Polaris Partners

Polaris Partners is a venture capital firm founded in 1996 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. With additional offices in San Francisco and New York, the firm specializes in investing across all stages of technology and healthcare companies, including life sciences and biotechnology. Polaris has established a strong track record over its more than 20 years in the industry, focusing on partnering with repeat entrepreneurs and innovators who are enhancing quality of life and work. The firm's investments are directed primarily within the United States and Europe, supporting companies from their founding stages to profitable growth.

William Allard

Venture Partner

Jonathan Ang

Entrepreneur Partner

Mark Augenstern

Associate

David Barrett

Managing Partner

David Barrett

Partner

Marissa Bertorelli

Principal

Mary Blair

CFO

Alexandra Cantley

Partner

Darren Carroll

Partner

Brian Chee

Managing Partner

Isaac Ciechanover

Partner

Alan Crane

Partner and Entrepreneur

Jon Flint

Founding Partner

Jonathan Flint

Founding Partner

Harold Friedman

CFO

John Gannon

CFO and Partner

Nil Gural

Senior Associate

Brendan Hannigan

Entrepreneur Partner

Rahul Kakkar

Entrepreneur Partner

Pat Kinsel

Partner

Scott Martin

Senior Associate

Eileen McGuire

Partner

Ellie McGuire

Partner

Terry McGuire

Founding Partner

Sabrina Chiasson

Principal

Pat Mulach

Senior Associate

Kim Png

Principal

Noel Ruane

Venture Partner

Jim Weinstein

Entrepreneur Partner

Past deals in Clinical Trials

Capstan Therapeutics

Series A in 2022
Capstan Therapeutics is advancing precision in vivo cell engineering to develop therapeutics for a broad range of disease categories with unmet or underserved clinical need.

Auron Therapeutics

Series A in 2022
Auron Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in Wellesley, Massachusetts, dedicated to developing innovative therapies for cancer. Founded in 2018, the company aims to transform the treatment paradigm by shifting from traditional cell-killing approaches to differentiation therapy, which seeks to convert malignant cells into normal functioning cells. This strategy reactivates the body's inherent cellular programs to promote tumor maturation and restore normal tissue. Auron Therapeutics utilizes advanced platforms that integrate large omic datasets with high-throughput flow cytometry, enabling the rapid identification and validation of multiple therapeutic targets and drugs using primary human patient samples. Through its research, the company aspires to address unmet medical needs in oncology and provide life-saving treatments for cancer patients.

CAMP4

Series B in 2022
CAMP4 Therapeutics Corporation is a bioinformatics company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded in 2015. The company specializes in gene regulation circuitry, utilizing a 4-D gene circuitry platform to codify the activation of the over 24,000 genes in the human body into a set of combinatorial rules. This approach allows CAMP4 to manipulate gene production through existing cellular signaling pathways, directly addressing the fundamental causes of diseases. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, the platform simplifies the drug discovery process, enabling the identification of druggable targets and facilitating a quicker and less risky path to developing new medicines. This innovative methodology significantly accelerates the initiation of disease treatment, ultimately benefiting patients by reducing the time required to bring new therapies to market.

Scholar Rock

Post in 2022
Scholar Rock is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializing in the discovery and development of innovative therapies targeting growth factor signaling in serious diseases. The company’s lead product candidate, SRK-015, is a selective inhibitor of myostatin activation and is currently undergoing Phase II clinical trials for spinal muscular atrophy. Additionally, Scholar Rock is advancing SRK-181, which is in Phase I trials for treating cancers resistant to checkpoint inhibitors. The company employs a proprietary platform to design monoclonal antibodies that selectively modulate the activation of growth factors in disease microenvironments, addressing challenges associated with traditional growth factor inhibition. Scholar Rock is also developing a pipeline of candidates for a variety of conditions, including neuromuscular disorders, cancer, fibrosis, and anemia. Furthermore, the company has a collaboration with Gilead Sciences to explore specific inhibitors of transforming growth factor beta for fibrotic diseases. Founded in 2012, Scholar Rock aims to improve patient outcomes through its targeted therapeutic approach.

Tessa Therapeutics

Series A in 2022
Tessa Therapeutics Pte Ltd. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative cancer immunotherapies, specifically targeting solid tumors. Founded in 2011 and based in Singapore, the company specializes in creating virus-specific T cells and CAR T cells aimed at treating lymphoma. By advancing these therapies, Tessa Therapeutics seeks to provide healthcare providers with effective options to improve the lives of cancer patients.

TRexBio

Series A in 2022
Operator of a biotechnology company intended to provide services regarding the functional manipulation of immune cells. The company maps human tissue's behavior to disease processes, allowing it to identify and characterize novel targets for therapeutic intervention, enabling patients to get access to treatment and cure themselves of debilitating illnesses including cancer, fibrotic, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

Seismic Therapeutic

Series A in 2022
Seismic Therapeutic is a biotechnology company focused on accelerating immunology drug development through the integration of machine learning in the biologics discovery process. Utilizing its IMPACT™ platform, Seismic Therapeutic aims to tackle key challenges in biologics discovery by combining structural biology, protein engineering, and translational immunology. This comprehensive approach facilitates the creation of optimized therapies that can reach patients more quickly. The company is developing a pipeline of innovative biologics targeting adaptive immune system dysregulation, with the goal of treating autoimmune diseases.

Ankyra

Series B in 2021
Provider of cancer therapy services intended to improve both the safety and efficacy of cytokine immunotherapies for cancer patients. The company's services offer systemic dosing of these immune stimulants that have historically been limited by broad immune activation and toxicity, develops cancer therapies based on tumor-localized immune potentiating agents that boost anti-tumor immune responses, enabling patients to find an instant treatment for cancer without any surgery.

Cardurion

Venture Round in 2021
Cardurion Pharmaceuticals, LLC is a biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, established in 2017. The company focuses on developing innovative therapeutics for heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases. In a significant partnership with Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, announced in July 2017, Cardurion aims to create next-generation treatments for these conditions, utilizing external innovation to enhance its discovery programs. Additionally, in April 2018, Cardurion entered an exclusive licensing agreement with Astellas for the development and commercialization of CRD-733, a PDE-9 inhibitor. This compound shows promise in improving cardiac function in heart failure patients by potentially restoring protective cellular mechanisms that fail in this condition.

Neumora

Series A in 2021
Neumora Therapeutics operates as a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering precision medicines for brain diseases through the integration of data science and neuroscience.

Jnana Therapeutics

Series B in 2021
Jnana Therapeutics Inc. is a Boston-based company founded in 2016 that operates a drug discovery platform centered on solute carrier (SLC) transporters. The company focuses on key disease pathways related to immunometabolism, lysosomal function, and mucosal defense, targeting areas such as immuno-oncology, inflammatory disorders, and neurological diseases. By leveraging its innovative approach, Jnana Therapeutics aims to discover and develop transformative medicines that address significant medical needs and improve patient outcomes.

Muna Therapeutics

Series A in 2021
Operator of a biopharmaceutical company intended to discover and develop therapies that slow or stop the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. The company engages in identifying new medicines to preserve cognition and other brain functions and enhance resilience to neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's, Frontotemporal Dementia, and Parkinson's, enabling people suffering from neurodegenerative diseases to access suitable therapeutics for fast recovery.

Lyndra Therapeutics

Series C in 2021
Lyndra Therapeutics, Inc. specializes in the development of ultra-long-acting oral medications that provide sustained drug release over extended periods, ranging from a week to a month. By focusing on orally administered dosage forms that temporarily reside in the stomach, the company aims to transform the way medicines are taken, reducing the need for daily pills. Its portfolio includes therapies targeting a variety of health conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, psychiatric and opioid use disorders, immunology, HIV, malaria vector control, and oral contraceptives. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts, Lyndra Therapeutics is committed to enhancing medication adherence and improving health outcomes while also aiming to lower healthcare costs through innovative delivery methods.

