Quark Venture

Quark Venture Inc., established in 2015 and based in Vancouver, Canada, is a venture capital investment firm that focuses on equity financing for innovative biotechnology and health sciences companies. The firm aims to support projects and platforms that demonstrate breakthrough technologies within these sectors. By investing globally, Quark Venture seeks to foster advancements in health sciences and biotechnology, contributing to the development of impactful solutions in these fields.

Jesson Chen

Co-Founder, Chairman and General Partner

Karimah Es Sabar

CEO and Partner

Xiao Yu

Director, Investments and Principal

31 past transactions

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.

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.

CalciMedica

Series D in 2021
CalciMedica, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in La Jolla, California, focused on the discovery and development of small molecule drugs aimed at treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Founded in December 2006 by a team of scientists with backgrounds in calcium signaling, the company specializes in the targeted inhibition of calcium release-activated calcium channels, a key mechanism in immune response regulation. The founding team includes individuals who previously collaborated at TorreyPines Therapeutics and the CBR Institute, where they made significant contributions to understanding calcium signaling pathways. Through its innovative research, CalciMedica aims to develop effective therapies for patients suffering from various autoimmune conditions.

V-Wave

Series C in 2020
V-Wave Ltd. is a medical technology company based in Caesarea, Israel, with additional offices in the United States. Founded in 2009, it specializes in the development of percutaneous implantable therapeutic devices aimed at treating chronic heart failure (HF) patients, which is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The company has created the V-Wave Shunt, a biocompatible inter-atrial unidirectional implant designed for patients with both preserved and reduced ejection fractions, addressing the needs of those who experience disabling symptoms despite optimal medical therapy. V-Wave's innovative approach focuses on relieving symptoms, reducing hospitalizations, enhancing exercise capacity, and improving overall quality of life for HF patients. The organization is backed by a team of experienced engineers and medical scientists who have a proven track record in developing and bringing various implantable cardiovascular devices to market.

EnClear Therapies

Series A in 2020
EnClear Therapies, Inc. is a life sciences company based in Newburyport, Massachusetts, focused on developing device-based therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. The company specializes in the delivery and monitoring of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and has created a proprietary therapeutic platform aimed at removing toxic proteins from the CSF. EnClear's products are primarily designed to improve the lives of patients suffering from conditions such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). By providing innovative solutions in the treatment of these neurological diseases, EnClear Therapies aims to help halt disease progression and extend patient lifespans.

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.

Eyevensys

Series B in 2020
Eyevensys S.A.S. is a Paris-based company that specializes in non-viral gene therapy for ophthalmology. Founded in 2008, it focuses on developing innovative solutions to improve drug delivery methods for ocular diseases. The company utilizes its proprietary Electro-Transfection (ET) technology to administer plasmids to the ciliary muscle, allowing for the sustained release of therapeutic proteins directly into the vitreous, addressing conditions such as uveitis, age-related macular degeneration, and various retinopathies, including central retinal vein occlusion and diabetic retinopathy. Eyevensys aims to overcome the limitations of current treatment options, which often involve invasive procedures like intravitreal injections and surgeries. By enhancing compliance, ocular bioavailability, and tolerability, Eyevensys seeks to create a robust product pipeline that delivers improved clinical outcomes while minimizing the need for frequent and invasive interventions.

Raziel Health

Series C in 2019
Raziel Health is focused on developing innovative treatments for obesity and fat disorders, particularly through its injectable drug RZL-012. This novel synthetic small molecule is designed to be injected directly into fat tissue, where it induces fat cell death, leading to a reduction in fat at the injection site. The company, founded in 2012 and based in Rehovot, Israel, aims to provide accessible and cost-effective healthcare solutions that enhance patient experience and promote timely clinical interventions. By integrating user-friendly technologies and leveraging data analytics, Raziel Health supports wellness and disease management, ensuring that individual patient goals are met effectively.

