Ardelyx, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing innovative therapies for cardiorenal diseases. Headquartered in Fremont, California, Ardelyx's lead product candidate, tenapanor, has successfully completed Phase 3 clinical trials for treating irritable bowel syndrome with constipation and is also in Phase 3 trials for managing hyperphosphatemia in end-stage renal disease patients undergoing dialysis. The company is advancing RDX013, a small molecule potassium secretagogue, aimed at treating hyperkalemia. Ardelyx is also developing RDX5791, an oral NHE3 sodium transport inhibitor targeting constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome and excess dietary sodium absorption, currently in Phase 2 trials. Additionally, RDX002 and RDX009, which inhibit phosphate absorption and target type 2 diabetes, respectively, are in preclinical development. Ardelyx emphasizes non-systemic oral therapeutics that minimize side effects while effectively addressing metabolic disorders. Since its founding in 2007, the company has secured significant funding to support its research and development efforts.
Rhythm Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and commercializing peptide therapeutics for the treatment of rare genetic disorders, particularly those leading to life-threatening metabolic conditions. Its primary product candidate, setmelanotide, is a first-in-class melanocortin-4 receptor agonist currently undergoing Phase III clinical trials for obesity related to pro-opiomelanocortin and leptin receptor deficiencies, as well as Bardet-Biedl and Alström syndromes. Additionally, setmelanotide is in Phase II trials for various other genetic obesity disorders. The company is also advancing RM-853, an orally available ghrelin O-acyltransferase inhibitor, in preclinical development for Prader-Willi syndrome. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Rhythm Pharmaceuticals aims to address significant unmet medical needs in the realm of genetic metabolic disorders through innovative therapies.
Spero Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializing in the development of novel treatments for multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacterial infections and rare diseases. The company's key product candidates include tebipenem pivoxil hydrobromide, an oral antibiotic aimed at treating MDR gram-negative infections in adults; SPR206, an intravenous agent targeting MDR gram-negative infections in hospital settings; and SPR720, an oral antibiotic for pulmonary non-tuberculous mycobacterial disease. Spero Therapeutics has entered various agreements, including a licensing partnership with Meiji Seika Pharma to develop tebipenem HBr and collaborations with Everest Medicines and the Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute for the development and commercialization of SPR206 and SPR720, respectively. Founded in 2013, Spero Therapeutics aims to address urgent medical needs through innovative therapeutic solutions for serious bacterial infections.
Portola Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, develops and commercializes novel therapeutics in the areas of thrombosis, and other hematologic disorders and inflammation in Europe and the United States. Its lead product Andexxa, an antidote for the treatment of rivaroxaban and apixaban under the Ondexxya Brand. The company offers Bevyxxa (betrixaban), an oral, once-daily Factor Xa inhibitor for the prevention of venous thromboembolism in adult patients for an acute medical illness. It also develops cerdulatinib, an investigational oral, dual spleen tyrosine kinase, and janus kinases inhibitor for the treatment of hematologic cancers; and Syk inhibitors. Portola Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has collaboration agreements with Bristol-Myers Squibb; Pfizer Inc.; Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.; Bayer Pharma, AG; Takeda, Ora, Inc.; Astellas Pharma Inc.; and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The company was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in South San Francisco, California. As of July 1, 2020, Portola Pharmaceuticals, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Coherus BioSciences, Inc. is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Redwood City, California, that specializes in the development, manufacture, and marketing of biosimilar therapeutics. It primarily targets the oncology and inflammatory disease markets with its product offerings. The company's flagship product, UDENYCA, is a biosimilar to Neulasta, designed to stimulate the production of granulocytes to enhance the body’s infection-fighting capabilities. Coherus is also advancing several other biosimilar candidates, including those for Humira and Enbrel, which have completed Phase III clinical studies. Additionally, the company is working on biosimilars for other biologics, including ranibizumab and aflibercept, as well as a small-molecule drug for metabolic conditions. Coherus BioSciences was founded in 2010 and has established various license agreements to support its product development initiatives.
TearScience, Inc. is a medical device company that engages in identifying, diagnosing, and treating meibomian gland disease (MGD), which is the cause of dry eye. The company focuses on the early detection and treatment of prevalent, chronic, and progressive MGD. It develops LipiFlow Activator, a single-use sterile device that delivers automated therapeutic energies to each meibomian gland while protecting the delicate structures of the patient’s eye; and LipiScan, a gland imager that allows eye care professionals to evaluate meibomian glands in practices. The company was formerly known as Kolis Scientific, Inc. and changed its name to TearScience, Inc. in July 2005. TearScience, Inc. was founded in 2005 and is based in Morrisville, North Carolina. As of September 6, 2017, TearScience, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision, Inc.
