EMBL Ventures

Topas Therapeutics GmbH is a biotechnology company based in Hamburg, Germany, focused on developing nanoparticle-based therapeutics to address autoimmune diseases, allergies, and anti-drug antibodies. Founded in 2013, the company utilizes its proprietary Topas Particle Conjugates technology platform to induce antigen-specific immune tolerance by leveraging the liver's natural immunological capabilities. Its lead product candidate, TPM203, is currently undergoing clinical testing for pemphigus vulgaris, an orphan disease. Additional programs are being developed for conditions such as celiac disease, Type 1 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis. Topas Therapeutics has established research and collaboration agreements with notable partners, including Eli Lilly and Company and Boehringer Ingelheim, to advance its innovative approaches to immune tolerance. The company aims to address significant unmet medical needs by promoting immune tolerance to blood-borne antigens.

Topas Therapeutics GmbH is a biotechnology company based in Hamburg, Germany, focused on developing nanoparticle-based therapeutics to address autoimmune diseases, allergies, and anti-drug antibodies. Founded in 2013, the company utilizes its proprietary Topas Particle Conjugates technology platform to induce antigen-specific immune tolerance by leveraging the liver's natural immunological capabilities. Its lead product candidate, TPM203, is currently undergoing clinical testing for pemphigus vulgaris, an orphan disease. Additional programs are being developed for conditions such as celiac disease, Type 1 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis. Topas Therapeutics has established research and collaboration agreements with notable partners, including Eli Lilly and Company and Boehringer Ingelheim, to advance its innovative approaches to immune tolerance. The company aims to address significant unmet medical needs by promoting immune tolerance to blood-borne antigens.

Crescendo Biologics Limited is a Cambridge-based company focused on developing innovative therapies for oncology and dermatology, particularly through small molecules and monoclonal antibodies. The company specializes in multi-specific immune-oncology modulators and Humabody Drug Conjugates, leveraging a proprietary transgenic mouse platform that facilitates the in vivo maturation of human VH domains. This technology allows Crescendo to optimize the affinity and biophysical properties of its Humabodies, which are small antibody fragments retaining essential binding capabilities. By addressing challenges in generating high-affinity, soluble human VH antibody fragments, Crescendo aims to develop potent, multi-functional therapeutics. The company engages in both in-house product development and partnerships with other organizations to expand its impact in the field of antibody therapeutics. Established in 2007, Crescendo Biologics was originally named Translocus Limited before rebranding in 2009.

Arsanis, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Waltham, Massachusetts, specializing in monoclonal antibody (mAb) immunotherapies for serious infectious diseases. Founded in 2010, Arsanis develops mAbs targeting various bacterial and viral pathogens, including its lead program ASN100, which is focused on preventing Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia in high-risk, mechanically ventilated patients and is currently in Phase 2 clinical trials. The company's pipeline also includes ASN500, targeting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), as well as preclinical candidates ASN300 for Klebsiella pneumoniae and ASN200 for Escherichia coli. Additionally, Arsanis operates research and preclinical development efforts in Vienna, Austria, through its subsidiary, Arsanis Biosciences GmbH. The company's advanced understanding of infection pathogenesis and mAb discovery techniques underpins its efforts to tackle significant health challenges posed by infectious diseases.

Luxendo specializes in the development and manufacture of advanced light-sheet fluorescence microscopy instruments, specifically Single Plane Illumination Microscopes (SPIM). Originally developed at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory by Lars Hufnagel and his team, the SPIM technology offers a novel approach to bio-imaging by combining optical sectioning with multiple-view imaging. This technique allows for rapid three-dimensional imaging of living specimens, such as spheroids and whole organisms, without the need for sample rotation. The design prioritizes gentle handling, making it suitable for delicate cell cultures and developing embryonic samples. As a result, Luxendo's instruments enable scientists to observe living organisms over extended periods without causing photo damage, thereby enhancing research capabilities in various biological fields.

