Samsara BioCapital

Samsara BioCapital LLC is a private equity firm established in 2016 and located in Palo Alto, California. The firm specializes in investing in biotechnology companies across the United States, providing capital and strategic support to help advance innovations in the life sciences sector. Samsara BioCapital aims to identify and cultivate promising biotechnological advancements that can transform healthcare and improve patient outcomes.

Srini Akkaraju

Founder and Managing Partner

Abe Bassan

Principal

Michael Dybbs Ph.D

Partner

Cory Freedland

Partner

92 past transactions

ACELYRIN

Series C in 2022
ACELYRIN is a biopharma company focused on providing patients life-changing new treatment options by identifying, acquiring, and accelerating the development and commercialization of promising drug candidates and by leveraging its expertise to rapidly advance these medicines to patients.

Delfi Diagnostics

Series B in 2022
Delfi Diagnostics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Baltimore, Maryland, that specializes in early cancer detection through non-invasive blood tests. Founded in 2018, the company utilizes advanced artificial intelligence and genome sequencing technologies to identify unique patterns of DNA fragmentation in patients' blood, enabling the detection of cancer at its most treatable stage. By focusing on precision diagnostics, Delfi Diagnostics aims to improve patient outcomes and contribute to the evolving landscape of cancer care.

MiroBio

Series B in 2022
MiroBio Ltd develops and manufactures antibody modulators of immune cell receptors for auto-immune diseases. The company is developing antibodies and variants to stimulate specific immune cell signals to harness the natural control mechanisms of the immune system. The company was incorporated in 2018 and is headquartered in Oxford, United Kingdom.

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.

Mineralys Therapeutics

Series B in 2022
Mineralys Therapeutics, Inc., a private, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company founded by Catalys Pacific committed to developing best-in-class, novel therapy for the treatment of hypertension. The Company is driven to bring a targeted approach to the management of hypertension via the development of MLS-101. MLS-101, licensed from Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, is a highly selective and potent aldosterone synthase inhibitor that is being investigated for the treatment of hypertension.

ImmunOs Therapeutics

Series B in 2022
ImmunOs Therapeutics AG is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Schlieren, Switzerland, founded in 2014. The company specializes in the discovery and development of novel human immunomodulatory proteins aimed at enhancing cancer treatment and addressing autoimmune diseases. By focusing on next-generation therapeutics, ImmunOs aims to create drugs that not only exhibit direct anti-tumor effects but also remodel the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, the company is developing antibodies designed to block the activation of specific HLA molecules associated with autoimmune conditions. Through its innovative approach, ImmunOs Therapeutics seeks to improve the lives of patients suffering from serious diseases.

Lyra Therapeutics

Post in 2022
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.

Eyebiotech

Series A in 2022
Eyebiotech is a privately held ophthalmology biotechnology company working to deliver a new generation of therapies for eye diseases.

Dewpoint Therapeutics

Series C in 2022
Dewpoint Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotech company focused on researching biomolecular condensates and their role in cellular function. Established in 2018 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, the company aims to develop innovative treatments for a range of diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, immunology, cardiovascular conditions, women’s health, and virology. Dewpoint Therapeutics utilizes a novel drug platform that specifically targets biomolecular condensates to advance its therapeutic solutions.

Simcha Therapeutics

Series B in 2022
Simcha Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company developing engineered cytokine immunotherapy for cancer. The company uses directed evolution to engineer novel cytokines designed to unlock the precision and power of the immune system. Simcha’s lead program, ST-067, is a designer IL-18 cytokine that has shown potent antitumor effects in animal models, both as a monotherapy and when combined with anti-PD-1 checkpoint inhibitors, as described in Nature in June 2020. It was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in New Haven, Connecticut, USA.

SanReno Therapeutics

Funding Round in 2021
SanReno Therapeutics develop, manufacture and commercialize kidney disease therapies in the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and Singapore (the “Territory”). SanReno Therapeutics formed with JV of Chinook Therapeutics and Frazier Healthcare Partners and Pivotal bioVenture Partners China.

Ablaze Pharmaceuticals

Series A in 2021
Ablaze Pharma is a clinical stage bio-pharmaceutical company that is focused on developing Targeted Radiotherapy (TRT) to benefit cancer patients.

ACELYRIN

Series B in 2021
ACELYRIN is a biopharma company focused on providing patients life-changing new treatment options by identifying, acquiring, and accelerating the development and commercialization of promising drug candidates and by leveraging its expertise to rapidly advance these medicines to patients.

Tentarix Biotherapeutics

Series A in 2021
Tentarix creates innovative protein therapeutics with uniquely combined bioactivities that leverage synthetic biology. The company develops a protein engineering platform designed for multispecific therapies.

Science 37

Post in 2021
Science 37 is making the promise of virtual trials the new reality. By engaging with patients from the comfort of their own home, the company provides access to patients who can never be reached by traditional site-based research models. Its virtual model has proven to enroll faster, retain patients at a higher rate, and reach a more representative patient population. Science 37 has conducted more virtual (or decentralized), interventional trials than any other company, using an expansive, in-house network of telemedicine investigators and home-health nurses. The company's research is powered by the industry’s most comprehensive, fully integrated clinical trial platform purpose-built to conduct virtual trials.

