Comanche is a biopharmaceutical company developing an investigational siRNA medicine for preterm preeclampsia. We envision a world where all women and their babies have access to safe and effective therapies for treating life threatening complications of pregnancy, and those solutions must be evidence-based and affordable.
Cerevance LLC is engaged in the development of therapeutics targeting specific proteins expressed selectively in brain cell types affected by neurological diseases. The company utilizes its proprietary NETSseq platform to profile distinct brain cell types, such as neurons and glial cells, in mature human brain tissue. This technology reveals transcriptional and epigenetic differences, facilitating the early detection and treatment of serious neurological and psychiatric disorders, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Founded in 2016, Cerevance is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with an additional office in Cambridge, United Kingdom. The company's focus is on advancing new medicines for central nervous system diseases by addressing the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration and related conditions.
Pretzel Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing therapies for mitochondrial dysfunction. Founded by leading experts in mitochondrial biology, the company aims to create innovative treatments that address the underlying causes of mitochondrial issues. By leveraging a comprehensive understanding of mitochondrial mechanisms, Pretzel Therapeutics seeks to reverse dysfunction at its roots, potentially providing effective solutions for patients suffering from a range of conditions, including those related to aging. The company's name reflects its scientific focus on the mitochondrion, which is characterized by its unique and highly folded inner membrane, distinguishing it from other organelles in the body.
Vicinitas Therapeutics is a biotech startup that specializes in developing medicines that impact patient lives. Its vision is to use its proprietary Deubiquitinase Targeting Chimera (DUBTAC) platform to restore the levels of aberrantly degraded proteins that cause disease to confer therapeutic benefit.
Xilis, Inc. is an oncology and precision health company that focuses on improving cancer diagnosis and treatment. Founded in 2019 and based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Xilis utilizes advanced organoid technologies, specifically micro-organoids, to create thousands of 3D replicas of a patient's tumor within six days. This innovative approach allows for rapid diagnostics and personalized drug screening, enabling healthcare providers to identify the most effective treatments for individual patients. The company's platform supports scalable, patient-derived models that facilitate high-throughput drug discovery, ultimately assisting physicians and pharmaceutical companies in developing tailored therapies at a reduced cost.
Areteia Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on improving the management of eosinophilic asthma through an innovative oral drug treatment. The company, which emerged from Knopp, aims to provide patients with a novel therapeutic option that inhibits the maturation of eosinophils—cells that can cause airway damage in asthma patients. Its drug candidate has demonstrated promising results in a phase 2 clinical trial, which showed a reduction in blood eosinophil counts, indicating enhanced lung function. This approach seeks to empower patients by offering a potentially effective and accessible treatment for a severe form of asthma, thereby improving their quality of life and disease management.
Aspen Neuroscience, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, focused on developing induced pluripotent stem cell therapies for neurological conditions, particularly Parkinson's disease. Founded in 2018, the company aims to create patient-specific restorative cell therapies that can alter the progression of the disease. Its product pipeline includes ANPD001, an autologous neuron replacement therapy designed for sporadic Parkinson's disease, and ANPD002, a gene-edited version targeting familial forms of the disease. By integrating innovative genomic approaches with stem cell biology, Aspen Neuroscience seeks to advance the field of personalized medicine and improve treatment outcomes for patients suffering from Parkinson's disease.
Celsius Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative medicines to treat complex diseases, including autoimmunity and cancer. Founded in 2017 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company leverages advanced techniques such as single-cell genomic analysis and machine learning to gain insights into the cellular ecosystems of diseases. By systematically applying single-cell sequencing and analyzing extensive datasets with sophisticated algorithms, Celsius Therapeutics aims to discover critical biomarkers and precision therapies that enhance patient care and enable clinicians to identify genes that play a causal role in various conditions.
Ventus Therapeutics U.S., Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Natick, Massachusetts, with an additional location in Montreal, Canada. Founded in 2019, it focuses on discovering and developing novel small-molecule medicines that target the innate immune system to address autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, and cancer. The company employs a structural immunology platform that integrates protein engineering to elucidate molecular structures and mechanisms of action. This platform facilitates the development of precise binding and functional screening assays, as well as structure-based modeling. Ventus Therapeutics is advancing an emerging pipeline of drug programs aimed at key targets within the innate immune system, leveraging its proprietary capabilities in rational and structure-based drug design.
Seismic Therapeutic is a biotechnology company focused on accelerating immunology drug development through the integration of machine learning in the biologics discovery process. Utilizing its IMPACT™ platform, Seismic Therapeutic aims to tackle key challenges in biologics discovery by combining structural biology, protein engineering, and translational immunology. This comprehensive approach facilitates the creation of optimized therapies that can reach patients more quickly. The company is developing a pipeline of innovative biologics targeting adaptive immune system dysregulation, with the goal of treating autoimmune diseases.
Synapticure is a tele neurology startup focused on providing customized care for patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and their families. The company operates a virtual clinical care platform that leverages advances in science and technology to identify and treat each patient's specific needs. Through this platform, patients gain easy access to neurologists and comprehensive behavioral health services, including psychiatry and therapy care coordination, all integrated into one system. This approach aims to enhance the patient experience by ensuring that they receive the necessary support and resources while managing their condition from the comfort of their homes.
TenSixteen Bio is a biotechnology company based in San Francisco that specializes in developing innovative therapeutics for various age-related disorders. The company focuses on leveraging somatic mosaicism and clonal hematopoiesis in its approach to precision medicine, aiming to address complex diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular conditions. By utilizing advanced DNA analysis, TenSixteen Bio seeks to discover and develop new treatments that can enhance the capabilities of pharmaceutical companies in managing these diseases. Co-founded by Foresite Labs, TenSixteen Bio is dedicated to transforming the future of healthcare through its unique therapeutic strategies.
Provider of cancer therapy services intended to improve both the safety and efficacy of cytokine immunotherapies for cancer patients. The company's services offer systemic dosing of these immune stimulants that have historically been limited by broad immune activation and toxicity, develops cancer therapies based on tumor-localized immune potentiating agents that boost anti-tumor immune responses, enabling patients to find an instant treatment for cancer without any surgery.
Antiva Biosciences is a biopharmaceutical company developing novel, localized therapeutics for the treatment of diseases caused by HPV infection. The company was founded as Hera Therapeutics in 2012 by Dr. Karl Hostetler at The University of California San Diego. They are now Antiva Biosciences which is headquartered in South San Francisco.
Cambridge Epigenetix Limited is a bioscience company based in Babraham, United Kingdom, focused on advancing clinical epigenetics. Founded in 2012, the company specializes in developing innovative tools for epigenetic analysis, particularly through its TrueMethyl technology, which allows for precise sequencing of hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and methylcytosine (5mC). Its product offerings include TrueMethyl 6 and TrueMethyl 24 kits, designed for quantitative measurement and single-base resolution analysis of DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation. Cambridge Epigenetix aims to transform medical diagnostics by simplifying tests for colorectal cancer and other tumors to a single blood draw, leveraging the significant biomarker potential of 5hmC. The company emerged from the University of Cambridge, backed by notable investors including GV, Sequoia, and Syncona. Through its work, Cambridge Epigenetix seeks to enhance diagnostic and prognostic capabilities in medicine, aligning with its mission to improve human health.
