Pivotal bioVenture Partners, established in 2016, is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm focusing on early-stage investments in biotechnology companies. With a $300 million fund, they invest in privately held North American and European companies developing innovative therapeutic products and platforms to address significant unmet medical needs. Their investment strategy spans from company creation through mid and late-stage clinical development. The firm's team, with diverse experience in venture capital, company building, and drug discovery and development, works closely with entrepreneurs to advance their businesses.
Partner, Board Member HotSpot Tx, Bolt Bio, Fountain Tx and Evommune
Jeni Lee
Partner
Simon Tsang
Operating Partner
Robert Hopfner Ph.D
Managing Director
43 past transactions
Windward Bio
Series A in 2025
Windward Bio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to enhancing outcomes for patients with advanced immunological diseases, focusing on severe respiratory conditions. The company is advancing a fully human monoclonal antibody targeting thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) into Phase 2 clinical trials. This antibody, administered subcutaneously, potently binds to the TSLP ligand, extending its half-life and silencing its effector functions. Windward Bio is also developing innovative bispecific programs for other immunological disorders, aiming to address significant unmet medical needs in these areas. Led by an experienced team of biopharmaceutical executives, the company is committed to accelerating drug development to improve the lives of patients.
Evommune
Series C in 2024
Evommune, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Los Altos, California, that focuses on developing and manufacturing tissue-based medicines aimed at treating inflammatory diseases. Founded in 2020, the company employs a proprietary tissue-based platform to accelerate the discovery of novel therapies, with a particular emphasis on immunology and dermatology. Evommune's approach seeks not only to alleviate the symptoms of inflammatory disorders but also to halt disease progression, thereby improving the quality of life for patients. Its pipeline includes initiatives targeting prevalent inflammatory conditions, with a commitment to advancing patient care by creating best-in-class treatment options. Through innovative strategies, Evommune aims to drive meaningful advancements in the field of inflammatory disease management.
Zenas BioPharma
Series C in 2024
Zenas BioPharma is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Florida, dedicated to developing immune-based therapies for patients. The company's lead product candidate, obexelimab, is a bifunctional monoclonal antibody that targets both CD19 and FcγRIIb, which are found on B cells. This innovative approach aims to inhibit the activity of B cells involved in various autoimmune diseases while preserving their overall population, thus offering a potential therapeutic advantage over traditional treatments that deplete these cells.
BioAge Labs
Series D in 2024
BioAge Labs, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing therapies to address aging and age-related diseases. The company utilizes a systems biology and artificial intelligence platform to identify key drug targets that influence aging and analyze extensive datasets to uncover the molecular drivers of age-related conditions. BioAge Labs is advancing several drug candidates, including BGE-117, a hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor designed to activate genes involved in critical biological processes such as tissue regeneration and vascular remodeling. Additionally, BGE-175, an orally administered inhibitor of the prostaglandin D2 DP1 signaling pathway, aims to mitigate risks associated with immune aging and respiratory infections. Founded in 2015 and based in Richmond, California, BioAge Labs is committed to discovering and developing innovative treatments that harness the biology of human aging.
Heranova Lifesciences
Seed Round in 2023
Heranova Lifesciences focuses on developing innovative medical technologies that address women's health issues, particularly in obstetrics and gynecology. The company aims to meet unmet medical needs by integrating diagnosis, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and data solutions. Heranova Lifesciences is dedicated to advancing early-stage development of innovative treatments for conditions such as endometriosis and gynecological inflammation, thereby enhancing the overall care and support available to women facing these health challenges.
Avalyn Pharma
Series C in 2023
Avalyn Pharma, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and other severe respiratory diseases. The company is advancing inhaled formulations of pirfenidone, specifically AP01, which aims to enhance drug delivery to the lungs while potentially reducing side effects associated with oral treatments. This innovative approach seeks to improve the care and outcomes for patients suffering from these conditions. Established in 2011, Avalyn Pharma operates from its headquarters in Seattle, Washington, and maintains an additional office in San Diego, California. The company was previously known as Genoa Pharmaceuticals, Inc. before rebranding in July 2017.
