Birk Venture

Accession Therapeutics, based in Oxford, UK, is focused on developing innovative cancer treatments through its Trocept platform, which aims to address some of the most challenging and prevalent forms of cancer. The company is led by Bent Jakobsen, a pioneer in T cell receptor therapy, and has a team experienced in advancing immuno-oncology products to clinical trials. The Trocept technology, developed over more than a decade, utilizes genetically modified viruses that specifically target cancer cells while sparing non-cancerous cells, which eliminates systemic toxicity. This allows for intravenous delivery directly to tumors, enhancing the therapy's effectiveness. The platform shows promise in treating various types of cancer, including breast, cervical, colorectal, gastric, head and neck, lung, oral, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers, by activating a robust immune response localized to the tumor site.

Zelluna Immunotherapy AS, founded in 2016 and based in Oslo, Norway, is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of T-cell receptor (TCR) therapies aimed at treating various cancers. The company’s primary focus is on creating tumor-specific TCRs that can direct Natural Killer (NK) cells to effectively target and eliminate cancer cells, thereby providing new treatment options for patients with limited alternatives. Zelluna's core asset comprises a diverse range of TCRs isolated from patients who demonstrated long-term survival after participating in peptide-based cancer vaccine trials led by Prof. Gustav Gaudernack at the Norwegian Radium Hospital/Oslo University Hospital. Currently, several TCRs are in different stages of development. Zelluna is part of the Oslo Cancer Cluster, which includes various stakeholders in cancer research and development, and operates from the Oslo Cancer Cluster Innovation Park, adjacent to key medical facilities in the region.

APIM Therapeutics AS is a biotechnology company based in Trondheim, Norway, founded in 2009. The company specializes in developing combinatorial therapies for cancer treatment, focusing on proprietary peptide drugs that target proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). PCNA plays a crucial role in DNA repair and cellular responses to DNA damage and stress, making it a significant target for cancer therapies. One of the company's key compounds, ATX-101, has demonstrated proof-of-concept in various preclinical in vitro and in vivo cancer models. The foundation of APIM Therapeutics is rooted in original research by Professor Marit Otterlei and her team at the Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine at NTNU.

Targovax ASA is a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company based in Oslo, Norway, focused on developing oncolytic viruses and neoantigen cancer vaccines to treat challenging solid tumors. Its lead product, ONCOS-102, is currently undergoing Phase I/II clinical trials for various cancers, including mesothelioma, melanoma, peritoneal disease, and prostate cancer. Additionally, Targovax is advancing TG01, a cancer vaccine in Phase I/II trials for resectable pancreatic cancer, which aims to activate the immune system to target specific RAS mutations in cancer cells. The company collaborates with notable organizations, including Cancer Research Institute, Ludwig Cancer Research, and AstraZeneca, to enhance the development of its therapies. Targovax's innovative approach aims to induce robust immune responses by leveraging both helper and cytotoxic T-cell mechanisms, demonstrating potential for improved patient survival and favorable tolerability profiles. Established in 2010 by inventors from the Radium Hospital Research Foundation, Targovax is dedicated to addressing unmet medical needs in oncology.

APIM Therapeutics AS is a biotechnology company based in Trondheim, Norway, founded in 2009. The company specializes in developing combinatorial therapies for cancer treatment, focusing on proprietary peptide drugs that target proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). PCNA plays a crucial role in DNA repair and cellular responses to DNA damage and stress, making it a significant target for cancer therapies. One of the company's key compounds, ATX-101, has demonstrated proof-of-concept in various preclinical in vitro and in vivo cancer models. The foundation of APIM Therapeutics is rooted in original research by Professor Marit Otterlei and her team at the Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine at NTNU.

BerGenBio is a clinical stage oncology biotech company, which is engaged in developing therapeutics against novel drug targets that drive aggressive cancers. Its drug candidate bemcentinib (BGB324) is in clinical development as a novel treatment for a variety of cancers.

Nordic Nanovector ASA is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing innovative therapeutics for hematological cancers. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Oslo, Norway, the company’s lead product, Betalutin, is an antibody-radionuclide conjugate designed to treat non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), a challenging blood cancer with significant unmet medical needs. Betalutin is currently undergoing a Phase I/IIa clinical trial, demonstrating promising efficacy and tolerability among patients with relapsed or refractory NHL. Nordic Nanovector aims to retain marketing rights for Betalutin in core markets while seeking distribution agreements in select regions. The company is also committed to expanding its pipeline of novel antibody-radionuclide conjugates and antibody drug conjugates to address various hematological malignancies, leveraging both proprietary technologies and collaborations with partners.

Nextera AS is a drug discovery company based in Oslo, Norway, specializing in the development of therapies for autoimmune diseases and other major disease classes, including chronic infections and cancer. Founded in 2009, the company utilizes advanced phage display technology to identify new drug targets and enhance the discovery of potential drug candidates. Its innovative platforms, including taggerphage and DeltaPhage technologies, improve the efficiency and stability of drug candidate discovery. Nextera also emphasizes the integration of companion diagnostics with its therapeutic leads, ensuring effective treatment tailored to specific disease mechanisms. By focusing on high-resolution target discovery and lead candidate development, Nextera aims to provide improved therapeutic efficacy while minimizing off-target side effects.