims to enhance patient outcomes and the practice of medicine through its targeted topical therapies.
Sienna Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Westlake Village, California. Founded in 2010, the company specializes in the development of innovative therapies in immunology and inflammation, particularly targeting dermatological conditions. Its lead candidates include SNA-120, a first-in-class inhibitor currently undergoing Phase IIb trials for psoriasis and associated itching, and SNA-125, a dual Janus kinase 3 inhibitor in Phase I/II trials for atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and pruritus. Additionally, Sienna is advancing SNA-001, a topical silver particle suspension in pivotal clinical trials aimed at treating acne and reducing light-pigmented hair. The company previously operated as Sienna Labs, Inc. and underwent significant financial restructuring, including a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 2019, which transitioned to Chapter 7. Sienna Biopharmaceuticals aims to enhance patient outcomes and the practice of medicine through its targeted topical therapies.
Allena Pharmaceuticals is developing and commercializing non-systemic protein therapeutics to treat metabolic and orphan diseases, with a particular focus on nephrology and urologic conditions. Its proprietary technological approach enables the design, formulation, and delivery of non-absorbed and stable enzymes orally and in sufficient doses for activity in the GI tract.
It was founded in 2011 and headquartered in Newton, Massachusetts.
Afferent Pharmaceuticals, Inc. operates as a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company. It develops medicines to treat chronic pain by targeting P2X3 receptors in nerve fibers. The company’s AF-219, a compound that completed two Phase 1 clinical studies. Afferent Pharmaceuticals, Inc. was founded in 2009 and is based in San Mateo, California.
Outset Medical, Inc. is a medical technology company that specializes in developing advanced hemodialysis systems for both acute and chronic patient care. The company's flagship product, the Tablo Hemodialysis System, is a compact and user-friendly dialysis machine designed to provide efficient care in various settings. Tablo integrates essential features such as water purification, on-demand dialysate production, and connectivity capabilities, making it versatile and convenient for healthcare providers. With its wireless data transmission, sensor-based automation, and an intuitive animated touchscreen, Tablo aims to enhance the patient care experience while driving innovation in service models to reduce costs. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in San Jose, California, Outset Medical was previously known as Home Dialysis Plus, Ltd. until its rebranding in 2015.
Dimension Therapeutics, Inc. is a gene therapy company dedicated to developing innovative treatments for rare and metabolic diseases linked to liver function. Founded in 2013 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company has established a robust pipeline of gene therapy candidates. Its lead products include DTX101 for hemophilia B and DTX201 for hemophilia A, alongside other programs targeting conditions such as ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency, glycogen storage disease type Ia, phenylketonuria, Wilson disease, and citrullinemia type I. Dimension Therapeutics collaborates with REGENX Biosciences, leveraging its extensive patent portfolio related to NAV vector technology. This partnership enhances Dimension's ability to advance its gene therapy initiatives, particularly in the realm of adeno-associated virus therapeutics. In 2017, Dimension Therapeutics became a subsidiary of Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc.
Voyager Therapeutics is a clinical-stage gene therapy company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative treatments for severe neurological diseases. The company's lead candidate, VY-AADC, is currently undergoing an open-label Phase 1b clinical trial for Parkinson's disease. In addition to this, Voyager's preclinical pipeline includes therapies targeting amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, Friedreich's ataxia, and various tauopathies and synucleinopathies, which encompass conditions like Alzheimer's disease and Lewy Body Dementia. Voyager Therapeutics emphasizes advancing adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy through innovations in vector optimization, dosing techniques, and production processes. The company has established strategic collaborations with the University of Massachusetts and ClearPoint Neuro, along with partnerships with Brammer Bio and Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies to enhance its gene therapy programs. Furthermore, Voyager has a collaboration agreement with Neurocrine Biosciences for the research, development, and commercialization of AAV-based gene therapies. Founded in 2013, Voyager Therapeutics is committed to addressing critical unmet medical needs in the field of central nervous system disorders.
Kura Oncology, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, develops medicines for the treatment of cancer. Its pipeline consists of small molecule product candidates that target cancer. The company’s lead product candidate is Tipifarnib, an orally bioavailable inhibitor of farnesyl transferase that is in Phase II clinical trials for the treatment of solid tumors, peripheral T-cell lymphomas, and other hematologic malignancies. It is also developing KO-947, a small molecule inhibitor of extracellular signal related kinase used for the treatment of patients with tumors that have dysregulated activity due to mutations or other mechanisms in the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway; and KO-539, a small molecule inhibitor of the menin-mixed lineage leukemia protein-protein interaction. Kura Oncology, Inc. was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in San Diego, California.
Private Equity Round in 2015
Theranos, Inc. was a consumer healthcare technology company founded in 2003 and based in Palo Alto, California. It specialized in blood testing and early disease detection services, focusing on areas such as oncology, pediatrics, and geriatrics. The company claimed to have developed innovative systems for small-sample blood testing that would enable rapid communication of diagnostic information. However, investigations revealed that the tests were primarily conducted using traditional machines from other companies, raising significant concerns about the integrity of its operations. Theranos became embroiled in one of the largest biomedical fraud scandals in U.S. history, leading to the conviction of its founder, Elizabeth Holmes, for investor fraud. At its height, the company was valued at approximately $10 billion.
Blueprint Medicines Corporation is a biopharmaceutical company that specializes in developing small molecule kinase inhibitors aimed at treating cancers and rare diseases driven by genomic abnormalities. The company’s pipeline includes avapritinib, which targets systemic mastocytosis and gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and BLU-263, an oral KIT inhibitor for indolent systemic mastocytosis and other mast cell disorders. Additionally, fisogatinib is in Phase I trials for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, while pralsetinib targets RET-altered non-small cell lung cancer and medullary thyroid carcinoma. Other investigational compounds include BLU-782, aimed at treating fibrodysplasia ossificans progressive. Established in 2008 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Blueprint Medicines utilizes its proprietary chemical library and Insights-to-Validation Platform to develop personalized therapies that address specific molecular drivers of cancer and the challenges posed by resistance mechanisms. The company has formed collaboration agreements with several pharmaceutical entities to enhance its research and development efforts.
Civitas Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing therapies for pulmonary delivery. The company focuses on creating innovative treatments for central nervous system and respiratory disorders, with a particular emphasis on conditions such as multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries. Civitas Therapeutics aims to improve the health and quality of life for patients across the United States through its specialized drug delivery systems.