Ligand Pharmaceuticals

Taurus Biosciences is a private biotechnology company that discovers and develops novel cow antibodies. These antibodies feature some of the longest CDR3s of any species, with unique genetic and structural diversity that can enable binding to challenge antigens with application in therapeutics, diagnostics, and research. Taurus Biosciences is based in San Diego and has intellectual property, derived from major discoveries at Scripps Research and the Applied Biomedical Science Institute, related to bovine ultralong CDR3 antibodies.

xCella Biosciences Inc. is an antibody discovery company focused on developing therapeutics through advanced protein engineering and innovative technology. Founded in 2015 and based in Menlo Park, California, the company specializes in transforming patient outcomes by utilizing its xPloration platform. This integrated hardware and software system enables high-dimensional measurement and analysis of genotype, phenotype, and cellular functions at the single-cell level, processing millions of cells simultaneously. This capability allows researchers to achieve comprehensive coverage of antibody repertoires, facilitating the discovery of rare antibodies that target complex challenges, such as ion channels. As of September 2020, xCella operates under the umbrella of Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated.

Pfenex Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, specializing in the development of protein therapies to address unmet medical needs. The company is known for its lead product candidate, PF708, which is a therapeutic equivalent to Forteo for treating osteoporosis. Other notable candidates include PF743, a recombinant crisantaspase, and PF745, an extended half-life version of the same protein. Pfenex is also advancing PF810, a next-generation therapeutic in preclinical development, along with additional products such as sparX-1 and sparX-2. The company's innovative Pfēnex Expression Technology, which employs the microorganism Pseudomonas fluorescens, facilitates the rapid and efficient production of therapeutic proteins, vaccines, and biosimilars. Pfenex also holds license and supply agreements for CRM197, a non-toxic variant of diphtheria toxin. As of late September 2020, Pfenex operates as a subsidiary of Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated.

Palvella Therapeutics is a start-up life sciences company that focuses on relentlessly and selflessly serving abandoned patient populations with therapies. The company specializes in developing therapies that specifically target the root cause of the disease. Palvella Therapeutics was founded in 2015 and headquartered in Wayne, Pennsylvania.

Technology Platform. Icagen’s extensive biological capability focused on ion channels, transporters and x-ray fluorescence, along with a strong track record in novel drug discovery from screening to lead optimization. Ion channels are key components in a wide variety of biological processes that involve rapid changes in cells and have broad therapeutic applicability including cancer, metabolic disease, pain, neurological diseases, infectious diseases and others. Roche Collaboration to develop and commercialize therapies for neurological diseases. The collaboration provides research funding, potential milestone payments of up to $274 million and tiered royalty payments should a drug be commercialized. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) Collaboration to discover therapeutics to treat patients with cystic fibrosis caused by specific genetic mutations. The CFF collaboration allows for up to $11 million in research funding, milestone payments of up to $59 million and tiered royalties on sales, should a product be commercialized. Proprietary Service Unit to Drive New Collaborations and Revenue, including a 32-person R&D team based in Raleigh, N.C., now known as Icagen, a Ligand Company, focused on drug discovery of ion channels and transporters. Icagen provides Ligand with an East Coast operation to efficiently serve partners and brings a portfolio of current or recent/active collaboration agreements with over 30 biopharma companies plus an ongoing business development pipeline. Novel, Unpartnered Programs that include six preclinical-stage assets applicable to a range of therapy areas including diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, pain and other disorders.

Ab Initio Biotherapeutics, Inc. develops protein therapeutics. The company engages in identification of activating and inactivating antibodies against G-protein coupled receptors. It also focuses on the development of drugs for cancer immunotherapy, including antibody agents and non-antibody biologics. The company has a strategic collaboration with Pfizer. Ab Initio Biotherapeutics, Inc. was incorporated in 2015 and is based in South San Francisco, California. As of July 23, 2019, Ab Initio Biotherapeutics, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated.

Dianomi Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company based in Madison, Wisconsin, that specializes in developing innovative therapies for inflammatory diseases, particularly osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Founded in 2017, the company focuses on enhancing the delivery and efficacy of both large and small therapeutic molecules. Dianomi utilizes its proprietary mineral coated microparticle (MCM) technology, which enables sustained release delivery of active biologics, addressing challenges faced by traditional drug delivery systems. This approach aims to improve the safety, efficacy, and duration of therapeutic effects, ultimately benefiting patients undergoing treatment for inflammatory conditions.

Palvella Therapeutics is a start-up life sciences company that focuses on relentlessly and selflessly serving abandoned patient populations with therapies. The company specializes in developing therapies that specifically target the root cause of the disease. Palvella Therapeutics was founded in 2015 and headquartered in Wayne, Pennsylvania.