Allecra Therapeutics GmbH, founded in 2013 and based in Weil am Rhein, Germany, focuses on developing innovative pharmaceuticals to address gram-negative multi-drug-resistant bacterial infections. The company is currently advancing a novel β-lactamase inhibitor through Phase 2 clinical development. This new treatment aims to counteract the resistance mechanisms of difficult-to-treat bacteria, which are particularly prevalent in hospital-acquired infections. By inhibiting β-lactamases, Allecra's approach directly targets the challenges posed by these resistant strains, providing healthcare providers with effective options to manage infections that may otherwise be inadequately treated. Situated in the BioValley Life Sciences region, Allecra Therapeutics is committed to delivering solutions that can save lives and improve patient outcomes in the face of rising antibiotic resistance.

Topas Therapeutics GmbH is a biotechnology company based in Hamburg, Germany, focused on developing nanoparticle-based therapeutics to address autoimmune diseases, allergies, and anti-drug antibodies. Founded in 2013, the company utilizes its proprietary Topas Particle Conjugates technology platform to induce antigen-specific immune tolerance by leveraging the liver's natural immunological capabilities. Its lead product candidate, TPM203, is currently undergoing clinical testing for pemphigus vulgaris, an orphan disease. Additional programs are being developed for conditions such as celiac disease, Type 1 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis. Topas Therapeutics has established research and collaboration agreements with notable partners, including Eli Lilly and Company and Boehringer Ingelheim, to advance its innovative approaches to immune tolerance. The company aims to address significant unmet medical needs by promoting immune tolerance to blood-borne antigens.

Luxendo specializes in the development and manufacture of advanced light-sheet fluorescence microscopy instruments, specifically Single Plane Illumination Microscopes (SPIM). Originally developed at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory by Lars Hufnagel and his team, the SPIM technology offers a novel approach to bio-imaging by combining optical sectioning with multiple-view imaging. This technique allows for rapid three-dimensional imaging of living specimens, such as spheroids and whole organisms, without the need for sample rotation. The design prioritizes gentle handling, making it suitable for delicate cell cultures and developing embryonic samples. As a result, Luxendo's instruments enable scientists to observe living organisms over extended periods without causing photo damage, thereby enhancing research capabilities in various biological fields.

ViraTherapeutics develops highly potent anti-cancer therapeutics based on oncolytic (cancer-destroying) viruses. Our proprietary oncolytic virus, VSV-GP, efficiently destroys cancer cells, while leaving normal tissues unharmed. ViraTherapeutics currently performs preclinical safety and efficacy studies for VSV-GP and aims to conduct first clinical trials in cancer patients.

ImevaX GmbH is a biopharmaceutical company based in Munich, Germany, established in 2014. The company specializes in developing targeted vaccines to address chronic and nosocomial infections, with a particular focus on immune evasion factors employed by various pathogens. Its lead candidate, IMX 101, is designed to combat Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium responsible for stomach ulcers and gastric cancer in humans. ImevaX's research highlights the role of specific bacterial factors that enable H. pylori to evade the host immune response, prompting further investigation into similar mechanisms in other infectious pathogens. The company's efforts aim to enhance treatment options and improve health outcomes for patients suffering from these persistent infections.

Crescendo Biologics Limited is a Cambridge-based company focused on developing innovative therapies for oncology and dermatology, particularly through small molecules and monoclonal antibodies. The company specializes in multi-specific immune-oncology modulators and Humabody Drug Conjugates, leveraging a proprietary transgenic mouse platform that facilitates the in vivo maturation of human VH domains. This technology allows Crescendo to optimize the affinity and biophysical properties of its Humabodies, which are small antibody fragments retaining essential binding capabilities. By addressing challenges in generating high-affinity, soluble human VH antibody fragments, Crescendo aims to develop potent, multi-functional therapeutics. The company engages in both in-house product development and partnerships with other organizations to expand its impact in the field of antibody therapeutics. Established in 2007, Crescendo Biologics was originally named Translocus Limited before rebranding in 2009.