Private Equity Round in 2015
Invuity, Inc. is a medical technology company specializing in the development and marketing of illuminated surgical devices in the United States and Asia. Utilizing its intelligent photonics technology platform, Invuity creates both single-use and reusable devices that enhance visibility during surgeries. Its product offerings include various illuminated retractor systems and handheld illuminators designed for a range of surgical applications, including breast, orthopedic, spine, cardiothoracic, and gynecological procedures. The BriteField Port System and BriteField McCulloch retractor are notable products that facilitate illumination and visualization during minimally invasive surgeries. Invuity sells its devices through a network of direct sales representatives and independent agents, as well as directly to hospitals and surgeons. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, Invuity was previously known as Spotlight Surgical, Inc. and has been operating as a subsidiary of Stryker Corporation since 2018.
Helomics® is a comprehensive personalized healthcare company, bringing the next generation of diagnostics to the oncology field. Helomics is dedicated to improving patient outcomes by providing a personalized comprehensive tumor profile utilizing a proprietary set of laboratory platforms that leverage both tissue-based live and fixed cellular based analysis allowing physicians to characterize malignant tumors on a personalized basis. Helomics’ novel molecular and cellular markers and bioinformatics services support treatment decisions by providing vital information based on the specific biological processes of each individual’s cancer.
Cardiorentis AG is a biopharmaceutical company based in Zug, Switzerland, focused on developing innovative drug therapies for acute heart failure and related cardiovascular diseases. Founded in 2010, the company is centered on its lead product, ularitide, which is an intravenous infusion treatment for acute heart failure. Cardiorentis is conducting extensive clinical studies, including the TRUE-AHF trial and the SIRIUS I and II studies, to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ularitide in patients with symptomatic and decompensated chronic heart failure. The company's research approach leverages protein biology to identify novel therapeutic targets and aims to create small molecule compounds and peptides that address significant unmet medical needs in the healthcare market. Through strategic partnerships with academic institutions and clinical practitioners, Cardiorentis is committed to advancing scientific research and improving patient outcomes in the field of cardiology.
AcuFocus, Inc. is an ophthalmic medical device company based in Irvine, California, specializing in small aperture technologies aimed at enhancing near vision. The company offers the KAMRA inlay, designed to assist presbyopic patients in restoring their near vision while preserving distance clarity. Additionally, AcuFocus provides the IC-8 IOL, a small aperture lens that accommodates a range of vision for cataract patients. The AcuTarget HD system serves as a diagnostic and surgical planning tool, aiding in the optimal treatment selection for various eye conditions, including LASIK and dry eye. AcuFocus markets its products through distribution partners across the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East, thereby serving a global clientele of physicians and patients. Founded in 2001, AcuFocus continues to focus on advancing solutions for presbyopia and related vision issues.
Raptor Pharmaceuticals Corp. operates as a development stage biotechnology company in the United States. The company engages in the discovery, research, and preclinical development of drug candidates and drug-targeting platforms for the treatment of various brain disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, genetic disorders, and cancer through the proprietary use of receptor-associated proteins and mesoderm development proteins. Its clinical-stage products include DR Cysteamine, which is in Phase IIb clinical trail for the treatment of nephropathic cystinosis or cystinosis; and in Phase IIa clinical trail for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. The company also develops Convivia, a Phase IIa clinical trail product for the treatment of aldehyde dehydrogenase or ALDH2 deficiency; DR Cysteamine, which is in Phase II clinical trail for the treatment of Huntington's Disease; and Tezampanel and NGX 426 that is in Phase II clinical trail for the treatment of migraine, acute pain, and chronic pain. In addition, its preclinical development products comprise HepTide for the treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Hepatitis C; WntTide for the treatment of breast cancer; and NeuroTrans for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The company has collaboration agreements with the University of California, San Diego for a clinical study of DR Cysteamine in juvenile patients with Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis and to study DR Cysteamine in patients with cystinosis. Raptor Pharmaceuticals Corp was founded in 2005 and is based in Novato, California.