Exo Therapeutics

Series B in 2021
Exo Therapeutics, Inc. is a molecule drug discovery and development company to address intractable pharmaceutical targets. The company develops a pipeline of drug candidates that bind exosites, distal, and unique binding pockets that reprogram enzyme activity for therapeutic effect in oncology, inflammation. Exo Therapeutics, Inc. was founded in 2018 and is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Obsidian Therapeutics

Series B in 2021
Obsidian Therapeutics is a developer of a next-generation cell and gene therapies created to extend adoptive immunotherapy to every patient with cancer.The company's next-generation cell and gene therapies with pharmacologic operating systems provide exquisite control of protein activity in cells and create adoptive cell therapies with new functions that are under control of the treating physician using simple, safe, orally-active, marketed drugs, enabling patients to improve on the current generation of cell therapies.

Attralus

Series B in 2021
Attralus is a biopharmaceutical company focusing on creating transformative medicines to improve the lives of patients with systemic amyloidosis. Its proprietary peptide-based pan-amyloid targeting agents have the potential to diagnose and treat all forms and stages of systemic amyloidosis. The company is focused on targeting common pathology in all systemic amyloidosis diseases, with the goal of developing treatments for all subtypes of amyloidosis, including the majority in which there are currently no treatment options.

Alamar Biosciences

Series B in 2021
Alamar Biosciences develops technologies for the detection and treatment of cancer and other diseases at the earliest possible time. The company was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in Hayward, California.

Neurogastrx

Series B in 2021
Neurogastrx, Inc. is a venture-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing products for gastrointestinal disorders. Established in 2017 and headquartered in Campbell, California, the company is known for its innovative product NG101, which aims to enhance gastric motility and possesses antiemetic properties.

Tango Therapeutics

Post in 2021
Tango Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company, develops cancer drugs based on synthetic lethality. The company uses the genetic principle of synthetic lethality to discover and develop therapies that take aim at driver genes in cancer. It focuses counteracting tumor suppressor gene loss; reversing the ability of cancer cells to evade the immune system; and identifying novel combinations that are more effective than single agent therapy. Tango Therapeutics, Inc. was formerly known as Cancer Combos NewCo, Inc. The company was incorporated in 2014 and is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Pepgen

Venture Round in 2021
PepGen is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Oxford, United Kingdom, focused on advancing the delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics, particularly antisense oligonucleotides. Established in 2018, PepGen aims to enhance the clinical efficacy of these therapeutics through its proprietary Enhanced Delivery Oligonucleotide (EDO) platform. This innovative technology employs engineered peptides designed for optimized tissue penetration, cellular uptake, and nuclear delivery, enabling effective transport of oligonucleotides to various target tissues, including smooth, skeletal, and cardiac muscle, as well as the central nervous system. By leveraging its drug delivery capabilities, PepGen seeks to transform the treatment landscape for severe neuromuscular and neurological diseases.

Abata Therapeutics

Series A in 2021
Abata Therapeutics, a company focused on translating the biology of regulatory T cells (Tregs) into transformational medicines for patients living with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) and other severe autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

RayzeBio

Series C in 2021
RayzeBio, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, founded in 2020. The company specializes in developing tumor-targeted small molecule medicines that utilize radioisotopes, particularly focusing on alpha-emitting isotopes like Actinium-225 for the treatment of solid tumors. RayzeBio aims to improve cancer treatment outcomes by creating a robust pipeline of radiopharmaceuticals targeting validated oncology drug targets. Its portfolio includes multiple drug candidates at various stages of development, ranging from discovery to late-stage clinical programs, addressing significant market opportunities in the field of cancer therapeutics.

Synthekine

Series B in 2021
Synthekine Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative cytokine therapies and immunotherapies for cancer and autoimmune disorders. Founded in 2018 and based in Menlo Park, California, the company leverages advanced platform technologies, including engineered partial agonists and orthogonal cell therapies, to create targeted treatments. Synthekine's notable innovations include the Synthekine Platform, which utilizes surrogate agonists instead of traditional mutant cytokines. The company's product pipeline features STK-009, an orthogonal ligand paired with SYNCAR-001, an engineered CAR-T therapy targeting CD-19, as well as STK-012, a partial agonist of IL-2. Synthekine's approach emphasizes safety and efficacy, utilizing immunological insights to guide the development of therapeutics that selectively modulate immune system pathways. Preclinical studies have indicated promising efficacy and tolerability for its lead programs, positioning Synthekine as a key player in the biotechnology landscape.

NiKang Therapeutics

Series C in 2021
NiKang Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company established in 2017 and located in Wilmington, Delaware. The company is dedicated to discovering and developing innovative small molecule oncology medicines aimed at addressing unmet medical needs in cancer treatment. By employing a discovery approach that leverages target structure biology and structure-based drug design, NiKang Therapeutics aims to facilitate the rapid and efficient development of proprietary drug candidates with optimal pharmacological properties. The company seeks to enhance the treatment options available to healthcare providers, ultimately improving patient outcomes in the fight against cancer.

Vedere Bio ll

Series A in 2021
Vedere is developing cutting-edge gene therapy products to restore functional vision to patients who have suffered vision loss from Inherited Retinal Degenerations (IRDs), as well as other causes of both genetic and non-genetic vision loss. While the vast majority of ocular gene therapies only limit the rate of inevitable vision loss, we aim to restore lost vision regardless of a patient’s underlying genetics or their stage of disease.

Janux Therapeutics

Series B in 2021
Janux Therapeutics develops immunotherapies that generate immune responses to prevent tumors and not affecting a patient’s healthy tissue. Janux technology targets all three stages of the anti-tumor immune response. Janux Therapeutics, Inc. was founded in 2017 by David Campbell and is based in La Jolla, California.