ROME Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative therapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases. Established in 2019, ROME Therapeutics is pioneering the exploration of the repeatome, which consists of extensive regions of genetic material previously considered "junk DNA." The company has identified several drug targets and is actively advancing multiple discovery programs. To facilitate its research, ROME has assembled a team of experts across various disciplines, including oncology, immunology, virology, and machine learning, to harness this uncharted area of biology for therapeutic advancements.
Sonoma Biotherapeutics develops adoptive Treg cell therapies aimed at treating autoimmune and degenerative diseases. The company employs advanced genome editing and target-specific cell therapy to create therapeutic solutions that promote self-tolerance and mitigate harmful inflammatory responses associated with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, with an additional office in Seattle, Washington, Sonoma Biotherapeutics combines expertise in Treg biology and proprietary methodologies to advance its therapeutic platform, focusing on developing disease-modifying and potentially curative treatments.
Xilis, Inc. is an oncology and precision health company that focuses on improving cancer diagnosis and treatment. Founded in 2019 and based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Xilis utilizes advanced organoid technologies, specifically micro-organoids, to create thousands of 3D replicas of a patient's tumor within six days. This innovative approach allows for rapid diagnostics and personalized drug screening, enabling healthcare providers to identify the most effective treatments for individual patients. The company's platform supports scalable, patient-derived models that facilitate high-throughput drug discovery, ultimately assisting physicians and pharmaceutical companies in developing tailored therapies at a reduced cost.
Ribon Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Lexington, Massachusetts, founded in 2015. The company is focused on developing innovative cancer therapies that target monoPARP proteins, which are essential regulators of cancer cell survival. Ribon's scientific founders have made significant contributions to the understanding of PARPs, or poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases, and their roles in cancer. Leveraging this expertise, Ribon is establishing a proprietary drug discovery platform aimed at exploring the molecular actions and biological functions of monoPARPs. This platform supports the creation of a pipeline of therapeutics that selectively target these proteins to potentially treat cancer and other diseases. Ribon Therapeutics is supported by notable life science investors, enhancing its capability to advance its research and development efforts.
Affinia Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing gene therapies for various diseases, particularly those affecting muscle and the central nervous system (CNS). Founded in 2019 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, the company specializes in creating rationally designed adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors. By integrating synthetic and systems biology with high-throughput screening and advanced resolution techniques, Affinia Therapeutics aims to address significant unmet medical needs. The company’s innovative approach allows for the development of novel gene therapies with enhanced properties, targeting the treatment of devastating diseases and improving the lives of affected individuals.
Treeline Biosciences is a biotech company building transformative precision medicines for patients with cancer and other serious conditions. The company was founded in 2021 and is headquartered in Stamford, CT.
Invivyd is a biotechnology company focused on developing advanced antibodies to neutralize SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1, and other potentially emerging coronaviruses. Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, the company aims to create best-in-class therapeutic and prophylactic treatments that surpass the efficacy of existing antibody programs. Its innovative portfolio features multiple non-competing antibodies, each targeting distinct viral epitopes, which is designed to minimize the risk of viral escape. By leveraging cutting-edge antibody discovery technologies, Invivyd seeks to enhance the potency and durability of its antibody candidates, addressing a critical need in the ongoing fight against coronaviruses.
Ventus Therapeutics U.S., Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Natick, Massachusetts, with an additional location in Montreal, Canada. Founded in 2019, it focuses on discovering and developing novel small-molecule medicines that target the innate immune system to address autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, and cancer. The company employs a structural immunology platform that integrates protein engineering to elucidate molecular structures and mechanisms of action. This platform facilitates the development of precise binding and functional screening assays, as well as structure-based modeling. Ventus Therapeutics is advancing an emerging pipeline of drug programs aimed at key targets within the innate immune system, leveraging its proprietary capabilities in rational and structure-based drug design.
Insitro, Inc. is a data-driven drug discovery and development company based in South San Francisco, California, founded in 2018. The company utilizes machine learning and high-throughput biology to transform the traditional processes of drug discovery and delivery. By generating extensive functional genomic datasets and aligning them with patient data through innovative machine learning techniques, Insitro builds predictive models that aim to address critical challenges in pharmaceutical research and development. These models facilitate accelerated target selection and the design of effective therapeutics, ultimately enhancing the efficiency of drug development and informing clinical strategies. The focus of Insitro's work includes the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), showcasing its commitment to addressing significant health issues through advanced technology.
Monte Rosa Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in Basel, Switzerland, that specializes in developing innovative cancer therapeutics through the modulation of protein degradation pathways. The company focuses on molecular glue degraders (MGDs), a class of small molecule drugs that utilize the body's natural mechanisms for protein degradation to selectively target and degrade proteins relevant to cancer treatment. Monte Rosa employs its QuEEN platform, which integrates artificial intelligence and proprietary experimental tools, to identify and develop target proteins for degradation. With a library of over 50,000 MGD molecules, its leading product candidate, MRT-2359, specifically targets the translation termination factor protein GSPT1, showing potential for treating MYC-driven tumors. The company is committed to advancing its pipeline of novel therapeutics to address unmet medical needs in oncology.
Evox Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in Oxford, United Kingdom, focused on developing exosome-based therapeutics for the treatment of severe diseases. Founded in 2016, the company leverages its proprietary technology to harness and engineer extracellular vesicles, known as exosomes, for the targeted delivery of nucleic acids and proteins. This innovative approach aims to enhance drug delivery to challenging areas, such as the brain and central nervous system, where conventional therapies often fall short. Evox’s mission is to improve human health by creating novel therapeutics that address significant medical needs, particularly for conditions with limited treatment options. The company has built a comprehensive intellectual property portfolio and is backed by prominent life sciences venture capital groups, positioning it as a leader in the emerging field of exosome-based drug delivery.
TScan Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative T cell therapies to treat various cancers, including liquid tumors and solid tumors. The company focuses on engineering T cell receptor (TCR) therapies, with specific candidates aimed at addressing hematologic malignancies and preventing relapse after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. TScan utilizes a specialized platform that identifies shared T cell antigens and minimizes off-target effects, enhancing the safety and effectiveness of its treatments. The company’s pipeline includes both liquid tumor therapies and multiplexed TCR-T candidates for solid tumors. Founded in 2018, TScan Therapeutics is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, and comprises a team of experts committed to expanding treatment options for patients with limited therapeutic alternatives.