CAMP4

Series A in 2021
CAMP4 Therapeutics Corporation is a bioinformatics company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded in 2015. The company specializes in gene regulation circuitry, utilizing a 4-D gene circuitry platform to codify the activation of the over 24,000 genes in the human body into a set of combinatorial rules. This approach allows CAMP4 to manipulate gene production through existing cellular signaling pathways, directly addressing the fundamental causes of diseases. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, the platform simplifies the drug discovery process, enabling the identification of druggable targets and facilitating a quicker and less risky path to developing new medicines. This innovative methodology significantly accelerates the initiation of disease treatment, ultimately benefiting patients by reducing the time required to bring new therapies to market.

Kojin TX

Series A in 2021
Founded by Stuart Schreiber, Benjamin Cravatt, Stephanie Dougan, and Vasanthi Viswanathan, Kojin is accelerating a drug discovery platform that connects complex cell states to known biochemical processes such as ferroptosis, or iron-dependent cell death, and enables the development of selective therapies for a broad range of hard-to-treat diseases. The company’s investors include Polaris Partners, Newpath Partners, Cathay Health, Leaps by Bayer, AbbVie Inc., Eventide Asset Management, Alexandria, and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute venture firm, Binney Street Capital.

Faro Health

Series A in 2021
Clinical protocols are scientific decisions wrapped in administrative burden. The Faro system handles the tedious work better left for a computer, freeing clinical researchers to focus on the important decisions that drive clinical value.
Cyclerion Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializing in the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative treatments for serious and orphan diseases. The company focuses on soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) pharmacology to harness the therapeutic potential of next-generation sGC stimulators. Its key product candidates include Olinciguat, which is undergoing Phase II studies for sickle cell disease, and Praliciguat, currently in Phase II trials for diabetic nephropathy and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Additionally, Cyclerion is developing IW-6463, an orally administered central nervous system-penetrant sGC stimulator in Phase I trials aimed at treating neurodegenerative diseases. The company is also exploring liver-targeted and lung-targeted sGC stimulators to expand its therapeutic offerings. Cyclerion Therapeutics was incorporated in 2018 and is dedicated to addressing unmet medical needs through its innovative pipeline.

Akili Interactive

Series D in 2021
Akili Interactive Labs, Inc. is a digital medicine company based in Boston, Massachusetts, that develops innovative platform technology to enhance cognitive abilities through video game-like experiences. Incorporated in 2011, the company focuses on creating clinically validated cognitive therapeutics, assessments, and diagnostics that can be prescribed and monitored by physicians remotely. Akili's cognitive engine supports multiple clinical game versions designed for patient engagement and remote data capture. Its proprietary adaptive mechanics allow the software to personalize to each patient's ability level automatically, without requiring clinician input. This approach aims to provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional medical treatments, making advanced cognitive therapies accessible to patients regardless of their location.

Invivyd

Series C in 2021
Invivyd is a biotechnology company focused on developing advanced antibodies to neutralize SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1, and other potentially emerging coronaviruses. Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, the company aims to create best-in-class therapeutic and prophylactic treatments that surpass the efficacy of existing antibody programs. Its innovative portfolio features multiple non-competing antibodies, each targeting distinct viral epitopes, which is designed to minimize the risk of viral escape. By leveraging cutting-edge antibody discovery technologies, Invivyd seeks to enhance the potency and durability of its antibody candidates, addressing a critical need in the ongoing fight against coronaviruses.

Volastra

Seed Round in 2021
Volastra Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company, develops therapies for the treatment of metastatic cancers. The company offers a library of organoids derived from metastatic cancer samples to elucidate how tumors spread and devise therapeutic strategies that target chromosomal instability during the process of cancer metastasis. Volastra Therapeutics, Inc. was incorporated in 2019 and is based in New York, New York.

Amunix

Series B in 2021
Amunix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing novel protein and peptide therapeutics for cancer treatment. The company specializes in creating prodrugs that utilize innovative platforms such as XTEN for half-life extension, XPAT for protease-activated T cell engagement, and ProTIA for immuno-oncology applications. Amunix aims to develop therapies that can effectively activate the immune system to target solid tumors, thereby improving patient outcomes. The company collaborates with various partners in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors to leverage its proprietary technologies across multiple therapeutic areas. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Mountain View, California, Amunix is committed to advancing breakthrough therapies to combat cancer.

Auron Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2021
Auron Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in Wellesley, Massachusetts, dedicated to developing innovative therapies for cancer. Founded in 2018, the company aims to transform the treatment paradigm by shifting from traditional cell-killing approaches to differentiation therapy, which seeks to convert malignant cells into normal functioning cells. This strategy reactivates the body's inherent cellular programs to promote tumor maturation and restore normal tissue. Auron Therapeutics utilizes advanced platforms that integrate large omic datasets with high-throughput flow cytometry, enabling the rapid identification and validation of multiple therapeutic targets and drugs using primary human patient samples. Through its research, the company aspires to address unmet medical needs in oncology and provide life-saving treatments for cancer patients.

Noema Pharma

Series A in 2020
Noema Pharma is a biotechnology company based in Basel, Switzerland, founded in 2019. The company focuses on developing innovative therapies for orphan neurological disorders characterized by imbalanced neuronal networks. Its research and development efforts aim to address the most disabling symptoms associated with conditions such as Tuberculosis Sclerosis Complex, Trigeminal Neuralgia, and Tourette syndrome. By prioritizing patient needs, Noema Pharma seeks to create effective treatments that significantly improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from these challenging conditions.

Invivyd

Series B in 2020
Invivyd is a biotechnology company focused on developing advanced antibodies to neutralize SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1, and other potentially emerging coronaviruses. Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, the company aims to create best-in-class therapeutic and prophylactic treatments that surpass the efficacy of existing antibody programs. Its innovative portfolio features multiple non-competing antibodies, each targeting distinct viral epitopes, which is designed to minimize the risk of viral escape. By leveraging cutting-edge antibody discovery technologies, Invivyd seeks to enhance the potency and durability of its antibody candidates, addressing a critical need in the ongoing fight against coronaviruses.

FidoCure

Series A in 2020
The One Health Company is a social impact company that brings precision medicine, used in humans, to dogs with cancer. It started by offering dogs with cancer access to cutting edge human clinical trials at no cost. Then, they created FidoCure directly for veterinarians and pet parents to offer treatment options to more dogs across the country. The company built partnerships with the world's top cancer researchers and a network of 111 of the best veterinary hospitals.

Primmune Therapeutics

Series A in 2020
Primmune Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company, develops small molecule orally administered toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) agonist to stimulate innate immunity in cancer immunotherapy. It offers TLR7 agonist for systemic activation of innate immunity. The company’s TLR7 is an agonist for acute and chronic viral infection. The company was founded in 2017 and is based in San Diego, California.

Neogene Therapeutics

Series A in 2020
Neogene Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in New York that focuses on the development of T cell therapies to treat cancer. Founded in 2018, the company specializes in creating personalized engineered T-cells that target neo-antigens, which are mutated proteins resulting from DNA alterations in cancer cells. Neogene's innovative platform allows for the isolation of T cell receptor (TCR) genes specific to these neo-antigens from tumor biopsies, which are routinely collected from patients. By utilizing advanced DNA sequencing and genetic screening technologies, Neogene can accurately identify and engineer TCRs that enhance the ability of T-cells to detect and eliminate cancer cells. This approach aims to improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients by providing therapies tailored to their unique tumor profiles.

Kronos Bio

Private Equity Round in 2020
Kronos Bio, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering and developing innovative cancer therapeutics. Founded in 2017 and based in San Mateo, California, the company concentrates on targeting dysregulated transcription factors and the associated transcriptional regulatory networks that contribute to cancer progression. Its lead candidate, entospletinib, is a selective inhibitor aimed at spleen tyrosine kinase for treating acute myeloid leukemia. Additionally, Kronos Bio is advancing KB-0742, an orally bioavailable inhibitor of cyclin dependent kinase 9, intended for the treatment of MYC-amplified solid tumors. The company employs advanced techniques, including high-throughput small-molecule microarrays and targeted protein degradation, to discover potent compounds that can effectively modulate challenging cancer targets.