Evommune
Series B in 2023
Evommune, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Los Altos, California, that focuses on developing and manufacturing tissue-based medicines aimed at treating inflammatory diseases. Founded in 2020, the company employs a proprietary tissue-based platform to accelerate the discovery of novel therapies, with a particular emphasis on immunology and dermatology. Evommune's approach seeks not only to alleviate the symptoms of inflammatory disorders but also to halt disease progression, thereby improving the quality of life for patients. Its pipeline includes initiatives targeting prevalent inflammatory conditions, with a commitment to advancing patient care by creating best-in-class treatment options. Through innovative strategies, Evommune aims to drive meaningful advancements in the field of inflammatory disease management.
Heranova Lifesciences
Seed Round in 2023
Heranova Lifesciences focuses on developing innovative medical technologies that address women's health issues, particularly in obstetrics and gynecology. The company aims to meet unmet medical needs by integrating diagnosis, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and data solutions. Heranova Lifesciences is dedicated to advancing early-stage development of innovative treatments for conditions such as endometriosis and gynecological inflammation, thereby enhancing the overall care and support available to women facing these health challenges.
Oculis Holding
Post in 2023
Oculis is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on advancing eye care and preserving vision through innovative drug delivery solutions. The company's unique platform enables effective drug absorption in both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye, allowing for the treatment of conditions such as diabetic macular edema (DME) with a simple topical application, thus eliminating the need for invasive procedures. Oculis is developing several therapeutic candidates, including OCS-01, a topical treatment for DME; OCS-02, aimed at addressing dry eye disease; and OCS-05, which targets acute optic neuritis and other neuro-ophthalmic disorders. This novel approach not only facilitates treatment for posterior eye diseases but also reduces the required frequency of applications for anterior conditions compared to traditional eye drops.
Zenas BioPharma
Series B in 2022
Zenas BioPharma is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Florida, dedicated to developing immune-based therapies for patients. The company's lead product candidate, obexelimab, is a bifunctional monoclonal antibody that targets both CD19 and FcγRIIb, which are found on B cells. This innovative approach aims to inhibit the activity of B cells involved in various autoimmune diseases while preserving their overall population, thus offering a potential therapeutic advantage over traditional treatments that deplete these cells.
Plexium
Series B in 2022
Plexium, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, that specializes in developing targeted protein degradation therapies aimed at treating cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Founded in 2017, Plexium utilizes a platform that identifies small molecules capable of modulating E3 ligases, which play a crucial role in protein degradation. This platform includes the DELPhe screening technology, designed for high-content readouts from cell-based assays. By harnessing E3 ligases, Plexium's approach enables selective targeting of various cancers, including small cell lung and breast tumors. The company's innovative research extends beyond existing therapies, exploring new drug-like protein degraders and molecular glues to enhance treatment options for cancer and inflammatory diseases.
Arkuda Therapeutics
Series B in 2022
Arkuda Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded in 2018. The company focuses on developing innovative medicines for patients suffering from neurological diseases, particularly targeting neurodegenerative conditions. Arkuda leverages insights into progranulin and lysosomal biology to create therapies aimed at addressing progranulin deficiency and lysosomal dysfunction, specifically in genetically-defined frontotemporal dementia related to mutations in the GRN gene. Its lead compounds are designed to improve cellular health in the brain, with the goal of delaying disease progression and the onset of symptoms.
SanReno Therapeutics
Funding Round in 2021
SanReno Therapeutics specializes in the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of therapies for kidney diseases in several regions including the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and Singapore. Established through a joint venture involving Chinook Therapeutics, Frazier Healthcare Partners, and Pivotal bioVenture Partners China, the company is dedicated to researching and producing innovative biotech solutions aimed at improving the quality of life for patients suffering from kidney-related conditions.
