Perceptive Advisors

Perceptive Advisors LLC is an investment management firm founded in 1999 and headquartered in New York City, with an additional office in Boston. The firm specializes in the healthcare sector, focusing on biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, diagnostics, digital health, medical devices, and healthcare services. It engages in venture capital and incubation, investing at various stages of a company's life cycle, including seed and Series A funding, as well as late-stage venture and public market investments. Perceptive Advisors employs a long/short equity strategy and utilizes hedging techniques, including equity options and index options, while conducting in-house research to inform investment decisions. The firm also manages separate client-focused equity portfolios and provides customized debt financing solutions through its Perceptive Credit Opportunities Fund. Its clientele includes institutional investors, financial institutions, investment funds, and high-net-worth individuals.

Michael Altman

Managing Director

Sam Chawla

Portfolio Manager

Joseph Edelman

Founder, Chief Executive Officer, Board Member and Portfolio Manager

Hossein Ekrami

Managing Director

Peter Fierro

Chief Financial Officer

Randy Gacek

Associate

Doug Giordano

Managing Director

Gabriel Gutierrez

Associate

Ellen Hukkelhoven

Managing Director

Harry Jenq

Associate

Kunal Kandimalla

Associate

James Henry Mannix

Chief Operating Officer and Chief Compliance Officer

Keyvan Mirsaeedi-Farahani

Managing Director, Therapeutics

Jeremiah Paskus

Associate

Konstantin Poukalov

Managing Director, Strategy

Louisa Rivera

Investor Relations and Administration

Adam Stone

CIO

Andre Xiao

Associate

Craig Yeshion

Managing Director

Past deals in Biotechnology

Neuron23

Series C in 2022
Neuron23, Inc. develops and manufactures medicines for genetic disorders using advanced artificial intelligence technology and genetics. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, with an additional office in Munich, Germany, the company focuses on creating therapeutics for neurological diseases, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, as well as immunological disorders. By leveraging recent advancements in human genetics alongside its AI-enabled drug discovery and biomarker platforms, Neuron23 aims to provide innovative treatments for patients suffering from these debilitating conditions, enhancing their quality of life through targeted and effective therapies.

Beta Bionics

Series C in 2022
Beta Bionics is a biotechnology company that develops an integrated bionic pancreas system called the iLet. The iLet Bionic Pancreas System was granted breakthrough designation in all configurations (insulin-only, glucagon-only, and bihormonal), including use with Zealand Pharma’s dasiglucagon, a glucagon analog with a unique stability profile in a ready-to-use aqueous solution. It also offers a bionic pancreas device for glucose metabolism to the diabetes community. Beta Bionics was founded in 2015 and is based in Boston, Massachusetts, United States.

Synthego

Series E in 2022
Synthego is a genome engineering company that enables the acceleration of life science research and development in the pursuit of improved human health. The company leverages machine learning, automation, and gene editing to build platforms for science at scale. With its foundations in engineering disciplines, the company’s full-stack platform vertically integrates proprietary hardware, software, bioinformatics, chemistries, and molecular biology to advance both basic research and therapeutic development programs. By providing both commercial and academic researchers and therapeutic developers with unprecedented access to cutting-edge genome engineering, Synthego is at the forefront of innovation, accelerating the development of truly engineered biology. The company was founded in 2012 and is based in Redwood City, California.

Orchestra BioMed

Series D in 2022
Orchestra BioMed, Inc. is a biomedical innovation company established in 2017 and located in New Hope, Pennsylvania. The company is dedicated to developing high-impact therapeutic solutions for medical procedures, with a primary focus on addressing cardiovascular diseases, which account for a significant number of global fatalities annually. Orchestra BioMed aims to accelerate the commercialization of its products through strategic partnerships with medical device companies. Its leading product candidates include BackBeat Cardiac Neuromodulation Therapy, designed for hypertension treatment, and Virtue Sirolimus AngioInfusion Balloon, which targets atherosclerotic artery disease. By emphasizing evidence-based solutions, Orchestra BioMed seeks to improve patient outcomes for serious medical conditions.

SilaGene, Inc.