Vico Therapeutics

Series A in 2020
Vico Therapeutics B.V. is a biotechnology company based in Leiden, the Netherlands, founded in 2019. It specializes in developing RNA modulating therapies aimed at treating rare neurological disorders. The company's primary focus includes spinocerebellar ataxias, Huntington's disease, and Rett syndrome, which are characterized by progressive neurological decline and developmental challenges. Vico Therapeutics is committed to discovering and delivering innovative treatments that address the unmet medical needs of patients suffering from these severe conditions. Through its research and development efforts, the company seeks to provide effective therapeutic options for individuals affected by these disorders.

Invivyd

Series A in 2020
Invivyd is a biotechnology company focused on developing advanced antibodies to neutralize SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1, and other potentially emerging coronaviruses. Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, the company aims to create best-in-class therapeutic and prophylactic treatments that surpass the efficacy of existing antibody programs. Its innovative portfolio features multiple non-competing antibodies, each targeting distinct viral epitopes, which is designed to minimize the risk of viral escape. By leveraging cutting-edge antibody discovery technologies, Invivyd seeks to enhance the potency and durability of its antibody candidates, addressing a critical need in the ongoing fight against coronaviruses.

SQZ Biotech

Series D in 2020
SQZ Biotechnologies Company is a clinical-stage biotechnology firm based in Watertown, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative cell therapies for cancer and other serious diseases. Its primary product candidate, SQZ-PBMC-HPV, is currently undergoing Phase I clinical trials as both a standalone treatment and in combination with other immuno-oncology agents for HPV16+ advanced or metastatic solid tumors. The company utilizes its proprietary CellSqueeze technology to deliver various materials into patient cells, aiming to engineer the immune system for both activation and suppression. Additionally, SQZ Biotech is advancing multiple platforms, including SQZ Activating Antigen Carriers and SQZ Tolerizing Antigen Carriers, to address diverse clinical challenges. Established in 2013, the company is dedicated to transforming cell therapies through internal research and strategic partnerships.

Ankyra

Seed Round in 2020
Provider of cancer therapy services intended to improve both the safety and efficacy of cytokine immunotherapies for cancer patients. The company's services offer systemic dosing of these immune stimulants that have historically been limited by broad immune activation and toxicity, develops cancer therapies based on tumor-localized immune potentiating agents that boost anti-tumor immune responses, enabling patients to find an instant treatment for cancer without any surgery.

QurAlis

Series A in 2020
QurAlis Corporation is a biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing precision therapeutics for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurological diseases. Established in 2016 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, QurAlis aims to address the genetic underpinnings of ALS, leveraging its proprietary platforms and biomarkers to create targeted treatments. The company's pipeline includes innovative therapies designed to restore dysfunctional cellular processes, treat overactive neurons, and eliminate toxic proteins associated with the disease. By concentrating on genetically validated targets, QurAlis seeks to advance antisense oligonucleotides and small molecule programs that can effectively manage various subtypes of ALS, ultimately working to halt disease progression and improve patient outcomes. QurAlis operates as a subsidiary of Q-State Biosciences, Inc.

Pandion Therapeutics

Series B in 2020
Pandion Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapeutics for autoimmune diseases. The company's lead product candidate, PT101, is an engineered variant of interleukin-2 currently undergoing Phase 1a clinical trials to address various autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. In addition to PT101, Pandion's pipeline includes PT627, a systemic PD-1 agonist in preclinical studies, and two bifunctional molecules, PT001 and PT002, designed to facilitate tissue-selective immunomodulation in the gastrointestinal tract. PT001 combines a PD-1 agonist with a tether module that binds to mucosal vascular addressing cell adhesion molecule (MAdCAM), while PT002 merges an IL-2 mutein effector with a MAdCAM-binding module. The company has also established a collaboration with Astellas Pharma to develop locally acting immunomodulators for pancreatic autoimmune diseases. Headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts, Pandion Therapeutics aims to create effective and safe treatments to improve patient outcomes in the field of autoimmune disorders.

Amunix

Series A in 2020
Amunix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing novel protein and peptide therapeutics for cancer treatment. The company specializes in creating prodrugs that utilize innovative platforms such as XTEN for half-life extension, XPAT for protease-activated T cell engagement, and ProTIA for immuno-oncology applications. Amunix aims to develop therapies that can effectively activate the immune system to target solid tumors, thereby improving patient outcomes. The company collaborates with various partners in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors to leverage its proprietary technologies across multiple therapeutic areas. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Mountain View, California, Amunix is committed to advancing breakthrough therapies to combat cancer.

Volastra

Seed Round in 2020
Volastra Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company, develops therapies for the treatment of metastatic cancers. The company offers a library of organoids derived from metastatic cancer samples to elucidate how tumors spread and devise therapeutic strategies that target chromosomal instability during the process of cancer metastasis. Volastra Therapeutics, Inc. was incorporated in 2019 and is based in New York, New York.

Lyra Therapeutics

Series C in 2020
Lyra Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage therapeutics company that specializes in developing and commercializing innovative drug and delivery solutions for the localized treatment of ear, nose, and throat diseases. Utilizing its proprietary XTreo technology platform, the company aims to deliver medications directly to affected tissues for extended periods with a single administration. Its lead product candidates, LYR-210 and LYR-220, are bioresorbable polymeric matrices designed for non-invasive in-office procedures, providing up to six months of continuous drug therapy specifically for chronic rhinosinusitis. The active ingredient in these formulations is mometasone furoate, which is recognized for its efficacy and safety in various FDA-approved therapies. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts, Lyra Therapeutics was formerly known as 480 Biomedical, Inc. before rebranding in July 2018.

SQZ Biotech

Series D in 2019
SQZ Biotechnologies Company is a clinical-stage biotechnology firm based in Watertown, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative cell therapies for cancer and other serious diseases. Its primary product candidate, SQZ-PBMC-HPV, is currently undergoing Phase I clinical trials as both a standalone treatment and in combination with other immuno-oncology agents for HPV16+ advanced or metastatic solid tumors. The company utilizes its proprietary CellSqueeze technology to deliver various materials into patient cells, aiming to engineer the immune system for both activation and suppression. Additionally, SQZ Biotech is advancing multiple platforms, including SQZ Activating Antigen Carriers and SQZ Tolerizing Antigen Carriers, to address diverse clinical challenges. Established in 2013, the company is dedicated to transforming cell therapies through internal research and strategic partnerships.

Cardurion

Private Equity Round in 2019
Cardurion Pharmaceuticals, LLC is a biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, established in 2017. The company focuses on developing innovative therapeutics for heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases. In a significant partnership with Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, announced in July 2017, Cardurion aims to create next-generation treatments for these conditions, utilizing external innovation to enhance its discovery programs. Additionally, in April 2018, Cardurion entered an exclusive licensing agreement with Astellas for the development and commercialization of CRD-733, a PDE-9 inhibitor. This compound shows promise in improving cardiac function in heart failure patients by potentially restoring protective cellular mechanisms that fail in this condition.

Kronos Bio

Series A in 2019
Kronos Bio, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering and developing innovative cancer therapeutics. Founded in 2017 and based in San Mateo, California, the company concentrates on targeting dysregulated transcription factors and the associated transcriptional regulatory networks that contribute to cancer progression. Its lead candidate, entospletinib, is a selective inhibitor aimed at spleen tyrosine kinase for treating acute myeloid leukemia. Additionally, Kronos Bio is advancing KB-0742, an orally bioavailable inhibitor of cyclin dependent kinase 9, intended for the treatment of MYC-amplified solid tumors. The company employs advanced techniques, including high-throughput small-molecule microarrays and targeted protein degradation, to discover potent compounds that can effectively modulate challenging cancer targets.

Blackthorn Therapeutics

Series B in 2019
BlackThorn Therapeutics operator of a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company intended to develop precision medicine for disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) based on advances in computational and clinical neuroscience. The company leverages a deep understanding of brain and behavior relationships that seeks to overcome historic challenges in drug discovery and development by targeting dysfunctional brain circuits. Its proprietary computational platform, the company seeks to identify novel targets, small molecule drug candidates and biologically-based patient subgroups most likely to respond to treatment.
Cyclerion Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializing in the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative treatments for serious and orphan diseases. The company focuses on soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) pharmacology to harness the therapeutic potential of next-generation sGC stimulators. Its key product candidates include Olinciguat, which is undergoing Phase II studies for sickle cell disease, and Praliciguat, currently in Phase II trials for diabetic nephropathy and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Additionally, Cyclerion is developing IW-6463, an orally administered central nervous system-penetrant sGC stimulator in Phase I trials aimed at treating neurodegenerative diseases. The company is also exploring liver-targeted and lung-targeted sGC stimulators to expand its therapeutic offerings. Cyclerion Therapeutics was incorporated in 2018 and is dedicated to addressing unmet medical needs through its innovative pipeline.