Arcellx

Series C in 2021
Arcellx is a privately held development-stage company founded in 2015 and located in Montgomery County, Maryland. The Arcellx team is devoted to providing patients with superior immune cell therapies through scientific innovation, accelerated development, and responsible patient care. Although our initial clinical focus is cancer therapy, we are committed to extending our Antigen- Receptor Complex T cell (ARC-T) therapies across a broad spectrum of human disease.

Mineralys Therapeutics

Series A in 2021
Mineralys Therapeutics, Inc., a private, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company founded by Catalys Pacific committed to developing best-in-class, novel therapy for the treatment of hypertension. The Company is driven to bring a targeted approach to the management of hypertension via the development of MLS-101. MLS-101, licensed from Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, is a highly selective and potent aldosterone synthase inhibitor that is being investigated for the treatment of hypertension.

Graphite Bio

Series B in 2021
At Graphite Bio, they are rapidly building a next-generation gene editing company that is driven to apply their breakthrough technology with urgency to advance gene replacement therapies and cures for people living with serious diseases. They stand apart through our ability to harness natural and highly precise cellular DNA repair machinery to achieve high efficiency, targeted gene integration to correct the underlying causes of diseases.

ElevateBio

Series C in 2021
ElevateBio, LLC is a holding company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that focuses on developing cell and gene-based therapies. Founded in 2017, ElevateBio operates a portfolio of companies dedicated to creating, manufacturing, and commercializing innovative treatments for cancer and viral infections. The company collaborates with leading scientists and inventors to build its portfolio and has established a centralized facility designed to streamline the research and development process. This approach allows ElevateBio to translate scientific advancements in cell and gene therapy into viable medical products, ultimately aiming to provide effective treatments for patients with severe diseases.

OnKure, Inc.

Series B in 2021
OnKure, Inc. engages in the discovery and development of epigenetic therapies for the treatment of cancer. The company focuses on developing selective inhibitors of histone deacetylases. Its portfolio includes ONK102, an inhibitor that reduces the growth rate of tumors in hematological and solid tumor cancers. OnKure, Inc. was incorporated in 2011 and is based in Boulder, Colorado.

eGenesis

Series C in 2021
EGenesis Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with an additional office in New York. Founded in 2015, the company specializes in gene editing and genome engineering, focusing on the development of human-compatible organs, tissues, and cells for transplantation. EGenesis employs advanced gene editing techniques to create transplantable cells and solid organs, specifically targeting therapeutic applications in kidney and islet cell transplantation. By leveraging its innovative platform, the company aims to transform the field of organ transplantation, providing safe and effective solutions for patients with life-threatening diseases globally.
Viracta Therapeutics specializes in developing innovative treatments for cancers linked to the Epstein-Barr Virus. The company is advancing its proprietary viral gene activation therapy, which aims to effectively target and address these virus-associated malignancies. In addition to its primary focus on Epstein-Barr Virus-related cancers, Viracta is also exploring opportunities to tackle other serious diseases associated with viral infections. Through its research and therapeutic advancements, the company seeks to improve outcomes for patients suffering from these challenging health conditions.

Centessa Pharmaceuticals

Series A in 2021
Centessa Pharmaceuticals is a next-generation biopharmaceutical company that aims to reshape the traditional drug development process. The company applies an asset-centric R&D model at scale to advance a portfolio of highly validated programs led by industry-leading teams. Each program is developed by a Centessa Subsidiary and supported by a centralized infrastructure and the Centessa management team.

Pipeline Therapeutics

Series C in 2021
Pipeline Therapeutics Inc. develops and commercializes small molecules for neuroregeneration, including synaptogenesis, remyelination, and axonal repair. The company’s lead product candidate, PIPE-505, is a small molecule gamma secretase inhibitor (GSI) to treat mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) associated with cochlear synaptopathy. The company also has a portfolio of earlier stage programs, including PIPE-307, focused on remyelination and axonal repair to address a range of neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis. The company was founded in 2017 and is based in San Diego, California.

Notch Therapeutics

Series A in 2021
Notch Therapeutics Inc., an immune cell therapy company, develops gene-edited allogenic T cell therapies for the treatment of cancer. The company offers induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) AlloCAR therapy products for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemia, and multiple myeloma. Notch Therapeutics Inc. was incorporated in 2018 and is based in Toronto, Canada.

IO Biotech

Series B in 2021
IO Biotech ApS is a clinical stage biotech company developing disruptive immune therapies i.e. checkpoint/cancer vaccines. Checkpoint/cancer vaccines suppress the function of regulatory immune cells and induce inflammation in the microenvironment in addition to direct targeting of cancer cells.

Delfi Diagnostics

Series A in 2021
Delfi Diagnostics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Baltimore, Maryland, that specializes in early cancer detection through non-invasive blood tests. Founded in 2018, the company utilizes advanced artificial intelligence and genome sequencing technologies to identify unique patterns of DNA fragmentation in patients' blood, enabling the detection of cancer at its most treatable stage. By focusing on precision diagnostics, Delfi Diagnostics aims to improve patient outcomes and contribute to the evolving landscape of cancer care.