Opsona Therapeutics is a drug development firm based in Dublin, Ireland, specializing in innovative approaches to immunology. Founded in 2004, the company focuses on developing novel therapeutic strategies that target the innate immune system, which plays a crucial role in various major human diseases. These include autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, cancer, transplant rejection, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and atherosclerosis. By modulating the human innate immune response, Opsona aims to create new drug candidates that can significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients facing these challenging health issues.

Opsona Therapeutics is a drug development firm based in Dublin, Ireland, specializing in innovative approaches to immunology. Founded in 2004, the company focuses on developing novel therapeutic strategies that target the innate immune system, which plays a crucial role in various major human diseases. These include autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, cancer, transplant rejection, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and atherosclerosis. By modulating the human innate immune response, Opsona aims to create new drug candidates that can significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients facing these challenging health issues.

Allecra Therapeutics GmbH, founded in 2013 and based in Weil am Rhein, Germany, focuses on developing innovative pharmaceuticals to address gram-negative multi-drug-resistant bacterial infections. The company is currently advancing a novel β-lactamase inhibitor through Phase 2 clinical development. This new treatment aims to counteract the resistance mechanisms of difficult-to-treat bacteria, which are particularly prevalent in hospital-acquired infections. By inhibiting β-lactamases, Allecra's approach directly targets the challenges posed by these resistant strains, providing healthcare providers with effective options to manage infections that may otherwise be inadequately treated. Situated in the BioValley Life Sciences region, Allecra Therapeutics is committed to delivering solutions that can save lives and improve patient outcomes in the face of rising antibiotic resistance.

Affectis Pharmaceuticals is a company focused on developing innovative drugs to treat neurodegenerative, neuroinflammatory, psychiatric, and inflammatory disorders. The firm utilizes research findings in the areas of depression, schizophrenia, and inflammation to discover and create new therapeutic options. Through its commitment to addressing these complex diseases, Affectis aims to advance healthcare solutions and improve patient outcomes.

Elara Pharmaceuticals Gmbh provides research and pharmaceutical development services for new anti-cancer drugs. In addition Elara Pharmaceuticals Gmbh has discovered lead series of small, bioactive molecules that have anti-tumour activity, based on inhibitors of estrogen signaling and Aurora kinases. Elara Pharmaceuticals Gmbh was founded in 2006 and is based in Heidelberg, Germany.

EndoArt is a synthetic implant that treats corneal edema by establishing a new form of corneal availability, hence protecting vision and restoring function.

Vasopharm GmbH is a biopharmaceutical company based in Würzburg, Germany, that focuses on discovering and developing innovative therapeutics for cerebro- and cardiovascular diseases. Established in 1998, the company targets acute niche indications with significant unmet medical needs, emphasizing clinical efficacy in its drug development efforts. Vasopharm's therapeutic pipeline includes VAS203, an allosteric nitric oxide synthase inhibitor designed to reduce excessive nitric oxide production in cerebral vessels, thereby preventing dangerous increases in intracranial pressure after traumatic brain injury. Another key candidate, VAS2870, is a modulator of NAD(P)H oxidase, aimed at treating peripheral arterial occlusive diseases. Through its research, Vasopharm aims to influence the bioavailability of nitric oxide, a critical cellular signaling molecule involved in various physiological and pathological processes.

Affectis Pharmaceuticals is a company focused on developing innovative drugs to treat neurodegenerative, neuroinflammatory, psychiatric, and inflammatory disorders. The firm utilizes research findings in the areas of depression, schizophrenia, and inflammation to discover and create new therapeutic options. Through its commitment to addressing these complex diseases, Affectis aims to advance healthcare solutions and improve patient outcomes.

immatics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery of true targets for cancer immunotherapies with the development of the right T cell receptors. The company's customized Adoptive Cell Therapies (ACTengine) and antibody-like TCR Bispecifics are the two main product classes in the pipeline (TCER). With a focus on particularly difficult-to-treat solid malignancies, each therapy modality has unique characteristics to create the desired therapeutic impact for patients at various disease stages and with various types of tumors. immatics biotechnologies was established in 2000 by Hans Rammensee, Harpreet Singh, and Steffen Walter in Tübingen, Baden-Wurttemberg.