Lyndra Therapeutics

Series B in 2019
Lyndra Therapeutics, Inc. specializes in the development of ultra-long-acting oral medications that provide sustained drug release over extended periods, ranging from a week to a month. By focusing on orally administered dosage forms that temporarily reside in the stomach, the company aims to transform the way medicines are taken, reducing the need for daily pills. Its portfolio includes therapies targeting a variety of health conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, psychiatric and opioid use disorders, immunology, HIV, malaria vector control, and oral contraceptives. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts, Lyndra Therapeutics is committed to enhancing medication adherence and improving health outcomes while also aiming to lower healthcare costs through innovative delivery methods.

KSQ

Series C in 2018
KSQ Therapeutics is pioneering High-Confidence Drug Development: a fundamentally new approach to R&D where the majority of the de-risking work is done prior to the generation of therapeutic drug candidates. Powered by our proprietary CRISPRomics™ drug discovery engine, their team has elucidated the function that each human gene plays in multiple diseases, providing a unique and more comprehensive understanding of disease biology. The quality of these insights enables their scientists to rapidly identify and validate high-confidence, patient-tailored, novel drug targets and then focus their collective efforts on the development of medicines with the greatest potential to impact the lives of patients. KSQ has initiated a pipeline of preclinical discovery programs and was founded in 2015.

Morphic Therapeutic

Series B in 2018
Morphic Therapeutic is a biotechnology company focused on developing oral small-molecule integrin therapeutics for various medical conditions, including autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular issues, metabolic disorders, fibrosis, and cancer. Its lead candidates in clinical development include MORF-720, an avß6 specific integrin inhibitor targeting idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis, and MORF-057, an a4ß7 specific integrin inhibitor for inflammatory bowel disease. The company is also exploring additional integrin inhibitors for similar applications. Founded in 2015, Morphic Therapeutic has established collaborations with various organizations, including Engitix Ltd, Schrödinger, LLC, AbbVie Biotechnology Ltd, and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, to advance its research and development efforts. The company is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, and leverages scientific discoveries made by its founder Tim Springer to innovate in the field of integrin therapies.

SQZ Biotech

Series C in 2018
SQZ Biotechnologies Company is a clinical-stage biotechnology firm based in Watertown, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative cell therapies for cancer and other serious diseases. Its primary product candidate, SQZ-PBMC-HPV, is currently undergoing Phase I clinical trials as both a standalone treatment and in combination with other immuno-oncology agents for HPV16+ advanced or metastatic solid tumors. The company utilizes its proprietary CellSqueeze technology to deliver various materials into patient cells, aiming to engineer the immune system for both activation and suppression. Additionally, SQZ Biotech is advancing multiple platforms, including SQZ Activating Antigen Carriers and SQZ Tolerizing Antigen Carriers, to address diverse clinical challenges. Established in 2013, the company is dedicated to transforming cell therapies through internal research and strategic partnerships.

Alector

Series E in 2018
Alector, Inc. is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia. The company's lead product, AL001, is a humanized recombinant monoclonal antibody currently in phase II clinical trials for frontotemporal dementia. Additionally, AL101 is in phase I clinical trials for various neurodegenerative diseases, while AL002 and AL003 are undergoing phase 1b trials specifically for Alzheimer's disease. Alector is leveraging advancements in antibody technology, neuroimmunology, and human genetics to create innovative therapeutics. The company maintains a collaboration with Adimab, LLC, which aids in the discovery and optimization of antibody therapeutics. Alector has a pipeline of ten programs in the research and development stage and aims to advance several candidates through pre-clinical development within the next two years. Founded in 2013, Alector is headquartered in South San Francisco, California.

Metacrine

Series C in 2018
Metacrine, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in San Diego, California, dedicated to developing innovative therapies for liver and gastrointestinal diseases. The company is advancing its lead programs, which target the farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a key drug target in these conditions. Currently, MET409 is undergoing a Phase Ib proof-of-concept clinical trial for patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, while MET642 is in a Phase 1 clinical trial for the same patient population. In addition to its FXR-focused programs, Metacrine is exploring a pipeline of novel drug candidates through its internal research and development capabilities. The company also collaborates with Novo Nordisk A/S to further research related to fibroblast growth factor 1. Metacrine was founded in 2014 and is committed to addressing unmet medical needs in liver and gastrointestinal health.

CAMP4

Series A in 2018
CAMP4 Therapeutics Corporation is a bioinformatics company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded in 2015. The company specializes in gene regulation circuitry, utilizing a 4-D gene circuitry platform to codify the activation of the over 24,000 genes in the human body into a set of combinatorial rules. This approach allows CAMP4 to manipulate gene production through existing cellular signaling pathways, directly addressing the fundamental causes of diseases. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, the platform simplifies the drug discovery process, enabling the identification of druggable targets and facilitating a quicker and less risky path to developing new medicines. This innovative methodology significantly accelerates the initiation of disease treatment, ultimately benefiting patients by reducing the time required to bring new therapies to market.

Quentis Therapeutics

Series A in 2018
Quentis Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company founded in 2016 and headquartered in New York, New York. The company specializes in developing cancer immunotherapies that target endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response pathways within the tumor microenvironment. By modulating these pathways, Quentis Therapeutics aims to enhance the immune system's capacity to combat cancer, providing patients with innovative treatment options. The company's focus on addressing ER stress contributes to the development of therapeutics intended to improve outcomes for individuals suffering from various forms of cancer.

Pandion Therapeutics

Series A in 2018
Pandion Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapeutics for autoimmune diseases. The company's lead product candidate, PT101, is an engineered variant of interleukin-2 currently undergoing Phase 1a clinical trials to address various autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. In addition to PT101, Pandion's pipeline includes PT627, a systemic PD-1 agonist in preclinical studies, and two bifunctional molecules, PT001 and PT002, designed to facilitate tissue-selective immunomodulation in the gastrointestinal tract. PT001 combines a PD-1 agonist with a tether module that binds to mucosal vascular addressing cell adhesion molecule (MAdCAM), while PT002 merges an IL-2 mutein effector with a MAdCAM-binding module. The company has also established a collaboration with Astellas Pharma to develop locally acting immunomodulators for pancreatic autoimmune diseases. Headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts, Pandion Therapeutics aims to create effective and safe treatments to improve patient outcomes in the field of autoimmune disorders.

Scholar Rock

Series C in 2018
Scholar Rock is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializing in the discovery and development of innovative therapies targeting growth factor signaling in serious diseases. The company’s lead product candidate, SRK-015, is a selective inhibitor of myostatin activation and is currently undergoing Phase II clinical trials for spinal muscular atrophy. Additionally, Scholar Rock is advancing SRK-181, which is in Phase I trials for treating cancers resistant to checkpoint inhibitors. The company employs a proprietary platform to design monoclonal antibodies that selectively modulate the activation of growth factors in disease microenvironments, addressing challenges associated with traditional growth factor inhibition. Scholar Rock is also developing a pipeline of candidates for a variety of conditions, including neuromuscular disorders, cancer, fibrosis, and anemia. Furthermore, the company has a collaboration with Gilead Sciences to explore specific inhibitors of transforming growth factor beta for fibrotic diseases. Founded in 2012, Scholar Rock aims to improve patient outcomes through its targeted therapeutic approach.

TARIS Biomedical

Series B in 2017
TARIS BioMedical, Inc., a therapeutically urology company, develops treatments for patients suffering from difficult-to-treat bladder diseases. It develops therapies for debilitating conditions, including bladder cancer and overactive bladder. The company was founded in 2008 and is based in Lexington, Massachusetts. As of December 20, 2019, TARIS BioMedical, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Janssen Research & Development, LLC.