Series A in 2022
Silagene is a biotech company developing technology designed to facilitate the creation of U1 adaptors with therapeutic potential. The company's technology overcomes the limitations of gene silencing technologies, enabling doctors to to treat patients with various types of cancers. It was founded in 2008 and is based in Hillsborough, New Jersey, United States.

AvengeBio

Series A in 2022
AvengeBio is focusing on Cell-Generated Immunotherapies to eradicate solid tumors. It is a developer of a drug delivery platform intended to treat cancer. The company was founded in 2019 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Acrivon Therapeutics

Series B in 2021
Acrivon Therapeutics is a biotech company specializing in drug development through early clinical treatment success.
Born from the founders’ recognition that their diverse but complementary skills and experiences would enable them to successfully address challenges that others had not, the company set about solving a vexing problem: how to bring true proteomics to the world in a way that accelerates therapeutic development, dramatically improves medical diagnostics, and makes personalized and predictive medicine a reality. The extraordinary team at Nautilus represents a wide spectrum of disciplines and expertise, including protein chemists, chip designers, molecular biologists, data scientists, material scientists, biophysicists, optical engineers, microfluidics engineers, bioinformaticists, software engineers, and more. Nautilus is positioned to revolutionize proteomics, transform the way drugs are developed, and significantly improve the way human health is managed.

Forge Biologics

Series B in 2021
Forge Biologics is a gene therapy development engine founded in 2020 and headquartered in Grove City, Ohio. The company specializes in the development and manufacturing of gene therapies, focusing on transforming innovative concepts into accessible treatments for rare genetic diseases. With end-to-end capabilities, Forge Biologics helps accelerate gene therapy programs from preclinical stages through to clinical and commercial-scale production. The company collaborates with various stakeholders in the gene therapy community, including scientists, healthcare professionals, biotech and pharmaceutical companies, and patient advocacy groups. Among its notable initiatives is a unique approach combining adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors and umbilical cord transplants to treat infantile Krabbe disease, a severe neurodegenerative disorder. Through its comprehensive services, Forge Biologics aims to provide transformative medicines that improve patient outcomes.

Absci

Venture Round in 2021
AbSci, LLC is a biotechnology company based in Portland, Oregon, specializing in protein production technologies for the biopharmaceutical industry. Founded in 2011, AbSci has developed SoluPro, an innovative expression system utilizing genetically engineered E. coli to facilitate the scalable and cost-effective production of antibodies, antibody fragments, and other soluble recombinant proteins. This technology significantly lowers production costs for both novel and existing biologics, enhancing the efficiency of drug discovery and manufacturing processes. AbSci's therapeutic proteins and antibodies play vital roles in treatments for cancer, hormone-related conditions, autoimmune diseases, and blood disorders. The company's approach integrates biologic drug discovery with cell line development, positioning it as a leader in the advancement of next-generation therapeutics.

Graphite Bio

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

Earli

Series A in 2021
Earli is focused on transforming cancer detection and treatment by developing innovative technologies that enable early identification of tumors. The company specializes in creating synthetic biopsies, which are designed to induce cancer cells to produce non-human synthetic biomarkers. These biomarkers can be detected in biological samples such as blood, urine, or breath, allowing for the visualization of tumors that are typically too small to identify in traditional screenings. By leveraging these programmable genetic constructs, Earli aims to provide real-time data on cancer presence and progression, facilitating personalized treatment approaches and improving the chances of successful intervention. Overall, Earli's mission is to make the experience of cancer more manageable by ensuring timely detection and response.

Neuron23

Series B in 2020
Neuron23, Inc. develops and manufactures medicines for genetic disorders using advanced artificial intelligence technology and genetics. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, with an additional office in Munich, Germany, the company focuses on creating therapeutics for neurological diseases, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, as well as immunological disorders. By leveraging recent advancements in human genetics alongside its AI-enabled drug discovery and biomarker platforms, Neuron23 aims to provide innovative treatments for patients suffering from these debilitating conditions, enhancing their quality of life through targeted and effective therapies.

LianBio

Venture Round in 2020
LianBio’s mission is to catalyze the development and accelerate availability of paradigm-shifting medicines to patients in China and major Asian markets through partnerships that provide access to the best science-driven therapeutic discoveries. LianBio collaborates with world-class partners across a diverse array of therapeutic and geographic areas to build out a pipeline based on disease relevance and the ability to impact patients with transformative mechanisms and precision-based therapeutics.