Ablaze Pharmaceuticals
Series A in 2021
Ablaze Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing targeted radiotherapy (TRT) treatments for cancer patients. The company aims to introduce innovative TRT products to the Chinese market, leveraging the founders' extensive experience and networks in cross-border product development and deal-making. By focusing on advanced therapeutic solutions, Ablaze Pharmaceuticals seeks to improve the outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients in China.
HotSpot Therapeutics
Series C in 2021
HotSpot Therapeutics is a biotechnology startup based in Boston, Massachusetts, established in 2017. The company specializes in the development of allosteric therapies that target regulatory sites on proteins. Its innovative therapeutic platform is designed to identify hotspots and locate pathway treatments for cancer, metabolic disorders, and rare diseases. By leveraging a comprehensive database of hotspot structures and utilizing data science, HotSpot Therapeutics employs a multidisciplinary approach to drug discovery. This approach aims to enhance the effectiveness of treatments and improve patient outcomes across a range of conditions.
Evommune
Series A in 2021
Evommune, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Los Altos, California, that focuses on developing and manufacturing tissue-based medicines aimed at treating inflammatory diseases. Founded in 2020, the company employs a proprietary tissue-based platform to accelerate the discovery of novel therapies, with a particular emphasis on immunology and dermatology. Evommune's approach seeks not only to alleviate the symptoms of inflammatory disorders but also to halt disease progression, thereby improving the quality of life for patients. Its pipeline includes initiatives targeting prevalent inflammatory conditions, with a commitment to advancing patient care by creating best-in-class treatment options. Through innovative strategies, Evommune aims to drive meaningful advancements in the field of inflammatory disease management.
Obsidian Therapeutics
Series B in 2021
Obsidian Therapeutics develops innovative cell and gene therapies aimed at enhancing adoptive immunotherapy for cancer patients. Founded in 2015 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company focuses on creating next-generation therapies that utilize pharmacologic operating systems to provide precise control over protein activity within cells. This technology allows for the development of adoptive cell therapies with advanced functionalities that can be managed by physicians using simple, safe, and orally active medications. By offering improved control over treatment, Obsidian Therapeutics aims to provide better outcomes for patients compared to existing cell therapy options.
Vigil Neuro
Series B in 2021
Vigil Neuroscience Inc. is a therapeutics company focused on microglia, the brain's immune sentinel cells, to address both rare and common neurodegenerative diseases. The company aims to restore the vigilance of microglia to improve patient outcomes. Vigil is advancing its lead candidate, a monoclonal antibody TREM2 agonist, through Phase 1 studies and is also developing an orally available small molecule TREM2 agonist, VG-3927, which is positioned to enter Investigational New Drug (IND) application. Additionally, Vigil is conducting the IGNITE trial, a Phase 2 proof-of-concept study that represents the first interventional trial for patients with adult-onset leukodystrophy. By leveraging modern neuroscience and various therapeutic modalities, Vigil seeks to deliver precision therapies that enhance the lives of patients and their families while expanding its pipeline and supporting the understanding of microglia biology as a critical therapeutic target.
Oculis Holding
Series C in 2021
Oculis is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on advancing eye care and preserving vision through innovative drug delivery solutions. The company's unique platform enables effective drug absorption in both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye, allowing for the treatment of conditions such as diabetic macular edema (DME) with a simple topical application, thus eliminating the need for invasive procedures. Oculis is developing several therapeutic candidates, including OCS-01, a topical treatment for DME; OCS-02, aimed at addressing dry eye disease; and OCS-05, which targets acute optic neuritis and other neuro-ophthalmic disorders. This novel approach not only facilitates treatment for posterior eye diseases but also reduces the required frequency of applications for anterior conditions compared to traditional eye drops.