Jnana Therapeutics

Series A in 2017
Jnana Therapeutics Inc. is a Boston-based company founded in 2016 that operates a drug discovery platform centered on solute carrier (SLC) transporters. The company focuses on key disease pathways related to immunometabolism, lysosomal function, and mucosal defense, targeting areas such as immuno-oncology, inflammatory disorders, and neurological diseases. By leveraging its innovative approach, Jnana Therapeutics aims to discover and develop transformative medicines that address significant medical needs and improve patient outcomes.

Metacrine

Series B in 2017
Metacrine, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in San Diego, California, dedicated to developing innovative therapies for liver and gastrointestinal diseases. The company is advancing its lead programs, which target the farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a key drug target in these conditions. Currently, MET409 is undergoing a Phase Ib proof-of-concept clinical trial for patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, while MET642 is in a Phase 1 clinical trial for the same patient population. In addition to its FXR-focused programs, Metacrine is exploring a pipeline of novel drug candidates through its internal research and development capabilities. The company also collaborates with Novo Nordisk A/S to further research related to fibroblast growth factor 1. Metacrine was founded in 2014 and is committed to addressing unmet medical needs in liver and gastrointestinal health.

Visterra

Series C in 2017
Visterra, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing precision antibody-based treatments for difficult-to-treat diseases, particularly infectious diseases. Utilizing its Hierotope platform, Visterra designs monoclonal antibodies such as VIS410, aimed at treating hospitalized patients with influenza A, and VIS513 for Dengue fever. The company is also advancing VIS705, an antibody-drug conjugate for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, and VIS649, which targets Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy (IgAN). Founded in 2007 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, Visterra was previously known as Parasol Therapeutics, Inc. The company operates as a subsidiary of Otsuka America, Inc. and emphasizes innovative therapeutic solutions to address significant unmet medical needs.

KSQ

Series B in 2017
KSQ Therapeutics is pioneering High-Confidence Drug Development: a fundamentally new approach to R&D where the majority of the de-risking work is done prior to the generation of therapeutic drug candidates. Powered by our proprietary CRISPRomics™ drug discovery engine, their team has elucidated the function that each human gene plays in multiple diseases, providing a unique and more comprehensive understanding of disease biology. The quality of these insights enables their scientists to rapidly identify and validate high-confidence, patient-tailored, novel drug targets and then focus their collective efforts on the development of medicines with the greatest potential to impact the lives of patients. KSQ has initiated a pipeline of preclinical discovery programs and was founded in 2015.

Compass Therapeutics

Series A in 2017
Compass Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing and discovering therapeutic antibodies for the treatment of solid tumors and hematological malignancies. The company's lead product candidate, CTX-471, is a fully human monoclonal antibody that acts as an agonist of CD137, currently undergoing Phase I clinical trials for patients who have had inadequate responses to existing PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors. In addition to CTX-471, Compass is advancing several preclinical assets, including CTX-8371, a bispecific antibody targeting PD-1 and PD-L1, and CTX-8573, designed to engage natural killer (NK) cells against B cell maturation antigen, which is prevalent in multiple myeloma. Founded in 2014, Compass Therapeutics is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and employs innovative platforms to enhance the efficacy of its antibody therapeutics.

Lyndra Therapeutics

Series A in 2017
Lyndra Therapeutics, Inc. specializes in the development of ultra-long-acting oral medications that provide sustained drug release over extended periods, ranging from a week to a month. By focusing on orally administered dosage forms that temporarily reside in the stomach, the company aims to transform the way medicines are taken, reducing the need for daily pills. Its portfolio includes therapies targeting a variety of health conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, psychiatric and opioid use disorders, immunology, HIV, malaria vector control, and oral contraceptives. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts, Lyndra Therapeutics is committed to enhancing medication adherence and improving health outcomes while also aiming to lower healthcare costs through innovative delivery methods.

Genomics Medicine Ireland

Series A in 2016
Genomics Medicine Ireland is a life sciences company focused on conducting extensive research studies throughout Ireland to explore the connections between the human genome, health, and disease. By analyzing genetic information, the company aims to deepen the understanding of how genetics influences various health outcomes and disease susceptibility. Through its research initiatives, Genomics Medicine Ireland seeks to contribute valuable insights that could inform future medical practices and enhance healthcare delivery.

SQZ Biotech

Series B in 2016
SQZ Biotechnologies Company is a clinical-stage biotechnology firm based in Watertown, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative cell therapies for cancer and other serious diseases. Its primary product candidate, SQZ-PBMC-HPV, is currently undergoing Phase I clinical trials as both a standalone treatment and in combination with other immuno-oncology agents for HPV16+ advanced or metastatic solid tumors. The company utilizes its proprietary CellSqueeze technology to deliver various materials into patient cells, aiming to engineer the immune system for both activation and suppression. Additionally, SQZ Biotech is advancing multiple platforms, including SQZ Activating Antigen Carriers and SQZ Tolerizing Antigen Carriers, to address diverse clinical challenges. Established in 2013, the company is dedicated to transforming cell therapies through internal research and strategic partnerships.

Morphic Therapeutic

Series A in 2016
Morphic Therapeutic is a biotechnology company focused on developing oral small-molecule integrin therapeutics for various medical conditions, including autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular issues, metabolic disorders, fibrosis, and cancer. Its lead candidates in clinical development include MORF-720, an avß6 specific integrin inhibitor targeting idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis, and MORF-057, an a4ß7 specific integrin inhibitor for inflammatory bowel disease. The company is also exploring additional integrin inhibitors for similar applications. Founded in 2015, Morphic Therapeutic has established collaborations with various organizations, including Engitix Ltd, Schrödinger, LLC, AbbVie Biotechnology Ltd, and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, to advance its research and development efforts. The company is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, and leverages scientific discoveries made by its founder Tim Springer to innovate in the field of integrin therapies.

Visterra

Series C in 2016
Visterra, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing precision antibody-based treatments for difficult-to-treat diseases, particularly infectious diseases. Utilizing its Hierotope platform, Visterra designs monoclonal antibodies such as VIS410, aimed at treating hospitalized patients with influenza A, and VIS513 for Dengue fever. The company is also advancing VIS705, an antibody-drug conjugate for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, and VIS649, which targets Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy (IgAN). Founded in 2007 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, Visterra was previously known as Parasol Therapeutics, Inc. The company operates as a subsidiary of Otsuka America, Inc. and emphasizes innovative therapeutic solutions to address significant unmet medical needs.

Syros Pharmaceuticals

Series C in 2016
Syros Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative treatments for cancer and monogenic diseases through gene control medicines. The company is advancing its lead candidates, SY-1425, a selective retinoic acid receptor alpha agonist currently undergoing Phase II trials for specific patients with acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome, and SY-5609, a cyclin-dependent kinase 7 inhibitor in Phase I trials for select advanced solid tumors. Syros employs a proprietary platform that integrates assay technologies, bioinformatics, and biological insights to map gene regulatory circuits and modulate gene expression, positioning itself as a leader in gene control research. Additionally, Syros has established collaborations, including a target discovery agreement with Incyte Corporation focused on myeloproliferative neoplasms, and a licensing agreement with TMRC Co. Ltd. for tamibarotene's development and commercialization. Founded in 2011, Syros Pharmaceuticals aims to address significant unmet medical needs in oncology and beyond.

Alector

Series D in 2016
Alector, Inc. is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia. The company's lead product, AL001, is a humanized recombinant monoclonal antibody currently in phase II clinical trials for frontotemporal dementia. Additionally, AL101 is in phase I clinical trials for various neurodegenerative diseases, while AL002 and AL003 are undergoing phase 1b trials specifically for Alzheimer's disease. Alector is leveraging advancements in antibody technology, neuroimmunology, and human genetics to create innovative therapeutics. The company maintains a collaboration with Adimab, LLC, which aids in the discovery and optimization of antibody therapeutics. Alector has a pipeline of ten programs in the research and development stage and aims to advance several candidates through pre-clinical development within the next two years. Founded in 2013, Alector is headquartered in South San Francisco, California.