Verve Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies aimed at editing the adult human genome to provide lifelong protection against coronary artery disease, a leading global cause of mortality. Founded in 2018 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with a research facility in Philadelphia, the company employs gene-editing technology to create treatments that shift the management of cardiovascular diseases from chronic care to potentially curative interventions. Its initial programs concentrate on the PCSK9 and ANGPTL3 genes, which are recognized for their roles in regulating blood lipids, specifically low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Verve Therapeutics collaborates with partners such as Beam Therapeutics and Verily to enhance delivery technologies for its cardiovascular treatments.
Vera Therapeutics is engaged in the development of innovative gene editing solutions aimed at curing genetic diseases, particularly sickle cell disease and cystic fibrosis. The company utilizes a proprietary triplex gene editing platform to create a pipeline of therapeutic products targeting high-penetrance disease genes. Founded in 2016 and based in South San Francisco, California, Vera Therapeutics is dedicated to alleviating and potentially curing genetic disorders in affected patients.
FogPharma is a healthcare company founded in 2015 and headquartered in Gloucester, Massachusetts. The firm is dedicated to the pharmaceutical sector, with a primary focus on developing innovative treatments for cancer. It operates with the support of a diverse group of private and institutional investors, fostering collaboration among its founders, employees, and advisors. FogPharma aims to create a new class of medicines designed to extend and enhance the lives of cancer patients. The company's commitment to its mission drives its efforts to pioneer effective solutions in cancer treatment.
Locanabio, Inc. develops RNA-targeted gene therapies to treat a spectrum of underserved diseases. It offers therapies for neuromuscular, neurodegeneration, and ophthalmology diseases. Locanabio, Inc. was formerly known as Locana, Inc. and changed its name to Locanabio, Inc. in July 2020. The company was founded in 2016 and is based in San Diego, California.
Invivyd is a biotechnology company focused on developing advanced antibodies to neutralize SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1, and other potentially emerging coronaviruses. Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, the company aims to create best-in-class therapeutic and prophylactic treatments that surpass the efficacy of existing antibody programs. Its innovative portfolio features multiple non-competing antibodies, each targeting distinct viral epitopes, which is designed to minimize the risk of viral escape. By leveraging cutting-edge antibody discovery technologies, Invivyd seeks to enhance the potency and durability of its antibody candidates, addressing a critical need in the ongoing fight against coronaviruses.
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.
Monte Rosa Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in Basel, Switzerland, that specializes in developing innovative cancer therapeutics through the modulation of protein degradation pathways. The company focuses on molecular glue degraders (MGDs), a class of small molecule drugs that utilize the body's natural mechanisms for protein degradation to selectively target and degrade proteins relevant to cancer treatment. Monte Rosa employs its QuEEN platform, which integrates artificial intelligence and proprietary experimental tools, to identify and develop target proteins for degradation. With a library of over 50,000 MGD molecules, its leading product candidate, MRT-2359, specifically targets the translation termination factor protein GSPT1, showing potential for treating MYC-driven tumors. The company is committed to advancing its pipeline of novel therapeutics to address unmet medical needs in oncology.
Private Equity Round in 2020
Kronos Bio, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering and developing innovative cancer therapeutics. Founded in 2017 and based in San Mateo, California, the company concentrates on targeting dysregulated transcription factors and the associated transcriptional regulatory networks that contribute to cancer progression. Its lead candidate, entospletinib, is a selective inhibitor aimed at spleen tyrosine kinase for treating acute myeloid leukemia. Additionally, Kronos Bio is advancing KB-0742, an orally bioavailable inhibitor of cyclin dependent kinase 9, intended for the treatment of MYC-amplified solid tumors. The company employs advanced techniques, including high-throughput small-molecule microarrays and targeted protein degradation, to discover potent compounds that can effectively modulate challenging cancer targets.
Science 37, Inc. is a technology-driven clinical trial company focused on transforming clinical research through patient-centric models. It has developed NORA (Network Oriented Research Assistant), a cloud-based mobile research platform that facilitates communication between researchers and patients via videos, photographs, and surveys, enabling end-to-end networked clinical trial services. The company also offers the Science 37 Metasite, which enhances access to diverse patient populations for clinical studies, and the Science 37 Platform for decentralized clinical trials. By utilizing its virtual model, Science 37 has demonstrated faster enrollment and higher patient retention, reaching a broader and more representative patient demographic than traditional site-based research. The company serves a wide range of clients, including large pharmaceutical firms, biotechnology companies, universities, and startups. Since its incorporation in 2014, Science 37 has established itself as a leader in virtual clinical trials, leveraging an extensive network of telemedicine investigators and home-health nurses to conduct more decentralized interventional trials than any other organization.
Taysha Gene Therapies is a company focused on developing adeno-associated virus (AAV) based gene therapies aimed at treating monogenic diseases of the central nervous system. Founded in 2019 and based in Dallas, Texas, the company is advancing several therapeutic candidates, including TSHA-101 for GM2 gangliosidosis, TSHA-118 for CLN1 disease, TSHA-102 for Rett syndrome, TSHA-103 for SLC6A1 haploinsufficiency disorder, and TSHA-104 for Surfeit locus 1 deficiency. Taysha Gene Therapies collaborates with The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center to enhance the development and commercialization of its innovative treatments, with a mission to eradicate severe and life-threatening CNS diseases through curative gene therapies. The company's expertise in drug development and its partnership with a leading gene therapy program enable it to effectively progress its pipeline of potential therapies.
Encoded Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing precision gene therapies for severe genetic disorders. The company's innovative platform identifies sequences within the human genome that regulate gene expression through advanced screening and computational methods. Its therapy pipeline targets a variety of genetic and acquired disorders across multiple disease pathways, including neurocircuitry, liver and metabolic disorders, neurodegeneration, and cardiovascular diseases. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, Encoded Therapeutics aims to enhance treatment options available to medical practitioners, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
Invivyd is a biotechnology company focused on developing advanced antibodies to neutralize SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1, and other potentially emerging coronaviruses. Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, the company aims to create best-in-class therapeutic and prophylactic treatments that surpass the efficacy of existing antibody programs. Its innovative portfolio features multiple non-competing antibodies, each targeting distinct viral epitopes, which is designed to minimize the risk of viral escape. By leveraging cutting-edge antibody discovery technologies, Invivyd seeks to enhance the potency and durability of its antibody candidates, addressing a critical need in the ongoing fight against coronaviruses.
Verve Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies aimed at editing the adult human genome to provide lifelong protection against coronary artery disease, a leading global cause of mortality. Founded in 2018 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with a research facility in Philadelphia, the company employs gene-editing technology to create treatments that shift the management of cardiovascular diseases from chronic care to potentially curative interventions. Its initial programs concentrate on the PCSK9 and ANGPTL3 genes, which are recognized for their roles in regulating blood lipids, specifically low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Verve Therapeutics collaborates with partners such as Beam Therapeutics and Verily to enhance delivery technologies for its cardiovascular treatments.