Raziel Health

Series C in 2019
Raziel Health is focused on developing innovative treatments for obesity and fat disorders, particularly through its injectable drug RZL-012. This novel synthetic small molecule is designed to be injected directly into fat tissue, where it induces fat cell death, leading to a reduction in fat at the injection site. The company, founded in 2012 and based in Rehovot, Israel, aims to provide accessible and cost-effective healthcare solutions that enhance patient experience and promote timely clinical interventions. By integrating user-friendly technologies and leveraging data analytics, Raziel Health supports wellness and disease management, ensuring that individual patient goals are met effectively.

Pi Therapeutics

Series B in 2019
Pi Therapeutics is a discovery-stage biopharmaceutical company aiming to develop a novel cancer drug. The company is financed by a syndicate of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company through its venture group Takeda Ventures Inc., Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JJDC, OrbiMed Israel Partners, Pontifax, and the Israel Innovation Authority, and has operated since March 2015 in the FutuRx biotech accelerator in Ness Ziona, Israel. The company’s mission is to develop novel first-in-class drugs directed against the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), mainly for treatment of cancer.

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.

Keros Therapeutics

Series B in 2019
Keros Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing novel treatments for patients with hematological and musculoskeletal disorders that have significant unmet medical needs. The company's lead product candidate, KER-050, targets low blood cell counts, including anemia and thrombocytopenia, in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes and myelofibrosis. Additionally, Keros is advancing KER-047, a small molecule therapeutic in Phase 1 clinical trials, aimed at treating anemia related to elevated hepcidin levels and fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva. The company's third candidate, KER-012, focuses on disorders associated with bone loss, such as osteoporosis and osteogenesis imperfecta, as well as pulmonary arterial hypertension. Founded in 2015 and based in Lexington, Massachusetts, Keros Therapeutics is recognized for its expertise in the role of the Transforming Growth Factor-Beta family of proteins, which regulate red blood cell and platelet production, along with muscle and bone maintenance.

Sitka Biopharma

Venture Round in 2018
Sitka Biopharma Inc. is a preclinical biotechnology company based in Vancouver, Canada, established in 2013. The company specializes in developing a nanoparticle platform technology aimed at improving drug absorption in challenging tissues. Its primary focus is on oncology, with its lead candidate, STK-01, designed to enhance the effectiveness of intravesical chemotherapy for bladder cancer. This technology addresses significant issues related to limited drug uptake and tolerability in current treatment options. Sitka's innovative approach seeks to deliver higher concentrations of the chemotherapeutic agent docetaxel directly into the bladder wall, which may lead to better treatment outcomes. The company plans to expand its applications to intraperitoneal delivery for ovarian cancer, demonstrating the versatility of its nanoparticle platform in treating localized diseases effectively.

Canary Medical

Funding Round in 2018
Canary Medical Inc. specializes in the development of medical implant and data management devices that facilitate remote patient monitoring and data collection. The company's primary innovation is the Canary Health Implantable Reporting Processor (CHIRP), a sensor-based device designed to gather and process medical data without requiring direct physician intervention. Additionally, Canary Medical creates smart medical devices that provide self-reports on patient activity, recovery, and treatment outcomes, thereby enhancing patient compliance. Established in 2013 and headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, the company has also formed a joint venture with BioScience Managers to launch CHARM Informatics, a platform aimed at collecting and monetizing data from implantable and wearable medical devices.

Canary Medical

Venture Round in 2018
Canary Medical Inc. specializes in the development of medical implant and data management devices that facilitate remote patient monitoring and data collection. The company's primary innovation is the Canary Health Implantable Reporting Processor (CHIRP), a sensor-based device designed to gather and process medical data without requiring direct physician intervention. Additionally, Canary Medical creates smart medical devices that provide self-reports on patient activity, recovery, and treatment outcomes, thereby enhancing patient compliance. Established in 2013 and headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, the company has also formed a joint venture with BioScience Managers to launch CHARM Informatics, a platform aimed at collecting and monetizing data from implantable and wearable medical devices.

V-Wave

Series C in 2018
V-Wave Ltd. is a medical technology company based in Caesarea, Israel, with additional offices in the United States. Founded in 2009, it specializes in the development of percutaneous implantable therapeutic devices aimed at treating chronic heart failure (HF) patients, which is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The company has created the V-Wave Shunt, a biocompatible inter-atrial unidirectional implant designed for patients with both preserved and reduced ejection fractions, addressing the needs of those who experience disabling symptoms despite optimal medical therapy. V-Wave's innovative approach focuses on relieving symptoms, reducing hospitalizations, enhancing exercise capacity, and improving overall quality of life for HF patients. The organization is backed by a team of experienced engineers and medical scientists who have a proven track record in developing and bringing various implantable cardiovascular devices to market.