Exscientia
Series D in 2021
Exscientia is a biotechnology company that leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance the discovery and design of novel therapeutic compounds. By integrating human expertise with advanced computational techniques, Exscientia accelerates the development of small-molecule drug candidates, aiming to produce safe and effective treatments for clinical testing. The company's innovative approach seeks to revolutionize the pharmaceutical industry by improving the precision and efficiency of drug discovery, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.
Arctic Vision
Series B in 2021
Arctic Vision is a clinical-stage specialty ophthalmology company based in China, focused on developing innovative therapies to address unmet clinical needs in the treatment of ophthalmic diseases. The company boasts a portfolio of breakthrough technologies aimed at providing effective solutions for patients with rare eye conditions. Founded by prominent life sciences investors, Arctic Vision is led by an experienced team of industry veterans skilled in research and development as well as the commercialization of eye care products. Its commitment to advancing ophthalmic medicine positions it as a key player in both the Asian and global markets.
Plexium
Series A in 2021
Plexium, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, that specializes in developing targeted protein degradation therapies aimed at treating cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Founded in 2017, Plexium utilizes a platform that identifies small molecules capable of modulating E3 ligases, which play a crucial role in protein degradation. This platform includes the DELPhe screening technology, designed for high-content readouts from cell-based assays. By harnessing E3 ligases, Plexium's approach enables selective targeting of various cancers, including small cell lung and breast tumors. The company's innovative research extends beyond existing therapies, exploring new drug-like protein degraders and molecular glues to enhance treatment options for cancer and inflammatory diseases.
Visen Pharmaceuticals
Series B in 2021
Visen Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company that specializes in the development and commercialization of innovative therapies for endocrine diseases. The company is dedicated to addressing significant unmet medical needs in this field, particularly within the Chinese market, and aims to provide both first-in-class and best-in-class treatment solutions for patients of all ages, including those with rare endocrine conditions. With a commitment to patient-centric care, Visen strives to improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for individuals affected by these diseases. The company is backed by a team of experienced professionals with extensive backgrounds in the pharmaceutical industry and operates offices in major Chinese cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, and Taipei. To further enhance its research, development, and manufacturing capabilities, Visen has established a Greater China research and development site in Suzhou, aiming to deliver advanced treatment options to Chinese patients more effectively.
Evommune
Seed Round in 2020
Evommune, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Los Altos, California, that focuses on developing and manufacturing tissue-based medicines aimed at treating inflammatory diseases. Founded in 2020, the company employs a proprietary tissue-based platform to accelerate the discovery of novel therapies, with a particular emphasis on immunology and dermatology. Evommune's approach seeks not only to alleviate the symptoms of inflammatory disorders but also to halt disease progression, thereby improving the quality of life for patients. Its pipeline includes initiatives targeting prevalent inflammatory conditions, with a commitment to advancing patient care by creating best-in-class treatment options. Through innovative strategies, Evommune aims to drive meaningful advancements in the field of inflammatory disease management.
Arctic Vision
Series A in 2020
Arctic Vision is a clinical-stage specialty ophthalmology company based in China, focused on developing innovative therapies to address unmet clinical needs in the treatment of ophthalmic diseases. The company boasts a portfolio of breakthrough technologies aimed at providing effective solutions for patients with rare eye conditions. Founded by prominent life sciences investors, Arctic Vision is led by an experienced team of industry veterans skilled in research and development as well as the commercialization of eye care products. Its commitment to advancing ophthalmic medicine positions it as a key player in both the Asian and global markets.
Bolt Biotherapeutics
Series C in 2020
Bolt Biotherapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative immunotherapy solutions for cancer treatment. The company employs its proprietary Boltbody platform, which features immune-stimulating antibody conjugates (ISAC) that link tumor-targeting antibodies with powerful immune stimulants. This approach aims to activate the immune system against tumors, effectively transforming cold tumors into immunologically active ones. Bolt Biotherapeutics is advancing several candidates in its pipeline, including BDC-1001, a monotherapy targeting HER2-expressing solid tumors, and BDC-3042, among others. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Redwood City, California, the company leverages its expertise in myeloid biology and cancer drug development to create targeted therapies that harness both innate and adaptive immune responses.