Invuity, Inc. is a medical technology company specializing in the development and marketing of illuminated surgical devices in the United States and Asia. Utilizing its intelligent photonics technology platform, Invuity creates both single-use and reusable devices that enhance visibility during surgeries. Its product offerings include various illuminated retractor systems and handheld illuminators designed for a range of surgical applications, including breast, orthopedic, spine, cardiothoracic, and gynecological procedures. The BriteField Port System and BriteField McCulloch retractor are notable products that facilitate illumination and visualization during minimally invasive surgeries. Invuity sells its devices through a network of direct sales representatives and independent agents, as well as directly to hospitals and surgeons. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, Invuity was previously known as Spotlight Surgical, Inc. and has been operating as a subsidiary of Stryker Corporation since 2018.
Private Equity Round in 2014
Nuron Biotech Inc. develops specialty biologics and vaccines. Its product pipeline comprises central nervous system products, such as NU100, a recombinant human interferon beta-1b for the treatment of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis; wound healing products, including NU200, a recombinant human epidermal growth factor product for healing diabetic foot ulcers and burns; and HibTITER, a conjugate vaccine. The company was founded in 2010 and is based in Exton, Pennsylvania.
Suneva Medical, Inc. is a medical technology company specializing in the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of innovative products for the dermatology and aesthetic markets. Its flagship product, Bellafill, is a unique dermal filler that has five-year safety and efficacy data, making it the only filler approved for the correction of facial acne scars. The company also offers Puregraft, designed to enhance fat graft retention, and Suneva Medical HD platelet-rich plasma, which optimizes platelet concentrate capture. Additionally, Suneva Medical provides Silhouette InstaLift resorbable sutures for cosmetic facial procedures. Founded in 2008 and based in San Diego, California, the company aims to deliver high patient satisfaction through its differentiated product offerings, which present significant opportunities for its practice partners.
Suneva Medical, Inc. is a medical technology company specializing in the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of innovative products for the dermatology and aesthetic markets. Its flagship product, Bellafill, is a unique dermal filler that has five-year safety and efficacy data, making it the only filler approved for the correction of facial acne scars. The company also offers Puregraft, designed to enhance fat graft retention, and Suneva Medical HD platelet-rich plasma, which optimizes platelet concentrate capture. Additionally, Suneva Medical provides Silhouette InstaLift resorbable sutures for cosmetic facial procedures. Founded in 2008 and based in San Diego, California, the company aims to deliver high patient satisfaction through its differentiated product offerings, which present significant opportunities for its practice partners.
TearScience, Inc. is a medical device company that engages in identifying, diagnosing, and treating meibomian gland disease (MGD), which is the cause of dry eye. The company focuses on the early detection and treatment of prevalent, chronic, and progressive MGD. It develops LipiFlow Activator, a single-use sterile device that delivers automated therapeutic energies to each meibomian gland while protecting the delicate structures of the patient’s eye; and LipiScan, a gland imager that allows eye care professionals to evaluate meibomian glands in practices. The company was formerly known as Kolis Scientific, Inc. and changed its name to TearScience, Inc. in July 2005. TearScience, Inc. was founded in 2005 and is based in Morrisville, North Carolina. As of September 6, 2017, TearScience, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision, Inc.
Private Equity Round in 2012
Nuron Biotech Inc. develops specialty biologics and vaccines. Its product pipeline comprises central nervous system products, such as NU100, a recombinant human interferon beta-1b for the treatment of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis; wound healing products, including NU200, a recombinant human epidermal growth factor product for healing diabetic foot ulcers and burns; and HibTITER, a conjugate vaccine. The company was founded in 2010 and is based in Exton, Pennsylvania.
AcuFocus, Inc. is an ophthalmic medical device company based in Irvine, California, specializing in small aperture technologies aimed at enhancing near vision. The company offers the KAMRA inlay, designed to assist presbyopic patients in restoring their near vision while preserving distance clarity. Additionally, AcuFocus provides the IC-8 IOL, a small aperture lens that accommodates a range of vision for cataract patients. The AcuTarget HD system serves as a diagnostic and surgical planning tool, aiding in the optimal treatment selection for various eye conditions, including LASIK and dry eye. AcuFocus markets its products through distribution partners across the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East, thereby serving a global clientele of physicians and patients. Founded in 2001, AcuFocus continues to focus on advancing solutions for presbyopia and related vision issues.