Zymergen

Series D in 2020
Zymergen, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Emeryville, California, founded in 2013. The company focuses on researching, developing, and manufacturing microbes for various industries, including agriculture, chemicals, materials, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and personal care. Zymergen employs a platform that combines automation, machine learning, and genomics to optimize microbial strains, enhancing production processes and fostering improved economic outcomes. The company also offers new product development services, enabling the engineering of novel molecules from diverse microbial sources. With additional offices in Boise, Idaho; Medford, Massachusetts; Seattle, Washington; and Tokyo, Japan, Zymergen integrates advanced technologies to partner with nature in creating innovative materials and products across multiple sectors.

Forge Biologics

Series A in 2020
Forge Biologics is a gene therapy development engine founded in 2020 and headquartered in Grove City, Ohio. The company specializes in the development and manufacturing of gene therapies, focusing on transforming innovative concepts into accessible treatments for rare genetic diseases. With end-to-end capabilities, Forge Biologics helps accelerate gene therapy programs from preclinical stages through to clinical and commercial-scale production. The company collaborates with various stakeholders in the gene therapy community, including scientists, healthcare professionals, biotech and pharmaceutical companies, and patient advocacy groups. Among its notable initiatives is a unique approach combining adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors and umbilical cord transplants to treat infantile Krabbe disease, a severe neurodegenerative disorder. Through its comprehensive services, Forge Biologics aims to provide transformative medicines that improve patient outcomes.

4D Molecular Therapeutics

Series C in 2020
4D Molecular Therapeutics is a clinical-stage gene therapy company based in Emeryville, California, that specializes in developing targeted gene therapy products using evolved adeno-associated virus vectors. The company has a diverse portfolio focusing on three main therapeutic areas: ophthalmology, cardiology, and pulmonology. Key product candidates include 4D-125, currently in a Phase I/II clinical trial for treating X-linked retinitis pigmentosa; 4D-110, in a Phase I trial for choroideremia; and 4D-310, also in a Phase I/II trial for Fabry disease. Additionally, 4D Molecular Therapeutics is developing investigational new drug candidates such as 4D-150 for wet age-related macular degeneration and 4D-710 for cystic fibrosis lung disease. The company aims to address unmet medical needs through its innovative gene therapies.

Nautilus Biotechnology

Series B in 2020
Born from the founders’ recognition that their diverse but complementary skills and experiences would enable them to successfully address challenges that others had not, the company set about solving a vexing problem: how to bring true proteomics to the world in a way that accelerates therapeutic development, dramatically improves medical diagnostics, and makes personalized and predictive medicine a reality. The extraordinary team at Nautilus represents a wide spectrum of disciplines and expertise, including protein chemists, chip designers, molecular biologists, data scientists, material scientists, biophysicists, optical engineers, microfluidics engineers, bioinformaticists, software engineers, and more. Nautilus is positioned to revolutionize proteomics, transform the way drugs are developed, and significantly improve the way human health is managed.

Beta Bionics

Series B in 2019
Beta Bionics is a biotechnology company that develops an integrated bionic pancreas system called the iLet. The iLet Bionic Pancreas System was granted breakthrough designation in all configurations (insulin-only, glucagon-only, and bihormonal), including use with Zealand Pharma’s dasiglucagon, a glucagon analog with a unique stability profile in a ready-to-use aqueous solution. It also offers a bionic pancreas device for glucose metabolism to the diabetes community. Beta Bionics was founded in 2015 and is based in Boston, Massachusetts, United States.

Orchestra BioMed

Series B in 2019
Orchestra BioMed, Inc. is a biomedical innovation company established in 2017 and located in New Hope, Pennsylvania. The company is dedicated to developing high-impact therapeutic solutions for medical procedures, with a primary focus on addressing cardiovascular diseases, which account for a significant number of global fatalities annually. Orchestra BioMed aims to accelerate the commercialization of its products through strategic partnerships with medical device companies. Its leading product candidates include BackBeat Cardiac Neuromodulation Therapy, designed for hypertension treatment, and Virtue Sirolimus AngioInfusion Balloon, which targets atherosclerotic artery disease. By emphasizing evidence-based solutions, Orchestra BioMed seeks to improve patient outcomes for serious medical conditions.