ARTMS

Venture Round in 2017
ARTMS Products Inc. is a Vancouver-based company that specializes in manufacturing diagnostic imaging systems for the production and separation of medical isotopes. Founded in 2013, the company has developed the QUANTM Irradiation System, which facilitates decentralized and local production of critical isotopes such as gallium-68, zirconium-89, technetium-99m, and copper-64. ARTMS's primary offering, QUANTM99, is a system that combines hardware and consumables for the effective production of technetium-99m using medical cyclotrons. This innovative approach aims to enhance the accessibility and cost-effectiveness of medical isotopes, improving diagnostic imaging services.

Bioarray Therapeutics

Series B in 2017
Bioarray Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company founded in 2009, initially based in Boston and now located in Farmington, Connecticut. The company focuses on developing proprietary predictive diagnostic tests aimed at improving cancer treatment outcomes. Its primary product is a breast cancer response prediction test that utilizes gene expression profiling to evaluate a patient's likelihood of responding to standard pre-surgery taxane-based chemotherapy. By identifying the most effective treatment options based on genetic markers, Bioarray Therapeutics seeks to move away from the traditional trial-and-error approach in cancer care, enhancing the personalization of treatment for patients.

CathWorks

Series B in 2017
CathWorks Ltd. is a medical technology company based in Kfar-Saba, Israel, with an additional office in the United States. Founded in 2013, CathWorks specializes in developing advanced medical devices for the interventional cardiology market. The company's innovative technology leverages computational science and automatic multi-layered algorithms to enhance the utility of coronary angiography data, transforming visual assessments into objective decision-making tools for physicians. Its flagship product, CathWorks FFRangio, is a non-invasive device that provides objective multi-vessel physiological measurements, aimed at optimizing and confirming intra-procedural decisions for percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). CathWorks is privately held and benefits from strong partnerships and support from leading venture capital firms in the medical devices sector.

Sitka Biopharma

Seed Round in 2017
Sitka Biopharma Inc. is a preclinical biotechnology company based in Vancouver, Canada, established in 2013. The company specializes in developing a nanoparticle platform technology aimed at improving drug absorption in challenging tissues. Its primary focus is on oncology, with its lead candidate, STK-01, designed to enhance the effectiveness of intravesical chemotherapy for bladder cancer. This technology addresses significant issues related to limited drug uptake and tolerability in current treatment options. Sitka's innovative approach seeks to deliver higher concentrations of the chemotherapeutic agent docetaxel directly into the bladder wall, which may lead to better treatment outcomes. The company plans to expand its applications to intraperitoneal delivery for ovarian cancer, demonstrating the versatility of its nanoparticle platform in treating localized diseases effectively.

Eloxx

Series C in 2017
Eloxx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, focuses on developing novel ribonucleic acid modulating drug candidates for the treatment of rare and ultra-rare premature stop codon diseases. Its lead investigational drug product candidate is ELX-02, which is in Phase 2 clinical trial that focuses on the treatment of cystic fibrosis and nephropathic cystinosis patients with diagnosed nonsense mutations. The company was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts.

PhysIQ

Series B in 2017
Physiq, Inc. is a health technology company based in Chicago, Illinois, that specializes in personalized physiology analytics through its cloud-based predictive platform. The company has developed VitaLink, a remote patient monitoring interface that equips clinicians with insights into the health status of patients with chronic illnesses while in an ambulatory setting. Its technology processes various data streams to establish an individual's normal baseline, enabling the detection of significant changes in vital signs that may indicate impending medical events. This personalized approach allows healthcare providers to manage patient care more effectively and empowers individuals to take charge of their health and fitness. Additionally, Physiq's platform can be integrated into monitoring devices from other manufacturers, enhancing their capabilities. Founded in 2013 and initially known as VGBio, Inc., Physiq operates in both regulated healthcare and the health and fitness markets.