Abcuro

Series A in 2021
Abcuro’s mission is to develop a new class of immune-modulatory bio-therapeutics for treating both autoimmunity and cancer. They leverage the systematic target validation and clinical insights gained by its founders to identify new targets. Their intensive use of bioinformatics to interrogate the transcriptome of human disease together with ex-vivo validation in diseased tissue has uncovered new approaches to target key compartments of the immune system. The company was incorporated in 2015 and is based in Newton, Massachusetts.

RayzeBio

Series B in 2020
RayzeBio, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, founded in 2020. The company specializes in developing tumor-targeted small molecule medicines that utilize radioisotopes, particularly focusing on alpha-emitting isotopes like Actinium-225 for the treatment of solid tumors. RayzeBio aims to improve cancer treatment outcomes by creating a robust pipeline of radiopharmaceuticals targeting validated oncology drug targets. Its portfolio includes multiple drug candidates at various stages of development, ranging from discovery to late-stage clinical programs, addressing significant market opportunities in the field of cancer therapeutics.
Syros Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing treatments for cancer and genetic disorders through innovative gene control medicines. The company is advancing its lead product candidates, including SY-1425, a selective retinoic acid receptor alpha agonist currently undergoing a Phase II clinical trial for specific patient subsets with acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome, and SY-5609, a cyclin-dependent kinase 7 inhibitor in a Phase I clinical trial for select advanced solid tumors. Syros employs a unique approach that integrates gene regulatory circuit mapping and modulation of gene expression factors, supported by a proprietary platform of assay technologies and bioinformatics. The company collaborates with Incyte Corporation to discover therapeutic targets, particularly for myeloproliferative neoplasms, and has a licensing agreement with TMRC Co. Ltd. for the development of tamibarotene. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Syros Pharmaceuticals was previously known as LS22, Inc. and rebranded in 2012.

Elevation Oncology

Series B in 2020
Elevation Oncology, Inc. is a biotechnology company dedicated to creating precision medicines for patients with genomically defined cancers. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in New York, the company focuses on developing targeted therapies that inhibit specific genetic alterations associated with cancer progression. Its lead candidate, seribantumab, is designed to address tumor growth driven by NRG1 fusions and is currently undergoing clinical evaluation in the Phase 2 CRESTONE study, which includes patients with various tumor types exhibiting this genomic alteration. Through its innovative approach, Elevation Oncology aims to enhance treatment options for individuals with solid tumors linked to specific genetic drivers.

Decibel Therapeutics

Series D in 2020
Decibel Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to discovering and developing therapies aimed at protecting, repairing, and restoring hearing. The company focuses on a range of hearing disorders, including those related to cancer treatments, cystic fibrosis, noise exposure, age-related and genetic hearing loss, as well as tinnitus. It utilizes advanced techniques such as single-cell genomics, bioinformatics, and precision gene therapy technologies to enhance its understanding of inner ear pathology and to develop effective treatments. Decibel Therapeutics also offers expertise in drug delivery to the inner ear, imaging, and pharmacokinetic modeling, contributing to innovative therapeutic approaches for patients experiencing various forms of hearing loss. Founded in 2013 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, Decibel Therapeutics was previously known as Hearing, Inc. before rebranding in 2014.

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.

RayzeBio

Series A in 2020
RayzeBio, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, founded in 2020. The company specializes in developing tumor-targeted small molecule medicines that utilize radioisotopes, particularly focusing on alpha-emitting isotopes like Actinium-225 for the treatment of solid tumors. RayzeBio aims to improve cancer treatment outcomes by creating a robust pipeline of radiopharmaceuticals targeting validated oncology drug targets. Its portfolio includes multiple drug candidates at various stages of development, ranging from discovery to late-stage clinical programs, addressing significant market opportunities in the field of cancer therapeutics.

A2 Biotherapeutics

Series B in 2020
A2 Biotherapeutics is an early-stage biotechnology company located in Southern California that develops novel medicines for serious illnesses. We utilize an advanced targeting technology platform to increase the effectiveness of the body’s natural immune defenses.

Flame Biosciences

Venture Round in 2020
Flame Biosciences, Inc operates as a clinical stage company that engages in the research, development, and commercialization of transformative therapies for cancer and other inflammatory conditions. It offers FL-101 therapy for the treatment of lung cancers that are driven by inflammation; and FL-201 for reducing the chronic inflammation in patients. The company was incorporated in 2017 and is based in New York, New York.

Dewpoint Therapeutics

Series B in 2020
Dewpoint Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotech company focused on researching biomolecular condensates and their role in cellular function. Established in 2018 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, the company aims to develop innovative treatments for a range of diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, immunology, cardiovascular conditions, women’s health, and virology. Dewpoint Therapeutics utilizes a novel drug platform that specifically targets biomolecular condensates to advance its therapeutic solutions.

Palladio Biosciences

Series B in 2020
Palladio Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing transformative medicines for orphan diseases affecting the kidneys. Founded in 2015 and based in Horsham, Pennsylvania, the company is recognized for its work on Lixivaptan, a selective vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist aimed at treating polycystic kidney disease, a serious genetic condition. Palladio Biosciences aims to address unmet medical needs in the field of renal diseases through its innovative therapeutic solutions.

Ionpath

Series B in 2020
Ionpath is a developer of an ion beam imaging technology used to provide analysis of tissue biopsies. Its imaging technology surpasses light microscopy to analyze whether the tissues are fresh, frozen, or FFPE that enable healthcare providers to provide a diagnosis of cancer for improving human health.