Insitro, Inc. is a data-driven drug discovery and development company based in South San Francisco, California, founded in 2018. The company utilizes machine learning and high-throughput biology to transform the traditional processes of drug discovery and delivery. By generating extensive functional genomic datasets and aligning them with patient data through innovative machine learning techniques, Insitro builds predictive models that aim to address critical challenges in pharmaceutical research and development. These models facilitate accelerated target selection and the design of effective therapeutics, ultimately enhancing the efficiency of drug development and informing clinical strategies. The focus of Insitro's work includes the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), showcasing its commitment to addressing significant health issues through advanced technology.
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.
scPharmaceticals is creating innovative and important new therapeutic options by administering drugs subcutaneously using a convenient two component delivery system suitable for patient self-administration.In February 2013 scPharmaceuticals was formed to continue the groundbreaking work of SpringLeaf Therapeutics, a Boston area company that started in 2007. scPharmaceuticals targets the untapped opportunity of treating patients with serious medical conditions with a convenient safe and comfortable subcutaneous administration of a drug. This is therapeutically equivalent to intravenous administration while avoiding the cost, burden and risks associated with intravenous administration.
Ventus Therapeutics U.S., Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Natick, Massachusetts, with an additional location in Montreal, Canada. Founded in 2019, it focuses on discovering and developing novel small-molecule medicines that target the innate immune system to address autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, and cancer. The company employs a structural immunology platform that integrates protein engineering to elucidate molecular structures and mechanisms of action. This platform facilitates the development of precise binding and functional screening assays, as well as structure-based modeling. Ventus Therapeutics is advancing an emerging pipeline of drug programs aimed at key targets within the innate immune system, leveraging its proprietary capabilities in rational and structure-based drug design.
ROME Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative therapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases. Established in 2019, ROME Therapeutics is pioneering the exploration of the repeatome, which consists of extensive regions of genetic material previously considered "junk DNA." The company has identified several drug targets and is actively advancing multiple discovery programs. To facilitate its research, ROME has assembled a team of experts across various disciplines, including oncology, immunology, virology, and machine learning, to harness this uncharted area of biology for therapeutic advancements.
Accent Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Lexington, Massachusetts, focused on developing small molecule therapies for oncology through the innovative field of epitranscriptomics. Founded in 2017, the company explores post-transcriptional chemical modifications of RNA, which play a crucial role in regulating proteins essential for cellular growth and differentiation. By precisely targeting RNA-modifying proteins associated with cancer, Accent Therapeutics aims to translate advanced scientific research into effective treatments for patients, ultimately providing new therapeutic options in the fight against cancer.
Cerevance LLC is engaged in the development of therapeutics targeting specific proteins expressed selectively in brain cell types affected by neurological diseases. The company utilizes its proprietary NETSseq platform to profile distinct brain cell types, such as neurons and glial cells, in mature human brain tissue. This technology reveals transcriptional and epigenetic differences, facilitating the early detection and treatment of serious neurological and psychiatric disorders, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Founded in 2016, Cerevance is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with an additional office in Cambridge, United Kingdom. The company's focus is on advancing new medicines for central nervous system diseases by addressing the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration and related conditions.
PACT Pharma, Inc. is engaged in developing personalized cell-based therapies aimed at treating cancer, specifically through neoantigen-specific adoptive TCR T-cell therapies for solid tumors. The company utilizes advanced bioinformatics to analyze patients' tumor and normal DNA and RNA, identifying neoantigen peptides that provoke targeted T cell responses against cancer cells. By recognizing neo-epitopes, which are unique mutations in each patient's cancer, PACT Pharma creates autologous T cells engineered to specifically target and eliminate tumors expressing these neo-antigens. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, PACT Pharma is focused on innovative approaches to enhance cancer treatment through tailored immunotherapies.
TScan Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative T cell therapies to treat various cancers, including liquid tumors and solid tumors. The company focuses on engineering T cell receptor (TCR) therapies, with specific candidates aimed at addressing hematologic malignancies and preventing relapse after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. TScan utilizes a specialized platform that identifies shared T cell antigens and minimizes off-target effects, enhancing the safety and effectiveness of its treatments. The company’s pipeline includes both liquid tumor therapies and multiplexed TCR-T candidates for solid tumors. Founded in 2018, TScan Therapeutics is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, and comprises a team of experts committed to expanding treatment options for patients with limited therapeutic alternatives.
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.
Vera Therapeutics is engaged in the development of innovative gene editing solutions aimed at curing genetic diseases, particularly sickle cell disease and cystic fibrosis. The company utilizes a proprietary triplex gene editing platform to create a pipeline of therapeutic products targeting high-penetrance disease genes. Founded in 2016 and based in South San Francisco, California, Vera Therapeutics is dedicated to alleviating and potentially curing genetic disorders in affected patients.
TScan Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative T cell therapies to treat various cancers, including liquid tumors and solid tumors. The company focuses on engineering T cell receptor (TCR) therapies, with specific candidates aimed at addressing hematologic malignancies and preventing relapse after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. TScan utilizes a specialized platform that identifies shared T cell antigens and minimizes off-target effects, enhancing the safety and effectiveness of its treatments. The company’s pipeline includes both liquid tumor therapies and multiplexed TCR-T candidates for solid tumors. Founded in 2018, TScan Therapeutics is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, and comprises a team of experts committed to expanding treatment options for patients with limited therapeutic alternatives.
Kronos Bio, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering and developing innovative cancer therapeutics. Founded in 2017 and based in San Mateo, California, the company concentrates on targeting dysregulated transcription factors and the associated transcriptional regulatory networks that contribute to cancer progression. Its lead candidate, entospletinib, is a selective inhibitor aimed at spleen tyrosine kinase for treating acute myeloid leukemia. Additionally, Kronos Bio is advancing KB-0742, an orally bioavailable inhibitor of cyclin dependent kinase 9, intended for the treatment of MYC-amplified solid tumors. The company employs advanced techniques, including high-throughput small-molecule microarrays and targeted protein degradation, to discover potent compounds that can effectively modulate challenging cancer targets.
BlackThorn Therapeutics operator of a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company intended to develop precision medicine for disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) based on advances in computational and clinical neuroscience. The company leverages a deep understanding of brain and behavior relationships that seeks to overcome historic challenges in drug discovery and development by targeting dysfunctional brain circuits. Its proprietary computational platform, the company seeks to identify novel targets, small molecule drug candidates and biologically-based patient subgroups most likely to respond to treatment.
Locanabio, Inc. develops RNA-targeted gene therapies to treat a spectrum of underserved diseases. It offers therapies for neuromuscular, neurodegeneration, and ophthalmology diseases. Locanabio, Inc. was formerly known as Locana, Inc. and changed its name to Locanabio, Inc. in July 2020. The company was founded in 2016 and is based in San Diego, California.