BridgeBio

Series D in 2019
BridgeBio is a biotechnology company dedicated to the discovery, development, and delivery of medicines for genetic diseases. The company has a diverse pipeline of 20 development programs, which range from early discovery to late-stage clinical trials. Among its notable candidates are BBP-265, an oral small molecule targeting transthyretin amyloidosis currently in Phase 3 trials, and infigratinib, a selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor aimed at treating FGFR-driven cancers and achondroplasia. Additionally, BridgeBio is developing BBP-631, a preclinical gene therapy for congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and BBP-454, a program focused on small molecule inhibitors for KRAS-driven cancers. The company collaborates with several prestigious institutions, including Stanford University and Johns Hopkins University, to enhance its research and development efforts. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California, BridgeBio aims to accelerate the development of therapies for Mendelian diseases, genetic dermatology, and oncology.

4D Molecular Therapeutics

Series B in 2018
4D Molecular Therapeutics is a clinical-stage gene therapy company based in Emeryville, California, that specializes in developing targeted gene therapy products using evolved adeno-associated virus vectors. The company has a diverse portfolio focusing on three main therapeutic areas: ophthalmology, cardiology, and pulmonology. Key product candidates include 4D-125, currently in a Phase I/II clinical trial for treating X-linked retinitis pigmentosa; 4D-110, in a Phase I trial for choroideremia; and 4D-310, also in a Phase I/II trial for Fabry disease. Additionally, 4D Molecular Therapeutics is developing investigational new drug candidates such as 4D-150 for wet age-related macular degeneration and 4D-710 for cystic fibrosis lung disease. The company aims to address unmet medical needs through its innovative gene therapies.

IDEAYA Biosciences

Series B in 2018
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.

BridgeBio

Series C in 2017
BridgeBio is a biotechnology company dedicated to the discovery, development, and delivery of medicines for genetic diseases. The company has a diverse pipeline of 20 development programs, which range from early discovery to late-stage clinical trials. Among its notable candidates are BBP-265, an oral small molecule targeting transthyretin amyloidosis currently in Phase 3 trials, and infigratinib, a selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor aimed at treating FGFR-driven cancers and achondroplasia. Additionally, BridgeBio is developing BBP-631, a preclinical gene therapy for congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and BBP-454, a program focused on small molecule inhibitors for KRAS-driven cancers. The company collaborates with several prestigious institutions, including Stanford University and Johns Hopkins University, to enhance its research and development efforts. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California, BridgeBio aims to accelerate the development of therapies for Mendelian diseases, genetic dermatology, and oncology.

Xontogeny

Series A in 2017
Xontogeny LLC, founded in 2016 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, is a life sciences accelerator that focuses on the development of pharmaceuticals and related technologies. The company aims to enhance the success rates of early-stage drug and technology ventures by providing strategic guidance, operational support, and leadership to entrepreneurs. By partnering closely with founding scientists and innovators, Xontogeny promotes a more efficient development model that aligns with the vision of its partners while benefiting company founders and early equity holders. The firm primarily invests in the healthcare and life science sectors, striving to accelerate the advancement of life science technologies.

Synlogic

Series C in 2017
Synlogic, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializing in the discovery and development of synthetic biotic medicines aimed at treating metabolic, inflammatory, and cancer-related diseases. The company’s lead therapeutic program, SYNB1618, is an oral therapy currently in Phase I/IIa clinical trials for the treatment of phenylketonuria. Additionally, Synlogic is developing SYNB1891, an intratumoral synthetic biotic medicine that is undergoing Phase I clinical trials for the treatment of solid tumors and lymphoma. The company is also exploring synthetic biotics for more common conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease and secondary hyperoxaluria. Synlogic has established a collaboration with Ginkgo Bioworks to advance its development of these innovative therapies.