Synthekine

Series A in 2020
Synthekine Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative cytokine therapies and immunotherapies for cancer and autoimmune disorders. Founded in 2018 and based in Menlo Park, California, the company leverages advanced platform technologies, including engineered partial agonists and orthogonal cell therapies, to create targeted treatments. Synthekine's notable innovations include the Synthekine Platform, which utilizes surrogate agonists instead of traditional mutant cytokines. The company's product pipeline features STK-009, an orthogonal ligand paired with SYNCAR-001, an engineered CAR-T therapy targeting CD-19, as well as STK-012, a partial agonist of IL-2. Synthekine's approach emphasizes safety and efficacy, utilizing immunological insights to guide the development of therapeutics that selectively modulate immune system pathways. Preclinical studies have indicated promising efficacy and tolerability for its lead programs, positioning Synthekine as a key player in the biotechnology landscape.

Graphite Bio

Series A in 2020
At Graphite Bio, they are rapidly building a next-generation gene editing company that is driven to apply their breakthrough technology with urgency to advance gene replacement therapies and cures for people living with serious diseases. They stand apart through our ability to harness natural and highly precise cellular DNA repair machinery to achieve high efficiency, targeted gene integration to correct the underlying causes of diseases.
Eledon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a specialty pharmaceutical company dedicated to developing products for patients with ear, nose, and throat disorders. The company's lead product, OP0201, is a surfactant-based nasal aerosol designed for individuals at risk of or suffering from otitis media, which is inflammation of the middle ear. In addition to OP0201, Eledon has developed foam-based drug delivery technologies, OP0101 and OP0102, aimed at administering medications to the ear, nose, and sinus cavities. Founded in 2004 and initially known as Novus Therapeutics, the company rebranded in January 2021 and is headquartered in Irvine, California.

Recursion Pharmaceuticals

Series D in 2020
Recursion Pharmaceuticals is a biotechnology company based in Salt Lake City. Recursion combines experimental biology, automation, and artificial intelligence in a massively parallel system to quickly and efficiently identify treatments for any disease which can be modeled at the cellular level. From its initial and continued focus on drug repurposing to treat rare diseases, Recursion has broadened its platform to probe rich data from high-throughput automated screens for a number of indications, including aging, inflammation, infectious disease, and immunology. Recursion is aggressively leveraging technology to build a robust and reliable map of human cellular biology, which will enable a radical shift in the pace and scale at which new treatments will benefit patients.

Rain Therapeutics

Series B in 2020
Rain Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing targeted therapies for cancer patients, particularly those with unmet medical needs. Established in 2017 and based in Newark, California, the company specializes in small molecule therapeutics. Its lead product, RAIN-32, is a small molecule MDM2 inhibitor aimed at treating well-differentiated and de-differentiated liposarcoma. Additionally, Rain Therapeutics is developing tarloxotinib, a hypoxia-activated pan-HER inhibitor currently undergoing clinical trials for non-small cell lung cancer. The company emphasizes identifying cancers driven by specific oncogenic mutations and evaluates sub-populations where existing treatment options are inadequate. Through collaboration with a global network of scientific and thought leaders, Rain Therapeutics seeks to align its therapeutic innovations with the needs of these cancer populations.
Chinook Therapeutics is a biotechnology company that specializes in the fields of therapeutics and life science. The company focuses on developing precision medicines for kidney diseases. Its services offers utilization of novel translational platforms and patient stratification tools, and emergence of accelerated regulatory pathways based on surrogate endpoints. The company was founded in 2019 and headquartered in Alberta, Canada.

Nura Bio

Series A in 2020
Nura Bio, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, discovers and develops neuroprotective drugs that prevent axon loss after acute injury/chronic degenerative disease. It offers SARM1, an axon-intrinsic metabolic sensor and regulator with putative immune function, playing a central role in axonal degeneration; and develops small molecule inhibitors of SARM1 for the treatment of peripheral, central, and ocular nervous system disorders. Nura Bio, Inc. was formerly known as Proneurotech, Inc. and changed its name to Nura Bio, Inc. in February 2020. The company was incorporated in 2017 and is based in South San Francisco, California.

Alpine Immune Sciences

Funding Round in 2020
Alpine Immune Sciences is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Seattle, Washington, specializing in the discovery and development of protein-based immunotherapies aimed at treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, as well as cancer. Founded in 2015, the company leverages a proprietary scientific platform that transforms native immune system proteins into innovative, multi-targeted therapeutics. Its lead candidates include ALPN-101, an antagonist targeting the inducible T cell costimulator (ICOS) for autoimmune disorders, and ALPN-202, which functions as an antagonist of programmed cell death protein ligand 1 (PD-L1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) for cancer treatment. Additionally, Alpine has established a collaboration with Kite Pharma to develop therapies that engage the immune synapse for cancer treatment.

Verona Pharma

Post in 2020
Verona Pharma is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in London, dedicated to the discovery and development of therapies for chronic respiratory diseases. The company focuses on addressing unmet medical needs related to conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cystic fibrosis. Its lead product candidate, ensifentrine, is an inhaled dual inhibitor of phosphodiesterase enzymes that functions as both a bronchodilator and an anti-inflammatory agent. Currently, ensifentrine is undergoing clinical development, with formulations such as nebulized and dry powder inhalers being tested for the maintenance treatment of COPD. Verona Pharma aims to enhance the health and quality of life for individuals affected by these respiratory conditions. Founded in 2005, the company continues to advance its innovative therapeutic solutions.