Scholar Rock

Series B in 2016
Scholar Rock is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializing in the discovery and development of innovative therapies targeting growth factor signaling in serious diseases. The company’s lead product candidate, SRK-015, is a selective inhibitor of myostatin activation and is currently undergoing Phase II clinical trials for spinal muscular atrophy. Additionally, Scholar Rock is advancing SRK-181, which is in Phase I trials for treating cancers resistant to checkpoint inhibitors. The company employs a proprietary platform to design monoclonal antibodies that selectively modulate the activation of growth factors in disease microenvironments, addressing challenges associated with traditional growth factor inhibition. Scholar Rock is also developing a pipeline of candidates for a variety of conditions, including neuromuscular disorders, cancer, fibrosis, and anemia. Furthermore, the company has a collaboration with Gilead Sciences to explore specific inhibitors of transforming growth factor beta for fibrotic diseases. Founded in 2012, Scholar Rock aims to improve patient outcomes through its targeted therapeutic approach.

Morphic Therapeutic

Seed Round in 2016
Morphic Therapeutic is a biotechnology company focused on developing oral small-molecule integrin therapeutics for various medical conditions, including autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular issues, metabolic disorders, fibrosis, and cancer. Its lead candidates in clinical development include MORF-720, an avß6 specific integrin inhibitor targeting idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis, and MORF-057, an a4ß7 specific integrin inhibitor for inflammatory bowel disease. The company is also exploring additional integrin inhibitors for similar applications. Founded in 2015, Morphic Therapeutic has established collaborations with various organizations, including Engitix Ltd, Schrödinger, LLC, AbbVie Biotechnology Ltd, and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, to advance its research and development efforts. The company is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, and leverages scientific discoveries made by its founder Tim Springer to innovate in the field of integrin therapies.

Navitor Pharmaceuticals

Series B in 2015
Navitor Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing small molecule drugs that target mTORC1, a key regulator of cellular metabolism and renewal, to treat age-related diseases. Utilizing a proprietary platform, Navitor's therapies can selectively inhibit or activate mTORC1, which plays a crucial role in cellular processes. One of its notable products, NV-5138, is an orally bioavailable small molecule designed to activate mTORC1, particularly addressing its suppression in the brain associated with depression. Additionally, the company's N-Valog program focuses on selective inhibition of mTORC1 for chronic kidney disease, with implications for other age-related conditions. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Navitor Pharmaceuticals aims to unlock the therapeutic potential of the mTOR pathway by modulating nutrient-sensing proteins, thereby addressing various metabolic, neurodegenerative, autoimmune, and musculoskeletal diseases.

TARIS Biomedical

Venture Round in 2015
TARIS BioMedical, Inc., a therapeutically urology company, develops treatments for patients suffering from difficult-to-treat bladder diseases. It develops therapies for debilitating conditions, including bladder cancer and overactive bladder. The company was founded in 2008 and is based in Lexington, Massachusetts. As of December 20, 2019, TARIS BioMedical, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Janssen Research & Development, LLC.

Alector

Series C in 2015
Alector, Inc. is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia. The company's lead product, AL001, is a humanized recombinant monoclonal antibody currently in phase II clinical trials for frontotemporal dementia. Additionally, AL101 is in phase I clinical trials for various neurodegenerative diseases, while AL002 and AL003 are undergoing phase 1b trials specifically for Alzheimer's disease. Alector is leveraging advancements in antibody technology, neuroimmunology, and human genetics to create innovative therapeutics. The company maintains a collaboration with Adimab, LLC, which aids in the discovery and optimization of antibody therapeutics. Alector has a pipeline of ten programs in the research and development stage and aims to advance several candidates through pre-clinical development within the next two years. Founded in 2013, Alector is headquartered in South San Francisco, California.

Selecta Biosciences

Series E in 2015
Selecta Biosciences is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing nanoparticle immunomodulatory drugs aimed at treating and preventing human diseases. The company’s proprietary platform integrates advancements in immunobiology and nanotechnology to create targeted immunomodulatory nanoparticles. Its lead product, SEL-212, has completed Phase II clinical trials for chronic refractory gout. Additionally, Selecta is advancing gene therapy candidates, including SEL-302 and SEL-313, which are in preclinical development for rare metabolic disorders. The company has established collaborations and licensing agreements with various organizations, including Spark Therapeutics and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts, Selecta Biosciences continues to innovate in the biopharmaceutical field.

Editas Medicine

Series B in 2015
Editas Medicine is a clinical-stage company focused on developing innovative genome editing therapeutics to address serious diseases at the genetic level. Established in 2013 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with an additional site in Boulder, Colorado, the company leverages its proprietary CRISPR/Cas9 technology to create precise and corrective molecular modifications. This approach utilizes a protein-RNA complex, which includes the Cas9 enzyme and a guide RNA, to target and repair specific DNA sequences. Editas Medicine aims to translate its advances in genome editing into transformative human therapies, supported by a robust portfolio of patents and intellectual property that underpins its foundational technologies.

Metacrine

Series A in 2015
Metacrine, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in San Diego, California, dedicated to developing innovative therapies for liver and gastrointestinal diseases. The company is advancing its lead programs, which target the farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a key drug target in these conditions. Currently, MET409 is undergoing a Phase Ib proof-of-concept clinical trial for patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, while MET642 is in a Phase 1 clinical trial for the same patient population. In addition to its FXR-focused programs, Metacrine is exploring a pipeline of novel drug candidates through its internal research and development capabilities. The company also collaborates with Novo Nordisk A/S to further research related to fibroblast growth factor 1. Metacrine was founded in 2014 and is committed to addressing unmet medical needs in liver and gastrointestinal health.

SQZ Biotech

Series A in 2015
SQZ Biotechnologies Company is a clinical-stage biotechnology firm based in Watertown, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative cell therapies for cancer and other serious diseases. Its primary product candidate, SQZ-PBMC-HPV, is currently undergoing Phase I clinical trials as both a standalone treatment and in combination with other immuno-oncology agents for HPV16+ advanced or metastatic solid tumors. The company utilizes its proprietary CellSqueeze technology to deliver various materials into patient cells, aiming to engineer the immune system for both activation and suppression. Additionally, SQZ Biotech is advancing multiple platforms, including SQZ Activating Antigen Carriers and SQZ Tolerizing Antigen Carriers, to address diverse clinical challenges. Established in 2013, the company is dedicated to transforming cell therapies through internal research and strategic partnerships.

Pulmatrix

Post in 2015
Pulmatrix, Inc., a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company, develops inhaled therapies for the treatment, prevention, and transmission control of infectious and progressive respiratory diseases. It offers inhaled cationic airway lining modulator drugs, which stimulate host defense mechanisms within the airway to treat and prevent influenza, rhinovirus, and chronic pulmonary diseases. The company was founded in 2003 and is based in Lexington, Massachusetts.

XTuit Pharmaceuticals

Series A in 2015
XTuit Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapeutics that target the disease-promoting microenvironment associated with fibrotic diseases and cancer. Founded in 2011 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, the company works on innovative pharmaceutical preparations aimed at diagnosing and treating oncological and inflammatory conditions. Its drug development pipeline includes micro-environment activated therapeutics that utilize pleiotropic mechanisms to inhibit the synthesis and stabilization of extracellular matrix and to silence activated stromal cells. Through these novel approaches, XTuit Pharmaceuticals seeks to improve cancer therapies by addressing the tumor microenvironment effectively.

Kindex

Series A in 2015
KinDex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biotechnology company dedicated to discovering and developing novel therapeutics aimed at addressing metabolic disorders, including diabetes, obesity, and inflammation. Founded in 2009 and based in Seattle, Washington, the company focuses on compounds that modulate key regulatory networks associated with these conditions. One of its leading compounds, KDT501, is derived from hop extracts and has shown promise in normalizing glucose metabolism and body weight in rodent models. KinDex's innovative approach involves targeting Bitter Taste Receptors (TAS2Rs), a family of receptors that influence the endocrine and immune systems, potentially improving outcomes for patients suffering from chronic diseases and enhancing overall health.