PHEMI Systems

Series B in 2017
PHEMI Systems Corporation specializes in developing a privacy, security, governance, and data management system tailored for Microsoft Azure. Founded in 2013 and based in Vancouver, Canada, the company provides the PHEMI Data Privacy Manager, a cloud-based solution designed for the healthcare sector. This system addresses the critical need for organizations to secure and govern access to privacy-sensitive information while facilitating compliance with privacy regulations. Optimized for Microsoft Azure, the software connects to numerous data sources and integrates seamlessly with popular data science and business analysis tools. Built on a privacy-by-design architecture, PHEMI Data Privacy Manager supports data sharing and offers a flexible usage-based pricing model, making it scalable for organizations of varying sizes.

Eloxx

Series C in 2017
Eloxx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, focuses on developing novel ribonucleic acid modulating drug candidates for the treatment of rare and ultra-rare premature stop codon diseases. Its lead investigational drug product candidate is ELX-02, which is in Phase 2 clinical trial that focuses on the treatment of cystic fibrosis and nephropathic cystinosis patients with diagnosed nonsense mutations. The company was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts.

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.

Biscayne Pharmaceuticals

Series B in 2017
Biscayne Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Miami, Florida, focused on developing therapies that leverage growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analogs. The company is engaged in creating GHRH antagonists aimed at treating various cancers, including castrate-resistant prostate cancer, and GHRH agonists intended for cardiac repair in patients with heart disease. Additionally, Biscayne Pharmaceuticals is involved in developing drugs for refractory epilepsy and drug-resistant cancer by targeting GHRH receptors, which play a critical role in stimulating growth hormone production for tissue growth and repair. Since its incorporation in 2012, the company has aimed to provide innovative treatments for patients with challenging medical conditions.
Biscayne Neurotherapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel therapies for difficult-to-treat neurological disorders. Biscayne’s lead compound, BIS-001, is in clinical development for the treatment of refractory forms of epilepsy. Biscayne Neurotherapeutics has an experienced executive team with an extensive track record of successful drug development, and its scientific advisors include a number of highly respected experts studying seizure and other CNS disorders. The company is headquartered in Miami, Florida, and benefits from the growing entrepreneurial South Florida biomedical sector.

Microbion

Venture Round in 2017
Microbion Corporation is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing therapeutics for difficult-to-treat infections, particularly those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Bozeman, Montana, with an office in Vancouver, Canada, the company specializes in bismuth-thiols to address chronic and acute wound infections, post-surgical orthopedic infections, and to manage microbial biofilms associated with medical devices. Microbion's products aim to prevent microbial biofilms from forming on implanted devices and are designed to treat conditions such as diabetic foot ulcers and orthopedic implant-related infections. Additionally, the company focuses on reducing infections associated with military wounds.

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.

MSI Methylation Sciences

Venture Round in 2016
MSI Methylation Sciences Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Canada that focuses on developing oral and small molecule therapies for the adjunctive treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Founded in 2007, the company is known for its flagship product, Strada, which is an orally administered therapy aimed at alleviating symptoms of depression in MDD patients. In addition to its therapeutic developments, MSI Methylation Sciences also markets S-Adenosyl Methionine, a prescription drug used as a dietary supplement. The company's work is centered around addressing mental health challenges through innovative treatment options.

Sitka Biopharma

Seed Round in 2016
Sitka Biopharma Inc. is a preclinical biotechnology company based in Vancouver, Canada, established in 2013. The company specializes in developing a nanoparticle platform technology aimed at improving drug absorption in challenging tissues. Its primary focus is on oncology, with its lead candidate, STK-01, designed to enhance the effectiveness of intravesical chemotherapy for bladder cancer. This technology addresses significant issues related to limited drug uptake and tolerability in current treatment options. Sitka's innovative approach seeks to deliver higher concentrations of the chemotherapeutic agent docetaxel directly into the bladder wall, which may lead to better treatment outcomes. The company plans to expand its applications to intraperitoneal delivery for ovarian cancer, demonstrating the versatility of its nanoparticle platform in treating localized diseases effectively.
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