Cala Health, Inc. is a bioelectronic medicine company focused on developing innovative therapies for chronic diseases. Based in Burlingame, California, the company specializes in wearable neuromodulation devices that utilize advancements in neuroscience and technology to provide individualized peripheral nerve stimulation. Its flagship product, Cala Trio, is a non-invasive therapy designed to offer relief from hand tremors in adults with essential tremor, a condition affecting millions. In addition to its current offerings, Cala Health is actively developing new therapeutic solutions in the fields of neurology, cardiology, and psychiatry, aiming to enhance the standard of care for patients with chronic conditions. Founded in 2013, the company has garnered support from prominent investors in both the healthcare and technology sectors.
Verve Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies aimed at editing the adult human genome to provide lifelong protection against coronary artery disease, a leading global cause of mortality. Founded in 2018 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with a research facility in Philadelphia, the company employs gene-editing technology to create treatments that shift the management of cardiovascular diseases from chronic care to potentially curative interventions. Its initial programs concentrate on the PCSK9 and ANGPTL3 genes, which are recognized for their roles in regulating blood lipids, specifically low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Verve Therapeutics collaborates with partners such as Beam Therapeutics and Verily to enhance delivery technologies for its cardiovascular treatments.
Arrakis Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative drugs that target ribonucleic acid (RNA) to treat a variety of diseases, including cancer and rare genetic disorders. The company employs a unique drug discovery platform that integrates advanced RNA bioinformatics and structural tools, allowing it to identify new RNA targets and create RNA-targeted small molecules (rSMs). Its proprietary pipeline consists of these rSMs aimed at genetically validated targets across multiple disease areas. Additionally, Arrakis offers SHAPEware, a software tool that assists in predicting RNA secondary structures and potential ligand-binding sites. Founded in 2015 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, Arrakis Therapeutics aims to enhance therapeutic options for patients through its cutting-edge research and development efforts.
Insitro, Inc. is a data-driven drug discovery and development company based in South San Francisco, California, founded in 2018. The company utilizes machine learning and high-throughput biology to transform the traditional processes of drug discovery and delivery. By generating extensive functional genomic datasets and aligning them with patient data through innovative machine learning techniques, Insitro builds predictive models that aim to address critical challenges in pharmaceutical research and development. These models facilitate accelerated target selection and the design of effective therapeutics, ultimately enhancing the efficiency of drug development and informing clinical strategies. The focus of Insitro's work includes the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), showcasing its commitment to addressing significant health issues through advanced technology.
Maze Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, that specializes in the development of genetic modifier therapeutics. Founded in 2017 and formerly known as Modulus Therapeutics, the company is dedicated to translating genetic insights into innovative medicines. Maze Therapeutics utilizes a comprehensive approach that integrates large-scale human genetics data, functional genomics, and various drug discovery methodologies. This approach allows the company to identify modifier genes that offer protection against diseases, enhancing the understanding of target biology and informing drug development strategies. By leveraging these insights, Maze Therapeutics aims to facilitate the creation of novel therapies that can benefit patients.
Science 37, Inc. is a technology-driven clinical trial company focused on transforming clinical research through patient-centric models. It has developed NORA (Network Oriented Research Assistant), a cloud-based mobile research platform that facilitates communication between researchers and patients via videos, photographs, and surveys, enabling end-to-end networked clinical trial services. The company also offers the Science 37 Metasite, which enhances access to diverse patient populations for clinical studies, and the Science 37 Platform for decentralized clinical trials. By utilizing its virtual model, Science 37 has demonstrated faster enrollment and higher patient retention, reaching a broader and more representative patient demographic than traditional site-based research. The company serves a wide range of clients, including large pharmaceutical firms, biotechnology companies, universities, and startups. Since its incorporation in 2014, Science 37 has established itself as a leader in virtual clinical trials, leveraging an extensive network of telemedicine investigators and home-health nurses to conduct more decentralized interventional trials than any other organization.
Relay Therapeutics is a clinical-stage precision medicines company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on transforming the drug discovery process, particularly in targeted oncology. The company employs an innovative allosteric drug-discovery platform that integrates computational techniques with experimental methods to analyze protein motion and interactions. This approach aids in the development of therapies for complex diseases, including cancer. Relay's product candidates include RLY-1971, an oral small molecule inhibitor targeting SHP2, currently undergoing Phase 1 trials for advanced solid tumors; RLY-4008, a selective inhibitor of FGFR2 for tumors with specific oncogenic alterations; and RLY-PI3K1047, which targets cancer-associated mutant variants of phosphoinositide 3-kinase alpha. Founded in 2015, Relay Therapeutics is dedicated to enhancing small molecule therapeutic discovery through its advanced platform and targeted treatment strategies.
Cambridge Epigenetix Limited is a bioscience company based in Babraham, United Kingdom, focused on advancing clinical epigenetics. Founded in 2012, the company specializes in developing innovative tools for epigenetic analysis, particularly through its TrueMethyl technology, which allows for precise sequencing of hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and methylcytosine (5mC). Its product offerings include TrueMethyl 6 and TrueMethyl 24 kits, designed for quantitative measurement and single-base resolution analysis of DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation. Cambridge Epigenetix aims to transform medical diagnostics by simplifying tests for colorectal cancer and other tumors to a single blood draw, leveraging the significant biomarker potential of 5hmC. The company emerged from the University of Cambridge, backed by notable investors including GV, Sequoia, and Syncona. Through its work, Cambridge Epigenetix seeks to enhance diagnostic and prognostic capabilities in medicine, aligning with its mission to improve human health.
Evox Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in Oxford, United Kingdom, focused on developing exosome-based therapeutics for the treatment of severe diseases. Founded in 2016, the company leverages its proprietary technology to harness and engineer extracellular vesicles, known as exosomes, for the targeted delivery of nucleic acids and proteins. This innovative approach aims to enhance drug delivery to challenging areas, such as the brain and central nervous system, where conventional therapies often fall short. Evox’s mission is to improve human health by creating novel therapeutics that address significant medical needs, particularly for conditions with limited treatment options. The company has built a comprehensive intellectual property portfolio and is backed by prominent life sciences venture capital groups, positioning it as a leader in the emerging field of exosome-based drug delivery.
SQZ Biotechnologies Company is a clinical-stage biotechnology firm based in Watertown, Massachusetts, focused on developing innovative cell therapies for cancer and other serious diseases. Its primary product candidate, SQZ-PBMC-HPV, is currently undergoing Phase I clinical trials as both a standalone treatment and in combination with other immuno-oncology agents for HPV16+ advanced or metastatic solid tumors. The company utilizes its proprietary CellSqueeze technology to deliver various materials into patient cells, aiming to engineer the immune system for both activation and suppression. Additionally, SQZ Biotech is advancing multiple platforms, including SQZ Activating Antigen Carriers and SQZ Tolerizing Antigen Carriers, to address diverse clinical challenges. Established in 2013, the company is dedicated to transforming cell therapies through internal research and strategic partnerships.