Avalyn Pharma
Series B in 2020
Avalyn Pharma, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and other severe respiratory diseases. The company is advancing inhaled formulations of pirfenidone, specifically AP01, which aims to enhance drug delivery to the lungs while potentially reducing side effects associated with oral treatments. This innovative approach seeks to improve the care and outcomes for patients suffering from these conditions. Established in 2011, Avalyn Pharma operates from its headquarters in Seattle, Washington, and maintains an additional office in San Diego, California. The company was previously known as Genoa Pharmaceuticals, Inc. before rebranding in July 2017.
Rallybio
Series B in 2020
Rallybio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing transformative therapies for patients with severe and rare disorders. Founded in 2018 and based in New Haven, Connecticut, the company is advancing its lead product candidate, RLYB211, which aims to prevent fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT), a serious condition that can lead to uncontrolled bleeding in fetuses and newborns. Rallybio's portfolio includes a range of promising product candidates targeting rare diseases across various therapeutic areas, including hematology, immuno-inflammation, maternal-fetal health, and metabolic disorders. The company's efforts are supported by a team of experienced professionals with extensive expertise in biopharma research and development.
Vaxcyte
Series D in 2020
Vaxcyte, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative vaccines to prevent and treat infectious diseases globally. The company’s lead candidate, VAX-24, is a 24-valent investigational pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. Additionally, Vaxcyte is advancing VAX-XP, which targets emerging strains that contribute to invasive pneumococcal disease and antibiotic resistance. Other notable candidates include VAX-A1, designed to protect against Group A Streptococcus infections, and VAX-PG, a therapeutic vaccine aimed at treating periodontal disease caused by Porphyromonas gingivalis. Vaxcyte utilizes a proprietary cell-free protein synthesis platform that enables the creation of protein carriers and antigens, enhancing vaccine development beyond conventional methods. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Foster City, California, the company was previously known as SutroVax, Inc. before rebranding in May 2020.
Akouos
Series B in 2020
Akouos, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, dedicated to developing gene therapies aimed at restoring, improving, and preserving hearing for individuals affected by various inner ear disorders. Founded in 2016, the company utilizes an innovative platform that includes a proprietary adeno-associated viral vector library and a unique delivery method. Its leading product candidate, AK-OTOF, targets hearing loss resulting from mutations in the OTOF gene. Akouos focuses on genetically-defined patient populations, addressing conditions ranging from single genetic mutations to hearing loss caused by ototoxic drugs and aging. The company has established strategic partnerships with key institutions, including Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Lonza, Inc., to advance its mission of providing precision genetic therapies for sensorineural hearing loss.
Aligos Therapeutics
Series B in 2020
Aligos Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company founded in 2018 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California. The company specializes in developing innovative therapeutics to address unmet medical needs in viral and liver diseases, particularly targeting chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Its lead drug candidate, ALG-010133, is a synthetic oligonucleotide currently undergoing Phase I clinical trials for CHB. Aligos is also advancing several other candidates, including ALG-000184, a capsid assembly modulator for CHB; ALG-020572, an oligonucleotide for CHB; ALG-125097, an siRNA drug candidate for CHB; and ALG-055009, a small molecule THR-ß agonist for NASH. The company's strategy leverages the extensive expertise of its team in liver disease and viral hepatitis to develop targeted antiviral therapies and expedite its drug development pipeline.
Arcutis Biotherapeutics
Series C in 2019
Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Westlake Village, California, specializing in the development and commercialization of treatments for immune-mediated dermatological diseases. Founded in 2016, Arcutis is focused on addressing unmet medical needs in dermatology by leveraging advances in immunology and inflammation. Its lead product candidate, a topical cream formulation of roflumilast, is undergoing Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of plaque psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Additionally, the company is developing other innovative therapies, including a topical foam formulation for seborrheic dermatitis and scalp psoriasis, a selective small molecule inhibitor for hand eczema, and a specialized formulation designed for alopecia areata. Arcutis aims to provide differentiated therapies that effectively tackle persistent treatment challenges in serious skin conditions.