VBI Vaccines

Post in 2016
VBI Vaccines Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing vaccines for infectious diseases and immuno-oncology, with operations in Israel, the United States, and internationally. The company offers Sci-B-Vac, a prophylactic hepatitis B vaccine suitable for various age groups, and is advancing VBI-2601, an immunotherapeutic candidate aimed at achieving a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B. Utilizing its enveloped virus-like particle (eVLP) platform technology, VBI develops vaccines that closely mimic target viruses to elicit strong immune responses. Key candidates in its eVLP program include VBI-1901, a glioblastoma vaccine in Phase I/IIa clinical trials, and VBI-1501, a cytomegalovirus vaccine that has completed Phase I trials. VBI Vaccines also engages in collaboration and licensing agreements with various pharmaceutical and biotechnology entities, including partnerships for the commercialization of its hepatitis B vaccine and the development of a pan-coronavirus vaccine candidate. Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company also has research facilities in Ottawa, Canada.

VBI Vaccines

Post in 2016
VBI Vaccines Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing vaccines for infectious diseases and immuno-oncology, with operations in Israel, the United States, and internationally. The company offers Sci-B-Vac, a prophylactic hepatitis B vaccine suitable for various age groups, and is advancing VBI-2601, an immunotherapeutic candidate aimed at achieving a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B. Utilizing its enveloped virus-like particle (eVLP) platform technology, VBI develops vaccines that closely mimic target viruses to elicit strong immune responses. Key candidates in its eVLP program include VBI-1901, a glioblastoma vaccine in Phase I/IIa clinical trials, and VBI-1501, a cytomegalovirus vaccine that has completed Phase I trials. VBI Vaccines also engages in collaboration and licensing agreements with various pharmaceutical and biotechnology entities, including partnerships for the commercialization of its hepatitis B vaccine and the development of a pan-coronavirus vaccine candidate. Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company also has research facilities in Ottawa, Canada.

VBI Vaccines

Post in 2016
VBI Vaccines Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing vaccines for infectious diseases and immuno-oncology, with operations in Israel, the United States, and internationally. The company offers Sci-B-Vac, a prophylactic hepatitis B vaccine suitable for various age groups, and is advancing VBI-2601, an immunotherapeutic candidate aimed at achieving a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B. Utilizing its enveloped virus-like particle (eVLP) platform technology, VBI develops vaccines that closely mimic target viruses to elicit strong immune responses. Key candidates in its eVLP program include VBI-1901, a glioblastoma vaccine in Phase I/IIa clinical trials, and VBI-1501, a cytomegalovirus vaccine that has completed Phase I trials. VBI Vaccines also engages in collaboration and licensing agreements with various pharmaceutical and biotechnology entities, including partnerships for the commercialization of its hepatitis B vaccine and the development of a pan-coronavirus vaccine candidate. Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company also has research facilities in Ottawa, Canada.

Zymeworks

Series A in 2016
Zymeworks Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Vancouver, Canada, that specializes in the discovery, development, and commercialization of biotherapeutics, primarily for cancer treatment. The company’s leading candidates include ZW25, a bispecific antibody currently undergoing Phase I and II clinical trials targeting various cancers, and ZW49, a bispecific antibody-drug conjugate in Phase I trials for advanced HER2-expressing cancers. Zymeworks employs advanced computational biotechnology techniques, utilizing proprietary molecular modeling and high-performance computing to optimize therapeutic antibodies and other protein-based therapeutics. The company has established strategic partnerships and collaborations with several major pharmaceutical firms, including Merck, Eli Lilly, and Bristol-Myers Squibb, among others, to enhance its research and development efforts. Founded in 2003, Zymeworks continues to focus on developing innovative solutions for cancer and other serious diseases.

Outlook Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2015
Outlook Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing monoclonal antibody biosimilar therapeutics. It is advancing its pipeline of 11 biosimilar products, two of which are currently in clinical development. The company employs its BioSymphony biosimilars business model to achieve accelerated development and technical excellence in order to create affordable medicines for patients around the world.

Outlook Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2015
Outlook Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing monoclonal antibody biosimilar therapeutics. It is advancing its pipeline of 11 biosimilar products, two of which are currently in clinical development. The company employs its BioSymphony biosimilars business model to achieve accelerated development and technical excellence in order to create affordable medicines for patients around the world.