Alector, Inc. is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia. The company's lead product, AL001, is a humanized recombinant monoclonal antibody currently in phase II clinical trials for frontotemporal dementia. Additionally, AL101 is in phase I clinical trials for various neurodegenerative diseases, while AL002 and AL003 are undergoing phase 1b trials specifically for Alzheimer's disease. Alector is leveraging advancements in antibody technology, neuroimmunology, and human genetics to create innovative therapeutics. The company maintains a collaboration with Adimab, LLC, which aids in the discovery and optimization of antibody therapeutics. Alector has a pipeline of ten programs in the research and development stage and aims to advance several candidates through pre-clinical development within the next two years. Founded in 2013, Alector is headquartered in South San Francisco, California.
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.
PACT Pharma, Inc. is engaged in developing personalized cell-based therapies aimed at treating cancer, specifically through neoantigen-specific adoptive TCR T-cell therapies for solid tumors. The company utilizes advanced bioinformatics to analyze patients' tumor and normal DNA and RNA, identifying neoantigen peptides that provoke targeted T cell responses against cancer cells. By recognizing neo-epitopes, which are unique mutations in each patient's cancer, PACT Pharma creates autologous T cells engineered to specifically target and eliminate tumors expressing these neo-antigens. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, PACT Pharma is focused on innovative approaches to enhance cancer treatment through tailored immunotherapies.
FogPharma is a healthcare company founded in 2015 and headquartered in Gloucester, Massachusetts. The firm is dedicated to the pharmaceutical sector, with a primary focus on developing innovative treatments for cancer. It operates with the support of a diverse group of private and institutional investors, fostering collaboration among its founders, employees, and advisors. FogPharma aims to create a new class of medicines designed to extend and enhance the lives of cancer patients. The company's commitment to its mission drives its efforts to pioneer effective solutions in cancer treatment.
Celsius Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative medicines to treat complex diseases, including autoimmunity and cancer. Founded in 2017 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company leverages advanced techniques such as single-cell genomic analysis and machine learning to gain insights into the cellular ecosystems of diseases. By systematically applying single-cell sequencing and analyzing extensive datasets with sophisticated algorithms, Celsius Therapeutics aims to discover critical biomarkers and precision therapies that enhance patient care and enable clinicians to identify genes that play a causal role in various conditions.
Insitro, Inc. is a data-driven drug discovery and development company based in South San Francisco, California, founded in 2018. The company utilizes machine learning and high-throughput biology to transform the traditional processes of drug discovery and delivery. By generating extensive functional genomic datasets and aligning them with patient data through innovative machine learning techniques, Insitro builds predictive models that aim to address critical challenges in pharmaceutical research and development. These models facilitate accelerated target selection and the design of effective therapeutics, ultimately enhancing the efficiency of drug development and informing clinical strategies. The focus of Insitro's work includes the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), showcasing its commitment to addressing significant health issues through advanced technology.
IDEAYA Biosciences is an oncology-focused biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, dedicated to the discovery and development of targeted therapeutics for genetically defined patient populations. The company specializes in precision medicine using molecular diagnostics and synthetic lethality approaches to address cancer treatment. Its lead product candidate, IDE196, is a protein kinase C inhibitor currently undergoing Phase 1/2 clinical trials for cancers associated with GNAQ or GNA11 gene mutations. IDEAYA's preclinical pipeline includes programs targeting various mechanisms related to DNA damage and repair, such as MAT2A for tumors with MTAP deletions, Pol-theta for homologous recombination deficiency, and PARG for BRCA2 mutation context. The company collaborates with Cancer Research UK and the University of Manchester to develop small molecule inhibitors of Poly (ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase, while also engaging in partnerships for clinical trials with Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline. Founded in 2015, IDEAYA aims to advance innovative therapies for enhancing immunotherapy responses and improving patient outcomes in oncology.
Rani Therapeutics, LLC, founded in 2012 and based in San Jose, California, specializes in developing oral biotherapeutics technologies for the delivery of large drug molecules, such as peptides, proteins, and antibodies. The company aims to provide a convenient alternative to traditional injection methods through its proprietary RaniPill capsule, which is designed to facilitate the oral administration of biologics. Rani Therapeutics offers a range of treatments targeting various health conditions, including TNF-alpha inhibitors for inflammatory disorders, parathyroid hormone for osteoporosis, and human growth hormone for growth deficiencies. Additionally, the company develops therapies for multiple sclerosis, type II diabetes, obesity, and other inflammatory diseases using its innovative oral delivery system.
Vaccitech Limited is a biotechnology company based in Oxford, United Kingdom, that focuses on researching and developing T cell immunotherapeutic products and vaccines. Established in 2016 as a spin-out from the University of Oxford’s Jenner Institute, the company specializes in viral vector vaccines designed to address significant health challenges, including hepatitis B, human papillomavirus, and prostate cancer. Vaccitech utilizes advanced chimpanzee adenovirus technology to elicit robust T-cell responses, fostering lasting cell-mediated immunity. The company has progressed its assets into clinical trials, showing promising initial results. Upcoming studies include a phase IIB efficacy trial for a universal influenza vaccine targeting individuals aged 65 and older, as well as an extended phase I trial for prostate cancer treatment, reflecting Vaccitech's commitment to advancing innovative therapeutic solutions.
RAPT Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, specializing in the discovery and development of oral small molecule therapies for oncology and inflammatory diseases. The company is focused on addressing significant unmet medical needs through its proprietary discovery engine. Its lead oncology candidate, FLX475, is a C-C motif chemokine receptor 4 antagonist currently undergoing Phase 2 clinical trials, both as a monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab, for various tumor types. Additionally, RAPT's lead inflammation drug candidate, RPT193, aims to selectively inhibit the migration of type 2 T helper cells into allergically inflamed tissues. The company is also exploring other potential targets, including general control nonderepressible 2 and hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1, which are in the discovery phase. Founded in 2015, RAPT Therapeutics was previously known as FLX Bio, Inc. before its name change in May 2019.
Relay Therapeutics is a clinical-stage precision medicines company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on transforming the drug discovery process, particularly in targeted oncology. The company employs an innovative allosteric drug-discovery platform that integrates computational techniques with experimental methods to analyze protein motion and interactions. This approach aids in the development of therapies for complex diseases, including cancer. Relay's product candidates include RLY-1971, an oral small molecule inhibitor targeting SHP2, currently undergoing Phase 1 trials for advanced solid tumors; RLY-4008, a selective inhibitor of FGFR2 for tumors with specific oncogenic alterations; and RLY-PI3K1047, which targets cancer-associated mutant variants of phosphoinositide 3-kinase alpha. Founded in 2015, Relay Therapeutics is dedicated to enhancing small molecule therapeutic discovery through its advanced platform and targeted treatment strategies.