UNUM Therapeutics

Post in 2020
Unum Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing immunotherapy products for cancer treatment, utilizing proprietary T-cell engineering technology. The company’s lead programs, based on its Antibody-Coupled T-cell Receptor (ACTR) technology, are in Phase I clinical trials. These include ACTR707 and ACTR087, both being tested in combination with rituximab for relapsed or refractory CD20+ non-Hodgkin lymphoma, as well as ACTR087 combined with SEA-BCMA for relapsed multiple myeloma. Additionally, ACTR707 is being evaluated with trastuzumab for HER2+ solid tumors. Unum Therapeutics is also exploring BOXR1030, a pre-clinical candidate targeting glypican-3 to enhance T cell functionality in the solid tumor microenvironment. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Unum aims to activate the body’s immune system to effectively combat cancer through its innovative therapies.

Bolt Biotherapeutics

Series C in 2020
Bolt Biotherapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative cancer treatments through its Boltbody platform, which centers on immune-stimulating antibody conjugates (ISAC). This platform combines tumor-targeting antibodies with potent immune stimulants, such as TLR agonists, to transform cold tumors into immunologically active ones and facilitate tumor elimination. One of the company's key developments is BDC-1001, designed as a monotherapy for patients with HER2-expressing solid tumors. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Redwood City, California, Bolt Biotherapeutics aims to advance cancer immunotherapy and improve patient outcomes. The company was previously known as Bolt Therapeutics before rebranding in July 2015.

Autobahn Labs

Seed Round in 2020
Autobahn Labs is a biotechnology company that accelerates the development of novel therapeutics. It is a collaboration between a Samsara BioCapital-led investor syndicate and Evotec. By combining Samsara's long-term investment philosophy with Evotec’s world-class drug discovery and development capabilities, they believe they can improve patient health by identifying exciting early-stage academic research projects that can spark the development of new therapeutics. It was founded in 2018 and is based in Palo Alto, California.

Autobahn Therapeutics

Series B in 2020
Autobahn Therapeutics, Inc. develops small molecule therapies for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) disorders. The company develops ABX-002, a thyroid hormone receptor beta agonist therapy for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS), and adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN). Autobahn Therapeutics, Inc. was formerly known as Llama Therapeutics, Inc. and changed its name to Autobahn Therapeutics, Inc. in December 2019. The company was incorporated in 2017 and is based in San Diego, California.

Mereo Biopharma

Post in 2020
Mereo is based in London and was founded in March 2015 to fund and develop novel, innovative specialist focused products from large pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies. Pharmaceutical companies face increasingly difficult choices in the allocation of internal resources to their drug development programs. With significant P&L constraints and rich pipelines it has become increasingly difficult for many companies to fully fund and advance development all of their drug candidates, especially beyond Phase 2. Mereo has been formed to take advantage of the global pharmaceutical industry's drive for creative ways to progress their clinical development pipelines. Mereo has acquired an initial mid-late stage portfolio of three exceptionally well characterised novel products for the treatment of diseases with considerable unmet medical need from Novartis Pharmaceuticals. Each of these programmes has a comprehensive dataset for both pre-clinical and proof-of-concept clinical studies. Additional product opportunities are under evaluation. Mereo's focus is the development of innovative medicines that have the potential to significantly transform the lives of patients suffering from rare and other specialised conditions around the world. To do this, the Company depends on the combination of its team's expertise in selecting and acquiring product opportunities, creating value in the development pipeline and structuring creative transactions. Mereo's internal expertise is complemented by a unique partnership with a leading global CRO, ICON. Mereo combines the operational discipline and efficiency of a small company with the financial resources to conduct comprehensive clinical studies. Mereo will rapidly progress each of the products through further value inflection points before partnering or divesting its products. The Company also has the option to directly commercialise products, for example in orphan disease indications.

Palvella Therapeutics

Series C in 2020
Palvella Therapeutics is a start-up life sciences company that focuses on relentlessly and selflessly serving abandoned patient populations with therapies. The company specializes in developing therapies that specifically target the root cause of the disease. Palvella Therapeutics was founded in 2015 and headquartered in Wayne, Pennsylvania.

Genalyte

Series C in 2020
Genalyte, Inc. is a clinical and diagnostic life sciences company based in San Diego, California. Founded in 2007, it focuses on providing rapid diagnostic testing solutions for healthcare professionals and researchers. The company has developed an innovative technology platform that utilizes silicon photonic biosensors to quantify the binding of biomolecules, such as antibodies and proteins. This platform enables direct measurement of protein interactions, which is essential for various applications, including monitoring autoimmune diseases, screening for cancer biomarkers, and detecting infectious agents like Ebola. Genalyte's technology is also employed by pharmaceutical companies and academic researchers in their diagnostic and therapeutic efforts, making it a significant player in the life sciences sector.

ElevateBio

Series B in 2020
ElevateBio, LLC is a holding company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that focuses on developing cell and gene-based therapies. Founded in 2017, ElevateBio operates a portfolio of companies dedicated to creating, manufacturing, and commercializing innovative treatments for cancer and viral infections. The company collaborates with leading scientists and inventors to build its portfolio and has established a centralized facility designed to streamline the research and development process. This approach allows ElevateBio to translate scientific advancements in cell and gene therapy into viable medical products, ultimately aiming to provide effective treatments for patients with severe diseases.