Arsia Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2015
Arsia Therapeutics’ mission is to improve access to these life-saving drugs, make them more patient-friendly, and reduce healthcare costs by enabling subcutaneous delivery in non-hospital settings. Biopharmaceuticals are much larger and more fragile than traditional small-molecule drugs. Due to their size, large doses of biologics are often required; and because of their fragility, these drugs must be administered by injection instead of orally. Biologics become unstable and extremely viscous at the high concentrations required for traditional low-volume injections. Consequently, they are frequently administered as high-volume, slow intravenous infusions in a hospital setting. From a patient perspective, receiving treatment via subcutaneous administration can be preferable to intravenous infusion. Subcutaneous administration removes the need for invasive IV ports. Administration at home eliminates time-intensive and expensive hospital visits. Achieving high doses of biologics in a volume suitable for subcutaneous administration presents significant formulation challenges. The major limiting factor is viscosity, which arises when biomolecules are formulated at high concentration. Arsia’s mission is to produce high-concentration biopharmaceutical products with low viscosity, suitable for small-volume subcutaneous injection. Our proprietary platform technology reduces the viscosity of biologics through the addition of inactive ingredients (excipients). Because Arsia’s technology works at the formulation stage, the molecular structure of the drug itself is not affected. Arsia’s technology provides i) a formulation solution for new products in development that have viscosity challenges, ii) a life-cycle management strategy for existing products and iii) a way to differentiate those products from others on the market. For more information on partnering with Arsia, please contact us.

Syros Pharmaceuticals

Series B in 2014
Syros Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative treatments for cancer and monogenic diseases through gene control medicines. The company is advancing its lead candidates, SY-1425, a selective retinoic acid receptor alpha agonist currently undergoing Phase II trials for specific patients with acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome, and SY-5609, a cyclin-dependent kinase 7 inhibitor in Phase I trials for select advanced solid tumors. Syros employs a proprietary platform that integrates assay technologies, bioinformatics, and biological insights to map gene regulatory circuits and modulate gene expression, positioning itself as a leader in gene control research. Additionally, Syros has established collaborations, including a target discovery agreement with Incyte Corporation focused on myeloproliferative neoplasms, and a licensing agreement with TMRC Co. Ltd. for tamibarotene's development and commercialization. Founded in 2011, Syros Pharmaceuticals aims to address significant unmet medical needs in oncology and beyond.

Selecta Biosciences

Private Equity Round in 2014
Selecta Biosciences is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing nanoparticle immunomodulatory drugs aimed at treating and preventing human diseases. The company’s proprietary platform integrates advancements in immunobiology and nanotechnology to create targeted immunomodulatory nanoparticles. Its lead product, SEL-212, has completed Phase II clinical trials for chronic refractory gout. Additionally, Selecta is advancing gene therapy candidates, including SEL-302 and SEL-313, which are in preclinical development for rare metabolic disorders. The company has established collaborations and licensing agreements with various organizations, including Spark Therapeutics and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts, Selecta Biosciences continues to innovate in the biopharmaceutical field.

Visterra

Series B in 2014
Visterra, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing precision antibody-based treatments for difficult-to-treat diseases, particularly infectious diseases. Utilizing its Hierotope platform, Visterra designs monoclonal antibodies such as VIS410, aimed at treating hospitalized patients with influenza A, and VIS513 for Dengue fever. The company is also advancing VIS705, an antibody-drug conjugate for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, and VIS649, which targets Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy (IgAN). Founded in 2007 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, Visterra was previously known as Parasol Therapeutics, Inc. The company operates as a subsidiary of Otsuka America, Inc. and emphasizes innovative therapeutic solutions to address significant unmet medical needs.

Scholar Rock

Series A in 2014
Scholar Rock is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializing in the discovery and development of innovative therapies targeting growth factor signaling in serious diseases. The company’s lead product candidate, SRK-015, is a selective inhibitor of myostatin activation and is currently undergoing Phase II clinical trials for spinal muscular atrophy. Additionally, Scholar Rock is advancing SRK-181, which is in Phase I trials for treating cancers resistant to checkpoint inhibitors. The company employs a proprietary platform to design monoclonal antibodies that selectively modulate the activation of growth factors in disease microenvironments, addressing challenges associated with traditional growth factor inhibition. Scholar Rock is also developing a pipeline of candidates for a variety of conditions, including neuromuscular disorders, cancer, fibrosis, and anemia. Furthermore, the company has a collaboration with Gilead Sciences to explore specific inhibitors of transforming growth factor beta for fibrotic diseases. Founded in 2012, Scholar Rock aims to improve patient outcomes through its targeted therapeutic approach.

Navitor Pharmaceuticals

Series A in 2014
Navitor Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing small molecule drugs that target mTORC1, a key regulator of cellular metabolism and renewal, to treat age-related diseases. Utilizing a proprietary platform, Navitor's therapies can selectively inhibit or activate mTORC1, which plays a crucial role in cellular processes. One of its notable products, NV-5138, is an orally bioavailable small molecule designed to activate mTORC1, particularly addressing its suppression in the brain associated with depression. Additionally, the company's N-Valog program focuses on selective inhibition of mTORC1 for chronic kidney disease, with implications for other age-related conditions. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Navitor Pharmaceuticals aims to unlock the therapeutic potential of the mTOR pathway by modulating nutrient-sensing proteins, thereby addressing various metabolic, neurodegenerative, autoimmune, and musculoskeletal diseases.

Visterra

Series A in 2013
Visterra, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing precision antibody-based treatments for difficult-to-treat diseases, particularly infectious diseases. Utilizing its Hierotope platform, Visterra designs monoclonal antibodies such as VIS410, aimed at treating hospitalized patients with influenza A, and VIS513 for Dengue fever. The company is also advancing VIS705, an antibody-drug conjugate for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, and VIS649, which targets Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy (IgAN). Founded in 2007 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, Visterra was previously known as Parasol Therapeutics, Inc. The company operates as a subsidiary of Otsuka America, Inc. and emphasizes innovative therapeutic solutions to address significant unmet medical needs.

Editas Medicine

Series A in 2013
Editas Medicine is a clinical-stage company focused on developing innovative genome editing therapeutics to address serious diseases at the genetic level. Established in 2013 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with an additional site in Boulder, Colorado, the company leverages its proprietary CRISPR/Cas9 technology to create precise and corrective molecular modifications. This approach utilizes a protein-RNA complex, which includes the Cas9 enzyme and a guide RNA, to target and repair specific DNA sequences. Editas Medicine aims to translate its advances in genome editing into transformative human therapies, supported by a robust portfolio of patents and intellectual property that underpins its foundational technologies.

Alector

Series A in 2013
Alector, Inc. is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia. The company's lead product, AL001, is a humanized recombinant monoclonal antibody currently in phase II clinical trials for frontotemporal dementia. Additionally, AL101 is in phase I clinical trials for various neurodegenerative diseases, while AL002 and AL003 are undergoing phase 1b trials specifically for Alzheimer's disease. Alector is leveraging advancements in antibody technology, neuroimmunology, and human genetics to create innovative therapeutics. The company maintains a collaboration with Adimab, LLC, which aids in the discovery and optimization of antibody therapeutics. Alector has a pipeline of ten programs in the research and development stage and aims to advance several candidates through pre-clinical development within the next two years. Founded in 2013, Alector is headquartered in South San Francisco, California.

Receptos

Series B in 2013
Receptos is a privately-held drug discovery and development company which utilizes pioneering G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) technology to facilitate information-driven drug design for developing best- and first-in-class drugs.

TARIS Biomedical

Venture Round in 2013
TARIS BioMedical, Inc., a therapeutically urology company, develops treatments for patients suffering from difficult-to-treat bladder diseases. It develops therapies for debilitating conditions, including bladder cancer and overactive bladder. The company was founded in 2008 and is based in Lexington, Massachusetts. As of December 20, 2019, TARIS BioMedical, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Janssen Research & Development, LLC.

Cerulean Pharma

Private Equity Round in 2012
Cerulean Pharma Inc. is a privately-held biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapeutics utilizing nanotechnology, particularly in the fields of oncology, cardiovascular, autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases. The company specializes in nanoparticle-drug conjugates, which are designed to specifically target tumors, reduce toxicity, and facilitate drug combinations. Among its product offerings is Ovaprene, a non-hormonal contraceptive that provides extended protection. Cerulean Pharma has assembled a distinguished team, including a management team, board of directors, and scientific advisory board, all of whom possess extensive experience in business development and scientific research from prominent organizations and institutions.