Obsidian Therapeutics develops innovative cell and gene therapies aimed at enhancing adoptive immunotherapy for cancer patients. Founded in 2015 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company focuses on creating next-generation therapies that utilize pharmacologic operating systems to provide precise control over protein activity within cells. This technology allows for the development of adoptive cell therapies with advanced functionalities that can be managed by physicians using simple, safe, and orally active medications. By offering improved control over treatment, Obsidian Therapeutics aims to provide better outcomes for patients compared to existing cell therapy options.
Arcus Biosciences is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Hayward, California, focused on developing innovative cancer therapies through insights in immunology. Founded in 2015 by experienced researchers from the biotechnology sector, the company is advancing a pipeline that includes several promising candidates. Notably, it is developing AB928, a dual A2a/A2b adenosine receptor antagonist, and Zimberelimab, an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody, both currently in clinical trials. Additionally, Arcus is working on AB154, an anti-TIGIT monoclonal antibody, and AB680, a small-molecule CD73 inhibitor, targeting various cancer types such as non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer. The company has established partnerships with organizations like Strata Oncology and AstraZeneca to enhance its research efforts and expand its clinical trials. By focusing on the ATP-adenosine pathway, which plays a crucial role in tumor immunosuppression, Arcus aims to create and optimize differentiated immuno-oncology therapies for patients.
Forty Seven, Inc. is a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company that is developing therapies targeting cancer immune evasion pathways based on technology licensed from Stanford University. Forty Seven's lead program, 5F9, is a monoclonal antibody against the CD47 receptor, a "don't eat me" signal that cancer cells commandeer to avoid being ingested by macrophages. This antibody is currently being evaluated in six clinical studies in patients with solid tumors, acute myeloid leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and colorectal carcinoma.
Autolus Therapeutics plc is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in London, United Kingdom, focused on developing T cell therapies for various types of cancer, including hematological malignancies and solid tumors. Founded in 2014, the company has an innovative pipeline that includes AUTO1 and AUTO3 targeting B cell malignancies, AUTO2 for multiple myeloma, and AUTO4 and AUTO5 aimed at T cell lymphoma, as well as AUTO6 and AUTO7 for solid tumors. Autolus specializes in T cell programming and manufacturing technology, which it believes will provide a competitive edge in the advancement of next-generation therapies.
Rani Therapeutics, LLC, founded in 2012 and based in San Jose, California, specializes in developing oral biotherapeutics technologies for the delivery of large drug molecules, such as peptides, proteins, and antibodies. The company aims to provide a convenient alternative to traditional injection methods through its proprietary RaniPill capsule, which is designed to facilitate the oral administration of biologics. Rani Therapeutics offers a range of treatments targeting various health conditions, including TNF-alpha inhibitors for inflammatory disorders, parathyroid hormone for osteoporosis, and human growth hormone for growth deficiencies. Additionally, the company develops therapies for multiple sclerosis, type II diabetes, obesity, and other inflammatory diseases using its innovative oral delivery system.
Gritstone Bio is a biotechnology company focused on developing personalized cancer immunotherapies aimed at treating various cancer types and infectious diseases. The company is advancing its lead product candidates, GRANITE and SLATE, both of which are in Phase I/II clinical trials. GRANITE targets solid tumors, including metastatic non-small cell lung cancer and gastroesophageal cancer, while SLATE serves as an off-the-shelf immunotherapy for common solid tumors and mutation-positive cancers. Gritstone is committed to identifying therapeutic neo-antigens from individual patients' tumors to create novel treatments, leveraging the expertise of its scientific founders and management team. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Emeryville, California, the company is also engaged in strategic collaborations to enhance its research and development efforts.
Compass Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing and discovering therapeutic antibodies for the treatment of solid tumors and hematological malignancies. The company's lead product candidate, CTX-471, is a fully human monoclonal antibody that acts as an agonist of CD137, currently undergoing Phase I clinical trials for patients who have had inadequate responses to existing PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors. In addition to CTX-471, Compass is advancing several preclinical assets, including CTX-8371, a bispecific antibody targeting PD-1 and PD-L1, and CTX-8573, designed to engage natural killer (NK) cells against B cell maturation antigen, which is prevalent in multiple myeloma. Founded in 2014, Compass Therapeutics is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and employs innovative platforms to enhance the efficacy of its antibody therapeutics.
Evelo Biosciences is a biotechnology company focused on developing oral biologics, specifically monoclonal microbials, for treating a range of inflammatory diseases and cancers. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company is advancing several candidates through various stages of clinical development. EDP1815, currently in a Phase 1b clinical study, aims to treat psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, while other candidates in pre-clinical stages target conditions such as psoriatic arthritis, asthma, and neuro-inflammatory diseases. Additionally, EDP1503 is undergoing Phase 1/2 trials for colorectal cancer and other malignancies. By utilizing naturally occurring monoclonal microbials, Evelo seeks to revolutionize drug discovery and development, offering a new approach to modulating systemic immunology and biology through oral delivery. This innovative platform has the potential to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of treatments across various health conditions.
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.
Fulcrum Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, dedicated to developing innovative therapies for genetically defined diseases with high unmet medical needs. The company's lead product candidate, losmapimod, is a small molecule currently undergoing Phase 2b clinical trials for the treatment of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), a progressive muscle-wasting disorder. Another key candidate, FTX-6058, aims to increase fetal hemoglobin levels in patients with sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia. In addition to these programs, Fulcrum is exploring drug targets for other conditions such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Friedreich ataxia, myotonic dystrophy 1, and various neurological and pulmonary diseases. The company has established collaborations with Acceleron Pharma and MyoKardia to advance research and develop targeted therapies for pulmonary diseases and genetic cardiomyopathies, respectively. Founded in 2015, Fulcrum Therapeutics is committed to improving the lives of patients facing significant health challenges.
Magenta is focused on improving the patient experience in transplant medicine, with the goal of bringing this lifesaving procedure to more patients. Over the past 50 years, stem cell transplantation has been used in more than 1M patients worldwide. It is currently the only treatment with the potential to cure some of the most devastating hematologic cancers and autoimmune diseases. Despite the increased use and clinical advancements over the past several decades, stem cell transplant remains a high-risk last-resort therapeutic option due to the toxicity and potential long-term side effects.
Science 37, Inc. is a technology-driven clinical trial company focused on transforming clinical research through patient-centric models. It has developed NORA (Network Oriented Research Assistant), a cloud-based mobile research platform that facilitates communication between researchers and patients via videos, photographs, and surveys, enabling end-to-end networked clinical trial services. The company also offers the Science 37 Metasite, which enhances access to diverse patient populations for clinical studies, and the Science 37 Platform for decentralized clinical trials. By utilizing its virtual model, Science 37 has demonstrated faster enrollment and higher patient retention, reaching a broader and more representative patient demographic than traditional site-based research. The company serves a wide range of clients, including large pharmaceutical firms, biotechnology companies, universities, and startups. Since its incorporation in 2014, Science 37 has established itself as a leader in virtual clinical trials, leveraging an extensive network of telemedicine investigators and home-health nurses to conduct more decentralized interventional trials than any other organization.