Fluent BioSciences

Series A in 2020
Fluent BioSciences is a privately funded life science company focused on developing high-sensitivity molecular analytical products. Utilizing proprietary instrument-free micro-self-assembly technology, the company enables the analysis of extremely low molecular and cellular sample inputs. Its platform facilitates the instantaneous self-assembly of individual cells or molecules into millions of uniform partitions, allowing for sensitive and unbiased preparation of proteins and nucleic acids for sequencing applications. This innovative approach provides researchers in the biotechnology sector with enhanced capabilities for single-cell analysis, broadening their access to advanced analytical techniques.

FORMA Therapeutics

Series D in 2019
Forma Therapeutics Holdings, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, engages in the development and commercialization of novel therapeutics for treatment of rare hematologic diseases and cancers. Its core product candidates for development include FT-4202, which is Phase 1 trial for the treatment of sickle cell disease and other hemoglobinopathies; and FT-7051 for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. The company is also developing FT-2102, an oral selective small molecule investigational agent that is designed to bind to and inhibit mutated IDH1 enzymes, which is being evaluated in a Phase 2 trial for relapsed/refractory AML, as well as an exploratory Phase 1 trial for glioma; and FT-4101 and FT-8225, which are selective fatty acid synthase inhibitors. The company was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts.
Pieris Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Massachusetts, focused on discovering and developing anticalin-based therapeutics. Anticalins are low molecular-weight proteins derived from lipocalins, which are naturally occurring proteins in the human body. The company’s lead respiratory candidate, PRS-060, is in Phase I trials for asthma and other inflammatory diseases, while its lead immuno-oncology candidate, PRS-343, is also in Phase I trials targeting various cancers. Additionally, Pieris is advancing PRS-080, a treatment for functional iron deficiency in patients with chronic kidney disease, currently in Phase IIa trials, and PRS-344, a bispecific anticalin-antibody fusion protein in preclinical development for oncology. The company collaborates with several partners, including Les Laboratoires Servier, AstraZeneca, and Seattle Genetics, and has research collaborations with academic institutions such as the University of Pittsburgh. Founded in 2000, Pieris Pharmaceuticals aims to address critical medical needs through its innovative drug development approach.

A2 Biotherapeutics

Series A in 2019
A2 Biotherapeutics is an early-stage biotechnology company located in Southern California that develops novel medicines for serious illnesses. We utilize an advanced targeting technology platform to increase the effectiveness of the body’s natural immune defenses.

MiroBio

Series A in 2019
MiroBio Ltd develops and manufactures antibody modulators of immune cell receptors for auto-immune diseases. The company is developing antibodies and variants to stimulate specific immune cell signals to harness the natural control mechanisms of the immune system. The company was incorporated in 2018 and is headquartered in Oxford, United Kingdom.

Nkarta Therapeutics

Series B in 2019
Nkarta, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, develops and commercializes cell therapies for cancer treatment. The company’s approach for cellular immunotherapy involves chimeric antigen receptors on the surface of a natural killer (NK) cell that enable the cell to recognize specific proteins or antigens that are present on the surface of tumor cells. Its co-lead product candidates are NKX101, a pre-clinical product that enhances the power of innate NK biology to detect and kill cancerous cells; and NKX019, a pre-clinical product, which is based on the ability to treat various B cell malignancies by targeting the CD19 antigen found on these types of cancerous cells. The company was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in South San Francisco, California.

Chinook Therapeutics

Series A in 2019
Chinook Therapeutics is a biotechnology company that specializes in the fields of therapeutics and life science. The company focuses on developing precision medicines for kidney diseases. Its services offers utilization of novel translational platforms and patient stratification tools, and emergence of accelerated regulatory pathways based on surrogate endpoints. The company was founded in 2019 and headquartered in Alberta, Canada.

Delfi Diagnostics

Venture Round in 2019
Delfi Diagnostics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Baltimore, Maryland, that specializes in early cancer detection through non-invasive blood tests. Founded in 2018, the company utilizes advanced artificial intelligence and genome sequencing technologies to identify unique patterns of DNA fragmentation in patients' blood, enabling the detection of cancer at its most treatable stage. By focusing on precision diagnostics, Delfi Diagnostics aims to improve patient outcomes and contribute to the evolving landscape of cancer care.

AlloVir

Series B in 2019
AlloVir focuses on the development of cell therapies and focuses on restoring natural immunity against the virus-associated diseases. It provides an ideal environment for ViraCyte to develop and advance its product pipeline from discovery through late-stage clinical trials. The company was founded in 2013 and headquartered in Houston, Texas.

ElevateBio

Series A in 2019
ElevateBio, LLC is a holding company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that focuses on developing cell and gene-based therapies. Founded in 2017, ElevateBio operates a portfolio of companies dedicated to creating, manufacturing, and commercializing innovative treatments for cancer and viral infections. The company collaborates with leading scientists and inventors to build its portfolio and has established a centralized facility designed to streamline the research and development process. This approach allows ElevateBio to translate scientific advancements in cell and gene therapy into viable medical products, ultimately aiming to provide effective treatments for patients with severe diseases.

SpringWorks Therapeutics

Series B in 2019
SpringWorks Therapeutics is a biotechnology company that specializes in identifying, developing, and commercializing therapies for underserved patient populations suffering from severe rare diseases and cancer. The firm's pipeline product includes Mirdametinib, Nirogacestat, and others. The company was founded in 2017 and headquartered in Connecticut, United States.