Vernalis is a biotechnology and pharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, focusing on the research, development, and commercialization of products for various medical conditions, including oncology, neurodegeneration, anti-infectives, and inflammation. The company offers several pharmaceutical products, such as Tuzistra XR for cough and cold, Moxatag for bacterial infections, and frovatriptan for migraine treatment. Vernalis develops its product candidates through both internal research and collaborations with global pharmaceutical firms, reflecting a strategy that balances late-stage commercial initiatives with new chemical entities. The company's research employs advanced methodologies, including fragment-based approaches and structural biology, to facilitate drug discovery. Vernalis operates as a subsidiary of Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated and has established itself as a key player in the UK biopharmaceutical sector since its incorporation in 1986.

Crystal Bioscience Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Emeryville, California, founded in 2008. The company specializes in the discovery and development of therapeutic antibodies using a unique platform that leverages the immune system of chickens. By utilizing the significant evolutionary differences between mammals and birds, Crystal Bioscience is able to generate a diverse range of antibodies targeting human diseases that are often challenging to address through traditional mammalian-based methods. The company's technology allows for the isolation of monoclonal antibodies from immunized chickens, enabling simultaneous screening for specificity and biological activity. This innovative approach supports pharmaceutical companies in developing effective antibodies for various therapeutic applications. As of 2017, Crystal Bioscience operates as a subsidiary of Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated.

OMT

Selexis SA is a life sciences company based in Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland, specializing in mammalian cell-line generation technologies to support the development of new therapies. Founded in 2001, Selexis offers the Selexis SUREtechnology Platform, which aids in the discovery, development, and production of recombinant proteins. Its services encompass cell-line development, lead identification, genomic characterization, and applications in bioproduction, preclinical production, target discovery, cell-based assays, and diagnostics. Serving biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies on a global scale, Selexis plays a crucial role in translating scientific innovations into effective medicines for patients. As of June 2017, the company operates as a subsidiary of KBI Biopharma Inc.

Viking Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in San Diego, California, dedicated to developing innovative therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders. The company’s lead drug candidate is VK2809, an orally administered selective agonist of the thyroid hormone receptor beta, which is currently undergoing Phase 2b clinical trials for the treatment of biopsy-confirmed non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Another key candidate, VK5211, is in Phase II trials and is designed to aid recovery for patients post non-elective hip fracture surgery. Additionally, Viking is advancing VK0612, an oral treatment for type 2 diabetes, and VK0214, which targets X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. Founded in 2012, Viking Therapeutics aims to leverage its expertise in metabolism to bring forth therapies that significantly enhance patient outcomes.

CyDex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a pharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing drugs that address the limitations of existing therapies. The company specializes in drug formulation technology, particularly utilizing Captisol, a derivative of cyclodextrins. Its product portfolio includes injectable medications for various conditions, such as Geodon IM and Abilify Injection IM for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, Vfend IV for antifungal treatment, and Cerenia for canine motion sickness. Additionally, CyDex develops drugs for conditions like epilepsy, multiple myeloma, and asthma. The company also outlicenses its formulation technology to other organizations for their product development. Founded in 1993 and based in Lenexa, Kansas, CyDex Pharmaceuticals was previously known as CyDex, Inc. until its name change in November 2007.

Neurogen Corporation is a drug development company historically focusing on small-molecule drugs to improve the lives of patients suffering from psychiatric and neurological disorders with significant unmet medical need. Neurogen has conducted its drug development independently and, when advantageous, collaborated with world-class pharmaceutical companies to access additional resources and expertise.

Metabasis is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel drugs by applying its proprietary technologies, scientific expertise and unique capabilities for targeting the liver and liver pathways. The Company has established a broad pipeline of product candidates and advanced research programs targeting large markets with significant unmet needs. Metabasis' product pipeline represents candidates indicated for the treatment of metabolic diseases such as hyperlipidemia and diabetes, among others. Additionally, our pipeline includes drug candidates for the treatment of liver diseases such as hepatitis and primary liver cancer which the company plans to license to companies focused on these areas. All of our product candidates were developed internally using proprietary technologies including our NuMimetic and HepDirect technologies.

Pharmacopeia, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of therapeutics to meet critical medical needs. The company's internal program portfolio includes PS433540, a dual-acting angiotensin and endothelin receptor antagonist currently undergoing phase II clinical development for cardiovascular and renal diseases, such as hypertension and diabetic nephropathy. Another candidate, PS178990, is a muscle-selective SARM agonist in phase I clinical development. Additionally, Pharmacopeia is advancing PS031291, a preclinical product aimed at treating multiple myeloma and inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, along with JAK3 inhibitors targeting dermatologic and ocular conditions, including psoriasis and dry eye. Founded in 1993 and based in Cranbury, New Jersey, Pharmacopeia has formed strategic alliances with major pharmaceutical companies such as Bristol-Myers Squibb and GlaxoSmithKline. It became a subsidiary of Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc. in 2008.