OncXerna Therapeutics
Series B in 2019
OncXerna Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing precision medicines for cancer patients by utilizing an RNA-based biomarker platform. The company aims to improve patient outcomes by prospectively identifying individuals based on the unique RNA biology of their tumor microenvironments. This innovative approach enables OncXerna to match patients with targeted oncology therapies that correspond to their specific tumor characteristics. Founded in 2018 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, with an additional location in Shanghai, China, OncXerna was formerly known as Oncologie, Inc. and changed its name in September 2020 to reflect its commitment to advancing next-generation precision medicine for a broader range of cancer patients.
Inozyme
Series A in 2019
Inozyme Pharma, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies for rare diseases related to abnormal mineralization affecting the vasculature, soft tissue, and skeletal systems. The company's lead product candidate, INZ-701, is a recombinant protein designed to treat rare genetic conditions caused by ENPP1 and ABCC6 deficiencies, as well as calciphylaxis. Inozyme's therapies aim to address the underlying causes of these debilitating diseases, providing potentially disease-modifying treatments for conditions such as Generalized Arterial Calcification of Infancy and Autosomal Recessive Hypophosphatemic Rickets Type 2. The company has a licensing agreement with Yale University for certain therapeutic applications and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. Established in 2015, Inozyme is dedicated to improving the quality of life for patients affected by severe metabolic disorders associated with mineral imbalances.
Fusion Pharmaceuticals
Series B in 2019
Fusion Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Hamilton, Canada, specializing in the development of radiopharmaceuticals as precision medicines for challenging cancers. The company employs its proprietary Targeted Alpha Therapies platform and Fast-Clear linker technology to connect alpha particle-emitting isotopes to antibodies, enabling the selective delivery of therapeutic agents to tumors. Fusion's lead product candidate, FPI-1434, is currently undergoing Phase 1 clinical trials as a monotherapy for solid tumors expressing insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor. Additionally, the company is exploring the use of FPI-1434 in combination with approved checkpoint inhibitors and DNA damage response inhibitors in preclinical studies to enhance anti-tumor activity. Fusion is also advancing another product candidate, FPI-1966, into clinical development for head and neck and bladder cancers that express fibroblast growth factor receptor. Founded in 2014 as a spinout of the Centre for Probe Development and Commercialization, Fusion aims to transform how cancers are treated through innovative radiochemistry techniques.
Karuna Therapeutics
Series B in 2019
Karuna Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Massachusetts, dedicated to developing innovative therapies for neuropsychiatric disorders and pain. Its lead product candidate, KarXT, is an oral modulator that has completed a Phase II clinical trial for treating acute psychosis in schizophrenia patients and is undergoing a Phase Ib clinical trial for various central nervous system disorders, including cognitive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s, and dementia-related psychosis. The company is also developing additional muscarinic-targeted drug candidates to address unmet medical needs in these areas. Founded in 2009, Karuna Therapeutics has established partnerships with organizations such as Eli Lilly and Company and PureTech Health LLC, focusing on advancing its drug discovery efforts through collaborations with Charles River Laboratories and PsychoGenics Inc.
Bolt Biotherapeutics
Series B in 2019
Bolt Biotherapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative immunotherapy solutions for cancer treatment. The company employs its proprietary Boltbody platform, which features immune-stimulating antibody conjugates (ISAC) that link tumor-targeting antibodies with powerful immune stimulants. This approach aims to activate the immune system against tumors, effectively transforming cold tumors into immunologically active ones. Bolt Biotherapeutics is advancing several candidates in its pipeline, including BDC-1001, a monotherapy targeting HER2-expressing solid tumors, and BDC-3042, among others. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Redwood City, California, the company leverages its expertise in myeloid biology and cancer drug development to create targeted therapies that harness both innate and adaptive immune responses.
