Birk Venture

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.

Targovax AS develops active immunotherapy in the form of cancer vaccines. The lead candidate TG01 is currently in a phase I/II clinical trial in resectable pancreatic cancer. Patients are treated after operation, and the immune system is triggered to recognize cancer specific RAS mutations and kill the cancer cells. TG01 consists of peptides designed to trigger both a helper- and cytotoxic T-cell response in the patients, ensuring a broad and lasting immune response. The Targovax peptides are designed for induction of RAS mutation specific T-helper cells through presentation on HLA class II molecules on the surface of Antigen Presenting Cells (APCs), but also for natural processing to potential HLA class I epitopes and induction of RAS mutation specific cytotoxic T cells.The T helper (Th) cells have a central and critical role in coordination of immune reactions and are often referred to as the "generals" and "conductors" of the immune system. The drug candidate has a strong historical background including clinical data. The clinical data indicate both an increase of mean survival and long-term survivors. The drug is well tolerated with a low degree of side effects. Inventors of the technology and the Radium Hospital Research Foundation established Targovax in 2010.

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.