Visterra

Series A in 2012
Visterra, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing precision antibody-based treatments for difficult-to-treat diseases, particularly infectious diseases. Utilizing its Hierotope platform, Visterra designs monoclonal antibodies such as VIS410, aimed at treating hospitalized patients with influenza A, and VIS513 for Dengue fever. The company is also advancing VIS705, an antibody-drug conjugate for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, and VIS649, which targets Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy (IgAN). Founded in 2007 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, Visterra was previously known as Parasol Therapeutics, Inc. The company operates as a subsidiary of Otsuka America, Inc. and emphasizes innovative therapeutic solutions to address significant unmet medical needs.

Promedior

Series D in 2012
Promedior, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Lexington, Massachusetts, focused on developing therapeutics for rare fibrotic diseases, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and myelofibrosis, as well as retinal fibrovascular diseases like age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. The company has created a drug discovery platform that targets monocyte-derived cell populations involved in fibrotic, inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases. By addressing the source of abnormal immune responses, Promedior aims to promote tissue healing while minimizing systemic side effects associated with existing therapies. Its main products include PRM-151, a recombinant form of human pentaxin-2 protein for intravenous injection, and PRM-167, designed for intravitreal delivery. Promedior was previously known as Fibrotix, Inc. and has been a subsidiary of Roche Holding AG since February 2020.

Genocea Biosciences

Series C in 2012
Genocea Biosciences, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the discovery and development of innovative cancer immunotherapies and vaccines to address significant unmet medical needs. Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company utilizes its proprietary ATLAS platform to profile patients' CD4+ and CD8+ T cell immune responses to identify potential targets within their tumors. Genocea's key programs include GEN-009, an adjuvanted neoantigen peptide vaccine currently in phase I/IIa clinical trials, GEN-011, a neoantigen adoptive T cell therapy, and GEN-010, a neoantigen vaccine initiative. The company also develops immunotherapies for other conditions, such as GEN-003, which targets genital herpes, and maintains pre-clinical programs focused on personalized cancer vaccines. Through its AnTigen Lead Acquisition System, Genocea is committed to advancing vaccine and immunotherapy solutions for various diseases.

Promedior

Series D in 2012
Promedior, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Lexington, Massachusetts, focused on developing therapeutics for rare fibrotic diseases, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and myelofibrosis, as well as retinal fibrovascular diseases like age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. The company has created a drug discovery platform that targets monocyte-derived cell populations involved in fibrotic, inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases. By addressing the source of abnormal immune responses, Promedior aims to promote tissue healing while minimizing systemic side effects associated with existing therapies. Its main products include PRM-151, a recombinant form of human pentaxin-2 protein for intravenous injection, and PRM-167, designed for intravitreal delivery. Promedior was previously known as Fibrotix, Inc. and has been a subsidiary of Roche Holding AG since February 2020.

Cerulean Pharma

Series D in 2011
Cerulean Pharma Inc. is a privately-held biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapeutics utilizing nanotechnology, particularly in the fields of oncology, cardiovascular, autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases. The company specializes in nanoparticle-drug conjugates, which are designed to specifically target tumors, reduce toxicity, and facilitate drug combinations. Among its product offerings is Ovaprene, a non-hormonal contraceptive that provides extended protection. Cerulean Pharma has assembled a distinguished team, including a management team, board of directors, and scientific advisory board, all of whom possess extensive experience in business development and scientific research from prominent organizations and institutions.

Pulmatrix

Series B in 2011
Pulmatrix, Inc., a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company, develops inhaled therapies for the treatment, prevention, and transmission control of infectious and progressive respiratory diseases. It offers inhaled cationic airway lining modulator drugs, which stimulate host defense mechanisms within the airway to treat and prevent influenza, rhinovirus, and chronic pulmonary diseases. The company was founded in 2003 and is based in Lexington, Massachusetts.

Fate Therapeutics

Series B in 2011
Fate Therapeutics is using the fundamental biological mechanisms that guide cell fate to develop stem cell therapeutics. The company has brought together the foremost scientists from the nation's research hotbeds (Boston, San Francisco, San Diego, and Seattle) who have demonstrated the potential to create and modulate stem cells to restore health. The backstory is that while others were working towards therapies based on transplanting stem cell-derived cells into patients, Randall Moon (HHMI and the University of Washington) and Alex Rives (Arch Venture Capitol) envisioned a different approach to develop regenerative therapies. The concept, based on data from hematopoietic progenitor cells, was that one could modulate the properties of stem cells in vivo using small molecules or biologics. They presented this idea to Arch Venture Capitol in Seattle, which launched the company, soon to be joined by other investors.

TARIS Biomedical

Series B in 2011
TARIS BioMedical, Inc., a therapeutically urology company, develops treatments for patients suffering from difficult-to-treat bladder diseases. It develops therapies for debilitating conditions, including bladder cancer and overactive bladder. The company was founded in 2008 and is based in Lexington, Massachusetts. As of December 20, 2019, TARIS BioMedical, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Janssen Research & Development, LLC.

Ocular Therapeutix

Series D in 2011
Ocular Therapeutix, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative therapies for ocular diseases and conditions using its proprietary bioresorbable hydrogel technology. The company markets ReSure Sealant, a hydrogel ophthalmic wound sealant designed to protect corneal incisions after cataract surgery. Its lead product candidate, DEXTENZA, is an ophthalmic insert that has completed Phase III clinical trials for managing post-surgical ocular pain and inflammation, as well as allergic conjunctivitis, and is currently in trials for treating dry eye diseases. Other key products in development include OTX-TP, an intracanalicular insert aimed at reducing intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients, and OTX-TIC, an intracameral implant also targeting intraocular pressure. Additionally, Ocular Therapeutix is exploring various preclinical programs to address acute ocular pain, post-operative inflammation, and other ophthalmic conditions. The company has a strategic collaboration with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals to utilize its hydrogel technology in conjunction with Regeneron’s VEGF-targeting compounds for retinal disease treatments. Founded in 2006, Ocular Therapeutix is headquartered in Bedford, Massachusetts.

Ocular Therapeutix

Series C in 2011
Ocular Therapeutix, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative therapies for ocular diseases and conditions using its proprietary bioresorbable hydrogel technology. The company markets ReSure Sealant, a hydrogel ophthalmic wound sealant designed to protect corneal incisions after cataract surgery. Its lead product candidate, DEXTENZA, is an ophthalmic insert that has completed Phase III clinical trials for managing post-surgical ocular pain and inflammation, as well as allergic conjunctivitis, and is currently in trials for treating dry eye diseases. Other key products in development include OTX-TP, an intracanalicular insert aimed at reducing intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients, and OTX-TIC, an intracameral implant also targeting intraocular pressure. Additionally, Ocular Therapeutix is exploring various preclinical programs to address acute ocular pain, post-operative inflammation, and other ophthalmic conditions. The company has a strategic collaboration with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals to utilize its hydrogel technology in conjunction with Regeneron’s VEGF-targeting compounds for retinal disease treatments. Founded in 2006, Ocular Therapeutix is headquartered in Bedford, Massachusetts.

Genocea Biosciences

Series B in 2011
Genocea Biosciences, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the discovery and development of innovative cancer immunotherapies and vaccines to address significant unmet medical needs. Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company utilizes its proprietary ATLAS platform to profile patients' CD4+ and CD8+ T cell immune responses to identify potential targets within their tumors. Genocea's key programs include GEN-009, an adjuvanted neoantigen peptide vaccine currently in phase I/IIa clinical trials, GEN-011, a neoantigen adoptive T cell therapy, and GEN-010, a neoantigen vaccine initiative. The company also develops immunotherapies for other conditions, such as GEN-003, which targets genital herpes, and maintains pre-clinical programs focused on personalized cancer vaccines. Through its AnTigen Lead Acquisition System, Genocea is committed to advancing vaccine and immunotherapy solutions for various diseases.
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