Spero Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializes in developing novel therapies for multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacterial infections and rare diseases. Its key product candidates include tebipenem pivoxil hydrobromide, an oral carbapenem-class antibiotic intended for adults with MDR Gram-negative infections, and SPR206, an intravenous agent targeting MDR Gram-negative infections in hospital settings. Additionally, the company is advancing SPR720, an oral antibiotic designed for treating pulmonary non-tuberculous mycobacterial disease. Spero Therapeutics has established various collaborations and license agreements to support the development and commercialization of its products, including partnerships with Meiji Seika Pharma, Everest Medicines, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute. Founded in 2013, Spero aims to address the critical need for effective treatments against serious bacterial infections using innovative approaches and mechanisms.
BlackThorn Therapeutics operator of a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company intended to develop precision medicine for disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) based on advances in computational and clinical neuroscience. The company leverages a deep understanding of brain and behavior relationships that seeks to overcome historic challenges in drug discovery and development by targeting dysfunctional brain circuits. Its proprietary computational platform, the company seeks to identify novel targets, small molecule drug candidates and biologically-based patient subgroups most likely to respond to treatment.
PACT Pharma, Inc. is engaged in developing personalized cell-based therapies aimed at treating cancer, specifically through neoantigen-specific adoptive TCR T-cell therapies for solid tumors. The company utilizes advanced bioinformatics to analyze patients' tumor and normal DNA and RNA, identifying neoantigen peptides that provoke targeted T cell responses against cancer cells. By recognizing neo-epitopes, which are unique mutations in each patient's cancer, PACT Pharma creates autologous T cells engineered to specifically target and eliminate tumors expressing these neo-antigens. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, PACT Pharma is focused on innovative approaches to enhance cancer treatment through tailored immunotherapies.
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.
Genomics Medicine Ireland is a life sciences company focused on conducting extensive research studies throughout Ireland to explore the connections between the human genome, health, and disease. By analyzing genetic information, the company aims to deepen the understanding of how genetics influences various health outcomes and disease susceptibility. Through its research initiatives, Genomics Medicine Ireland seeks to contribute valuable insights that could inform future medical practices and enhance healthcare delivery.
Carrick Therapeutics, Ltd., founded in 2015 and based in Dublin, Ireland, focuses on developing innovative cancer therapeutics aimed at transforming cancer treatment. The company targets specific molecular pathways associated with aggressive and resistant cancer forms, allowing for early detection of predictive biomarkers. This approach facilitates timely treatment initiation for patients, enhancing the potential for improved outcomes in cancer care.
Arcus Biosciences is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Hayward, California, focused on developing innovative cancer therapies through insights in immunology. Founded in 2015 by experienced researchers from the biotechnology sector, the company is advancing a pipeline that includes several promising candidates. Notably, it is developing AB928, a dual A2a/A2b adenosine receptor antagonist, and Zimberelimab, an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody, both currently in clinical trials. Additionally, Arcus is working on AB154, an anti-TIGIT monoclonal antibody, and AB680, a small-molecule CD73 inhibitor, targeting various cancer types such as non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer. The company has established partnerships with organizations like Strata Oncology and AstraZeneca to enhance its research efforts and expand its clinical trials. By focusing on the ATP-adenosine pathway, which plays a crucial role in tumor immunosuppression, Arcus aims to create and optimize differentiated immuno-oncology therapies for patients.
Cambridge Epigenetix Limited is a bioscience company based in Babraham, United Kingdom, focused on advancing clinical epigenetics. Founded in 2012, the company specializes in developing innovative tools for epigenetic analysis, particularly through its TrueMethyl technology, which allows for precise sequencing of hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and methylcytosine (5mC). Its product offerings include TrueMethyl 6 and TrueMethyl 24 kits, designed for quantitative measurement and single-base resolution analysis of DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation. Cambridge Epigenetix aims to transform medical diagnostics by simplifying tests for colorectal cancer and other tumors to a single blood draw, leveraging the significant biomarker potential of 5hmC. The company emerged from the University of Cambridge, backed by notable investors including GV, Sequoia, and Syncona. Through its work, Cambridge Epigenetix seeks to enhance diagnostic and prognostic capabilities in medicine, aligning with its mission to improve human health.
Forty Seven, Inc. is a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company that is developing therapies targeting cancer immune evasion pathways based on technology licensed from Stanford University. Forty Seven's lead program, 5F9, is a monoclonal antibody against the CD47 receptor, a "don't eat me" signal that cancer cells commandeer to avoid being ingested by macrophages. This antibody is currently being evaluated in six clinical studies in patients with solid tumors, acute myeloid leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and colorectal carcinoma.
Cala Health, Inc. is a bioelectronic medicine company focused on developing innovative therapies for chronic diseases. Based in Burlingame, California, the company specializes in wearable neuromodulation devices that utilize advancements in neuroscience and technology to provide individualized peripheral nerve stimulation. Its flagship product, Cala Trio, is a non-invasive therapy designed to offer relief from hand tremors in adults with essential tremor, a condition affecting millions. In addition to its current offerings, Cala Health is actively developing new therapeutic solutions in the fields of neurology, cardiology, and psychiatry, aiming to enhance the standard of care for patients with chronic conditions. Founded in 2013, the company has garnered support from prominent investors in both the healthcare and technology sectors.
Grail, Inc. is a healthcare company dedicated to developing innovative technologies for early cancer detection. Founded in 2015 and based in Menlo Park, California, the company has created Galleri, a blood test designed for asymptomatic individuals over 50 years old, which identifies various types of cancer at early stages. In addition to Galleri, Grail is developing a diagnostic aid called DAC to accelerate the diagnostic process for patients with a clinical suspicion of cancer. The company is also working on tests for minimal residual disease and other post-diagnostic applications. Through high-intensity sequencing and population-scale clinical trials, Grail aims to advance the field of cancer screening and improve patient outcomes.
Alector, Inc. is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia. The company's lead product, AL001, is a humanized recombinant monoclonal antibody currently in phase II clinical trials for frontotemporal dementia. Additionally, AL101 is in phase I clinical trials for various neurodegenerative diseases, while AL002 and AL003 are undergoing phase 1b trials specifically for Alzheimer's disease. Alector is leveraging advancements in antibody technology, neuroimmunology, and human genetics to create innovative therapeutics. The company maintains a collaboration with Adimab, LLC, which aids in the discovery and optimization of antibody therapeutics. Alector has a pipeline of ten programs in the research and development stage and aims to advance several candidates through pre-clinical development within the next two years. Founded in 2013, Alector is headquartered in South San Francisco, California.