Hookipa Pharma

Series D in 2019
Hookipa Pharma is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing immune-therapeutics for infectious diseases and cancers using its proprietary arenavirus vector platforms. The company operates two main platforms: Vaxwave, aimed at creating prophylactic vaccines, and TheraT, which focuses on immuno-oncology therapies. Its key product candidates include HB-101, a vaccine for cytomegalovirus currently in a Phase II clinical trial for kidney transplant patients, and HB-201 and HB-202, which are in preclinical studies for treating human papillomavirus-positive cancers. Additionally, Hookipa is collaborating with Gilead Sciences to develop therapies for chronic Hepatitis B and HIV infections. Founded in 2011 and based in New York, Hookipa Pharma aims to leverage its innovative technologies to elicit robust immune responses, addressing limitations found in conventional vaccine and therapeutic approaches.

Neurogene

Series A in 2019
Neurogene is a developer of generic medicines intended to improve patient outcomes for neurological disorders.The company's offerings include advancing genetic medicines for many neurological disorders where no effective treatment options exist, providing patients and families affected by rare neurological disorders with gene therapy that improves quality of life.

Dewpoint Therapeutics

Series A in 2019
Dewpoint Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotech company focused on researching biomolecular condensates and their role in cellular function. Established in 2018 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, the company aims to develop innovative treatments for a range of diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, immunology, cardiovascular conditions, women’s health, and virology. Dewpoint Therapeutics utilizes a novel drug platform that specifically targets biomolecular condensates to advance its therapeutic solutions.

Bellus Health

Post in 2018
Bellus Health Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Laval, Canada, that focuses on developing therapeutics for chronic cough and other hypersensitization disorders. Its lead drug candidate, BLU-5937, is an oral small molecule antagonist of the P2X3 receptor, currently undergoing Phase II clinical trials for chronic cough and chronic pruritus. The company is also engaged in developing KIACTA™, a treatment for AA amyloidosis, a rare kidney disease, which has completed its Phase 3 study. KIACTA™ is also being explored for sarcoidosis, a serious inflammatory condition affecting the lungs. Additionally, Bellus Health is working on Shigamab™, an antibody treatment for Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome caused by Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, with pre-clinical studies underway. The company has a pipeline that includes research on AL amyloidosis, where amyloid protein accumulation leads to organ dysfunction.

Velicept Therapeutics

Series B in 2018
Velicept Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical development company, develops and commercializes drugs that have the potential to improve patients’ lives by transforming the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Its lead program include Solabegron, a differentiated and selective compound that relaxes the bladder smooth muscle by stimulating beta 3-adrenoceptors, which is being investigated for OAB and IBS conditions that affect the quality of life. The company was founded in 2015 and is based in Malvern, Pennsylvania.

Atreca

Series C in 2018
Atreca, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, focused on discovering and developing antibody-based immunotherapeutics for various solid tumors. Its lead product candidate, ATRC-101, is a monoclonal antibody currently in clinical development, which demonstrates a unique mechanism of action and targets derived from antibodies identified through Atreca's innovative discovery platform. ATRC-101 has shown in vitro reactivity with a significant majority of cancer samples, including those from ovarian, non-small cell lung, colorectal, and breast cancer patients. Additionally, the company has established a strategic research collaboration with Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. to identify antigenic targets of select antibodies with potential applications in oncology. Founded in 2010, Atreca aims to advance its therapies to improve treatment options for cancer patients.

Sutro Biopharma

Series E in 2018
Sutro Biopharma is a clinical stage drug discovery, development, and manufacturing company. It is mainly engaged in the development of biopharmaceutical products. The company manufactures next-generation protein therapeutics for cancer and autoimmune disorders through its proprietary integrated cell-free protein synthesis platform, XpressCF. Products offered by the company include STRO-001 for patients with multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma and STRO-002 for the treatment of ovarian and endometrial cancers.

Omniox

Series D in 2018
Omniox is a biopharmaceutical company developing new medicines for hypoxic diseases. Hypoxia, defined as insufficient levels of oxygen in tissues, is known to trigger or impact a range of serious illnesses and conditions including many cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and trauma. At the center of Omniox’ work is a protein-based platform technology (H-NOX), that is engineered to reverse hypoxic disease states by delivering oxygen or nitric oxide preferentially to hypoxic tissues.

Allakos

Series B in 2017
Allakos Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Redwood City, California, founded in 2012. The company specializes in developing antibody-based therapeutics aimed at treating various diseases linked to dysregulation of the T-helper type 2 immune response, including allergic diseases, inflammation, and conditions characterized by excessive inflammatory cell production. Its lead therapeutic candidate, antolimab (AK002), targets conditions such as eosinophilic gastritis, eosinophilic gastroenteritis, chronic urticaria, indolent systemic mastocytosis, and severe allergic conjunctivitis. Additionally, Allakos is advancing another program, AK006, which targets the Siglec-6 receptor on mast cells to modulate their activity and reduce excessive activation. Through these initiatives, Allakos aims to address significant unmet medical needs in immunological health.

Levo Therapeutics

Series A in 2017
Levo Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing treatments for Prader-Willi Syndrome and related disorders. Founded in 2014 and located in Skokie, Illinois, the company is known for its therapeutic program LV-101, which specifically targets hyperphagia and behavioral issues associated with Prader-Willi syndrome. Levo Therapeutics employs genetic insights to enhance its research and development efforts, aiming to provide effective solutions for this multisystem neurodevelopmental disorder and improve the lives of affected patients.