Stealth BioTherapeutics
Convertible Note in 2018
Stealth BioTherapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of therapies targeting diseases linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. Founded in 2006 and based in George Town, Cayman Islands, the company is advancing its lead product candidate, Elamipretide, which aims to address both rare genetic and age-related mitochondrial diseases. Additionally, Stealth BioTherapeutics is developing SBT-20, a small peptide that stabilizes mitochondrial structure and function during oxidative stress, and SBT-272, a compound under evaluation for rare neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Mitochondria play a crucial role in energy production and overall organ function, making the company's focus on these organelles significant in the biopharmaceutical landscape.
OncXerna Therapeutics
Seed Round in 2018
OncXerna Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing precision medicines for cancer patients by utilizing an RNA-based biomarker platform. The company aims to improve patient outcomes by prospectively identifying individuals based on the unique RNA biology of their tumor microenvironments. This innovative approach enables OncXerna to match patients with targeted oncology therapies that correspond to their specific tumor characteristics. Founded in 2018 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, with an additional location in Shanghai, China, OncXerna was formerly known as Oncologie, Inc. and changed its name in September 2020 to reflect its commitment to advancing next-generation precision medicine for a broader range of cancer patients.
Oculis Holding
Series B in 2018
Oculis is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on advancing eye care and preserving vision through innovative drug delivery solutions. The company's unique platform enables effective drug absorption in both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye, allowing for the treatment of conditions such as diabetic macular edema (DME) with a simple topical application, thus eliminating the need for invasive procedures. Oculis is developing several therapeutic candidates, including OCS-01, a topical treatment for DME; OCS-02, aimed at addressing dry eye disease; and OCS-05, which targets acute optic neuritis and other neuro-ophthalmic disorders. This novel approach not only facilitates treatment for posterior eye diseases but also reduces the required frequency of applications for anterior conditions compared to traditional eye drops.
Entasis Therapeutics
Series B in 2017
Entasis Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Waltham, Massachusetts. It focuses on developing novel antibacterial products to treat serious infections caused by multi-drug resistant Gram-negative bacteria. The company's pipeline includes Sulbactam-durlobactam (SUL-DUR) for Acinetobacter infections, Zoliflodacin for gonorrhea, ETX0282CPDP for urinary tract infections, and ETX0462 for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections. Entasis has collaboration agreements with Zai Lab for the development of SUL-DUR.
Iterum Therapeutics
Series B in 2017
Iterum Therapeutics plc is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on developing anti-infective therapies to address multi-drug resistant pathogens. Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, the company is advancing its lead product, sulopenem, a novel penem compound available in both oral and intravenous formulations. Currently in Phase III clinical trials, sulopenem is being evaluated for the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections, complicated urinary tract infections, and complicated intra-abdominal infections. Iterum aims to provide effective solutions to combat antibiotic resistance, particularly against a range of gram-negative, gram-positive, and anaerobic bacteria that are resistant to existing antibiotics. Founded in 2015, Iterum Therapeutics seeks to improve the lives of patients affected by serious and life-threatening infections globally.
Vaxcyte
Series B in 2017
Vaxcyte, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative vaccines to prevent and treat infectious diseases globally. The company’s lead candidate, VAX-24, is a 24-valent investigational pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. Additionally, Vaxcyte is advancing VAX-XP, which targets emerging strains that contribute to invasive pneumococcal disease and antibiotic resistance. Other notable candidates include VAX-A1, designed to protect against Group A Streptococcus infections, and VAX-PG, a therapeutic vaccine aimed at treating periodontal disease caused by Porphyromonas gingivalis. Vaxcyte utilizes a proprietary cell-free protein synthesis platform that enables the creation of protein carriers and antigens, enhancing vaccine development beyond conventional methods. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Foster City, California, the company was previously known as SutroVax, Inc. before rebranding in May 2020.
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